Planning a trip to Vietnam? Whether you’re exploring the bustling capital of Hanoi, the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay or the temples of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll need some spending money.
If cash is your preferred form of travel money, read on. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding and using ATMs in Vietnam as a UK traveller. This includes info on fees, exchange rates and lots more.
We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in 150+ countries.
So, let’s get started.
Where do I find ATMs in Vietnam?
You’ll find ATMs in Vietnam at major airports, as well as a large number in cities and busy tourist areas. The most ATMs will be found in major cities like Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh city.
If you’re travelling to a remote region though, you may need to do some advance planning - either taking out cash in a city or researching where your nearest ATM is located at your destination.
To find ATMs in Vietnam, you can use these ATM locator tools from major Vietnamese banks:
- Vietcombank - ATM locator
- Vietinbank - ATM locator
- Agribank - ATM locator
- BIDV - ATM locator
- HSBC - ATM locator
- Citibank - ATM locator.
What are ATMs called in Vietnam?
ATMs are called ATMs in Vietnam, so you don’t need to worry about any confusing terminology. They look similar to the cash machines you’ll find in the UK. Just look out for the name of a bank and the ‘ATM’ sign.
Will my credit or debit card work in Vietnam ATMs?
ATMs in Vietnam generally accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK. So, you should be fine to use your UK-issued card abroad - just make sure you check with your bank about any potential charges.
You can search for your nearest cash machine with these global ATM locators:
Some ATMs in Vietnam will also accept Union and JCB cards, although American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.
Vietnam ATM Pins
You might find that Vietnamese ATMs ask you to provide a 6-digit PIN, which is obviously longer than the 4-digit PIN we use for debit cards in the UK. Don’t worry - you can usually get round this simply by adding two zeros (00) to the front of your normal PIN.1
It’s also worth remembering that not all ATMs and retailers use chip and PIN in Vietnam, favouring the older system of magnetic stripe - this is where your card is swiped.2 So you’ll need to check whether your card has this magnetic stripe on the back (many UK-issued cards do).
Vietnam ATM max cash withdrawal limits
The maximum amount you can withdraw from a Vietnamese ATM will largely depend on your bank. Each has daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits.
However, the ATM itself may have maximum withdrawal limits, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 VND depending on the ATM operator.3
Let your bank know before you travel
Nowadays, it’s no longer essential to tell your bank that you’ll be spending or withdrawing cash abroad. But you might want to do it anyway, just in case your transactions in Vietnam flag up as potential fraud. This could even lead to your card being blocked.
Find an international travel card
It could even be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is actually designed for international travel.
The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees*.
You’ll just need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.
Choose to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small conversion fee*.
This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.
What are the ATM fees in Vietnam?
Now we come to the important part - how much it will cost you to use ATMs in Vietnam. Read on for everything you need to know.
Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Vietnam (DCC)
If you’ve ever used an ATM in another country, you may be familiar with the screen asking you if you want the transaction to be carried out in British pounds or the local currency. You’ll encounter this in Vietnam too.
It’s always recommended to choose to withdraw in the local currency, in this case Vietnamese dong (VND) - without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider.
However, if you choose to be charged in British pounds, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you. So always press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.
Home bank ATM fees
Some banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before you travel, either contacting your bank or reading the terms and conditions for your account.
Vietnam bank ATM fees
Vietnamese ATMs tend to charge fees, but these vary depending on the bank or operator. These tend to be around 50,000 to 55,000 VND, which sounds high but actually equates to around £1.50 to £1.70 in GBP.3
Can I get free cash withdrawals in Vietnam?
Some banks in Vietnam offer fee-free cash withdrawals, but this is usually only for existing customers with a local bank account.
However, it may be possible to withdraw cash for free (or for lower fees) if your UK bank has a partnership with a bank in Vietnam. It’s always worth asking your bank about this before you travel, so you know which bank's ATMs to look out for.
Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Vietnam
Always choose to be charged in the local currency
Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures on terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.
Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate. Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.
Check out the latest currency conversion below:
Avoid airport ATMs
ATMs at airports tend to be very expensive, charging high fees for withdrawing money or converting currency. So even though they may be convenient, they’re best avoided unless you have no other option.
Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Vietnam
If your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Vietnam, you may be able to benefit from low or no fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s always worth finding out before you travel.
Choose the right fee-free card
Some banks don’t charge ATM and foreign transaction fees. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.
It is also important to never use a credit card to make ATM withdrawals. Paying with a credit card is usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash transactions. Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.
Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card
If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.
It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange ratewhenever you spend for only a small, transparent fee*.
And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free*.
You’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.
Your Wise card awaits 💳
Wise only ever charges small, transparent fees for currency conversion.*
Plus, it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.
Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7. With a Wise account you can send, spend and convert money like a local in 160+ countries and in 40+ currencies.
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ATMs in Vietnam FAQs
What is the best ATM to use in Vietnam?
Look for ATMs which charge the lowest fees. Agribank is one of the cheapest, but its ATMs are often only found in more rural areas.
How much do ATMs charge in Vietnam?
ATMs in Vietnam tend to charge between 50,000 to 55,000 VND (around £1.50 to £1.70 in GBP).3
Should I take cash to Vietnam?
Use of cards is growing in Vietnam, but cash is still the preferred payment method in many parts of the country. It’s worth having a mix of both cash and card, making sure to have smaller denominations of cash available for tipping, taxis and street market purchases. Read more about money in Vietnam here.
Is there an ATM at Hanoi airport?
Yes, Hanoi airport has a number of ATMs from a selection of the country’s biggest banks.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 14-June-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
