Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that attracts millions of tourists every year. Whether you want to explore the bustling cities, the scenic countryside, the stunning beaches, or the rich culture and history, Vietnam has something for everyone. However, travelling to Vietnam can also be expensive, especially if you don’t plan ahead and use the right tools to manage your money. One of the best ways to save money on your trip to Vietnam is to use a WISE card, a travel money card that lets you spend in Vietnamese dong and other currencies at the real exchange rate. In this article, we will explain what a WISE card is, how it works, and what are the pros and cons of using it in Vietnam.

A WISE card is a debit card that you can order online for free and use to send, spend, and receive money around the world. You can top up your card in your local currency and convert it to the currency you need in real time using the WISE app. You can also hold and spend over 40 different currencies with the same card, including Vietnamese dong. The WISE card is accepted in more than 160 countries and you can withdraw money from 3 million ATMs worldwide.

• Saving money: You will save money on exchange rates, transaction fees, and ATM fees, compared to using your regular bank card or exchanging cash at the airport or hotels.
• Convenience: You don’t need to carry large amounts of cash or look for currency exchange offices. You can use your card anywhere that accepts Mastercard, which is most places in Vietnam. You can also manage your account and transactions easily on the WISE app.

• Availability: You may not be able to use your card in some remote areas or small businesses that only accept cash. You may also encounter some ATMs that charge extra fees or have low withdrawal limits. You should always check the ATM network and fees before using your card.
• Language: You may have some difficulties communicating with the local merchants or ATM operators if they don’t speak English. You may also need to explain what a WISE card is and how it works, as it may not be very common in Vietnam. You should always carry some cash and a backup card in case of any issues.
• Customer service: If you have any problems or questions with your card, you may not be able to reach WISE customer service by phone, as they only operate in 14 languages. You may also have to wait for a long time to get a response by email or chat. You should always check the WISE help center and FAQs before contacting them.

• You may be charged between VND 30000 and VND 55000 per withdrawal by some Vietnamese banks.
• You may also be charged a 2% fee for funding transactions that include topping up e-wallets and other accounts in certain currencies.
• You can withdraw up to 100 USD per month for free with your WISE card. After that, you will be charged 1.5 USD per withdrawal and 2% of the amount over 100 USD.
• You will not be charged any foreign transaction fees or exchange rate markups, as you will always get the real exchange rate that you see on Google.

• You need to sign up for a WISE account online and verify your identity by uploading some documents.
• You need to order your card on the WISE website or app and pay a small fee for the card.
• You need to activate your card and set a PIN when you receive it.

A WISE card is a great tool to save money and enjoy your trip to Vietnam. It allows you to spend in Vietnamese dong and other currencies at the real exchange rate, without any hidden fees or charges. It also offers convenience, security, and flexibility, as you can use your card in most places, manage your account on the app, and create virtual cards for free. However, you should also be aware of the limitations and challenges of using a WISE card in Vietnam, such as availability, language, and customer service. You should always do your research and plan ahead before traveling to Vietnam, and carry some cash and a backup card as a precaution. With a WISE card, you can make the most of your money and your time in Vietnam.