Vietcombank

Banking can be tricky.

Most banks like Vietcombank or Techcombank require a long-stay visa or a temporary residence card to open an account.

For tourists, e-wallets like MoMo or ZaloPay are far easier to set up and are widely accepted, even at market stalls.

You will also need a Vietnamese phone number for most apps, so getting a SIM registered with your passport upon arrival is essential.

Banking is still a bit of a hurdle.

A tourist generally cannot open a walk-in account at major banks like Vietcombank or Techcombank without a long-stay visa or temporary residence card.

The TRC is the key enabler, so most new residents sort residency first.

In the meantime, e-wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay are far easier to open and are widely accepted, even at market stalls.