Withdrawing Cash from VRB ATMs (Mir Cards) in Vietnam: what actually matters to know

'Mir' cards may face issues, while UnionPay might have better acceptance. QR code payments, particularly from Sberbank, have been reported to work in some locations, but acceptance can be selective. For example, QR codes might not work at Gold Coast mall. Withdrawal from VRB ATMs using 'Mir' cards is possible. It is advisable to confirm current card acceptance policies and have backup payment methods, such as cash or other card types, readily available.

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.

For initial airport-to-hotel logistics, travelers can pre-pay transfers in Russian Rubles via platforms like Trip.com, then stop at a VRB ATM on the way to withdraw cash.

For currency exchange, local gold shops often offer better rates than banks. USDT-to-VND exchange services are widely used by the expat community.

ATMs operated by VRB (Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank) support Russian cards (MIR) for cash withdrawals. Standard withdrawal fees for approx. 10 million VND are around 624 RUB.