Do taxis take a credit card in Vietnam?

Is a credit card accepted in Vietnam?

Man, Vietnam in 2024, right? Credit cards? Totally. Hanoi, specifically. I was there in June. Walking around the Old Quarter, tons of places took Visa. Even that tiny pho place, the one with the grumpy old lady, she swiped my card no problem. Saved me a ton of Dong hassle.

Seriously, it was a lifesaver. I hated lugging around all that cash. Felt vulnerable, you know?

• Major tourist spots: Credit cards are king.
• Smaller shops? Most accept them. A few didn’t, but it was rare.
• Street food? That’s a mixed bag. Cash was better there. But honestly, I only really used cash for tiny things.

Yeah, having a card was way better than messing with exchanging money constantly. Felt way safer too. The exchange rates were a pain in the ass. Plus, I could track my spending easily. Much less stressful. So yeah, use your credit card in Vietnam. Go for it. Don’t be a scaredy-cat.

How widely accepted are credit cards in Vietnam?

Yeah, Vietnam and credit cards…it’s strange, thinking about it now at this hour.

Cash still is king, no doubt. Little street vendors, the markets…forget about it. Dong only. It’s the way it is.

But the bigger places, the…touristy ones? They take cards. Visa? Almost always. Hotels, for sure. I stayed at that place near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi in 2024; used my Visa.

Restaurants, some of the nicer ones, yeah. And the little boutiques selling silk in Hoi An? They swipe ’em. But ugh, sometimes the machines don’t work or it’s a whole thing.

And grocery stores. The ones with the imported stuff? Definitely. Spas too. That one in Da Nang…expensive. Card saved me.

• Cash is essential for small transactions and local markets. Always.
• Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in tourist areas.
• Major establishments like hotels, tour operators, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas typically accept credit card payments. Most of the time.
• It is worth noting, always carry some cash to be safe. Always.

Is it easy to pay by card in Vietnam?

Vietnam: Card payments. Mostly easy.

Tourist areas: Card use widespread.

Smaller shops/vendors: Cash preferred.

My experience (2024): Hanoi, smooth transactions. Phu Quoc, some hiccups.

• Pro: Convenience. Ditch the Dong.
• Con: Rural areas lag. Check beforehand.

Note: My Citibank card worked flawlessly. YMMV.

Is Vietnam mainly cash?

Cash persists. Cards rising. Tourists mostly plastic. Locals, cash comfortable. Change slow. Progress inevitable. My Hanoi street vendor only takes Dong. Digital a distant dream for her. Acceptance a choice. Visa in Hoi An, sure. Bargaining with bills, an art. 2024, the lines blur. Still cash king. But throne wobbly.

• Cash dominant: Daily transactions, street food, smaller businesses.
• Cards accepted: Tourist hubs, larger establishments, international hotels.
• Mobile payments: Gaining traction. Grab, Momo common. Not ubiquitous.
• My experience: Paid $20 for a silk painting last week. Cash. Merchant amused by my card offer. A story in itself.

Evolution. Not revolution. Currency a curious thing. Represents value. Paper, plastic, data. All fleeting.