How to Buy Bitcoin in Vietnam: Complete Steps & Best Practices for Crypto Investors

Vietnam’s become a hot spot for crypto in Southeast Asia, with Bitcoin leading the pack. The rules here are a bit unique: you can buy, hold, and trade Bitcoin legally, but you can’t use it for payments—Vietnamese law’s pretty clear on that one.

If you’re in Vietnam, you can grab Bitcoin through local exchanges like Bitcoin Vietnam, international platforms, P2P trading, or even at one of the Bitcoin ATMs in Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, you’ll need to verify your identity, fund your account (bank transfer or cash), and make sure you store your coins somewhere safe.

There are eight Bitcoin ATMs around the country, and more exchanges seem to pop up every year, so getting crypto here isn’t exactly rocket science anymore.

Before you dive in, you’ll want to get a grip on the legal landscape and pick a trustworthy platform. The rules do keep shifting, so it pays to stay updated and stick with exchanges that play by local regulations.

Key Takeaways

• You can legally buy and trade Bitcoin in Vietnam, but using it for payments can get you fined—up to 200 million dong.

  
  

• There are lots of ways to buy: local exchanges, global platforms, P2P, and Bitcoin ATMs (mostly in Ho Chi Minh City).

  
  

• Verifying your account and keeping your coins in a secure wallet are musts if you want to avoid headaches here.

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

So, how do you actually buy Bitcoin in Vietnam? Pick a good exchange, set up a safe wallet, get verified, and make your purchase. You can use Vietnamese dong on most platforms.

Choosing a Trusted Exchange

Vietnam has a handful of big exchanges that let you trade in Vietnamese dong. Binance is probably the most popular—it’s got a ton of features and supports Vietnamese.

Bitget is another solid pick, with low fees and good security. You can deposit VND straight from banks like Vietcombank or Techcombank.

Coinbase is easy to use but doesn’t really support VND. Kraken is great for advanced traders, though you’ll have to convert your funds to USD.

When you’re picking an exchange, think about:

• Security: Look for 2FA and other safety features.

  
  

• Fees: These usually fall between 0.1% and 1%.

  
  

• Payment methods: The more local bank options, the better.

  
  

• Support: Vietnamese-language help is a plus.

P2P trading lets you buy directly from other people. Rates can be better, but you’ve got to be careful—security’s all on you.

Bitcoin ATMs are mostly in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong. Fees are higher than online exchanges, but they’re quick.

Setting Up a Digital Wallet

You’ll need a wallet to store your Bitcoin. You can leave it on the exchange for convenience, but you won’t control your private keys.

If you want real security, go for cold storage. Ledger and Trezor make popular hardware wallets that support Bitcoin and Ethereum.

These hardware wallets aren’t cheap—expect to pay $50 to $200—but they keep your coins safe from hackers. You have to physically confirm transactions, which adds a layer of protection.

If you trade a lot, mobile wallets like Trust Wallet or MetaMask are handy. They’re good for both Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Hot wallets are online and easy to access. Cold wallets stay offline, so they’re safer for big amounts.

Active traders can stick with exchange wallets, but if you’re planning to HODL, move your Bitcoin to a personal wallet.

Verifying Your Identity and Funding Your Account

Exchanges will ask you to verify your identity before you can buy. KYC usually takes a day or two.

You’ll need:

• Vietnamese ID card or passport

  
  

• Proof of address (like a utility bill)

  
  

• Bank statement if you’re funding with a bank transfer

Most people use bank transfers—they’re cheap but can be slow.

You can deposit VND from banks like Vietcombank, Techcombank, and Sacombank. Fees depend on the bank, usually 0 to 50,000 VND.

Credit cards are faster, but the fees are higher. Most exchanges take Visa and Mastercard.

If you’re using P2P trading, you can pay cash or bank transfer straight to the seller. Sometimes you get better rates this way.

Executing and Securing Your Bitcoin Purchase

When you’re ready, you can use a market order (buys instantly at the current price) or a limit order (you pick the price, but it might not fill).

After you buy, lock down your account. Turn on two-factor authentication right away.

Use strong, unique passwords. Don’t log in over public WiFi if you can help it.

Move your Bitcoin to your personal wallet if you’re not planning to trade right away. Leaving it on the exchange is riskier for long-term storage.

Keep an eye on your account for any weird activity. Set up email alerts for logins and transactions.

Store your wallet backup phrases somewhere safe and offline. If you lose them, you might lose your Bitcoin for good.

Important Considerations for Buying Bitcoin in Vietnam

Vietnamese buyers face some unique challenges—legal gray areas, security issues, and a fast-changing market. The government doesn’t let you use Bitcoin for payments, but trading and investing are fine.

Regulations and Legal Status

Vietnam’s stance on crypto is complicated. You can’t use Bitcoin or any crypto for payments—if you do, you could get hit with a fine up to 200 million dong (about $9,000).

But trading and holding Bitcoin as an investment? That’s totally legal. The government wants to keep the dong as the only official currency.

