Based on my 6-day family trip in August 2025, I spent VND 3,000,000 (USD $115) total in cash. All remaining payments were by card, with physical card more prevalent than Apple Pay.

Unless you want to remain in the hotel / beach resort bubble, you absolutely must have cash when you venture out.

Da Nang

Cash use remains high and essential in Da Nang, although the city is rapidly transitioning toward digital payments. You will surely need cash to tip your tour guide when you do venture out further within or outside of Da Nang.

Hotels

While you can technically survive with just a physical credit card by not venturing our of your high-end resort, you would miss out on street food, local markets, and cafes.

Transportation

Use Grab and pay with your digital wallet or card. Uber is not available in Vietnam.

Restaurants

Most mid to high-end restaurants will accept credit cards. The finer the dining, the more likely Apple Pay is accepted.

Cafes

Many transactions in Da Nang are for very small amounts (e.g., a 20,000 VND coffee, which is about US$0.80). Vendors often can't or won't pay the 3% merchant fee on such tiny sales.

Shops

Even if the shop accepts a physical credit card, they may not invest in a NFC-enabled terminal that is needed to support Apple Pay.

Markets

At Con Market or Son Tra Night Market, cash is king.

Do you need to carry cash when traveling to these places in Asia?