Can you pay with a card in Vietnam?

What debit card is best for Vietnam?

Finding a debit card for Vietnam… it’s a headache, really. I wish it were simpler. Visa or Mastercard, duh, that’s a given. But those fees… man. They sting.

Low foreign transaction fees are crucial. Seriously. I learned that the hard way. 2023, my trip, those hidden costs added up fast. It’s ridiculous.

My bank, Chase, wasn’t great for that. I ended up using my Capital One card more because of their zero-fee policy. It was a godsend. I should have planned better.

Look for travel benefits. I wish I’d looked into purchase protection. That would’ve saved me so much stress with that stolen bag last year in Hanoi. Yeah, awful. Emergency cash, too… you never know.

Things to check:

• Foreign transaction fees: Zero is the goal.
• Travel insurance: Don’t even think about going without it.
• ATM fees: Some cards charge extra for withdrawals abroad.

Capital One worked well for me. But honestly, every bank is different, research your options. It sucks, I know. I spent days comparing. This whole process was a huge disappointment.

Do taxis in Vietnam accept cards?

Nah, taxis in Vietnam don’t generally take cards, it’s a cash-centric culture still. Think bustling markets, tiny eateries – they’re all about that paper. I recall once trying to pay with my card at a banh mi stand. Big mistake!

But! Grab is your friend. I use it all the time. It’s an app, like Uber. I use the app for rides, food, the works. Super convenient, and you can link your card. It’s almost essential, honestly. I mean, who carries that much cash these days, amirite?

Hotels and fancier spots take cards. I mean, obviously. But the true taste of Vietnam? That’s found on the street, paid for in đồng. Embrace the chaos, carry some cash, and download Grab. You’ll be golden.

Cash is king is the main gist, really. Oh, I just remembered, I need to update my Grab card! Almost forgot.

Does Grab accept cashless transactions?

Grab absolutely takes cashless. Cards are king. Think Visa, Mastercard, Amex, even JCB. Right through their payment gateway. Makes things smoother. My Amex served me well in Kuala Lumpur last month. GrabPay’s another obvious one. Top it up like a digital wallet. Useful. Is cash even relevant anymore?

• GrabPay: Top up and use like a pre-paid account. Convenient for budgeting, I find.
• Cards: Major international brands work. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB. Directly within the app. So simple.
• Other payment methods: They’ve got some local options too. Depends on the region. Saw some e-wallet options in Singapore. Always expanding.

Interesting how these systems evolve. One day we’ll probably just blink to pay. Used my linked card in Bangkok just last week – seamless. Technology marches on, I suppose. Wonder what’s next?

Do you need a credit card for Grab?

Grab doesn’t demand a card. Cash works. Registration? No card needed. Booking’s the same. Prefer cash. I do. So does everyone else in Jakarta.

• Card not required for Grab.
• Cash payments accepted.
• Cardless registration and booking.
• Cash preferred in certain markets like Jakarta.

Digital wallets like OVO and GoPay integrate with Grab. Popular in Indonesia. Used more than cards, even by tourists. My go-to in 2024. Simpler. Faster. Even street vendors use QRIS codes.

• Digital wallets widely used, especially in Indonesia.
• OVO and GoPay common Grab payment options.
• QRIS codes prevalent for transactions.