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Money & Payments in Hoi An

Good to Know

  • In Hoi An, always choose to withdraw in VND (not dynamic currency conversion) to avoid unfavorable exchange rates
  • Carry small VND denominations; nobody breaks large notes like 500,000 VND for tips
  • VPBank ATMs are known for being fee-free for foreign cardholders in Vietnam
  • Hoi An's bustling markets and ancient town require cash, especially for authentic local purchases
  • In tourist-heavy Hoi An, many upscale businesses add service charges to bills—check before tipping
  • Combine a mix of cash and cards for maximum flexibility; nomads needn't rely entirely on either
  • Unlock/lock your debit card via mobile app between ATM uses to prevent skimming fraud

Major Banks

  • Vietcombank (Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade)
    Type
    State owned local
    Notes
    Largest bank in Vietnam. Wide branch network.
  • BIDV
    Type
    State owned local
    Notes
    Large with good expat services. Offers fee waivers for new customers.
  • HSBC Vietnam
    Type
    international
    Notes
    English-speaking support. Multi-currency accounts available. Minimum balance requirements: VND 300,000 per 12 months; VND 3 million monthly average for Personal Banking.

Bank Account Setup

Process
Most banks require in-person application at a branch. Some international banks (e.g., HSBC) allow online initial application but finalize in-person. Initial deposit required for account activation (varies by bank and account type).
Timeline
Account opening typically takes 1–2 weeks after submission
Eligibility
Foreigners can open a bank account in Vietnam with a valid visa (business, work, or tourist visa) and appropriate documentation. Long-term visas (12+ months) or Temporary Residence Card make the process easier. Tourist visas are challenging.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport with Vietnamese visa
  • Temporary Residence Card (for some banks, required for 12+ month stays)
  • Proof of address (can be accommodation address)

Account Types

  • Local Current Account
    Purpose
    Standard checking account in VND or multi-currency (with international banks)
    Notes
    Requires proof of local residency
  • Fixed Deposit / Time Deposit
    Purpose
    Better returns on unused funds
    Notes
    Ideal for long-term expats or investors

ATM Information

Availability
ATMs are widely available throughout Hoi An's central areas and tourist zones
Withdrawal Limits
Typically 2–10 million VND per transaction, varying by ATM operator
Languages Available
Most ATMs have English language menus

Recommended Banks

  • Vietcombank
  • BIDV
  • Agribank
  • Techcombank
  • VPBank (often fee-free for foreign cardholders)

Fees For Foreign Cards

High Range
₫50,000
Typical Range
₫30,000
Note
Vietcombank: ~30,000 VND; BIDV: ~40,000 VND; Techcombank: ~50,000 VND; VPBank typically has no fees for foreign cardholders

Card Acceptance

Overview
Card acceptance is strong in Hoi An's tourist areas and established businesses.

Where Cards Work

  • Hotels, resorts, and mid-to-high-end restaurants
  • Shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores
  • Tourist-oriented shops and commercial establishments

Where Cash Needed

  • Local markets and street vendors
  • Small local restaurants and eateries
  • Homestays and budget accommodations
  • Small shops and family-run businesses

Card Types Accepted

  • Visa and Mastercard (most widely accepted)
  • Cirrus and Maestro
  • JCB and UnionPay (some ATMs)

Cash Recommendations

Carry Amount
Have low-denomination VND notes (10,000, 20,000, 50,000) for easy transactions
Credit Card Surcharges
Many businesses add 3–4% surcharge on credit card transactions, making cash more economical for larger purchases

Cash Essential For

  • Markets and local purchases
  • Street food and small vendors
  • Tipping in casual settings
  • Smaller guesthouses and local businesses

Fees

ATM Withdrawal
₫23,000
Domestic Transfer
Variable by bank
International Transfer
Variable; local banks typically more cost-effective than international banks

Restrictions

Vietnam enforces foreign exchange controls. Outward transfers require justification (education, medical treatment, etc.) and supporting documents. Offshore account setup within Vietnam is not permitted, though licensed foreign banks may offer cross-border and multi-currency services.

Currency Accounts

International banks like HSBC allow multi-currency accounts (VND, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY, SGD, HKD)

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.ovuigo.com
  2. 2.ahoyvietnam.com
  3. 3.wise.com
  4. 4.junglebosstours.com
  5. 5.palealetravel.com
  6. 6.tradingeconomics.com
  7. 7.myhospitalnow.com
  8. 8.hoiannow.com
  9. 9.pacific-hospital-hoi-an.wheree.com
  10. 10.expatexchange.com
  11. 11.hoiannow.com
  12. 12.hoiannow.com
  13. 13.sungetawaystravel.com
  14. 14.sungetawaystravel.com
  15. 15.doctorsa.com
  16. 16.maisonoffice.vn
  17. 17.vietnam.incorp.asia
  18. 18.wise.com
  19. 19.hsbc.com.vn
  20. 20.investing.com
  21. 21.coinbase.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.