Atm Machines in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide to Banking

Vietnam has a well-developed banking system, with ATMs widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

You can find ATMs at most banks, as well as at shopping malls, airports, and hotels.

In Vietnam, ATMs are usually open 24/7, making it easy to access your cash whenever you need it.

Many ATMs in Vietnam accept international cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Using ATMs in Vietnam can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you navigate the process.

First, you'll need to know that Vietnamese ATMs often ask for a 6-digit PIN, which is longer than what we're used to in the UK. Simply add two zeros (00) to the front of your normal PIN to get around this.

Not all ATMs and retailers use chip and PIN in Vietnam, so be prepared to swipe your card instead. Check if your card has a magnetic stripe on the back, as many UK-issued cards do.

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Beware of high fees when using Vietnamese ATMs - many banks charge between VND 30,000 and VND 55,000 per withdrawal. Some banks have even higher fees, so it's essential to check the fees before you withdraw.

Your home bank may also charge fees, including a withdrawal fee and a foreign transaction fee, which can add up quickly. Always say no to being charged in your home currency, as this can be an exchange rate rip-off.

You can avoid high fees by using ATMs from Techcombank or Sacombank, which charge lower fees compared to others. Techcombank, for example, has fees of around 50,000 VND, while Sacombank allows a larger withdrawal limit of up to 10,000,000 VND per transaction.

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Cash withdrawal and limits can be a bit tricky in Vietnam. The maximum amount you can withdraw from a Vietnamese ATM largely depends on your bank, with daily, weekly, and/or monthly withdrawal limits varying from bank to bank.

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You can withdraw up to 2,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND depending on the ATM operator, but it's always best to check with your bank for specific limits. Some banks in Vietnam offer fee-free cash withdrawals for existing customers with a local bank account.

ATMs in Vietnam have rather low per-transaction withdrawal limits, with ATMs in Ho Chi Minh City usually dispensing up to VND 4 million per transaction. Once you leave the city, it's rare to find ATMs that dispense more than VND 2 million per transaction.

Here are some specific withdrawal limits for major banks in Vietnam:

Don't let those numbers shock you, though - VND 2 million is more than enough for at least a couple of weeks, and the cost of living in Vietnam is rather low.

As you navigate the world of ATMs in Vietnam, you'll encounter exchange rates and fees that can catch you off guard. Always choose to withdraw in Vietnamese dong (VND) without a currency conversion to get a better rate.

The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 23,500 VND as of June 2024, but be aware that exchange rates fluctuate. It's essential to check the current rate before your trip.

To minimize fees, consider withdrawing larger amounts, but be cautious about carrying too much cash at once. Distribute your money across different bags and locations for added security.

Here's a breakdown of some common ATM networks in Vietnam and their fees:

To avoid high fees, it's best to use Techcombank or Sacombank ATMs, which charge lower fees compared to others.

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Always choose to be charged in Vietnamese dong (VND) when using ATMs in Vietnam to get the best possible exchange rate.

The mid-market rate is the most favorable rate, and choosing VND ensures you get this rate.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is a system that allows ATMs to charge you in your home currency, but this can result in an inflated exchange rate and higher costs.

As of June 2024, 1 USD is approximately equal to 23,500 VND.

Using ATMs in Vietnam can come with a range of fees. You can expect to pay between 22,000 VND to 55,000 VND (around $1 to $2.35 USD) per withdrawal, depending on the bank.

Fees vary from bank to bank, but some charge much higher fees than others. For example, HSBC Vietnam and ANZ Vietnam charge 55,000 VND to 70,000 VND (around $2.36 to $3.00 USD) per withdrawal.

Your home bank may also charge fees, including a withdrawal fee and a foreign transaction fee. These are charged in addition to the withdrawal fee levied by the Vietnamese ATM.

To minimize fees, it's generally better to withdraw larger amounts. However, be cautious about carrying too much cash at once and distribute your money across different bags and locations for added security.

Here's a breakdown of some common ATM fees in Vietnam:

Techcombank and Sacombank ATMs are some of the best options to avoid high fees. Techcombank charges around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.15) per withdrawal, while Sacombank allows a larger withdrawal limit of up to 10,000,000 VND per transaction.

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Vietnamese ATMs tend to charge fees, but these vary depending on the bank or operator.

Using your home bank's partner banks in Vietnam can be a good idea, especially if they have a low or no fee policy on ATM withdrawals.

Techcombank and Sacombank ATMs charge lower fees compared to others, with fees of around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.15) and no fee information available for Sacombank.

You may be able to benefit from lower fees if your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Vietnam.

Using a Techcombank ATM reduces the number of times you need to use an ATM, as they allow a larger withdrawal limit of up to 10,000,000 VND per transaction.

