How to Buy Crypto in Vietnam

Vietnam’s cryptocurrency market has been growing at an impressive pace: over the past year alone, its volume increased by 55%, reaching $220 billion (according to a report by VnEconomy citing Chainalysis data). This rapid growth has placed the country among the global leaders in crypto adoption. More and more people are turning to digital assets not only as an investment but also for transfers, purchases, and as a way to preserve capital.

If you’re just starting to explore this field, the first question is usually simple: where and how to buy cryptocurrency in Vietnam? In this article, we’ll break down the most popular methods of buying crypto, highlight their pros and cons, and share tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

Is It Legal to Buy Cryptocurrencies in Vietnam?

Right now, the rules around cryptocurrency in Vietnam are in a transition phase. Until recently, digital assets were not recognized as legal payment, and the State Bank warned that using Bitcoin and similar currencies for transactions outside the official system could result in fines. At the same time, there were no clear regulations on buying, holding, or investing, which kept the market in a gray area.

This changed in June 2025 with the passing of the Digital Technology Industry Law. For the first time, Vietnam formally recognized cryptocurrencies and virtual assets, granting property rights, circulation, and legal protection. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, will bring crypto transactions under clear regulations, including AML rules and compliance requirements for platforms.

Still, local reality looks different: even with regulation, not everyone will strictly follow official procedures. Crypto is already deeply rooted in daily life — it’s actively traded, exchanged for cash, and used almost like regular money. According to Chainalysis, Vietnam’s crypto market is worth around $220 billion, underlining just how widespread digital assets have become in the country.

Ways to Buy Crypto in Vietnam

So, you know the rules — now comes the fun part: buying crypto. In Vietnam, you’ve got a few ways to do it. Centralized exchanges are common, P2P platforms give you flexibility, and offline cash exchangers make it easy to trade directly in VND. Which is “best”? That depends entirely on what you are looking for.

CEXs (Centralized Exchanges)

Centralized exchanges are the most reliable and common platforms for buying crypto. You create an account, complete KYC, fund it via bank transfer or card (e.g., Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, MBBank, Vietinbank), and then purchase your chosen cryptocurrency.

For example, Cryptomus Exchange supports more than 120 cryptocurrencies and over 40 fiat currencies, including Vietnamese dong (VND). With its clean design, strong security, and easy deposits through cards or e-wallets, it’s a great choice for beginners — but it also has enough features to keep advanced traders satisfied.

Pros:

• Wide selection of cryptocurrencies;

• Strong security and data protection;

• Wide range of payment options.

Cons:

• Mandatory KYC verification;

• Dependent on exchange rules and banking limits.

P2P Platforms

P2P trading is especially popular in Vietnam because it allows direct deals with other users. Its popularity is also driven by the widespread adoption of crypto in the country, which means plenty of offers to choose from and a highly active market.

The process is safe thanks to escrow: the seller’s crypto is locked until the buyer’s payment is confirmed. Payment methods include local banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, Vietinbank, MBBank) and e-wallets like MoMo or ZaloPay. For example, Cryptomus P2P stands out with more than 560 payment methods, including all major Vietnamese options, and fees starting from 0.1%.

Pros:

• Very low fees;

• Wide variety of payment methods (including local banks and e-wallets);

• Secure escrow system.

Cons:

• Sometimes takes time to find the best offer;

• KYC verification required.

Cash Exchangers

Cash exchangers are another very common way to buy crypto in Vietnam. Usually they are small local services or individual traders. People find them in Telegram or Facebook groups, local crypto communities, or through personal recommendations. The process is simple: you meet the exchanger, hand over Vietnamese dong in cash, and receive the agreed amount of cryptocurrency in your wallet. Thanks to Vietnam’s highly active crypto scene, such exchangers can be found in most major cities, and many people use them for quick deals without going through an exchange account.

Pros:

• Instant transactions with cash;

• Widely available in big cities.

Cons:

• Requires arranging a meeting, which can take extra time and limit convenience;

• Exchange rate is usually worse than on P2P exchanges.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Crypto in Vietnam

Buying crypto in Vietnam doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the most straightforward methods is using an exchange — just follow a few simple steps:

1. Sign up on a reliable platform.
2. Complete KYC to verify your Vietnamese ID.
3. Deposit VND through your bank card or e-wallet and purchase your first coins.

