How to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam as a Foreigner? (2024)

How to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam as a Foreigner? (1)

As a non-resident in Vietnam, a foreigner is welcome and has the freedom to open a bank account in the country. This is highly recommended for quick and convenient transactions, especially if you are planning to reside in Vietnam for more than six (6) months or directly invest to the Vietnamese market.

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The process of opening a bank account in Vietnam

In general, the following documents are mandatory to be submitted when you are opening a bank account of your choice:

A stamped visa

with validity of between 3 to 6 months (may vary from one bank to another)

A valid mailing address
A valid mailing address

(may vary from one bank to another)

A foreigner on a work visa

may be required to provide a copy of their work contract

An application form from the bank

Types of bank accounts available in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there are two types of bank accounts that you can choose:

A Bank Account in Foreign Currency (USD or EUR)

The main advantage of opening a foreign currency bank account is the easiness to transfer money to a foreign bank. Some foreigners choose to open this type of bank account for the need of money transfer to their home countries. In general, to be eligible to open a bank account in foreign currency, you are required to have a minimum deposit of 300 USD or 300 EUR.

A Bank Account in Local Currency (VND)

The main advantage of opening a local currency bank account is that it facilitates transactions in restaurants, stores, shops and other places. Furthermore, you will not be charged for withdrawals in VND.In general, to be eligible to open a bank account in local currency, you are required to have a minimum deposit of 3,000,000 VND. It is highly recommended that the balance in your account should not be lower than VND 100,000, or else you will be charged approximately 1,000 VND per day.

Bank account setup in Vietnam with Cekindo

Thanks to our long-time partnership with several banking institutions in Vietnam, Cekindo can assist you in opening a bank account, whether you are a foreign individual residing in Vietnam or an investor establishing a company in Vietnam and wishing to open a corporate bank account. Opening a bank account with Cekindo can help you to choose the most suitable bank for your needs and to make the process much faster and easier.

Disclaimer: At this time we do not offer this as a standalone service. If you need help opening a bank account you must also purchase another one of our business services..

Get in touch with us should you require further information on opening a bank account in Vietnam by filling in the form below.

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How to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam as a Foreigner? (2024)

FAQs

Can I open a bank account in Vietnam as a foreigner? ›

As a non-resident in Vietnam, a foreigner is welcome and has the freedom to open a bank account in the country. This is highly recommended for quick and convenient transactions, especially if you are planning to reside in Vietnam for more than six (6) months or directly invest to the Vietnamese market.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Vietnam? ›

Your passport. Your valid Vietnam visa or visa exemption. An application form (you can fill the form at the bank) Minimum deposit (which depends on each bank's regulation)

Which US banks have branches in Vietnam? ›

There are five U.S. banks and financial institutions operating in Vietnam. Citibank and Far East National Bank have branches, Wells Fargo and Visa International have representative offices, and JP Morgan Chase has both a branch and a representative office.

Can I open a Vietnamese bank account online? ›

Can you open a Vietnamese bank account online? Most banks in Vietnam allow you to create an account online, provided you have all of the correct documents. A big plus is that there are international banks like HSBC and Citibank that have a strong presence in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Can a US citizen open a bank account in Vietnam? ›

Can I open a bank account as a non-resident of Vietnam? Most definitely. As an incoming expat you are free to open a bank account within the country.

Is it illegal for a US citizen to have a foreign bank account? ›

And, while it is absolutely legal to own a foreign bank account, there are some additional reporting and tax requirements that US persons should be aware of so that they can remain in IRS tax and reporting compliance and avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.

Which bank is best in Vietnam for foreigners? ›

What are some of the best banks for foreigners to use in Vietnam? There are a few different banks that are considered to be the best for foreigners to use in Vietnam. These include Vietnam International Bank (VIB), HSBC, Sacombank, Vietcombank, BIDV, VietinBank, Charles Schwab, United Overseas Bank and Shinhan bank.

Is there a Bank of America in Vietnam? ›

Bank of America Opens First Branch in Vietnam | AP News. The AP News site encountered an error , please click the AP logo above to reload the site.

Which ATM is best in Vietnam for foreigners? ›

The most popular ATMs in Vietnam

The most popular ATMs of foreign banks in Vietnam include Citibank, ANZ, HSBC, Commonwealth Bank, Shinhan, Standard Chartered. These ATMs can only be found in big cities where there are many foreigners live and work.

Can I transfer money from US bank to Vietnam bank? ›

You'll need to visit a U.S. Bank branch to send money outside of the United States. Talk to a banker to let them know you'd like to send an international wire transfer. Feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our bankers if you can't drop by or need to manage your time.

