Sending Money from France to Vietnam: The Complete 2026 Guide

Getting ready to move to Vietnam, or already living there? The question of transferring money between France and Vietnam quickly becomes crucial. Whether it's to fund your move, pay your monthly rent or simply manage your finances between two countries, choosing the wrong solution can cost you hundreds of euros every year in bank fees and poor exchange rates.

In 2026, the international transfer market has changed considerably. Traditional banks are no longer the only option, and that's a good thing: their fees can reach 3 to 5% of the amount transferred. Between fintech platforms, specialist currency services and peer-to-peer solutions, you now have many alternatives for transferring your money efficiently. But how do you choose the best option for your situation?

In this complete guide, we'll break down all the solutions available in 2026 and compare their real fees, processing times and reliability. You'll also discover the traps to avoid and insider tips for optimizing every transfer. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an expat employee or a retiree, this guide will help you save significantly on your transfers.

01The Transfer Options Available in 2026

Traditional Banks: Convenient but Expensive

French banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole) all offer SWIFT transfers to Vietnam. It's the most familiar option, but rarely the best value. For a transfer of €3,000 (about 81,000,000 VND), you'll typically pay:

• Sending fees: €15-30 per transfer
• Receiving fees: €10-25 deducted by the Vietnamese bank
• Exchange rate markup: 2-4% (the biggest hidden cost)
• Transfer time: 3-5 business days

In practice, on a €3,000 transfer, you lose between €90 and €150 in fees and a poor exchange rate. If you transfer €1,000 a month to live in Vietnam, that's €1,080 to €1,800 lost over the year.

Vietnamese banks like Vietcombank, BIDV and Techcombank also charge varying receiving fees. Some local branches can charge up to 300,000 VND (about €11) to receive an international transfer. To learn more about opening a local account, see our complete guide to banks in Vietnam.

Tip: If you use your French bank, call your advisor to negotiate lower sending fees, especially if you're a Premium customer or make regular transfers.

Fintech Platforms: The Best Value for Money

Online transfer services have revolutionized the market in recent years. In 2026, three players dominate France-Vietnam transfers:

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

• Fees: 0.43% of the amount + a fixed fee of €0.64
• Exchange rate: the real market rate (mid-market rate)
• Transfer time: 1-2 business days
• Limit: up to €1,000,000 per transfer
• For €3,000: a total cost of about €13.50

Revolut Business/Premium

• Fees: 0.35% for Premium accounts (free up to €1,000/month on Standard)
• Exchange rate: the real rate on weekdays, a 0.5-1% markup on weekends
• Transfer time: 1-2 business days
• Limit: varies by account tier
• For €3,000: a cost of about €10.50 (Premium account)

Remitly

• Fees: vary by speed (€3.99 for express, free for economy)
• Exchange rate: 1-2% markup
• Transfer time: a few minutes (express) or 3-5 days (economy)
• Limit: €9,000 per transaction
• For €3,000: a total cost of €30-60

The following comparison table sums up the real costs for a €3,000 transfer:

Tip: Open accounts with both Wise AND Revolut. Compare rates in real time before every significant transfer, since conditions can vary with market volatility.

Specialist Currency Services

For large amounts (over €10,000), currency brokers such as Moneycorp, OFX or CurrencyFair can offer even better terms. These services are particularly worthwhile if you need to transfer a large sum to buy property or to fund your company's capital.

• Fees: negotiable, often 0.3-0.5% for large amounts
• Exchange rate: close to the interbank rate
• Service: a dedicated advisor, with the option to lock in a rate in advance
• Transfer time: 1-3 business days

These platforms also offer "forward contracts": you can lock in an exchange rate today for a transfer in 3, 6 or 12 months. Ideal if you expect the euro to weaken against the Vietnamese dong.

02How to Optimize Your Transfers: Advanced Strategies

Understanding the EUR/VND Exchange Rate

The Vietnamese dong (VND) is a relatively stable currency, managed by the State Bank of Vietnam. The EUR/VND rate usually fluctuates between 26,500 and 28,000 VND to 1 euro. In 2026, the average rate is around 27,000 VND/EUR.

Several factors influence this rate:

1. The monetary policy of the ECB and the State Bank of Vietnam
2. Trade relations between the EU and Vietnam (free trade agreement)
3. Foreign investment flows into Vietnam
4. Movements in the US dollar (the VND is pegged to a basket of currencies that includes the USD)

To follow the rate in real time, use apps like XE Currency or Google Finance. Avoid transferring during periods of high volatility (major economic announcements, geopolitical crises).

