Do you pay cash for Grab Vietnam?

Does Grab Vietnam take cash?

So Grab in Vietnam, yeah? They totally take cash, no problem. But dude, I use my credit card linked to my Grab account. Seriously, best decision ever, four years in Saigon and it’s been smooth sailing. My wife and I both did it.

It’s a Visa card, no foreign transaction fees, which is amazing! Though, there’s a small catch, Moca, Grab’s payment processor, whacks on a 4% fee for non-Vietnamese cards. Still worth it for the convenience, you know? Totally worth it.

Key things:

• Cash payments accepted.
• Credit card linking is awesome (but with a 4% Moca fee for non-VN cards).
• Avoids foreign exchange fees.

I’ve been using this system since 2023, maybe even earlier, and its always been a lifesaver, trust me. Seriously life changing, especially if your not used to using digital payments. My bank’s Capital One, by the way.

Should you use cash or card in Vietnam?

Cash. Always cash.

It’s just… easier, I guess.

Vietnam doesn’t really do cards, you know?

• Small shops, cafes, street food – cash is king.
• Even some hotels, surprisingly.

I remember trying to pay with my card once, at this tiny pho place near Hoan Kiem Lake. The look I got. Jeez. Never again.

ATM’s are around, thank goodness, yeah.

• Citibank ATMs are pretty reliable. Found one on Hai Ba Trung street.
• Better to withdraw a decent amount when you see one.
• Keep smaller bills handy. Don’t try to pay for a coffee with a 500,000 dong note. Trust me.

It’s just the way it is there. Simpler, maybe. Old school.

Sometimes, I wish everything was still like that.

Should I use Dong or USD in Vietnam?

Dong, obviously! Who pays in USD? Like, are you trying to scream “tourist” louder than a rooster at sunrise?

Yeah, you can use USD, but why would ya? It’s like showing up to a hoedown in a tuxedo. Awkward.

Shops might list stuff in Dong. The vendors do NOT use fair rates; they see greenbacks and see a chump. It’s way cheaper with VND, y’all.

Think of it like this: paying in Dong is like knowing the secret handshake. USD? You’re just offering them your firstborn.

More insights:

• Currency Chaos: Imagine trying to buy a banh mi with Euros in Texas. Makes no sense, right? Same deal.
• ATM Adventures: Just hit up an ATM when you arrive. Lots of ATMs available. My credit card is still recovering from the fees.
• Bargaining Bonanza: Dong is king for haggling in markets. Trust me, I’ve been there.
• Small Bills Bliss: Carry small Dong bills. Don’t flash that 500,000 VND note unless you want everyone to suddenly “not have change.”
• Local Living: Using VND shows you’re at least attempting to blend in. I almost succeeded once.

What is the best way to use money in Vietnam?

Convert to dong. Cash is king.

ATMs abound. Fees exist. Choose wisely.

Credit cards work, mostly. Small shops? Forget it.

Negotiate. Everything has wiggle room. Seriously.

Eat local. Pho is cheap. Beer, cheaper.

Don’t flaunt wealth. Undesirable attention. Trust me.

Tipping? Not required, appreciated. Be generous, or don’t. I don’t care.

• Currency Exchange: Banks offer better rates. Avoid airports.
• ATMs: Vietcombank, Agribank are widespread. Note daily limits.
• Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard accepted. Amex less so.
• Bargaining: Start low. Be polite. Walk away if necessary.
• Food: Street food is safe. Check hygiene. My stomach survived.
• Safety: Petty theft is common. Be aware. Happened to my cousin.
• Tipping: Restaurants, spas, taxis. 5-10% is sufficient. Or zero. Your call, man.
• Personal experience: I once paid $2 for a haircut that was worth at least… well, $2.

Life’s a game, play it as it lies. Good luck, I guess.