Good to know
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
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.ovuigo.com
- 2.ahoyvietnam.com
- 3.wise.com
- 4.junglebosstours.com
- 5.palealetravel.com
- 6.tradingeconomics.com
- 7.myhospitalnow.com
- 8.hoiannow.com
- 9.pacific-hospital-hoi-an.wheree.com
- 10.expatexchange.com
- 11.hoiannow.com
- 12.hoiannow.com
- 13.sungetawaystravel.com
- 14.sungetawaystravel.com
- 15.doctorsa.com
- 16.maisonoffice.vn
- 17.vietnam.incorp.asia
- 18.wise.com
- 19.hsbc.com.vn
- 20.investing.com
- 21.coinbase.com
More About Hoi An
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.