Can tourists get a credit card?

Can a tourist get a credit card?

So, you wanna snag a credit card in Vietnam, huh? Piece of cake, if you're over 21. Seriously, you'd think they'd give them out with pho.

Need to be 21 or older. Think of it as the rite of passage into awesome credit card debt.

You need ID. Think driver's license, passport – stuff they can use to find you when you inevitably max out your limit. Like a debt-fueled treasure hunt for the bank, but you’re the treasure they hunt.

You gotta be a resident. Either a local, or a foreigner who’s made Vietnam their home – and hopefully not just for a weekend bender at a beach bar.

Getting a credit card in Vietnam is like wrangling a particularly grumpy water buffalo, but possibly less messy. It’s no walk in the park, but definitely doable. Expect some paperwork; mountains of paperwork; I’ve used more toilet paper than they asked for.

• You’ll need proof of address. Think utility bills, or rent receipts. Your landlord will love the extra paperwork, probably. • Proof of income. Payslips, bank statements, or the deed to your rice paddy. Whatever works. • Be prepared for a credit check. They'll examine your financial history with the intensity of a hawk eyeing a particularly plump field mouse.

My friend, Dave, tried last month. His application was approved in the time it took him to down a giant bowl of bun cha.

Can I get a credit card as a visitor?

Forget it, chum. Getting a US credit card on a B1/B2 visa? About as likely as finding a unicorn riding a Roomba. Ain't gonna happen. Banks are tighter than a drum.

Why? Because, duh, you're a visitor! They're not handing out plastic to every tourist who wanders in. They want proof you're gonna stick around and pay. Think of it like this: Would you lend money to a total stranger wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops?

What you can do:

• Bring your own card: Pack your trusty Visa or Mastercard from home. Your bank might charge international fees, but hey, better than nothing. This is the smartest way to go, right?
• Use prepaid cards: These are like a debit card, load it up before your trip, and you’re good to go. My Uncle Barry uses one religiously! Safe and sensible, and it even comes with a free keychain that looks like a flamingo, honest!
• Cash, the dinosaur: Yeah, I know, it’s old-school, but cash is king, especially when you’re showing up without a credit history. I once bought a vintage pocket watch with cash in a flea market – the deal was a steal!
• Alternative payment methods: Think Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay – whatever your phone's doing. They might work, they might not. It’s a roll of the dice, like a blindfolded dart throw at a dartboard.

Seriously, folks, don't even try to weasel your way into a credit card. It's a hassle, a waste of your time. I know from experience. My friend, David tried doing this, and it was hilarious. He spent hours on the phone, only to be turned down. It was a total disaster. Don't be like David. Learn from his epic fail.

Can you get a US credit card while living abroad?

Yep, landing a US credit card while globetrotting is totally doable. It's like trying to catch a greased pig, but hey, possible!

• U.S. Address is Key: Gotta have a US mailing address. Think mom's, a friend's, or that super understanding cousin who lets you use their mailbox. Also, a U.S. bank account helps, duh!

• VPN: Your Digital Disguise: Using a VPN is wise. Why? Applying with a foreign IP might raise eyebrows. It's like showing up to a rodeo in a tutu. Might not get you disqualified, but folks will stare.

• Credit Score Still Matters: Obvi, your credit score better not resemble a dumpster fire. They still check, even if you're chilling on a beach in Bali. I learned that the hard way when I was rejected for a card while sipping coconut water. Tragic, I tell you.

• Specific Offers: VPNs can also help you sniff out special offers you wouldn't see from abroad. It's like finding a twenty in an old coat pocket. Score!

So, there you have it. US credit card, international living – just add sunscreen!

Can a foreigner open a credit card in Vietnam?

Ugh, credit cards in Vietnam… Can foreigners even get them? Okay, lemme think. It’s all about residency, right?

• Gotta be 15+ if you're Vietnamese. That’s easy.
• Foreigners? A totally different story. Must have at least 90 days left on their residency permit, starting from the moment they apply. Oh, and their visa also needs to be good for at least 12 months. That's a pain. Do I even meet that criteria… I need to check.

Wait, there's more, of course.

• Can’t have any bad debt. Group 2 debts? What even is that? Sounds ominous. Also, no debt sold to VAMC. Another mystery. VAMC… who are they? Argh.

I swear, it’s designed to be complicated. So much paperwork! Maybe I should just stick to cash. No, wait, that’s inconvenient.

Maybe my friend Trang knows? She works at a bank. I’ll ask her later. "Chời ơi," I hate dealing with banks.

What credit card is best for Vietnam?

The Sapphire Preferred… yeah, it's fancy, but that fee stings. Always stings. Costco’s alright, for home, but Vietnam? Different story. Schwab debit? Safe, I guess. Practical, but… boring.

Mastercard works best in Vietnam, from what I've seen. Visa is okay, but less widely accepted in smaller places. Avoid American Express if you can. It’s a hassle. Trust me on this one.

Credit card use? Hit or miss. Big cities, sure. Easy. But smaller towns? Cash is king. Always.

• Major cities: Cards accepted often.
• Rural areas: Cash is necessary. No ifs, ands, or buts.
• ATMs: Abundant, mostly for Visa/Mastercard.

My trip last year? I had to rely on cash more than I wanted. Irritating, actually. I’m still kicking myself for not exchanging more USD beforehand. Stupid mistake. Learned that lesson the hard way, believe me. It's a pain in the neck. I'm telling you. Planning is key, people.

I'm thinking about getting a new card, maybe one without the yearly fee. Something simple. Something… less stressful. Something.

What information do I need to apply for a credit card?

Need a credit card? Think of it as a high-stakes game of financial charades. You'll need your act together, my friend.

Essentials:

• Your full legal name – no stage names allowed. This isn't a rock concert.
• Date of birth – Prove you’re not a time-traveling credit-card-fraudster.
• Current address – Rent, own, squatting? They need to know where to send the bill (or the repo man). Recent moves? Spill the beans.
• Social Security number – Your nine-digit passport to plastic paradise. (Or financial purgatory, depending on your spending habits.)
• Gross annual income – Show them the money, or at least, the promise of it. My uncle once tried using his expected lottery winnings...it didn't work.
• Employer's address and phone number – Let them check if you're really employed, unlike my brother-in-law who claims to be a professional napper.
• Bank account information – So they can magically siphon off your hard-earned cash… I mean, deposit payments, of course.

Pro Tip: This isn't dating. No need to overshare. Stick to the facts! Applying for a credit card? It's a bit like a job interview, only less awkward. Unless you’re me.

Bonus: Check your credit report before applying! I learned that the hard way in 2023. It’s like a dating profile, except instead of your ideal partner, it's your financial history. Best to know your "type" beforehand, right?