Using Cards (MIR, UnionPay, RSB, Tinkoff): how it works in Vietnam — first-hand
Short answer
The most advantageous way to get Vietnamese Dong is by exchanging US dollars at local jewelry shops, preferably using new banknotes. Alternatively, use UnionPay cards for payments, QR-code transfers via Russian bank apps, or withdraw cash from VRB ATMs using MIR cards.
From real experience
Exchange rates in Vietnam vary. Exchanging Russian Rubles directly for Vietnamese Dong offers a rate of approximately 322 VND per RUB.
It is more advantageous to exchange USD, with a rate of roughly 100 USD = 2,600,000 VND. Using Sberbank for QR code payments yields approximately 340-342 VND per RUB. Withdrawing cash from a MIR card at VRB ATMs might offer better rates, but this should be verified. Exchanging USD is generally recommended.
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To exchange crypto to VND: Open a VND account in Tbank during business hours, top it up from a RUB account.
Link a Mir card to the VND account and withdraw from VRB ATMs. Withdraw amounts equivalent to 3000 RUB (approx. 1.5 million VND) or more to avoid fees. This method is reported to be more favorable than Sberbank.
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When exchanging currency or making payments in Vietnam, be aware of potential scams involving counterfeit or easily confused banknotes, particularly between 20,000 and 500,000 VND, or 10,000 and 200,000 VND.
It's advisable to use smaller denominations for market purchases and larger denominations or card payments in malls. Payment via QR code is also becoming more prevalent. Be cautious with card payments; some sources indicate issues with 'Mir' cards, while UnionPay might be more widely accepted. It's generally recommended to use payment methods that have been confirmed to work reliably.
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Upon late-night arrival in Hanoi, with hotel check-in only in the morning and no airport hotels available, currency exchange options are limited.
Airport exchange rates may be higher, but were reported to be comparable to city exchange offices on May 22nd (26350 VND per USD). It's advisable to use new USD bills for better rates. UnionPay cards, particularly Ruble-denominated ones, are accepted for payments, offering favorable exchange rates. Withdrawing cash from ATMs is not recommended due to high fees and poor exchange rates.
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When using Tinkoff cards in Vietnam, direct withdrawals may have unfavorable conversion rates.
Converting from a Ruble account to a VND account (if available) might avoid commissions. Exchanging USD for VND is often more advantageous. The exchange rate for Tinkoff cards to VND is better during Russian banking hours (e.g., 334.2 VND/RUB) and significantly worse outside these hours (e.g., 310 VND/RUB). It is recommended to perform exchanges during Russian bank operating hours.
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When using Russian bank cards like RSB in Vietnam, cash is often preferred, especially for taxis.
UnionPay cards are accepted in larger establishments. For RSB, payments can be made in cafes that accept them. It's advisable to have both US dollars (new or old, though old may have a slightly worse exchange rate) and Vietnamese Dong readily available. While card payments are possible, cash transactions are more common for smaller purchases and services.
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Russian tourists in Vietnam can use VRB (Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank) ATMs to withdraw cash with 'Mir' cards.
For everyday payments, UnionPay cards from Russian banks (e.g., RSHB) are widely accepted in restaurants and supermarkets. Alternative payment methods include QR-code transfers via Russian banking apps (Sber, Tinkoff, MTS). US dollars (even older bills) are typically exchanged at local jewelry stores.
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For travel to Vietnam, it is recommended to carry new US dollar bills as they are more widely accepted and may offer a better exchange rate compared to older notes.
Some establishments may offer lower rates or refuse older bills. Card payments are possible, with UnionPay (especially a Ruble-denominated card) being a viable option to avoid double conversion.
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Recommended payment methods in Vietnam for Russian tourists include: 1) UnionPay cards (enter 00 before the PIN if needed), 2) MIR cards at VRB (Vietnam-Russia Bank) ATMs, and 3) QR payments.
For currency exchange, local gold shops often offer better rates than banks. USDT-to-VND exchange services are widely used by the expat community.
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When in Vietnam, it is more advantageous to bring US dollars for currency exchange compared to Euros.
Currency exchange offices in jewelry stores often provide favorable rates. While withdrawing Vietnamese Dong (VND) from ATMs using Russian bank cards is possible, the exchange rate may be less favorable than direct currency exchange. Therefore, carrying US dollars is recommended.
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When shopping at airport stores before flying to Russia from Vietnam, both US dollars and Vietnamese Dong (VND) are accepted.
For card payments, UnionPay or RSB cards may work. Additionally, currency exchange specialists can assist with converting Russian Rubles to VND.