Withdraw cash from ATMs in Vietnam : The complete guide 2023
When travelling in Vietnam, you should know that “Cash is King” and “Money transfer is Queen.” Still, things are changing significantly after the Covid when everyone is getting used to online shopping using bank transfers, ATMs and Ewallets.
For foreign tourists, I do recommend you still need some cash with you since some local hotels, restaurants, cafes, stores only accept cash. This article is everything you need to know about withdrawing cash from ATMs in Vietnam
Why do you need cash in Vietnam?
Most hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants serving international tourists accept credit cards. But there are homestays, local motels, and Airbnb in some locations that only accept cash.
If you want to buy something at a local market or store. Then, they only accept cash.
Also, most credit card transactions require three percent extra on top of the amount for bank charges. If you could find ways to do without fees lower than three percent for a big amount of money, you save quite a bit. Let’s do some calculations. If you pay the amount of 1000 USD, then 30 USD are bank fees so find a way to save that amount.
Which currency do you get when withdraw from ATMs in Vietnam?
If your account is in American Dollars, Australian Dollars, Euro or Japanese Yen or other currencies. According to our local government’s law, You can only get VND (Vietnam Dong) when you withdraw money from ATMs in Vietnam.
The foreign exchange rate is calculated based on the bank you withdraw. It can be painful with poor exchange rates something
Top banks in Vietnam : both local and international one
Famous local banks in Vietnam
- Vietcombank
- Vietinbank
- BIDV
- Agribank
- Techcombank
- VPBank
- TPBank
- MBBank
- ACB
Top foreign banks in Vietnam
- HSBC
- ANZ
- Citi Bank
ATMs from these banks can be easily found in big cities like Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh city. Agribanks, Vietinbank and BIDV have the most ATMs across the country. Also, you may only find Agribank ATMs in rural areas and remote regions.
How to search for ATMs in Vietnam
You can easily find ATMs machines nationwide, from remote regions to big metropolitan cities. It’s super easy to look for ATMs around tourist attractions but if you are travelling to remote regions. it’s a different story. I’ve heard to a local family, living in the remote region who has to travel 30 kilometers from their home to the central town to withdraw cash.
Just Google “ATMs near me” or “Bank name and ATM”. For example, Vietcombank ATM, and you will see the search result. But the problem is not all ATMs are listed on Google map. I recommend asking the hotels or restaurants where you stay to find the closest ATMs.
Which cards do ATMs accept
- Visa
- Master
- Union
- JCB
American Express and Discover is less common than usual
Withdrawal fees and withdrawal limit for Vietnam ATMs
| Bank’s name | Withdraw fees | Withdrawal limits | Note |
| Vietcombank | 50,000VND | 5,000,000 VND | |
| Vietinbank | 55,000 VND | 2,000,000 VND | |
| BIDV | 3 % of the full amount | 3,000,000 VND | |
| Agribank | 22,000 VND | 3,000,000VND | |
| Tpbank | Free of charge | 5,000,000 VND | The rate is better than XE.com |
| VP Bank | Free of charge | 5,000,000VND | The rate is better than XE.com |
| MBbank | Free of charnge | 5,000,000VND | |
| VIB Bank | 50,000VND | 5,000,000 VND | |
| HSBC | 3 to 3.5 % of your amount | 10,000,000VND | |
| CITI Bank | 8,000,000VND |
Note : The bank charges can be changed without prior notice
Use a fee free card in Vietnam
- Create a VND account with WISE and pay with your WISE credit card but as an American citizen , I guess you cannot withdraw cash with A WISE card to avoid money laundry.
- Withdrawing cash at Eximbank ATMs is free of charge using a Revolut card
- For American tourists, using Charles Schwab checking account with fee-free cash withdraw from ATMs worldwide.
If you haven’t got a WISE account, create one here
How to save money when withdrawing from ATMs
- Withdraw a large amount of money in each transaction.
- Check the hidden fees
- Count the money before leaving the ATMs
- Check exchange rate on Vietcombank website (google Vietcombank exchange rate) to avoid poor exchange rate at the ATMs
Common Issues when Withdrawing Money from ATMs in Vietnam
Your card has been swallowed
Contact the bank hotline or the phone number has been placed in the ATMs. Remember to print the receipt and take photo of the ATM number if there is an issue.
Next go to the branch which manages the ATM and get your card back.
Get ZERO cash even your money has been deduced from the account
Get the receipt, ATM number and bank name and report to your bank and the bank in Vietnam.
No money in your deposit account.
If you want to withdraw cash, you must have enough money in your deposit account. Double-check your deposi account and try it again.
Over to you
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