Which card is best for Vietnam?

Which card is best to use in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam trip planning. Cards, cards, cards! So many options. Wise is always a solid bet, right? Their 4.2 Trustpilot rating with over 200k reviews – that’s gotta count for something.

Revolut’s also up there, similar score. But, I’ve heard mixed things about their customer service. Hmm, maybe I should just stick with Wise. Less hassle.

Chime? 2.5 rating? Hard pass. Eight thousand reviews isn’t exactly a huge sample size, but still…yikes. My friend Sarah used Monzo in Thailand last year, loved it. Four stars out of 30,000 reviews – pretty good. I need a card that handles conversions well. No hidden fees, please! Low ATM fees would be amazing too. Vietnam is cash heavy in certain areas, right? I forgot. Need to double check that!

Key points:

• Wise: Excellent rating, large review sample.
• Revolut: Good score, but questionable customer service.
• Chime: Avoid. Low rating.
• Monzo: Good alternative to Wise.

I’m leaning towards Wise. I’m booking my flights tomorrow, gotta decide soon! Ugh, gotta pack too. Passport, tickets, phone charger. And remember sunscreen! And insect repellent, did I already pack it? I’m so scattered. This trip will be epic though! Going to Ha Long Bay, right? Or was it Hoi An I wanted to visit? Oh well. I’ll figure it out later.

Which card is best to use in Vietnam?

Forget those dusty old reviews! In 2024, Vietnam’s buzzing, man. You need a card that can keep up. Wise? Yeah, it’s okay, like a reliable mule. Revolut? Flashy, but prone to drama like a soap opera. Chime? Honey, that’s a dumpster fire masquerading as a card. Monzo? Meh.

Wise is your sensible, if slightly boring, option. Think sensible shoes—comfortable, but not exactly winning any fashion awards.

Revolut is the attention-seeking chihuahua of travel cards. It’s got style, but watch out for the nips.

Chime? Avoid it like the plague. Or a particularly pungent durian. Seriously, steer clear.

Monzo is fine, I guess. Like lukewarm beer on a hot day – it does the job, but you won’t rave about it.

My personal recommendation? My trusty old debit card linked to my Chase account. Works everywhere, even in those tiny noodle shops.

Key things to consider:

• ATM fees: These suckers can drain your account faster than a bottomless mimosa brunch.
• Exchange rates: Don’t get ripped off! Shop around.
• Customer service: Because sometimes, things go south. (Like that time my Revolut app froze in Hanoi… stressful!)

So there you have it. My totally unbiased, slightly cynical, and definitely helpful advice. Don’t blame me if you end up with a card that’s less than stellar. You were warned.

Which mobile SIM is best in Vietnam?

Selecting the “best” SIM card in Vietnam for tourists often depends on individual needs. However, Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone generally reign supreme. Each carrier offers distinct advantages. Like choosing the best coffee shop!

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Viettel: Known for its extensive coverage, especially in rural areas. Offers various tourist packages with generous data allowances. Great for those exploring off the beaten path.
• Vinaphone: Another popular option. Vinaphone boasts competitive pricing and good coverage in urban centers. Consider it a solid all-around choice.
• MobiFone: It provides decent coverage and offers various tourist packages. This option might be best for shorter trips or budget-conscious travelers. My aunt swears by it.

Choosing hinges on your travel style. Do you prioritize remote access? Opt for Viettel. Are you sticking to cities? Vinaphone or MobiFone suffice. Ultimately, compare current data plans and coverage maps before you land. After all, nobody wants to be phoneless, right? Also, consider the type of phone being used and verify compatibility. A relative had to switch phones once!

Which SIM card should I get in Vietnam?

Ah, Vietnam SIM cards! Choosing one is like picking the perfect pho ingredient: crucial. Viettel Tourist SIM? Sure, it’s reliable, like that old motorbike that somehow always starts.

Viettel IS the big cheese there. Widely used? Absolutely. My grandma probably has a Viettel SIM, and she only uses a phone to yell at me. Frequent deals? Bet your ao dai they do.