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Your home bank may have a partnership with a Vietnamese bank that would allow you to use its ATMs fee-free or at a reduced cost. It's definitely worth checking into this with your home bank, just in case.

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Some banks have partnerships or alliances with other institutions, allowing their customers to use certain ATMs without incurring fees. For example, some banks may waive fees for withdrawals from HSBC or Citibank ATMs in Vietnam, even if you're not a customer of those banks.

You can use the following banks' ATM locator tools to find partner banks in Vietnam: Vietcombank - ATM locatorVietinbank - ATM locatorAgribank - ATM locatorBIDV - ATM locatorHSBC - ATM locatorCitibank - ATM locator

Customers of ANZ and Citibank can use their respective ATMs in Vietnam without paying any withdrawal fees, but be aware that these international banks have a more limited ATM network in Vietnam compared to local options.

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You can find ATMs in Vietnam at major airports, as well as in cities and busy tourist areas. Major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City have a high concentration of ATMs.

Agribank, Vietinbank, and BIDV have the most extensive ATM coverage, even in remote regions. This means you're likely to find their ATMs in most parts of the country.

In major cities, you'll also find ATMs from international institutions like HSBC and Citibank. They might not be as widespread as local banks, but you can still find them in tourist areas.

To find ATMs in Vietnam, you can use the ATM locator tools from major Vietnamese banks. Here are some of the banks that offer this service:

Alternatively, you can use Google Maps or ask your hotel staff for the nearest ATM locations. This can be especially helpful when exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Most ATMs in Vietnam accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK. You should be fine to use your UK-issued card abroad, but check with your bank about any potential charges.

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You can search for your nearest cash machine with Visa's or MasterCard's online ATM locator. Some ATMs will also accept Union and JCB cards, although American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

Ask your bank to confirm whether your card will work in Vietnam. Most ATMs accept Plus (Visa) debit and credit cards. Chip-and-pin ATMs are rare in Vietnam, so make sure your card has a magnetic stripe on the back.

ATMs in Vietnam use six-digit PINs, so if your PIN is four digits long, you can usually get around this by adding two zeros in front. It's best to ask your bank about this.

All banks in Vietnam accept foreign cards, so you don't have to worry about looking for a specific type. They accept a range of cards, including AMEX, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Union Pay cards, and more.

To find the best ATMs in Vietnam, look for Sacombank or HSBC Vietnam, which offer larger withdrawals and lower fees. Alternatively, you can try ACB or Techcombank, which charge lower fees but have lower withdrawal limits.

Here's a summary of the best ATMs in Vietnam:

Remember to check the exchange rates offered by different banks, as Vietcombank offers competitive rates.

TPBank and VPBank are two banks that stand out for offering fee-free ATM withdrawals in Vietnam. They have a relatively high withdrawal limit of 5,000,000 VND (around $212 USD) per transaction.

This means you can withdraw larger amounts without incurring additional fees.

ANZ and Citibank customers can use their respective ATMs in Vietnam without paying any withdrawal fees.

If you're an ANZ or Citibank customer, you're in luck - you can withdraw cash from their ATMs in Vietnam without incurring any fees.

However, it's worth noting that these international banks have a more limited ATM network in Vietnam compared to local options.

You should still check with your bank to understand the complete fee structure, as they might apply foreign transaction fees or account maintenance charges.

In any case, using ANZ or Citibank ATMs in Vietnam can be a cost-effective option for withdrawals, especially if you're already a customer of one of these banks.

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Major Networks in Vietnam offer a robust ATM infrastructure, with both local and international banks operating widely. You'll find ATMs from prominent international institutions in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Among the local banks, Agribank, Vietinbank, and BIDV have the most extensive ATM coverage, even in remote regions. This makes it relatively easy to find an ATM in Vietnam, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots.

Here are some of the major ATM networks you'll encounter in Vietnam:

These banks have a significant presence in major cities and tourist areas, making it convenient to access your money. However, it's always a good idea to check with your bank to see if they have any partner banks in Vietnam that can offer fee-free or reduced-fee ATM withdrawals.

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ATM machines in Vietnam can be found easily with the help of global ATM locators such as Visa and MasterCard's locators.

You can use your UK-issued Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card abroad, but be sure to check with your bank about any potential charges.

Some ATMs in Vietnam will accept Union and JCB cards, but American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

Always check the ATM for signs of tampering, such as loose or misaligned components, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

If something seems amiss, it's best to find another ATM to avoid potential card skimmers and fraud.

Here are some global ATM locators to help you find your nearest cash machine:

Be vigilant and cautious when using ATMs in Vietnam to protect yourself from potential card skimmers and fraud.