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Should I use cash or credit cards in Saigon?

Published · 4 min read
Quick Answer

Cash (VND) is essential in Saigon — street food, local markets, xe ôm, and small guesthouses are cash-only. Cards are accepted at hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, and most sit-down restaurants in tourist areas. Carry 500,000–1,000,000 VND in cash for daily spending and use ATMs to replenish. Inform your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.

VERIFIED · MAY 2026 Read below ↓

The short answer: you need both. Vietnam has not transitioned to a cashless economy at the street and market level. Grab accepts card via the app. Almost everything else in daily tourist life requires VND in hand.

What requires cash

  • Street food (phở stalls, bánh mì carts, bún bò spots)
  • Local markets including Bến Thành Market and Chợ Lớn
  • Xe ôm and cycle transport
  • Small guesthouses and family-run hotels
  • Temple entry fees
  • Café chains accept card, independent cafés often cash-only
  • Most tour operators (some accept card, confirm when booking)

What accepts cards

  • 4–5 star hotels and serviced apartments
  • Major sit-down restaurants in tourist areas
  • Shopping malls: Vincom Center, Saigon Centre, Landmark 81
  • Supermarkets: WinMart, VinMart, Co.opMart
  • Pharmacies and international clinics
  • Major tour operators (Sinh Tourist, some Viator partners)

ATM strategy

Bank recommendations: Vietcombank and Techcombank have the most ATMs in District 1 and charge reasonable per-transaction fees (33,000–44,000 VND). Look for their branches on Nguyễn Huệ, Lê Lợi, and near Bến Thành Market.

Withdrawal amount: Withdraw in amounts of 2,000,000–4,000,000 VND at a time. This balances transaction fee efficiency against carrying too much cash. Most ATMs cap at 5,000,000 VND per transaction.

Dynamic currency conversion: If an ATM or card terminal asks whether you want to pay in your home currency or VND, always choose VND. The rate offered in your home currency will be significantly worse than the interbank rate your home bank applies.

Inform your bank before travel. Vietnamese banks send patterns that trigger fraud alerts. A quick call or message to your bank before leaving removes this friction.

Money exchange

Exchange cash at Vietcombank branches or gold shops (tiệm vàng) in Bến Thành Market — these give competitive rates. Airport exchange counters offer poor rates. Street money changers offering “better rates” are either running a scam or operating illegally — avoid both.

For daily cost reference, see how much money do I need per day in Saigon? For ATM-specific safety, see are ATMs safe to use in Saigon?.

Also asked

Related questions, answered.

Which ATMs in Saigon have the lowest fees?
Vietcombank and Techcombank ATMs charge the lowest fees for foreign cards — typically 33,000–44,000 VND per transaction (roughly $1.30–$1.80). BIDV and VPBank are comparable. Avoid ATMs with 'no fee' signs — they often compensate with an unfavorable exchange rate applied before your home bank sees the transaction. Sacombank machines in some tourist areas use a dynamic currency conversion trick that should be refused.
What ATM withdrawal limit applies to foreign cards in Saigon?
Most Vietcombank and BIDV ATMs allow 5,000,000 VND per transaction (about $200 USD). Some machines limit to 3,000,000 VND. You can usually make multiple withdrawals if needed, though your home bank may have daily limits. Avoid withdrawing the maximum from machines that charge per transaction — two medium withdrawals at one machine often costs the same flat fee as one.
Is it safe to use credit cards in Saigon restaurants and shops?
At hotels, chain restaurants, shopping malls (Vincom, Landmark 81), and pharmacies — yes. At independent guesthouses, markets, street food stalls, and smaller shops — cash only, or the card reader 'doesn't work.' Card skimming is rare at reputable establishments but has been reported at some tourist-adjacent small shops. As with anywhere, check your statement within 48 hours of card use.
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