Thankfully, the days of carrying wads of cash or traveller’s checks are a thing of the past, but it pays to know which banks and post offices are best to use during your stay in Hoi An. ATMs are everywhere and all carry different charges and withdrawal rates. Here’s our guide to the best banks for both travelers and expats in Vietnam.
What are the best banks for foreigners in Vietnam?
Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank) – a state-owned Vietnamese bank and the largest bank in Vietnam, VietinBank has ATMs all over the country so you will find one even in the most remote places. The withdrawal limit is 2 million VND and they charge 20,000 VND per transaction.
The Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) – a very popular choice among Vietnamese people, it is also a recommended bank for foreigners in Vietnam thanks to its wide network of ATMs spread across the country, as well as withdrawal fees as low as 20,000 VND. On top of this, the withdrawal limit is 3 million VND.
Military Bank (MB) – lastly, MB is also a favorite among Vietnamese people and the withdrawal limit is 5 million VND with a 20,000 VND fee/transaction.
As for opening a bank account, most banks in Vietnam will require you to have a work permit or a residential card. However, with Military Bank (MB) you can open an account on a three month visa, although you’ll need a Vietnamese/English speaker to help you.
Tourist visa accounts are limited – you can put money in your account, withdraw it and use your card to buy things, but transferring money between accounts isn’t possible. Bring your passport. Accounts may take a few weeks to set up. If you’re here on a work permit, read our guide to opening an account below.
What are the best banks for expats in Vietnam?
If you’re in Vietnam for a few months due to work or other commitments, you might need to open a bank account. Most banks in Vietnam will require you to have a work permit or a residential card. However, with Military Bank (MB) you can open an account on a 3 months visa, although you’ll need a Vietnamese/English speaker to help you.
Tourist visa accounts are limited – you can put money in your account, withdraw it and use your card to buy things, but transferring money between accounts isn’t possible. Bring your passport. Accounts may take a few weeks to set up. If you’re here on a work permit, read our guide to opening an account below.
Below is a list of the documents you may need to bring with you, when starting an account:
- Your passport with a visa, or work permit and residency card
- Application form
- Minimum deposit required by the bank of your choice
- Valid mailing address
- A copy of your work contract if you are employed in Vietnam
The process itself can be done in an afternoon and most banks don’t require extra fees to open a new account.
See our guide to opening a bank account in Vietnam here.
Major banks found in Hoi An
When traveling, ATMs are gold and not just metaphorically speaking. Luckily, there are plenty of banks in Hoi An so you will never run out of Vietnamese dong – as long as you have money on your debit card, of course. Like everywhere else in the world the ATMs in Hoi An have fees that apply whenever you want to take money out so make sure to check them before using an ATM.
Below is a select list of banks and ATMs that can be found in Hoi An, as well as their fees and withdrawal limit. Also, keep in mind that your bank may charge you too for using your card in a different country. Tell your bank back home before you travel – give dates and an itinerary of where you’re going. It’ll help if you run into any financial difficulties, and your bank won’t put a block on your card when they see it being used in a far away country.
Vietin Bank
MB Bank
Vietcom Bank
Asia Commercial Bank (ACB)
Dong A Bank
Here is the complete list of banks in Hoi An.
Post Office in Hoi An
For some, shop ‘til you drop is just a saying but for others is a way of living. So if you did buy one too many tailored suits or dresses in Hoi An, you can easily ship them back home. Currently, there are three main options for shipping parcels overseas: the local post office, Dai Nam Postal Service, or DHL Express which will deliver it a lot faster, but costs more.
Cards and postcards can only be sent from Hoi An’s Post Office. If you’re sending a parcel, don’t pack anything before you go – all parcels have to be checked and will be carefully wrapped by the staff at your chosen establishment. Bear in mind that some items – such as food – are unable to be sent by post. You’ll have to declare the cost of your items to help with customs’ fees.
