Navigating Foreign Currency Purchases: A Guide for Provincial Residents
For those of you living in smaller towns and cities, acquiring foreign currency might not be as straightforward as it used to be, especially if you prefer to avoid relying heavily on cards. This guide is for those who are new to this process or looking for alternative methods. If you have your own brilliant strategies, please share them – keeping silent is just not fair!
The Shifting Landscape of Bank Currency Exchange
When I recently visited the bank to purchase US dollars, I was informed about a new regulation implemented around October 21, 2025. While the exact date might be a bit hazy in my memory, it was definitely within the past week. The new rule significantly caps the amount of foreign currency you can buy for your entire trip to a maximum of $1000. Previously, this limit was $5000. If you needed more, you'd have to visit multiple other banks, which is quite time-consuming. Of course, if you're a VVIP customer or have connections, you might still be able to purchase up to $5000 per transaction without resorting to these workarounds.
My preference for cash stems from concerns about high card fees and the potential inconvenience of being in a location with limited ATM access or card acceptance points. Therefore, I always prioritize having physical cash on hand.
A Practical Solution for Vietjet Passengers
Here's a step-by-step approach if you've booked a flight with Vietjet:
- Access the Vietjet app and navigate to My Flights.
- Enter your flight details and select Continue.
- Scroll down until you find the section for Register Foreign Currency Purchase.
- Tap on this section and input the amount of foreign currency you wish to buy. For those in provincial areas, purchasing US dollars is generally easier.
- Provide your personal information and select your preferred branch for currency collection.
- Upload your passport, round-trip flight ticket, and visa or e-visa if applicable.
- Finally, select Register Foreign Currency Purchase Now.
- Next, you'll need to make a bank transfer using the provided QR code.
- After the payment is complete, download the transaction details and take a screenshot of the transaction within the app. This will be essential when you visit the branch to present to the staff and collect your currency.
It's important to note that this method is exclusively available through HD Bank; you cannot choose other banks.
My Personal Experience and Exchange Rate
I made my purchase on October 24, 2025, at an exchange rate of 26,352 Vietnamese Dong per US dollar. When I entered the desired dollar amount, the app clearly showed the equivalent Vietnamese Dong to be paid, with no additional hidden fees. The only slight delay was due to my being the very first customer in my area to use this specific method. The bank staff had to contact their head office to finalize the procedures, which understandably took some time.
Key Considerations for Success
This method is exclusively applicable when purchasing tickets for Vietjet flights. It's highly recommended to initiate the purchase process early, ideally at least three days before your departure date, and to avoid weekends (Saturday and Sunday). It's also best to complete the currency purchase request on the app while you are physically at the transaction counter. This allows for immediate troubleshooting if the branch doesn't have the exact amount you need, enabling you to adjust the request or arrange for a different collection date, giving you ample time to make alternative arrangements.
Please read the accompanying notes carefully. Any issues arising from not doing so are your responsibility.
This sharing is a token of my gratitude to the group members who enthusiastically guided me and answered my queries, equipping me with the experience needed to prepare for my travels, especially as someone residing in a provincial area. While it might not be groundbreaking, receiving so much support compels me to give back a little, wouldn't you agree? If you have any suggestions, please be gentle. I am a sensitive country girl, and harsh words can leave me feeling quite disheartened, leading to a complete shutdown where I'd hesitate to share anything further and only resort to asking questions.
Thank you to the administrator for approving this post.
Credit: Dang Ngoc Phuc
