Withdrawing Money in Vietnam in 2025: Best ATMs, Fees, Limits, Recommended Cards, and How to Open a Bank Account

How to Withdraw Money and Open a Bank Account in Vietnam in 2025: Complete Guide for International Travelers

Managing your money abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're staying in Vietnam for a few weeks or relocating long-term, understanding how to get cash, use your debit-card, and open a checking-account or savings-account with a financial institution can save you time, money, and hassle.

Withdrawing Money in Vietnam in 2025: What You Need to Know

Best ATMs to Use

Vietnam has a wide ATM network, but not all machines are equal. To avoid unnecessary bank charges or surcharge fees, use reputable banks like:

• TPBank

• VPBank

• MB Bank

These banks typically offer local-currency (VND) withdrawals at lower fees and support a broad range of international debit-cards and ATM cards.

Withdrawal Limits & Tips

• Most ATMs have a per-transaction limit of 10–15 million VND (~$400–$600 USD).

• You may need to manually input the amount if it's above the preset options.

• Choose to be charged in local-currency rather than foreign-currency to avoid dynamic foreign-exchange conversion fees.

Recommended Cards: Credit or Debit?

When traveling, credit and debit cards both have their pros and cons. However, Visa debit, prepaid, and platinum debit-cards linked to your checking-account often offer lower foreign transaction fees and are widely accepted by Vietnamese merchants.

Best International Cards for Vietnam:

• Revolut – No foreign transaction fee, great online-banking features, and support for cash-back.

• N26 – Easy foreign-currency transactions, low ATM fees, and intuitive app.

• Wise – Ideal for transfer money and multi-currency use.

• Charles Schwab (U.S.) – ATM fees waived globally and FDIC-insured.

Cards to Be Cautious With:

• Cards from traditional credit-unions or banks with high cash advance fees.

• Overdraft-linked debit-cards that incur penalties if the account balance drops below zero.

• Cards issued by banks that don’t support international online-banking or don’t refund surcharges.

How to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam (2025)

Opening a checking-account or saving account in Vietnam is becoming easier for foreign cardholders, especially for those with long-term visas or work permits.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport and visa

• Proof of residence (rental agreement or hotel booking)

• Application form from the issuer (bank)

• Sometimes proof of income or local employment

Recommended Vietnamese Banks for Foreigners:

• TPBank – Fast processing, English-speaking support, and online account access.

• ACB (Asia Commercial Bank) – Great for depositing funds, managing your account balance, and setting up online-banking.

• Sacombank – Reliable service, useful for those looking to open both a savings-account and a checking-account.

Foreign Currency Exchange Tips

• Avoid exchanging money at airports or small kiosks.

• Reputable financial institutions and gold shops offer better rates with lower foreign-exchange spreads.

• Bring clean, unfolded USD bills, ideally $50 or $100 denominations. Torn or ink-marked bills may be rejected or deposited at reduced value.

Final Tips for Managing Your Money in Vietnam

• Use a debit-card with low or waived ATM fees for daily transactions.

• Set up online-banking with your card issuer to track your account balance and block your card in case of loss.

• If you're investing, consider using a brokerage platform compatible with Vietnamese regulations.

• Avoid cash advance transactions unless necessary—they often incur the highest bank charges.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Withdrawing Money in Vietnam (2025)

1. Can I use a debit-card or ATM card in Vietnam?
Yes, most ATMs in Vietnam accept debit-cards, including Visa debit, prepaid, and standard ATM cards issued by international banks. Make sure your card issuer supports international withdrawals and has enabled foreign-currency transactions.

2. What are typical bank charges for ATM withdrawals in Vietnam?
Bank charges range from $0 to $2.50 per withdrawal, depending on your financial institution. Some banks apply a foreign transaction fee, while others offer waived fees for certain platinum or premium cardholders.

3. Should I choose local-currency or foreign-currency at the ATM?
Always choose local-currency (VND). Selecting foreign-currency activates Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which typically offers worse exchange rates and higher surcharges.

