Who sends money from the US to Vietnam
Common senders: workers supporting family, diaspora communities sending regular monthly support, and people paying bills back home.
Worked example: sending 500 USD
Using the ExchangeRate-API rate on 2026-10-08, 1 USD = 25,952.99 VND, our estimate model gives these results for sending 500 USD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 1.50 USD | 12,872,879 VND | 103,617 VND |
| Wise | 4.00 USD | 12,872,684 VND | 103,812 VND |
| Remitly | 0.00 USD | 12,820,778 VND | 155,718 VND |
| Western Union | 5.00 USD | 12,589,796 VND | 386,700 VND |
| Bank wire (typical) | 20.00 USD | 12,146,000 VND | 830,496 VND |
In this example Revolut delivers roughly 726,878 VND more than a typical bank wire. Rates move daily and providers change pricing, so treat this as an illustration from our model; the live calculator above and the provider's own quote are what count. See how we estimate.
Sending to Vietnam: what to know
- Payout options: bank account (e.g. Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank) and, on some providers, cash pickup or home delivery.
- Bank delivery to major Vietnamese banks is widely supported and often arrives the same day.
- Home cash delivery exists in parts of Vietnam but usually costs more than a bank deposit.
Rules and limits
In the US: Under the CFPB Remittance Transfer Rule, US providers must disclose the exchange rate, fees and the amount to be received before you pay, and you can generally cancel for free within 30 minutes. Gifts to one person above the annual gift-tax exclusion may require a Form 709 filing (usually no tax is due); ask a tax professional.
In Vietnam: Inward remittances to individuals in Vietnam are generally exempt from personal income tax. Recipients can receive VND, or foreign currency through authorised banks, under State Bank of Vietnam rules.
How to pick the cheapest option
- Compare the amount received, not the fee. "Zero fee" offers usually hide their cost in the rate. How markups work.
- Small amounts: watch fixed fees. Large amounts: watch the markup.
- Avoid intermediary deductions. SWIFT wires can lose $10–30 in transit. Why.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from the US to Vietnam?
It depends on the amount and the day's pricing. This page calculates, at today's mid-market rate, how much VND each provider delivers for 500 USD; the top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 500 USD?
Using the reference rate on 2026-10-08, our model puts the gap at about 726,878 VND versus the cheapest option. Rates and pricing change daily.
How can my recipient in Vietnam receive the money?
Common payout options are bank account (e.g. Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank) and, on some providers, cash pickup or home delivery. Availability differs by provider, so check before you send.
How long does it take?
Digital services usually take minutes to 1–2 business days; bank wires often take 2–5 business days.