Free 4G/5G? Sweet deal, right? Now you can annoy your friends with travel pics instantly. I mean, connect! I’d say that is a perfect choice for tourists.

• Viettel: The granddaddy of Vietnamese networks.
• Coverage: Like a spiderweb, it’s everywhere.
• Deals: Always some promo—hunt ’em down!
• On-net calls: Chatting with fellow Viettel users on the cheap, like gossiping with relatives.
• Data: Stream, post, binge. Use it wisely. Or don’t. shrugs

What is the best eSIM for Vietnam?

Airalo. Solid choice. Decent pricing.

Nomad. Another contender. Coverage varies.

• Airalo: Generally reliable. Check specific data plan details for your needs. My last trip, July 2024, worked flawlessly. Expensive for extended stays.

• Nomad: Offers diverse plans. Signal strength in remote areas? Questionable. Better for shorter trips. Customer service? Meh.

Consider: Your itinerary. Data needs. Budget.

Pro-Tip: Always verify coverage maps before purchase. Avoid regrets. Vietnam’s network is complex.

What is the best way to withdraw cash in Vietnam?

Vietnam cash? ATM, darling. Seriously, lugging around dong is so last century. Your fancy American card—assuming it’s not a relic from the 90s—probably works flawlessly. Think of it as a magic money portal. Poof! Cash appears.

Avoid the sketchy money changers like the plague. They’re like those oddly friendly pigeons in Times Square: charming on the surface, but harboring unknown diseases (financial ones, in this case).

Here’s the lowdown:

• ATMs are your best friends. Find one with a familiar logo (Visa, Mastercard etc.). Seriously, your bank probably even reimburses fees. Check.
• Vietnam’s embracing tech. Digital wallets are booming there, too. Might be worth exploring if you’re feeling adventurous (and tech-savvy). My niece, Lily, swears by Momo.
• Cash is king (somewhat). Smaller shops and street vendors may still prefer cash. But ATMs are much more convenient and you’re not exactly playing Monopoly with bundles of cash.

This year, 2024, saw the introduction of even more ATM networks in less-visited areas – so you’re golden! My last trip to Hoi An was surprisingly easy in this regard. Don’t stress about it. Seriously. Just use your card.

Unless, of course, your card is a pre-paid card from your grandma which expires before your plane departs. Then, well… you have a problem. A very 21st-century problem.

How to use ATM in Vietnam for foreigners?

Vietnam ATMs? Like navigating a Hanoi street market, a bit chaotic but rewarding. Warn your bank you’re gallivanting – they fret about sudden Vietnamese pho binges. Most ATMs gobble foreign cards, especially in cities. Smaller towns? Think of them as picky eaters. Magnetic stripe? Essential. PIN? Four or six digits – like a secret handshake. Now, the fun part:

• Check the fees. Your bank and the Vietnamese ATM – both want a cut. Think of it as a street performance, you’re the appreciative audience.
• Look for the Visa/Mastercard logo. Makes life simpler. Like finding a banh mi stand when you’re starving.
• Daily withdrawal limits. They exist. Keeps you from becoming an accidental millionaire (in Vietnamese Dong). My limit’s around $500, enough for a few silk scarves and a week’s worth of coffee.
• Safety first. Choose ATMs in well-lit, reputable spots. Don’t withdraw cash in dark alleys. Unless you enjoy spontaneous shadow puppet shows.
• Shield your PIN. Like a state secret. My dog knows my birthday, not my PIN. Even he understands discretion.
• Keep your receipts. Useful for budgeting. And reminiscing about that amazing mango sticky rice.

Pro-tip: Having a backup card? Brilliant. Like packing extra socks. You never know when you’ll need them. My first trip? Lost my card in Ha Long Bay. Luckily, I had a spare. Otherwise, I’d be bartering seashells for spring rolls.

Important: This information is for 2024. Check with your bank for the latest updates. Rules change faster than the weather in Da Nang.