4. Can I open a checking-account or savings-account in Vietnam as a foreigner?
Yes, most banks allow foreigners to open a checking-account or savings-account, especially with a long-term visa. You’ll need to provide identification, proof of address, and your visa. Some banks also offer online-banking and English-language support.

5. What’s the best way to get cash in Vietnam?
Withdraw money from ATMs of trusted Vietnamese banks like TPBank, MB Bank, or ACB using a debit-card or prepaid card. Look for ATMs with low surcharge fees and check if your card issuer reimburses ATM costs.

6. Are cash advance options available? Should I use them?
Cash advances via credit or debit cards are possible, but usually involve high bank charges and immediate interest. It’s better to use a debit-card linked to your checking-account for regular withdrawals.

7. Can I access online-banking with a Vietnamese bank?
Yes, most modern Vietnamese financial institutions offer online-banking services for both checking-accounts and saving accounts. These platforms allow you to monitor your account balance, transfer money, and block your card if needed.

8. Do FDIC protections apply to Vietnamese bank accounts?
No. FDIC insurance applies only to U.S. banks. However, Vietnam's major banks are regulated locally. If you're concerned about risk, consider keeping larger savings in an international brokerage or credit-union account, and use local accounts for daily debit transactions.

9. Can I earn cash-back in Vietnam?
Some international debit-cards and prepaid cards offer cash-back on merchant transactions, especially when used online. However, most local Vietnamese cards do not include cash-back features.

10. What should I do if my card is blocked or swallowed by an ATM?
Immediately contact your card issuer using the number on the back of your card or via your online-banking app. Most major financial institutions also offer support through 24/7 hotlines or live chat.

11. Can I use a Visa debit card or Mastercard in Vietnam?
Yes, both Visa debit cards and Mastercard are widely accepted in Vietnam. Whether you're using a credit card, a debit Mastercard, or a prepaid debit card, most major Vietnamese merchants accept them for purchases and bill payments.

12. What happens if my card is used for an unauthorized transaction?
If you detect a fraudulent or unauthorized charge, report it immediately to your card issuer. Most Visa or Mastercard networks offer protection and can refund the holder if the claim is valid and submitted promptly.

13. What’s the best way to manage your money in Vietnam without overdraft fees?
Use a deposit account linked to a prepaid debit or debit Mastercard. These cards usually waive overdraft fees, and some no-fee banking apps allow you to enroll for mobile access to monitor your balance and deducted transactions in real time.

14. Can I transfer funds or pay bills from Vietnam?
Yes. Many digital banks support bill pay and transfer funds features internationally. You can also use a check card or direct deposit system to pay bills and send money to or from Vietnam using a secure identification number (often your personal identification number or PIN).

15. Can I use my credit cards for balance transfers abroad?
Some card offers support balance transfer even on international networks, especially if you have a strong credit history. Be sure to check terms related to interest rates and whether your line-of-credit includes international usage.

16. What’s the safest way to deposit money into a Vietnamese bank?
You can deposit cash directly at a teller, or initiate a direct deposit if your employer supports it. Some banks allow you to swipe your card and transfer funds into your deposit account without physical cash.

17. Do prepaid debit cards work in Vietnam?
Yes, prepaid debit cards are accepted at many ATMs and points of sale, but they must be from global networks like Visa or Mastercard. Keep in mind that these cards may not support bill payment or balance inquiries at local bank branches.

18. Is there a way to waive the maintenance fee when banking abroad?
Some banks allow you to waive the maintenance fee by maintaining a minimum balance or enrolling in direct deposit. Look for no-fee or low-fee accounts if you're staying long-term in Vietnam.

19. What’s a digit-based PIN and how does it work in Vietnam?
Your personal identification number is a 4 to 6 digit security code used when making payments or withdrawals. Never share your identification number, and update it regularly to protect against fraudulent activity.

20. Can I build credit history while living in Vietnam?
While Vietnamese banks don’t report to U.S. or U.K. credit bureaus, using a credit card responsibly and avoiding overdraft fees can help you build trust locally and eventually access a line-of-credit through your host bank.