Is Vietnam cashless?
Mixed#93 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #14 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Carry dong for street food and markets, and use VPBank ATMs to avoid withdrawal fees.
Locals pay by bank-transfer QR code almost everywhere. Visitors can use cards in hotels, cafes and chains in the cities, but street food, markets and small shops want cash.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Vietnam take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Vietnam.
Local currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
How does tipping work?
Not expected, but small tips are appreciated in tourist areas.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Getting cash: ATMs
Some ATMs are fee-free
Fees vary by bank, from a flat fee to a percentage of the withdrawal. TPBank, long known as free, has charged about 3.3% since June 2025.
Fee-free options
- VPBank (reported fee-free, up to 10 million VND per withdrawal)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Grab accepts foreign cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam cashless?
Vietnam scores 48/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #93 of 197 countries. Locals pay by bank-transfer QR code almost everywhere. Visitors can use cards in hotels, cafes and chains in the cities, but street food, markets and small shops want cash.
Do I need cash in Vietnam?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Vietnam.
Are credit cards accepted in Vietnam?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Vietnam take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Vietnam?
Not expected, but small tips are appreciated in tourist areas.
Which ATMs are free in Vietnam?
Fees vary by bank, from a flat fee to a percentage of the withdrawal. TPBank, long known as free, has charged about 3.3% since June 2025. Best options: VPBank (reported fee-free, up to 10 million VND per withdrawal).
Compare with Asia
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.