Going to vietnam, how do you get access to your money?

[gongzee]

So I'm going to vietnam soon, but I haven't had that much travel experience. If you've been to vietnam (or even if you haven't), what's the best way to access your money?

[emrys74]

can most likely draw it out of an atm using a debit card generally better rates than money changers.

[vivere]

So I'm going to vietnam soon, but I haven't had that much travel experience. If you've been to vietnam (or even if you haven't), what's the best way to access your money?

If your card has a "Plus" or "Maestro" symbol you can use it in any ATM overseas displaying that logo (most of them). Best to get a straight EFTPOS card, not one attached to a credit card as while overseas you often don't get the option of selecting an account type and if the base card is a credit account that is what it will use.

Best to check with your bank...

[agrid]

I spent some time in Hanoi a while back. Lovely place. ATMs and US dollars are fine.

[gongzee]

can most likely draw it out of an atm using a debit card generally better rates than money changers.

Yeah I've heard that too, cheers.

If your card has a "Plus" or "Maestro" symbol you can use it in any ATM overseas displaying that logo (most of them). Best to get a straight EFTPOS card, not one attached to a credit card as while overseas you often don't get the option of selecting an account type and if the base card is a credit account that is what it will use.

Best to check with your bank...

By eftpos you mean I could just use my normal bank card at the atms (linked to normal checking, savings account)? or is it a debit card better for this? I'll probably head over there tomorrow actually. I always thought they had specific travel cards used for travelling but last time I went there they said they don't have those. I'll look around again

[gongzee]

I spent some time in Hanoi a while back. Lovely place. ATMs and US dollars are fine.

I was hoping this was the case. They should start using AUS dollars though!

[Fozzy]

ATM's are everywhere. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees on your card as it can add up quickly. I think travelx do a prepaid card that you can load up with cash and you just pay a flat fee at the beginning to get it with no foregin fees.

I would also take some USD as the hotels etc prefer to be paid in it. I can also recommend Madam Cuc's Hotels if staying in Saigon. Outstanding service and I have stayed there 3 times and been treated like a king. They are abit out of the main tourist area but still comfortable walking distance to everything Madam cuc hotel will cost you about 12 dollars USD for airport to hotel transfer and about 13 usd a night including dinner and breakfast they even have good wifi. The girls downstairs will also book your tours/transfers etc with no problems at all.

Take photocopies of all your travel documents Passport/tickets/insurance etc and keep them on you at all times. Alot of hotels will want to hold your passport as a bond this is normal so dont freak out.

Very Jealous. I love Vietnam.

[korbosky]

Having lived in Vietnam for the past year, if you have a Commonwealth or ANZ card both banks have branches and ATM's in Ho Chi Minh which will cost you $2 for every transaction compared to using another banks ATM where they charge you a percentage of withdrawal. Outside of Ho Chi Minh it is best to use a money changer but be warned you cannot bring more than $5000 USD into the country.

On another note if you do not have hotel transfers, make sure the taxi driver turns the meter on or you will get charged at least double. On average a taxi from the airport to district 1 in Ho Cho Minh should cost between 100,000-150,000 VND ($5-7).

[agrid]

My EFTPOS won't work overseas so double check that.

[Old frt]

Hi - Im the better half of him and work in finance... Eftpos cards only work on the plus ATM... If you have a visa card you can use any ATM
If you google Visa plus ATMs you can find any ATM by searching for country and city you will probably be charged $5.00 per transaction
When purchasing just use credit.
It is recommended to replace your card on return in case of fraud and always take a second option to get your money or Travelex for $15.00 will give you 2 cards and you Bpay funds into them so you are using a 3rd party account( if you lose a card it is replaced usually within 48 hours)
enjoy.

[agrid]

I suspect my credit card got compromised during that PS3 fiasco. It was all good until I arrived in the US and went to pay about $900 for rental on two Ducatis through PayPal. The card got shutdown and when I rang Bankwest they said that the card had been compromised some months ago for international transactions and that I should have let them know I was travelling overseas. I was left thinking that it would have been helpful if they had let ME know. Fortunately I've dealt with Dan from Racy Rentals before and he said to just go ride and sort it out when I get home.

[kapyong]

I have some MPC (Military Payment Certificate) that I bought home in 69 that I am willing to sell for AUD, you may still find a Mama-san that is willing to trade her wares for.

[filbert]

not sure about other banking institutions but police and nurses do what they call a cash passport, some travel agents have facilities to do it as well like the old school travellers cheques but electronic.

you buy your foreign currency and it's converted onto a visa debit card for a fee of $15 or 1.1% whichever is higher, it's valid for 3 years and can be topped up via Bpay

advantage being you only pay ATM fees not currency exchange fees of 3% to 10% depending on the bank, secure like a credit card and you can have them cancelled and replaced if stolen etc.

[shmoo]

It depends how long you're going for mate. If just a short trip, then i wouldn't bother getting a different card/account. Just withdraw large amounts less frequently from ATM's to minimise the high overseas atm fees.

If you were going for a longer time or if you travel frequently, i'd recommend changing your bank account to a NAB Gold Banking account with a visa debit card. No overseas fees.

[Old frt]

not sure about other banking institutions but police and nurses do what they call a cash passport, some travel agents have facilities to do it as well like the old school travellers cheques but electronic.

you buy your foreign currency and it's converted onto a visa debit card for a fee of $15 or 1.1% whichever is higher, it's valid for 3 years and can be topped up via Bpay

advantage being you only pay ATM fees not currency exchange fees of 3% to 10% depending on the bank, secure like a credit card and you can have them cancelled and replaced if stolen etc.

As my better half suggested, that is actually Travellex, Police and Nurses are one of their agents.
She is compliance officer for PNCS

[filbert]

Old frt she will probably know my wife then i didn't actually ask her the details, i've just used it before and was happy with it.

[gongzee]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think the ATM one where I take out a wad of cash less frequently is the way to go my case. I'll just have to be extra cautious, and double check that my card will actually allow me to withdraw overseas. I'll keep all the other suggestions in mind for next time though.

[gongzee]

I have some MPC (Military Payment Certificate) that I bought home in 69 that I am willing to sell for AUD, you may still find a Mama-san that is willing to trade her wares for.

I think I'll just stick with good old modern currency thanks. lol

[Old frt]

Old frt she will probably know my wife then i didn't actually ask her the details, i've just used it before and was happy with it.

Probably does, the only thing I am not happy about is she knows exactly where I am and what I've used the card on instantly.
Classic example, I decided to change my flight and come home a day early after a couple of weeks working in Fiji.
Thought it would be a nice surprise for the family.
I take $200 out of an ATM in Sydney, 15 mins later my daughter rings me,
"hey dad you're home" Me-- "how did you know?" her --"mum told me" me --"how the hell does mum know, I told nobody, it was meant to be a surprise"
Her,-- " you used an ATM in Sydney airport"
Talk about big brother is watching you.

[Old frt]

I have some MPC (Military Payment Certificate) that I bought home in 69 that I am willing to sell for AUD, you may still find a Mama-san that is willing to trade her wares for.

just bear in mind those Mama--sans are well past their use by date by now