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Money & Payments in Da Nang

Good to Know

  • Card readers at shops and restaurants can malfunction unexpectedly—always carry 500,000–2,000,000 VND in cash as backup.
  • VPBank and ACB offer fee-free ATM withdrawals for foreign cards, making them cost-effective options in Da Nang.
  • Street vendors, wet markets, and local food stalls almost exclusively take cash; carry small denominations (5,000–50,000 VND notes) for ease.
  • At upscale restaurants with service charges already included in the bill, check before tipping extra.
  • In tourist areas, establishments are increasingly familiar with tipping; however, in local neighborhoods, staff may not expect or fully understand tips.
  • Tipping is viewed as genuine appreciation for exceptional service, not a social obligation.
  • Unlock and lock your debit card using your mobile app when using ATMs to prevent unauthorized transactions if your card is skimmed.

Account Types

  • VND Current Account
    Description
    The essential account for daily life - you can deposit cash (VND), receive transfers, and use a debit card (Napas or Visa/Mastercard) at ATMs.
  • Foreign Currency Account (USD/EUR)
    Description
    You can receive USD from abroad into this account; however, you cannot withdraw USD cash from an ATM and generally must convert it to VND at the bank's exchange rate.

ATM Fees

Fee Range
Most Vietnamese ATMs charge 22,000 to 55,000 VND per withdrawal ($0.85–$2.15 USD).
Fee Free Options
VPBank and ACB offer fee-free ATM withdrawals for foreign cardholders.
Home Bank Charges
Your home bank may impose additional foreign ATM fees; check before travel.
Vietnamese ATM Fee
₫50,000
Dynamic Currency Conversion
Decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs and instead select VND to avoid extra fees.

ATM Access

Availability
ATMs are plentiful in Da Nang and major cities, found at airports, convenience stores, shopping malls, and busy streets.
Accepted Cards
Most Vietnamese ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, JCB, and UnionPay. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.
Withdrawal Limits
Typical ATM withdrawal limits range from 2,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per transaction (approximately $76–$190 USD).

Tipping Norms

Overall Stance
Tipping is not mandatory or deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. However, small tips are appreciated in tourism-related services and upscale establishments, especially in Da Nang where international tourists are common.
Spas And Salons
₫75,000
Taxis And Ride Hailing
Tipping is not obligatory for taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Small tips of 10,000–20,000 VND for exceptional service are appreciated but never expected.
Spas And Salons Note
50,000–100,000 VND or 10% of bill for spa and salon services, especially in upscale locations.

Hotels

Bellhops
₫20,000
Concierge
₫75,000
Housekeeping
₫30,000
Bellhops Note
10,000–20,000 VND per bag for bellhops and porters.
Concierge Note
50,000–100,000 VND if concierge arranges special services.
Housekeeping Note
20,000–50,000 VND per night is customary for housekeeping staff.

Restaurants

Casual Eateries
Local eateries and street food stalls do not expect tips. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is informal and optional.
Upscale Restaurants
At mid-range and upscale restaurants, 5–10% of the bill is appreciated if service is good. Some premium establishments may include a 10% service charge automatically.

Tour Guides And Drivers

Driver
₫75,000
Full Day Guide
₫150,000
Driver Note
Drivers often receive about half what guides receive.
Full Day Guide Note
For full-day guided tours, 100,000–200,000 VND for the guide is standard.

Card Acceptance

General
In Da Nang's major tourist areas and mid-range or upscale establishments, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Street vendors, local markets, and small eateries typically accept cash only.
Payment Surcharge Risk
Some places charge 2–4% extra for card payments, making cash often cheaper even with exchange margin.
Major Cities Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and shopping centres in Da Nang.

ATM Fees

ATM withdrawal fees in Vietnam usually range from $0.87 to $2.17 per transaction, depending on the bank; while some ATMs may charge no fees, this is rare.

Timeline

Most banks will issue your card within 2 to 5 working days; you can either pick it up at the branch or request delivery to your registered address.

In Person Requirement

Most banks require foreigners to visit a branch in person to complete the account opening process; some banks like HSBC Vietnam allow initial applications online, but an in-person visit is often required to finalize it.

Documentation Required

For expatriates and foreign nationals, the account opening process typically begins with presenting valid identification documents (usually a passport and a valid visa or resident card); some banks may also require proof of employment or a residence address in Vietnam.

Account Opening Eligibility

If you are a legal resident in Vietnam and expect to stay for 12 months or longer, you should be able to open a bank account as a US citizen.

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.