Does Chase bank have branch in Vietnam? ›

J.P.Morgan Chase Bank N.A. has maintain a direct presence in Vietnam since 1995 by operating a branch in Ho Chi Minh City and a representative office in Hanoi. The firm is global leader in investment and commercial banking, wealth management, private equity and retail financial services.

Is there a Wells Fargo bank in Vietnam? ›

Wells Fargo does not have offices outside of the U.S. that provide services to consumer or small business customers.

Which banks allow foreigners to open accounts? ›

This is the most common problem that foreigners realize. However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account.

Can I transfer money to a bank account in Vietnam? ›

You can make bank transfers or bank deposit payments to Vietnam with no hidden transfer fees. What information is required to send money to Vietnam? To transfer money to Vietnam, you will need to provide your full name, address, bank payment details, and verification of your identity.

Can a foreigner get a credit card in Vietnam? ›

If you're a foreigner, you need to have had a residence permit in Vietnam for at least 12 consecutive months when you apply to open a secured credit card.

Does Citibank have branch in Vietnam? ›

Citi set its first footprint into Vietnam before 1975, and then started up a representative office in Hanoi in 1993. A year later, Citi became the first U.S financial institution licensed for branch opening and full branch establishment in Hanoi. In 1998, Citi opened the second branch in Ho Chi Minh City.

Does US allow dual citizenship with Vietnam? ›

If I apply for dual citizenship with Vietnam, do I have to renounce my U.S. citizenship? A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.

Can the IRS see my foreign bank account? ›

Since foreign accounts are taxable, the IRS and U.S. Treasury have a very rigid process for declaring overseas assets. Any American citizen with foreign bank accounts totaling more than $10,000 in aggregate, or at any time during the calendar year, is required to report such accounts to the Treasury Department.

What countries don t report to IRS? ›

Bermuda, Monaco, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are four countries that do not have personal income taxes. If you renounce your U.S. citizenship, you may end up paying a tax penalty called an expatriation tax.

Do I need to report foreign bank account to IRS? ›

Per the Bank Secrecy Act, every year you must report certain foreign financial accounts, such as bank accounts, brokerage accounts and mutual funds, to the Treasury Department and keep certain records of those accounts.

Can I use my US debit card in Vietnam? ›

While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards.

Which personal bank is best in Vietnam? ›

Vietnam's best international bank 2022: HSBC.

Can an American open a bank account in another country? ›

An international bank account is entirely possible and could offer benefits that you may not get with a bank account here at home. Be sure to take your own financial goals into consideration as you keep reading to learn why and how to open an international bank account.

What international bank is in Vietnam? ›

Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank, abbreviated as Vietnam International Bank (VIB), was among the leading joint stock banks in Vietnam. For more than 20 years, VIB has achieved significant development and prominent milestones.

What American companies are in Vietnam? ›

Major US firms such as Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Universal Alloy Corporation (UAC), Nike, and Key Tronic EMS have already moved production lines to Vietnam due to costs associated with the trade war. All these factors have helped increase trade between both countries since the normalization of diplomatic relations.

What American bank is international? ›

Citibank is one of the best international banks in the US for expat banking because of their very international model. It currently physically operates in 97 markets2, supporting clients from more than 160 countries, making access to their ATMs more convenient.

How much cash can I carry from USA to Vietnam? ›

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: None. However, Vietnamese Dong in excess of VND 150,000,000 or foreign currency in excess of 5,000 U.S. dollars or equivalent must be declared.

How much cash can I carry into Vietnam? ›

How much money do I need in Vietnam? According to the law, amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000 must be declared on arrival and amount exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent in other currencies must be declared as well.

How much cash can you fly with in Vietnam? ›

If you plan to take money out of Vietnam, you can take out amounts of less than 15 million in Vietnamese dong or USD5000 (or equivalent in other foreign currencies) without declaring this. Any amount in excess of this will need to be declared to Customs at the airport.

Can you Zelle to Vietnam? ›

No, Zelle® can only be used to send funds to someone who has a bank account in the United States.

How do I wire money from USA to Vietnam? ›

Common options include:
  1. Bank transfer – you can pay for your international transfer using an international wire from your normal bank, or by making a local bank transfer to a specialist provider.
  2. Online or in app – most specialist services let you pay with a bank transfer or card, through their website or app.

What is the cheapest way to transfer money from US to Vietnam? ›

Bank Transfer

Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money.

Can I use my Chase card in Vietnam? ›

the answer is, most often, yes. You may also be able to use your credit card to withdraw cash at most ATMs overseas, which may come along with fees. Depending on your credit card issuer, you may need to notify them that you're traveling abroad.

What credit card companies are in Vietnam? ›

VietinBank, Agribank, BIDV, Vietcombank, DongA Bank, Techcombank, Sacombank, ACB, and Eximbank are the key companies in the Vietnamese cards and payments market.

