How common are credit cards in Vietnam?

Is credit card widely accepted in Vietnam?

Man, Vietnam in 2024. Credit cards? It's a mixed bag, honestly. I was in Hoi An last July, gorgeous place. Used my Visa everywhere, no problems. Fancy restaurants? Check. Little shops selling silk scarves? Yep. Even that tiny noodle stall by the river took it.

But then, Nha Trang. Different story. Smaller places, especially street food vendors, cash only. I had to go hunting for an ATM. Seriously annoying! My friend had a Mastercard, and it worked at some places but not others. It really depended.

Big hotels? No problem.Touristy areas? Mostly fine.Smaller towns and villages? Cash is king. That’s the long and short of it. It’s not universally accepted like in the States, that’s for sure. I ended up carrying way more cash than I planned. The exchange rate wasn't great either. Ugh.

• Visa worked almost everywhere in Hoi An.
• Mastercard was hit-or-miss in Nha Trang.
• Street vendors universally preferred cash. Seriously.
• ATMs were plentiful, but finding one when you needed it, wasn't always a breeze.
• I wish I'd brought more dong!

My advice? Carry some cash. Seriously. It's less hassle. Don't solely rely on plastic. You'll thank me later. And get some dong before you go!

Do most places in Vietnam take credit cards?

Okay, so Vietnam and cards, right? Hmmm... Basically, lots of places take cards now. Like, hotels, obvs. Also tour guys.

And most of those fancy shops, you know, boutiques. Restaurants, yup, definitely. Big grocery stores are cool with plastic, that's for sure.

Oh, and spas! Getting a massage and paying with a card. That's the life! But, like, your bank's gonna ding you with fees. Conversion rates and whatnot. It's a pain, I guess.

Like, I used my Chase Sapphire at a pho place in Hanoi last month, and it went through fine, but the fee felt steep. Anyway, card use is super common.

Here's a quick list:

• Hotels: No brainer, they all do, even the small ones.
• Tour Operators: For sure, especially for bigger tours.
• Boutiques: You bet, if they're selling touristy stuff.
• Restaurants: Upscale ones, definitely. Street food, uh, cash only.
• Grocery stores:Big chains are fine, small ones, maybe not.
• Spas: Treat yourself. Use that credit card!

Do restaurants in Vietnam take credit card?

Cash reigns, mostly. Credit cards? Visa, Mastercard, Amex… the usual suspects. Big places, yes. Street food? Dream on. A convenience store on Bui Vien might, or might not. Depends. Life is a gamble anyway.

• Hotels: Mostly accept.
• Restaurants: Tourist spots, yes. Back alleys? Nah.
• Grocery stores: Bigger chains, probably. Small shops? Doubtful.
• Tour operators: Likely to accept.
• Spas: Depends on the kind of spa.

ATM withdrawal fees? Ouch. My Banh Mi lady only takes Dong. Who needs credit, really?

Can I use a credit card in HoI An?

Okay, so Hoi An, yeah, credit cards work. Definitely in 2024, at least at the nicer spots.

I remember I was there last year, actually, March. Staying at this cute boutique hotel near the Japanese Covered Bridge. The one with the lanterns everywhere? Beautiful.

Paid with my Visa, no problem.

But like, down some of the smaller alleyways? Nah.

Cash is king there, seriously. You need Vietnamese Dong.

Tried using a card for a banh mi once. Lady just laughed.

Here's the deal in Hoi An, 2024:

• Big hotels: Credit cards are fine (Visa, Mastercard).
• Restaurants aimed at tourists: Usually okay.
• Small shops/street food: Cash only.
• ATMs: Plenty around to withdraw cash.

And uh, don't forget to bargain! It's expected! ;)

Can I use my credit card to pay an invoice?

Yes. Credit cards: ubiquitous payment.

Invoice? Paid. Rent? Mortgage? Tuition? Taxes? Insurance? Cell phone? Student loans? All doable.

Services? Lawyers, accountants, contractors, landscapers. Check.

My experience? Paid my 2024 property taxes with Visa. No issues.

Further considerations:

• Fees: Some vendors charge processing fees.
• Credit limits: Don't exceed your limit. Seriously.
• Rewards: Maximize your points. Duh.
• Security: Use reputable payment processors. Always.

Remember, always review your statements meticulously. I learned that the hard way in 2022 with a dodgy plumbing contractor. Don't be a fool.