How to Transfer Money to Vietnam and Vice Versa?

Money transfers between Vietnam and other countries have become a part of everyday life — both for people working abroad who send money home, and for business owners cooperating with Vietnamese partners. Today, you can move funds in many different ways: through banks, online services, or even with cryptocurrencies.

In this article, we’ll look at the main options available for residents and foreigners, explain how each of them works, and help you find the most practical and affordable method for your specific needs.

Ways to Transfer Money

There are several trustworthy ways to send money to and from Vietnam. Each method comes with its own advantages and drawbacks — it all depends on how quickly you need the transfer and the amount you plan to send.

Let’s go through the main options in detail.

1. Bank Transfers (SWIFT)

This is the traditional and most common way to send money abroad. Transfers go directly from the sender’s bank account to the recipient’s through the SWIFT network.

It’s a secure choice, especially for larger amounts, but it often takes a few working days to process and usually comes with higher fees. Some banks might also require documents to verify the source of the funds.

2. Online Payment Services

If you need to send a small amount fast, online platforms are often the most convenient choice. Services like PayPal, Wise, and Remitly let you transfer money straight from your card or bank account — all you need is the recipient’s email address or banking details.

These platforms handle currency conversion automatically, and their fees are generally lower than what banks charge. However, not every service supports transfers to all Vietnamese banks, and some countries or currencies may have limits in place.

3. International Money Transfer System

For those who prefer dealing with cash, services like Western Union and MoneyGram remain a reliable way to send money abroad. You can make a transfer online or at a nearby service location, and the recipient can collect the funds in cash at a partner branch in Vietnam.

The main advantage is speed — transfers often arrive within 10–15 minutes. The downside is the higher fees and the fact that the recipient has to pick up the money in person.

4. Cryptocurrency Transfers

Cryptocurrency is another way to send money to and from Vietnam. Transfers are made in digital assets such as USDT, Bitcoin, or USDC to a crypto wallet. The funds move directly on the blockchain, where each transaction is verified and recorded in a decentralized network.

Crypto transfers are usually completed within seconds and rarely take more than a couple of minutes. Transactions move directly on the blockchain, ensuring fast and transparent delivery anywhere in the world. Once the funds arrive, the recipient can convert the cryptocurrency into Vietnamese dong (VND) if needed on the P2P platform. If both users use the same exchange, the transfer is processed instantly and without any fees.

Comparison of Transfer Methods

Each way of sending money to or from Vietnam has its own strengths, but they also vary in speed, cost, and convenience. The table below provides a quick comparison of the main options.

So, let’s take a closer look at how each method works in practice. Below, you’ll find step-by-step explanations for the most common ways to send money to and from Vietnam.

How to Transfer Money with PayPal?

PayPal makes it easy to send funds abroad using just an email address. The platform connects to your card or bank account and handles currency conversion automatically. Here are a few steps to make a transfer:

1. Sign in to your PayPal account or create one.
2. Choose “Send Money” and enter the recipient’s email address.
3. Specify the amount and select the currency.
4. Review the fees and conversion rate before confirming.
5. Confirm the transaction — the recipient will receive funds in their PayPal account, which can later be withdrawn to a bank.

How to Transfer Money with Remitly?

Remitly is built for quick and secure international transfers. It supports both direct bank deposits and cash pickups through local partners in Vietnam. Here are a few steps to send money:

1. Sign up or log in to Remitly’s website or app.
2. Select Vietnam as the destination and choose how the funds will be received — bank deposit or cash pickup.
3. Enter the recipient’s details, select a payment method, and confirm the transfer. Depending on the chosen speed, delivery takes from a few minutes to one business day.

How to Transfer Money with Wise?

Wise offers transparent international transfers with real exchange rates and low fees. Here’s how it works:

1. Log in to your Wise account.
2. Choose “Send Money”, enter the transfer amount, and add the recipient’s Vietnamese bank details.
3. Review the conversion rate and confirm payment using your bank account or card. Most transfers reach the recipient’s bank within one working day.

How to Transfer Money with MoneyGram?

MoneyGram provides both online and in-person money transfer options. Funds can be sent for cash pickup or direct deposit into a Vietnamese bank account. To send money, follow these steps:

1. Go to the MoneyGram website, app, or local branch.
2. Select Vietnam as the destination and choose the delivery method — cash pickup or bank deposit.
3. Enter recipient information and pay using your preferred method. The recipient can pick up the funds within minutes at a nearby MoneyGram location or receive them in their bank account.

Best Way to Transfer Money from Vietnam

Cryptocurrency is often considered the most practical way to send money from Vietnam. Transactions take place directly on the blockchain, which eliminates intermediaries and reduces both time and cost. Funds can be transferred in seconds, and users are free from the currency limitations that apply to traditional bank operations.

To make a transfer in crypto, you need a wallet and a platform, where you can buy or sell cryptocurrency with minimal fees before sending or withdrawing it. A popular and efficient option is peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, where users exchange cryptocurrency directly with one another. The process is secure thanks to an escrow system, which locks the seller’s crypto until the buyer’s payment is confirmed.

Most P2P platforms support payments through local Vietnamese banks — such as Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, Vietinbank, and MBBank — as well as e-wallets like MoMo or ZaloPay, making it simple to use for everyday transfers.

Transferring money to and from Vietnam has become easier than ever, with multiple options available — from traditional banking to modern P2P cryptocurrency exchanges. Understanding how each method works helps you choose the most efficient and secure way to move your funds internationally.

Have you ever tried sending or receiving money from Vietnam? Share your experience or questions in the comments below — we’d love to hear your thoughts.