Vietnam forum

About ATM in Bac Ha

Bon2008

longtail driver
Posts: 8
Located in:

Posted from within Vietnam.

There were many travelers who come to Bac Ha with the Credit cards, but there was not any ATM in Bac Ha. So travelers should take care about cash when come to Bac Ha.

The only bank in Bac Ha (Agribank) will have an ATM in May 2010.

#1 Posted: 6/2/2010 - 16:05
RobAston

newbie
Posts: 3

Even then you need to watch ATMs in Vietnam, some of the lesser known ones or ones not directly attached to banks will charge huge fees and not give you a chance to cancel before finding it out. HSBC for instance will charge 1% and give you an opportunity to cancel before discovering this. Some can charge as high as 10% and simply notify you while the cash is being dispensed.

#2 Posted: 9/2/2010 - 14:40
luce_uk

backpacker
Posts: 19

Blimey that's the first time i've heard of that RobAston, does that only apply to Vietnam or other countries in the region? So basically where possible only withdraw from ATM's attached to a bank. Thanks for the heads up!

#3 Posted: 9/2/2010 - 20:21
RobAston

newbie
Posts: 3

Yeah I used a few while I was over there and learnt that lesson quickly, though I should use the quick disclaimer that I was using a China Union Pay card though I suspect the charge is universal be it Mastercard, Visa or whatever (it came up on the screen as a fee for "International Transaction" at one). HSBC seemed to be the most reasonable with a 1% charge which gave you a back out option. I went to one hole in the wall which was a standalone and got charged 22,000 to withdraw 500,000 dong and it said it after the cash had been dispensed. A friend used his Visa Debit at a highway service stop and said he was charged 100,000 fee.

Vietcom and HSBC seem to be the best bets.

#4 Posted: 12/2/2010 - 21:34
violets

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 148

I didn't need cash in Bac Ha but found Agribank was quite a good bank to use in the north. In Cao Bang I got 4 million out for 20,000 - the usual fee, about $1- and charges were indicated before I pressed the confirm button. HSBC only seems to be in the big cities.

#5 Posted: 7/6/2010 - 09:15