What tourists can actually do at Vietnamese banks

Most Vietnamese banks will not open a checking or savings account for you as a tourist. Banks require a temporary residence card (issued by your local police precinct) or a work permit, and tourists on a standard visa do not may have access to for either. If you are staying fewer than 90 days, you will not get a residence card.

What you can do instead: open a savings account that requires no residence documentation, though only a handful of banks offer this. Vietcombank and Techcombank have both issued accounts to tourists using only a passport and proof of address (a hotel booking or rental agreement). The account comes with a debit card and online access, but you may face limits on how much you can transfer out of the country per day or month.

If you need to move money in or out of Vietnam quickly, a bank account is not your fastest option. International money transfer services like Wise, Western Union, or MoneyGram work without an account and settle in one to three business days. A Vietnamese bank account makes sense only if you are staying long enough to use it regularly or need to receive ongoing payments from a Vietnamese employer or client.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourists on standard visas cannot get a temporary residence card, which most Vietnamese banks require to open an account.
  • Vietcombank and Techcombank have issued savings accounts to tourists using only a passport and proof of address, though this is not may provide at every branch.
  • Bank accounts opened as a tourist may have daily or monthly limits on international transfers, so check the terms before depositing large amounts.
  • For short stays or one-time transfers, international money transfer services are faster and simpler than opening a bank account.

Which banks accept tourists and what documents you need

Vietcombank (Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade) and Techcombank (Techcombank Joint Stock Company) have the most consistent track record of opening accounts for tourists. Both have English-speaking staff at major branches in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You will need your passport, a proof of address (hotel confirmation, rental lease, or even a hotel business card with the address), and sometimes a letter from your employer or a reference from another bank.

Some branches of BIDV (Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam) and ACB (Asia Commercial Bank) have also opened accounts for tourists, but policies vary by location and change without notice. Call ahead to the specific branch where you plan to apply—do not assume that because one branch accepted a tourist last month, another branch will accept you today.

Bring your original passport plus a photocopy. Many banks will ask for a Vietnamese phone number; if you do not have one, ask whether a temporary mobile number (bought at any 7-Eleven or convenience store for under 100,000 VND) will work. Some branches may also request a reference letter from your hotel or accommodation provider, though this is not always enforced.

How long the account opening takes and what you get

If the branch accepts your application, the account usually opens the same day or within 24 hours. You will receive a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks, though some branches can issue a temporary card immediately. Online banking access is typically activated within one business day, so you can transfer money and check your balance before the physical card arrives.

The account comes with a Vietnamese IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and a local account number. This matters if you need to receive payments from Vietnamese businesses or freelance clients—they will ask for your local account details, not an international wire routing number. Your debit card works at ATMs across Vietnam and at most merchants, though international transactions may trigger a fraud block on your first use abroad.

Monthly maintenance fees are usually waived for the first year or if you maintain a minimum balance (often 1 to 5 million VND, roughly $40 to $200 USD). After that, fees typically run 50,000 to 200,000 VND per month depending on the bank and account type. Ask about this before you open the account, because some tourist accounts convert to paid accounts once your visa expires.

Limits on moving money out of Vietnam

Vietnamese banks impose daily and monthly caps on international transfers, and these limits are stricter for accounts opened by tourists. A typical limit is $2,000 to $5,000 USD per day and $10,000 to $20,000 USD per month, though this varies by bank and account type. Some banks allow you to request a higher limit if you provide documentation of the source of funds (a job contract, invoice, or bank statement from your home country).

Transfers to your home country take three to five business days and cost 100,000 to 300,000 VND per transaction. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end. If you need to move a large sum quickly, ask the bank about their specific limits and fees before you deposit the money—you do not want to discover a $10,000 monthly cap after you have already put $15,000 in the account.

Domestic transfers (to other Vietnamese bank accounts) are instant and usually free. If you are paying a local vendor or contractor, they can give you their account number and you can send money directly from your phone or online banking.

Alternatives if a bank account is not available to you

If no bank will open an account for you, or if you need access to money before a bank account can be set up, international money transfer services are your backup. Wise (formerly TransferWise) accepts tourists and transfers money at the real exchange rate with no hidden markup. Western Union and MoneyGram have agents at convenience stores and airports across Vietnam and can deliver cash to you within hours.

If you are receiving payments from a foreign employer or client, ask them to use Wise, Payoneer, or Stripe instead of a bank transfer. These services deposit money into a digital wallet that you can withdraw at ATMs or spend directly, and they do not require a Vietnamese bank account or residence card.

For everyday spending, a credit card from your home country works at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. Notify your card issuer before you travel so they do not block transactions as fraud. ATMs in Vietnam charge a flat fee (usually 20,000 to 50,000 VND) per withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize fees.

What happens to your account when your visa expires

Most banks will freeze or close your account once your tourist visa expires, unless you convert it to a longer-term visa category (work permit, business visa, or residence card). Some banks give you 30 to 90 days after expiration to withdraw your money; others freeze it immediately. Before you open the account, ask the bank in writing what their policy is for expired visas.

If you plan to return to Vietnam regularly, ask whether you can keep the account dormant and reactivate it on your next visit. Some banks allow this; others require you to close and reopen. If the bank closes your account, any remaining balance will be mailed to your address on file, which can take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a tourist visa and passport?

Some banks like Vietcombank and Techcombank will, but it depends on the branch and their current policy. You will also need proof of address (hotel booking or rental agreement). Call the specific branch first—do not assume all branches have the same rules.

What if the bank refuses to open an account for me?

Try a different bank or branch in a larger city, where staff are more accustomed to tourists. If no bank will open an account, use Wise or Western Union to move money, or ask your employer to pay you through Payoneer or Stripe instead.

Can I use a Vietnamese bank account after my visa expires?

Most banks freeze or close accounts when a tourist visa expires. Ask the bank before you open the account what their specific policy is, and whether you can keep it dormant for future visits.

How much can I transfer out of Vietnam each month?

Limits vary by bank but typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 USD per month for tourist accounts. Ask your bank for their exact limit before you deposit money, especially if you need to move a large sum.

Is opening a bank account worth it for a short trip?

Probably not. If you are staying fewer than two weeks, use your credit card and ATMs instead. A bank account makes sense only if you are staying long enough to use it regularly or need to receive ongoing payments from a Vietnamese source.