Vietnam's expat community is growing fast. Whether you're based in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang, here's how to move GBP to VND without losing a significant chunk to unnecessary fees.
Indicative rate only. Wise adds a small fee (typically 0.35–0.5% on GBP). Always confirm the exact amount on wise.com before transferring. We earn a commission if you use this link — labelled AD above.
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) involves very large numbers — roughly 32,000 VND per GBP — making fee and rate differences numerically significant even when the percentages look small. Wise offers the best rate on this corridor for most transfer sizes. Note that VND is not yet as widely supported as major Asian currencies, so always check provider availability before you need to send.
VND received on a £1,000 transfer. April 2026:
| Provider | Rate (GBP/VND) | Fee | You Receive (VND) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wise | 32,207 | ~£5.80 | 31,994,199 VND | ✅ Best rate |
WorldRemit | 31,640 | £2.99 | 31,434,960 VND | Good for cash |
XE Money | 31,750 | £3.99 | 31,482,980 VND | OK alternative |
UK Bank | 30,100 | £25 | 29,350,000 VND | ❌ Avoid |
Vietcombank (VCB) and BIDV are the most reliable for receiving international transfers. Both have strong SWIFT infrastructure and process inward transfers efficiently. Techcombank and VPBank are good digital-first alternatives popular with younger expats. Avoid sending to small local credit unions — they frequently have delays on international credits.
Despite rapid digitisation, Vietnam remains significantly cash-based outside major city centres. If your recipient needs cash, WorldRemit has a reasonable cash pickup network in Vietnam. For bank transfers in Hanoi or HCMC, Wise is strongly preferred.
Foreigners in Vietnam can hold USD accounts at Vietnamese banks, which some expats find more stable than holding large VND balances. Wise can send USD directly to Vietnamese bank accounts — worth considering if your expenses are often quoted in USD (as is common in Ho Chi Minh City for accommodation and some services).
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