Crypto taxes are still a bit murky. There aren’t any specific crypto tax laws yet, but general income tax rules might apply if you make a profit. It’s smart to keep records and talk to a tax pro if you’re making serious trades.

Some big international exchanges have trouble operating in Vietnam, so a lot of people use local platforms like Bitcoin Vietnam or P2P options.

Security and Safe Storage Methods

Security’s a big deal, especially with so much cash trading and not many exchanges. Cold storage is your best bet for keeping Bitcoin safe.

Hardware wallets like Trezor and Ledger are solid—your private keys stay offline, and they’re easy to use even for folks who aren’t tech experts.

Always use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your exchange accounts. Vietnamese platforms like Bitcoin Vietnam require it.

Cash trades are still common in places like Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re doing a face-to-face deal, meet in public and double-check the transaction before you walk away.

Fees, Limits, and Payment Methods

Bitcoin ATMs in Vietnam aren’t cheap—they charge anywhere from 5% to 15% per transaction. All eight of them are in Ho Chi Minh City, and the fees sting.

Bitcoin Vietnam offers better rates, especially for bigger trades. Their over-the-counter desk handles large amounts with lower spreads.

Payment options? You’ve got bank transfers in Vietnamese dong, cash via P2P, and direct ATM buys. Bank transfers are usually cheapest, but you’ll have to verify your identity.

ATMs let you buy up to $5,000 without showing ID. That’s popular for folks who value privacy, even if the fees are high.

Crypto’s getting more popular across Southeast Asia, which means more liquidity and trading options for Vietnamese users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Buying Bitcoin in Vietnam comes with its own set of rules and quirks. New regulations kicked in for 2025, and there are plenty of trusted platforms with different payment methods and fees.

What are the legal requirements for purchasing Bitcoin in Vietnam?

Vietnam officially recognized crypto in June 2025 under the Digital Technology Industry Law. The rules fully kick in January 1, 2026.

You’ll need to complete KYC with your Vietnamese ID card (CCCD or CMND) or passport before you can buy. Every platform will ask for this.

For taxes, the government treats crypto trades like securities. You’ll pay a 0.1% tax on each transaction, according to Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP.

If you use Bitcoin for payments outside the official system, you can still get fined. But buying, holding, and investing are now protected by law.

Which are the trusted cryptocurrency exchanges available in Vietnam?

Several licensed exchanges serve Vietnamese users and support VND deposits and withdrawals.

Cryptomus Exchange lists over 120 cryptocurrencies and lets you use VND directly. It’s got solid security and works for both newbies and experienced traders.

Big international exchanges accept Vietnamese users after KYC. Usually, you’ll need to transfer funds from banks like Vietcombank, BIDV, or Techcombank.

P2P platforms like Cryptomus P2P let you trade directly with other people. They use escrow to keep both sides safe.

What is the process of setting up an account for Bitcoin trading in Vietnam?

You start by signing up with your email or social login. Most platforms get you registered in just a few minutes.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) right after you sign up—it’s a must.

You’ll upload a photo of your Vietnamese ID or passport, and usually take a selfie for verification.

Most verifications finish up in a few hours. Once you’re approved, you can trade and withdraw as much as you want.

Can I buy Bitcoin with Vietnamese Dong, and if so, how?

Absolutely—you can buy Bitcoin with Vietnamese dong in several ways. Most exchanges now accept VND deposits from local banks.

Bank transfers work with Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, MBBank, Vietinbank, and more. Just link your account to the exchange and transfer funds directly.

Credit and debit cards are quick, too. Many platforms take Vietnamese cards for instant buys.

E-wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay are also easy. They connect directly to exchanges for fast payments.

What are the transaction fees associated with buying Bitcoin in Vietnam?

Centralized exchanges usually charge 0.1% to 0.5% per trade, depending on the platform and how much you’re trading.

P2P platforms can be even cheaper—fees often start at 0.1%. Cryptomus P2P, for example, is one of the lowest-fee options.

Depositing by bank transfer is typically free on the exchange side, but your bank might charge a standard fee.

Credit card purchases come with higher fees—2% to 4%, sometimes more if a payment processor like Mercuryo is involved.

Bitcoin ATMs are the priciest: 5% to 10% per transaction, and you’ll only find them in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong.

What methods of payment can be used for buying Bitcoin in Vietnam?

Bank transfers are still the go-to for most Bitcoin buyers in Vietnam. Pretty much every local bank lets you move funds to crypto exchanges without much fuss.

Lots of people use Vietnamese e-wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay. They're quick and easy, and most platforms accept them.

Credit and debit cards—Visa or Mastercard from Vietnamese banks—let you buy Bitcoin instantly on big international exchanges. It's straightforward, though sometimes the fees can sting a bit.

You can also find cash exchanges through local traders in Telegram or Facebook groups. These in-person deals usually happen in bigger cities, but honestly, the exchange rates aren't great.

P2P platforms open up even more options, supporting over 560 payment methods. That covers all the banks and e-wallets in Vietnam, so you can pretty much pick whatever works best for you.