Paying for a Vietnam Visa: how it works in Vietnam — first-hand
Short answer
Russian bank cards and most virtual or prepaid cards are not accepted for Vietnamese e-visa payments. It is recommended to use an internationally recognized credit or debit card issued outside of Russia or hire a reputable local agency to handle the payment.
From real experience
Direct payment for the Vietnamese e-visa using Russian Mir cards is not accepted.
Virtual cards and prepaid services may also not work. It is recommended to use an international payment card (e.g., Visa or Mastercard issued by a bank outside of Russia) or consider using a local agency that can assist with the payment process. Some users have reported success with specific local payment apps or by using cards from banks with international operations.
✓ 2 reports from chats
US citizens experiencing issues with Vietnam visa payment due to technical glitches and unresponsiveness from support should explore alternative solutions.
This includes contacting the embassy directly if no prior appointment is needed, seeking out reputable agencies specializing in expedited visa processing, or checking pinned messages in relevant forums for contacts or tips.
✓ 1 report from chats
Virtual cards, including those from services like 'Trumani', are generally not accepted for paying the Vietnamese e-visa fee.
Since last year, many virtual cards and prepaid payment methods have stopped working for such transactions. It is advisable to use an internationally recognized credit or debit card for the payment.
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Inquire about the necessity of obtaining a visa for Vietnam and the available payment methods.
The user has encountered issues with Russian cards and is seeking information on alternative payment options or assistance with visa application and payment, possibly involving the Bybit card.
✓ 1 report from chats
Russian bank cards, such as Sberbank, may not be directly accepted for payments in Vietnam.
However, cash withdrawal is possible at VRB ATMs using MIR cards, which automatically convert to Vietnamese Dong (VND). It is also advisable to carry US dollars for exchange at better rates locally or utilize QR code payment systems like Bybit Pay. Some users have reported successful e-visa payments using virtual cards from Bybit.
✓ 1 report from chats
Inquire if the ImbaWallet card, which offers a physical card option, can be used to successfully pay for a Vietnamese visa, as virtual cards have reportedly failed.
✓ 1 report from chats
It is not possible to pay for a Vietnamese visa with a Bybit card, as the payment does not go through.
While a virtual card can be created quickly, it will not facilitate the visa payment.