How can foreigners use local payment methods in Vietnam?

Foreigners using local payment methods in Vietnam need to understand the major local payment instruments, account opening requirements and operational restrictions. Below is a specific guide:

I. Mainstream payment methods in Vietnam

1. Bank transfers/e-wallets

   • Vietcombank, Techcombank and other local bank accounts: Most require proof of residence in Vietnam (e.g. work visa/temporary residence permit) to open an account.
   • electronic wallet (e.g. for money)(MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPAY): partially support foreign passport registration, but need to bind Vietnamese bank card or top up through offline recharge points.

2. Prepaid card/code payment

   • Purchasing a prepaid phone card (e.g. Vinaphone/Mobifone) may help to sign up for some services.
   • Merchant code payment (commonly found in convenience stores/Grab) is usually linked to one of the above e-wallets.

3. cash payment
   Still widely accepted, especially in smaller cities or traditional markets.

II. Restrictions on the use of foreigners and solutions

• Authentication issues: Most e-wallets require Vietnam mobile phone number + ID/residence permit. Can try:
  • Register with passport + tourist visa (supported by some platforms).
  • Purchase of authenticated accounts through proxy services (risky).
• Card Binding Restrictions: International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are recommended for some scenarios only:
  • Apply for a local Vietnam bank card (if required for long stay).
  • Payment on behalf of a friend or partner.

III. Step-by-step operational recommendations

1. call::

   • ✅Priority Cash + Grab/VinID and other foreign card friendly apps.
   • ✅ Purchase e-wallet recharge codes at convenience stores like Circle K/GS25.

2. Permanent residence::

   • ✅ Open a local bank account on the basis of your work visa and rental contract.
   • ✅Tie MoMo/VNPAY with your bank account to boost your credit limit.

3. Online Shopping::
   The e-commerce platform Shopee/Lazada supports cash on delivery (COD) or international card payments.

IV. Precautions

• ⚠️ Avoid purchasing "verified" accounts through unofficial channels, which may result in the freezing of funds.
• ⚠️ Small transactions are more likely to be successful, and large transfers require additional identity checks.
• 📍 Foreign cards are commonly accepted at large shopping centres and chain shops in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.

For high-frequency payments, the safest way is to open a regular bank account and apply for mobile payments.

V. Detailed operation guide: How to open Vietnam local payment for foreigners

1. Opening a Vietnamese bank account (applicable to long-term residents)

applicable population: Foreigners holding work visas, investment visas or long-term residence permits.

Required materials::

• Original passport + valid visa (at least 6 months)
• Temporary residence permit/rental contract (required by some banks)
• Tax identification number (if any, can be applied for from the Inland Revenue Department)

Recommended Banks and Account Opening Difficulty::

Example of process (using Vietcombank as an example)

1. 📌 Visit a branch to make an appointment to open an account, stating "Mở tài khoản cho người nước ngoài" (Foreigner opening an account).
2. 📝 Fill in the application form + provide a copy of your passport/visa.
3. 💳 Deposit the initial amount and activate the internet banking service.

⚠️ Note: Some branches in smaller cities may refuse to open accounts for non-residents, it is recommended to do so in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Registration of e-wallets (alternative to not requiring a local bank card)

Even if you don't have a Vietnamese bank card, you can still use your e-wallet in the following ways:

(A) MoMo Wallet - the most popular choice

✅ Support foreign passport registration ✅ Offline cash recharge available

Registration Steps::

1. 📱Download MoMo App → Select "English" screen.
2. 🆔 Verify your identity with your Vietnamese mobile phone number + passport information.
3. 💵 Top up cash at partner outlets (Circle K, Whole Family, etc.) by showing the QR code.

📌Restriction: Single transaction limit when card is not bundled5,000,000 VND (200 USD).

(B) ZaloPay - Facebook-style Social Payments

✅ Interoperability with Zalo Social App ✅ More discounts at selected merchants

special skill::

• 🔄 If you can't authenticate your real name, you can try to get your Vietnamese friends to activate your account by sending you red packets through "Chuyển tiền" (money transfer function).

(C) GrabPay - Most Expat-Friendly

✅ Direct binding of international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
🚫 but only for use within the Grab ecosystem (taxi/takeaway)

VI. Interim solutions: how to pay without a bank account?

▶️ Method 1: "Virtual card" top-ups

• 🌐UseAirpaymaybeViettelPayPurchase an e-commerce prepaid code.
• 💡Cash can be exchanged for Digital Cipher at FPT Shop and other agent locations.

▶️ Method 2: P2P Payment Services

• 🤝 Look for trusted agents to pay bills on your behalf through Facebook groups like Hỗ trợ người nước ngoài tại Vietnam.
• ⚠️ need to be cautious of scams! Small test + face-to-face payment recommended.

Advanced Tips & Troubleshooting

🔹Q1: "Why does my MoMo always prompt 'Xác minh không thành công'?"
👉 Possible reasons ① Name spelling does not match → Make sure it is exactly the same as your passport; ② VPN interference → Close and try again.

🔹Q2: "Is it possible to transfer funds to VNPAY using an international account such as Wise/Revolut?"
👉No! You must transfer to a local bank in Vietnam via SWIFT before associating your e-wallet.

🔹Q3: "Can I open an account in Sacombank with a tourist visa?"
👉 Extremely difficult! Try banks like Techcombank or ACB in preference, which are more lenient to travellers.

💡 Expert advice: if frequent cross-border collections are required, consider opening aCIMB Vietnam(Malaysian Capital), which supports multi-currency accounts.

✨ Summarising decision trees ✨

Are you a foreigner in Vietnam and need to pay?

├── [Stay <3 months] → Grab Card + MoMO Cash Recharge + COD Online Shopping

├── [Stay >6 months with work visa] → Vietcombank account opening + VNPAY full function unlocked 

└── [Unable to open a bank card] → ZaloPay Social Transfer + P2P Payments for Emergencies 

Still have questions? You can write directly to your local agency such asVietnam Visa ProGet a customised solution (not advertised ⚠️ for your own screening).