Is there a Bank of America in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam? ›

Bank of America, which came to Vietnam in 1993, closed its representative office in southern Ho Chi Minh City in December 2001, the central bank official added. At the end of 2001 there were 27 branches and 42 representative offices of foreign banks in Vietnam.

Can I use my Wells Fargo debit card in Vietnam? ›

All Wells Fargo cards should work internationally wherever the card's network is accepted – however, there's often a 3% foreign transaction fee, plus ATM withdrawal costs if you're overseas.

Can I use Wells Fargo card in Vietnam? ›

Your Wells Fargo business credit card is either a MasterCard or a Visa card and is accepted worldwide wherever you see those logos. It's a good idea to have some foreign currency with you before you leave the U.S. to cover immediate expenses.

What is the most popular bank in Vietnam? ›

Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), one of the biggest banks in Vietnam, is among the nation's most esteemed banking institutions. With total assets of VND 2.048 trillion, BIDV is the largest bank in Vietnam and has become a major player in the country's economy.

What documents are required for opening bank account for foreigners? ›

The foreign national is required to furnish copies of the following documents to open the bank account:
  • Valid foreign passport.
  • Valid Indian visa ( it should be a longterm visa: valid for more than 182 days).
  • Copy of Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) permit.
  • Overseas address proof.
  • Indian address proof.
Oct 9, 2017

Can I open a bank account in another country without living there? ›

Yes, but you will likely need to provide extra documentation to verify your identity, place of residence, and the legal purpose of the account.

Can you open a bank account in another country without being a resident? ›

A non-resident bank account can make managing your money overseas easier. A non-resident bank account is an account you can open in a central location based in a country or territory you don't currently live in. These accounts are also referred to as Offshore Bank Accounts or Offshore Accounts.

Can a non resident open a bank account in Vietnam? ›

As a non-resident in Vietnam, a foreigner is welcome and has the freedom to open a bank account in the country. This is highly recommended for quick and convenient transactions, especially if you are planning to reside in Vietnam for more than six (6) months or directly invest to the Vietnamese market.

Does Western Union transfer money to Vietnam? ›

When you send money to Vietnam with Western Union, you can make your transfer the way that suits you – on our app, in person or online, by cash or card. It's quick, easy and free to register for your Western Union profile.

Is Vietnam visa free for US citizens? ›

Yes. All US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam for business or leisure trips.

Which online bank is best in Vietnam? ›

Asiamoney Vietnam's best digital bank 2021: HDBank.

Can you open a bank account in another country if you don't live there? ›

We're here to help!

Fortunately, opening a bank account in a foreign country is totally possible — and totally legal, as long as you're not doing so for tax evasion purposes. However, it may take a few more steps than opening a domestic account would.

Does Vietnam have Chase bank? ›

About Us. J.P.Morgan Chase Bank N.A. has maintain a direct presence in Vietnam since 1995 by operating a branch in Ho Chi Minh City and a representative office in Hanoi. The firm is global leader in investment and commercial banking, wealth management, private equity and retail financial services.

What is the best ATM to use in Vietnam for foreigners? ›

The most popular ATMs of foreign banks in Vietnam include Citibank, ANZ, HSBC, Commonwealth Bank, Shinhan, Standard Chartered. These ATMs can only be found in big cities where there are many foreigners live and work.

Can a US citizen living abroad open a bank account? ›

ACA teamed up with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) to help provide accounts for Americans residing abroad. This is the same account used by US citizens working at US embassies as well as many other people living around the world. You can reside full-time or part-time abroad and still qualify.

Why is Wells Fargo closing foreign accounts? ›

The primary rationale is likely a combination of increased U.S. regulation of financial institutions and a perceived compliance risk that U.S. banks have about operating in certain foreign countries. Laws such as the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) have brought increased scrutiny to this area.

What is the easiest country to open a bank account? ›

Generally, Belize is considered one of the easiest countries to have a bank account. The reason behind the popularity of Belize is its stability. To begin with, Belize's offshore banking system is among the most stable in the world based on its liquidity rates.

Which US banks are international? ›

In this article, we've rounded up some of the best international banks in the US that are great options for international travel.
  • Citibank. ...
  • HSBC. ...
  • Capital One. ...
  • Charles Schwab Bank. ...
  • First Republic Bank. ...
  • Bank of America. ...
  • Citibank. ...
  • HSBC.

Can Americans deposit money in foreign banks? ›

Offshore Company Bank Accounts

A U.S. citizen unable to open an offshore account in their individual name and passport number can indirectly deposit money in an offshore bank account through a foreign entity.

Do we have Bank of America in Vietnam? ›

The San Francisco-based bank debuted its Hanoi branch in February 1995, one month after New York-headquartered Citibank launched its Hanoi branch.

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