ATM machines in VIETNAM

[b_weeks 6]

Are ATM's widely available in HCMC. Can yo easily get USD from these ATM's?

[tpi008 0]

Yes, they are widely used. And some with MASTER/VISA CARD COMPLIANCE. Look for "Vietcom Bank" Logos (green). I find those easiest to work with. Similar to what we use in the states.

Edited May 17, 2008 by tpi008

[TQN 0]

Yes, ATMs are available in Vietnam but I do not think you can withdraw USD from them. I see they're only for Vietnameses who have bank account with affiliated bank to withdraw their VND. But you can exchange USD in most banks or shopping centers in district 1, their exchange rates are relatively close to another. One of the most annoying thing I encountered was the bank clerks refused to exchange USD because the bill has slight crease on it. . This seems to be the case for most exchange venues. They need fresh mint bills to sell it, I guess.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I was told by my bank that it wouldn't be a problem using one there, but that Visa would charge 1%. I know other VJ members have used them there. I opted to take cash and exchange it as needed . I ran into a problem the last week trying to exchange the USD to VND though. Apparently there is a glut of dollars on the market there and the banks had stopped accepting them. We finally found one that would do it. This was in Tien Giang though.

[Rodney n. 0]

I didnt use any atms when i was there. we just always went too the jewelery store and swaped out cash. they usually just trade in $100 increments. guess the banks are not widely trusted.

rodney

[PeterFB 0]

On my three trips to Vietnam, I didn't use ATMs but they are all around HCMC. I did try to use one but because my Credit card wasn't set up with a PIN to withdraw money, I wasn't able to use it.

I was going to get a cash advance from one of the many banks (funny most Vietnamese don't use banks.......) in HCMC. The clerk told me to use the ATM because the bank charges a service fee of 3% and only will give you VND which there is a exchange rate fee also so I would be better off using the ATM since the ATM would give me VND without the service fee and a better exchange rate. But as I said my credit card wasn't setup in the US before I left so it wasn't a quick option so I paid the extra fees and got my VND. Since any withdrawl from a credit card is a cash advance, your bank will charge you the cash advance fee on top of all the other fees.

My advice is to bring as much cash as you feel comfortable with. I brought traveler checks and they also get a service fee, a smaller one than a credit card, when you cash them into VDN or Dollars.

Also make sure you have your passport not a photocopy (as the State Department says to use for ID in Vietnam) as banks, most money exchanges won't accept any ID except your original passport when you cash traveler checks or get a cash advance on your credit card. Also most stores won't accept your credit card unless you have your original passport either. Restaurants aren't usually a problem with a credit card in my experience.

Peter and Thi

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[Melrose Plant 1]

My advice is when in Rome......just carry the cash. Your lady will know which jewelry shop or whatever hole in the wall place to exchange it. Vietnamese banks are useless. There's a reason why everybody has bars on their windows and broken glass embedded in the concrete. Every home is a bank.

I sure wouldn't rely on the ATM system to get you your money when you want it, how you want it 100%.