In the next section, we’ll go through the process in more detail so you can choose the option that works best for you.

1. Register on the Platform

Start by choosing a trusted exchange and creating an account — the sign-up process usually takes just a few minutes. Make sure to secure it right away with a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA). In Vietnam, it’s best to stick with platforms that follow AML/KYC standards and already have a good track record with local users. This helps keep your funds safe and your transactions transparent.

2. Pass KYC Verification

Before you can deposit or withdraw funds, you’ll need to complete KYC. The steps are simple: upload a photo of your Vietnamese ID card (CCCD (Chứng minh nhân dân) / CMND (Căn cước công dân)) or passport, along with a quick selfie for confirmation. The review doesn’t take long, and once it’s approved, you’ll have full access to all the platform’s features.

3. Choose the Most Convenient Way to Buy Cryptocurrency

Once your account is set up and verified, the next step is to decide how exactly you want to purchase crypto.

• CEX (Centralized Exchange). Once your account is verified, you can fund it with VND. Most exchanges support deposits via local bank transfers (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, Vietinbank, MBBank) or through e-wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay. After the funds appear in your balance, go to the “Buy crypto” section, choose the coin you want, enter the amount, and confirm the purchase with your 2FA code.

• P2P Platform. In the P2P section of the exchange, set your filters: the amount of crypto, the fiat currency (VND), and your preferred payment method (bank transfer or local e-wallets). You’ll see a list of offers from sellers. Choose the one that works best for you, making sure the seller is verified, and follow the instructions to complete the trade. If no suitable offer is available, you can always create your own buy order and wait for responses.

Simple Way to Buy Crypto with Your Credit Card

If you are looking for the easiest way to buy cryptocurrency in Vietnam, the most convenient option is to use your bank card or local e-wallet. Here’s how it works step by step (using Cryptomus as an example).

Step 1 — Sign Up on Cryptomus

Registration takes just a couple of minutes. You can sign up with your email or log in via Google, Facebook, or Telegram. Right after that, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to make your account and funds much safer.

Step 2 — Verify Your Identity (KYC)

To start trading crypto, you’ll need to complete KYC. Go to “Settings,” select KYC verification, upload a photo of your passport or valid Vietnamese ID (such as CCCD/CMND), and take a quick selfie. Once your documents are approved, you’ll have full access to all Cryptomus features.

Step 3 — Choose “Receive” in Your Dashboard

From your main dashboard, click “Receive,” select the cryptocurrency you want (for example, BTC or USDT), and choose the right network. If you plan to pay in VND via card or wallet, make sure to switch to the “Fiat” option.

Step 4 — Pay via Mercuryo

Select “Receive via Mercuryo” and enter the amount you want to pay in Vietnamese dong (VND). The system will instantly calculate how much crypto you’ll receive in your wallet.

Step 5 — Confirm the Payment

You can use your debit or credit card from popular e-wallets like MoMo or ZaloPay. Enter your email, confirm the security code, and finalize the payment.

That’s it — in just a few minutes, your cryptocurrency will appear in your Cryptomus wallet, ready to use.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency Investments?

Yes — most likely you will have to pay tax, although the details are still being finalized. In 2025, Vietnam adopted Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP, which stipulates that transactions with crypto assets will be taxed in the same way as securities transactions — 0.1% of the total transaction amount, even if the actual profit is negative.

Until this regulation, cryptocurrency had been in a “legal gray zone,” and Vietnamese tax authorities did not have a clear legal basis to enforce taxation on income from crypto investments.

So, buying crypto in Vietnam becomes easy once you choose a trusted platform like Cryptomus and stick to the basics of safe trading. The market here is growing fast, which means opportunities are plenty — but they always go hand in hand with responsibility.

Protect your funds, stay informed about the rules, and approach crypto with a clear strategy. And whenever you need assistance, the Cryptomus is ready to help via email or Telegram — so you’re never on your own in this journey.