Banking in Vietnam 2026: opening an account as a foreigner
Local accounts need a work permit or TRC — nomads lean on Wise and e-wallets.
Foreigners usually need a work permit or temporary residence card to open a Vietnamese bank account (Vietcombank, Techcombank, VPBank); short-term visitors face limits. Accounts are in dong with strong mobile banking. Many nomads use Wise, foreign cards and e-wallets like Momo. Crypto is unregulated and banks won't touch it.
Opening a bank account in Vietnam
Vietnamese banks — Vietcombank, Techcombank, VPBank — generally require a work permit or temporary residence card (and sometimes a local address) to open a full account; short-stay foreigners face limits. Mobile banking is strong and QR payments are ubiquitous.
Multi-currency, crypto and moving money
Without residency, many nomads rely on Wise, foreign cards and local e-wallets like Momo, converting to dong as needed; cash is still widely used. Cryptocurrency is not recognised as a means of payment and banks steer clear, so keep crypto to licensed offshore exchanges.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Open as non-resident? | Needs work permit / TRC |
| Typical documents | Passport, work permit or TRC, local address |
| Currency | VND; Wise + Momo common |
| Crypto | Unregulated; banks avoid |
| CRS reporting | Yes (CRS) |
Where it fits in a borderless plan
For short stays, foreign accounts plus e-wallets are simplest. Banking is one pillar of a borderless setup. Line it up with where you are tax-resident, your Bitcoin self-custody plan, and the rest of daily life — healthcare and schools. Compare countries in our banking-abroad guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Vietnam?
Needs work permit / TRC. Typical documents: Passport, work permit or TRC, local address. Requirements vary by bank and change over time, so confirm current rules before you rely on them.
Can I use Wise or Revolut and hold foreign currency in Vietnam?
Currency options: VND; Wise + Momo common. Most globally mobile people pair a local account with a multi-currency app for cheap FX. Check each provider's availability for your nationality.
Is Vietnam crypto-friendly for banking?
Unregulated; banks avoid. Banks and regulators treat crypto cautiously and rules move fast — verify the current position with your bank before moving funds.
Directories & official sources
Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:
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