How do foreigners pay by scanning codes in Vietnam?

Foreigners may encounter some limitations when using code-sweeping payments (e.g. MoMo, ZaloPay, etc.) in Vietnam, but this can be achieved in the following ways:

1. International Credit/Debit Card Binding

• Applicable Scenarios: Some Vietnamese payment apps (e.g. MoMo) support international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) binding.
• move::
  1. Download a local payment app (e.g. MoMomomo).
  2. Vietnam mobile phone number is required for registration (local SIM card can be purchased).
  3. Try to bind an international credit card, some banks may not support it.

2. Opening through a bank account

• applicable population: Long-term residents.
• move::
  1. Open a local bank account in Vietnam.
  2. Tie your bank card directly to the payment app.

3. cash recharge

• Platforms such as MoMo support e-wallet top-ups with cash through partner outlets (convenience stores, pharmacies).

4. Cross-border payment instruments

• Alipay/WeChat Pay is available in some tourist areas or chain shops, but penetration is limited.

⚠️ Notes

• mobile telephone number: Vietnam number is required for registration.
• KYC certification may require a local ID or temporary residence permit.

5. Use of Prepaid Card issued by Vietcombank

If a foreigner is unable to open an official Vietnamese bank account, he or she may consider getting aprepaid card(e.g. Vietcombank's Visa Prepaid Card, TPBank's YOLO Card, etc.). These cards usually do not require a strict KYC process and can be applied for at selected branches or online.

Steps:

1. Go to a bank that supports foreigners' cards (e.g. Vietcombank, TPBank, Sacombank, etc.).
2. Provide passport and visa, deposit cash to activate prepaid card.
3. Tie to a payment app such as MoMo/ZaloPay to scan the code for payment.

6. Replenishment of the e-wallet through third-party exchange services

Some gold shops (tiệm vàng), currency exchange bureaux or online intermediaries offer the service of "charging" e-wallets, but with caution:

• Higher handling fees(possibly 5%-10%).
• There are risksIt is advisable to choose a reputable merchant.

7. QR Phổ thông (NAPAS Universal QR Code)--Vietnam National Unified Code Scanning System

From 2021, Vietnam promotes the national NAPAS QR code standard (QR Phổ thông), which supports cross-bank/e-wallet scanning payment. Foreigners can use it in the following ways:

• ✅ Payment App with International Credit Card(e.g. MoMo) can scan the NAPAS QR code for payment.
• ❌ However, some merchants may only accept wallets tied to local bank cards.

8. Apple Pay / Google Pay (limited support)

Apple Pay and Google Pay are not yet popular in Vietnam:

• 🏦 A few high-end hotels and international chains may accept it.
• 💳 If Visa/Mastercard international card is bundled, it can be swiped at the POS.

⚠️ Key Issues and Solutions

📌 Recommended programmes

1️⃣ short term traveller → Alipay/WeChat Pay + Visa credit card back up
2️⃣ Medium to long term residence → Get a local SIM + prepaid bank card → Bind MoMo/ZaloPay