Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Vietnam or should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
I learned the hard way that American Express just doesn’t have the same reach in Vietnam as it does in places like Singapore or Thailand. I couldn’t use it at most restaurants in Hanoi, and even a couple of mid-range hotels didn’t take it which surprised me. It’s also not accepted by Vietnam’s popular bus companies or train ticketing platforms. The Amex concierge told me to “call ahead” before using it at a merchant, which isn’t practical while backpacking. My Revolut Visa and a backup Mastercard were essential. If you’re coming here with only Amex, expect frustration bring a widely accepted card.
I used my American Express card at the Park Hyatt Saigon with no problem, but once I stepped out into the city even in fairly upscale areas like District 3 or Thao Dien I couldn’t use it at most cafes, boutiques, or supermarkets. FamilyMart and Circle K didn’t accept it. I had to switch to my Wise Visa card for almost all everyday spending. It's not that people haven’t heard of Amex, it's just not part of their payment infrastructure. It’s also not accepted by MoMo or ZaloPay if you’re planning to use local e-wallets. In Vietnam, Visa is definitely king.Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Vietnam or should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
I brought my Amex (American Express Green) with me to Vietnam and quickly realized it’s not widely accepted, even in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. I could use it at high-end hotels like the InterContinental or Sofitel and a few luxury retailers in Vincom Centers, but that was about it. Local cafes, even some nice restaurants in District 1, wouldn’t take it. Grab app doesn't support Amex either. I started using my backup Visa debit card for 95% of my expenses. If you're relying on Amex, definitely bring a secondary card you’ll need it almost everywhere outside of five-star hotels and international chains.
oooh its like you take chances all the time. I traveled across Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with my American Express Platinum, and honestly, it was hit-or-miss. Most mid-range and upscale hotels accepted it, especially international chains like Pullman or Hilton. But when it came to restaurants, cafes, or transport even in touristy areas like the Old Quarter in Hanoi or Bui Vien Street in HCMC Amex was almost always declined. I ended up relying on my backup Visa debit card (from Revolut) for 90% of transactions. Definitely bring a Visa or Mastercard with you; Amex alone won’t get you far in Vietnam.