Your Guide to Buying Foreign Currency in Provincial Towns: A Hassle-Free Method
Are you living in a provincial town and finding it tricky to get your hands on foreign currency, especially since the gold shops aren't the go-to spot anymore? And perhaps you prefer not to rely heavily on cards for your travels. This guide is for you! If you're new to this, dive in. If you already have a method, feel free to share and contribute. Staying silent when you know more is a bit unfair, isn't it?
Navigating New Banking Regulations for Dollar Purchases
When I recently went to the bank to buy US dollars, I was informed about a new regulation effective October 21, 2025 (the exact date is a bit fuzzy, but it was within the last week). This rule limits dollar purchases to a maximum of $1,000 for an entire trip, even for journeys lasting over half a month. Previously, the limit was $5,000. If you needed more, you'd have to visit multiple banks, which is quite time-consuming. Of course, if you're a VIP customer or have connections, you might still be able to purchase $5,000 per transaction without needing this workaround. My preference for cash over cards stems from concerns about high fees and the potential for being stranded without access to ATMs or card machines in remote locations.
Step-by-Step: Buying Foreign Currency with Vietjet
Here's how it works if you've booked a flight with Vietjet. Head to the Vietjet app and select My Flights. Enter your details and choose Continue. Scroll down until you find the option to Register for Foreign Currency Purchase. Tap on it and then input the amount of foreign currency you wish to buy. For those in the provinces, purchasing US dollars is generally easier. Next, fill in your personal information, select the branch where you'll collect your currency, and upload your passport, round-trip flight ticket, and visa or e-visa if applicable. Finally, click Register for Foreign Currency Purchase Now.
After that, you'll need to make a bank transfer to the provided QR code. Once the payment is complete, download the transaction details and take a screenshot of the transaction within the app. You'll present this at the counter when you collect your money. It's important to note that this method is exclusively available through HD Bank; you cannot choose other banks.
My Personal Experience with the Transaction
I made my purchase on October 24, 2025, at an exchange rate of 26,352 VND per US dollar. When I entered the amount of dollars I wanted, the app displayed the exact Vietnamese Dong equivalent, with no additional fees incurred. The only hiccup was the wait time, which was quite long. As I was the very first customer in my area to use this method, the bank staff had to contact their head office for procedures, causing a delay. This practical application of the process highlights its effectiveness for individuals in less urbanized areas.
Crucial Tips for a Smooth Transaction
This method is exclusively for purchasing foreign currency when you have booked flights with Vietjet. It's best to do this at least three days before your departure, avoiding Saturdays and Sundays. Try to initiate the currency purchase request on the app while you are physically at the bank branch. This way, if they don't have the full amount you requested, you can immediately adjust it to a smaller sum, or if they need to schedule a later pickup, you'll still have ample time to make alternative arrangements.
This sharing is my way of thanking everyone in the group who enthusiastically guided me and answered my questions. It's given me, someone living in a provincial town, valuable experience to prepare well for my trips. While it might not be groundbreaking, receiving so much help makes me want to give back a little, right? If you have any suggestions, please be gentle. I'm a sensitive country girl, and harsh words can make me retreat into silence, unwilling to share anything further and only daring to post basic inquiries.
Thank you to the admin for approving this post.
Credit: Dang Ngoc Phuc
