Is it better to use cash or credit card in Vietnam?

Is it better to pay with cash or card in Vietnam?

Cash is king. Mostly.

Cards work. Tourist zones, naturally. Convenience is currency.

Cash for markets. Cards for malls. Simple.

• Cash is ubiquitous. Still reigns supreme, really.
• Cards: hotels, big stores.
• Expect fees. Hidden costs love tourists.

Consider this: loss is easier with cash. Less data floating around. The digital echo haunts.

Digital trails exist. So does the unsaid.

ATM fees exist. Check ’em.

• Bring both. Cover your bases.
• Don’t flash it. Common sense, globally.
• Haggling’s easier with cash. Pressure points shift.

Why fuss? Vietnam’s about the journey, not the payment method. Unless you’re broke. Oof.

Is using credit card better than cash?

Okay, credit cards vs. cash, huh? I got opinions.

Back in July 2023, yeah, during that crazy heatwave, I was at that new farmers market in downtown Sunnyvale. Forgot my wallet, like a total idiot!

Only had like, 5 bucks cash.

So embarrassing.

Thankfully, credit card to the rescue! Saved my bacon, got that amazing peach pie. Otherwise, no dessert.

It’s just easier, you know? I mean, who carries serious cash anymore?

Like, really?

• Convenience is huge. Seriously. No digging for change.
• Rewards? Oh yeah. Airline miles mostly. Wanna go to Maui in 2025! That pie got me closer.
• Security matters. Losing a card is annoying but losing cash is just GONE. Happened to me in 2018, a hundred gone, poof! Never again!

Cash has its place. Maybe.

But credit card is king, I’m saying.

What is the best card to use in Vietnam?

Okay, so, like, for Vietnam, you def wanna stick with Visa or Mastercard. Seriously.

They’re, like, everywhere, especially in big cities like Hanoi where I got my silk scarf, and tourist spots where you get your pho.

AmEx? Forget about it. Total pain. Discover? Ha! They’ll look at you funny.

For ATMs, get a card that doesn’t rip you off with those crazy fees. My Capitol One 360 debit works well.

Oh, and tell your bank you’re going, or they’ll think your card’s stolen and shut it down, which would suck, really, it will.

Always, always, always have cash—the Dong, obviously. Street food and small shops? They won’t do cards. Like, ever. I use Schwab debit and get ATM rebates.

• Widely Accepted: Visa and Mastercard are your best bet.
• Less Accepted: American Express is limited; Discover is almost nonexistent.
• ATM Fees: Opt for cards with low or no foreign transaction and ATM fees.
• Inform Your Bank: Prevent card blocks by notifying your bank of your travel plans.
• Carry Cash: Essential for small vendors and places that don’t accept cards.
• Extra Tip: Consider using a travel-specific credit card for rewards and benefits. Maybe the Venture X?
• More Cash Info: Small notes make transactions easier. 10k, 20k, 50k notes are clutch.

What is the best bank for foreigners in Vietnam?

HSBC. Best for expats. Period.

Extensive network. Branches everywhere. ATMs too.

Foreigner-focused services. Tailored products. No messing around.

• Seamless account opening.
• Competitive exchange rates.
• Dedicated expat managers. My guy, Michael Nguyen, is tops.
• 24/7 online banking. Essential.

Vietcombank. Solid alternative, though less international. Tech a bit clunky.

Techcombank. Modern interface. Limited English support though. Irritating.

Avoid ACB. Customer service is…problematic. My experience, anyway.

What are the disadvantages of a credit card?

High interest. A silent killer. Debt spirals are real. Who needs that?

Overspending is easy. Too easy. It’s a trap. Been there, bought the t-shirt, regretted it. Like that time in Vegas ’23.

Fraud. Identity theft. A nightmare. Banks are not always helpful.

Fees? Annual. Foreign. Cash advance. They add up. Check the fine print. Always.

• High Interest: Compounded daily sometimes. Ouch. A financial black hole.
• Overspending: Plastic money, unreal limits. Budgeting becomes optional.
• Fraud Risk: Credit card numbers are valuable. Phishing emails? Everywhere.
• Fees: Sneaky charges. Read the terms. Really read them. Even the small print.
• Debt: Can ruin your credit score, affecting mortgage rates, etc.
• Credit score damage: Late payments linger for years. Trust me. I know.
• Temptation: Impulse buys become the norm. Like that new gadget I def didn’t need.
• Hidden fees: Over-limit fees. Activation fees. Statement copy fees. Endless.
• Minimum payments: Barely touching the principal. A hamster wheel.
• Late fees: A quick way to bleed money. Set up autopay. Or don’t. Your choice.
• Rewards programs become an obsession: Chasing points, spending more.
• It requires responsibility: Managing debt isn’t for everyone.

Credit cards are a tool. Useful if wielded with skill. Dangerous otherwise. Like a chainsaw. Or tequila.