Tip: The best time to transfer is usually midweek (Tuesday-Thursday), between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. French time, when European and Asian markets are open at the same time. Avoid weekends and public holidays.

The "Dollar-Cost Averaging" Strategy

Rather than transferring a large sum in one go, spread your transfers over several weeks or months. This technique, known as "cost averaging," lets you average out the exchange rate and reduce the risk of transferring at the worst possible moment.

A concrete example: you need to transfer €12,000 for your first year in Vietnam. Instead of a single transfer, make 4 transfers of €3,000 spaced 2-3 weeks apart. You'll get a more favorable average rate than by "gambling" on a single transfer.

This strategy is particularly recommended if you're not in a hurry and have emergency savings in France. It also reduces your exposure to exchange rate risk.

Multi-Currency and Local Accounts

Once you're settled in Vietnam, opening a local bank account becomes essential. Not only to receive your transfers (receiving fees are lower), but also for your day-to-day spending. The Vietnamese banks most used by expats are:

• Vietcombank: the most international, with branches everywhere
• Techcombank: a modern mobile app, service in English
• BIDV: good savings rates
• VPBank: a simplified account-opening process for foreigners

Most Vietnamese banks let you open a multi-currency account (VND, USD, EUR). That saves you from immediately converting your euros into dong if you expect to spend in euros (trips to Europe, online purchases from European sites).

For everything you need to know about opening an account, see our dedicated guide to banks in Vietnam.

Tip: Negotiate a waiver of account maintenance and card fees when you open your account. Many banks offer these perks to expats who have their salary paid in or keep a minimum balance (often 10-20 million VND, or €370-740).

03Legal and Tax Aspects of Transfers

Mandatory Declarations in France

As a French resident (or a tax non-resident who keeps accounts in France), you must declare your foreign bank accounts every year on form 3916. This obligation covers ALL accounts opened, used or closed abroad during the tax year.

Forgetting this declaration carries a fine of €1,500 per undeclared account (€10,000 if the account is in a non-cooperative country, which Vietnam is not). For large transfers (over €10,000), your French bank may ask you to prove where the funds come from.

Vietnamese Rules on Incoming Transfers

Vietnam applies exchange controls, but they mainly concern money leaving the country. Incoming transfers from abroad are generally unrestricted, provided you follow certain rules:

• No limit on the amount for transfers to a personal account
• Supporting documents required for amounts over 50,000 USD: employment contract, proof of investment, etc.
• A customs declaration is mandatory if you enter Vietnam with more than 5,000 USD in cash (or the equivalent)

If you're transferring money to start a business in Vietnam, specific rules apply regarding minimum share capital and capital accounts. In that case, see a specialist accountant.

Tax Non-Residence and Optimization

If you become a French tax non-resident, your foreign-source income is no longer taxable in France (with some exceptions). This can influence your transfer strategy, particularly for investment or rental income.

The France-Vietnam tax treaty sets out precisely how you're taxed depending on your situation. Note: simply transferring money to Vietnam doesn't change your tax residence. To become a non-resident, you must meet strict criteria linked to your center of vital interests.

Tip: Keep all the records of your international transfers for at least 6 years. In the event of a tax audit (in France or Vietnam), you'll need to prove the lawful origin of your funds.

04The Traps You Absolutely Need to Avoid

The Currency Exchange Booth Trap

When you arrive at Da Nang airport or in tourist areas, you'll find plenty of currency exchange booths. Their rate is consistently 5 to 8% worse than the market rate. For €1,000, you lose between €50 and €80 compared with an ATM withdrawal or a Wise transfer.

Do: Withdraw directly from ATMs with your Revolut, Wise or N26 card. Fees are minimal (0-2%) and the rate is close to the real rate.

Avoid: Currency exchange booths in hotels, airports and tourist shopping malls.

Fake Transfer Service Scams

With the popularity of online transfers, fake platforms pop up regularly. They offer rates that are "too good to be true" and disappear with your money. Golden rules to avoid scams:

1. Only use regulated services: Wise, Revolut, Remitly and OFX are all authorized by European financial authorities
2. Check online reviews on Trustpilot and Google Reviews (watch out for fake reviews)
3. NEVER pay in cash or via Western Union for an "online transfer service"
4. Be wary of unsolicited contacts on social media or by email

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. An exchange rate 10% better than the market simply doesn't exist within the law.

The Hidden Fees on Bank Cards

Using your French bank card in Vietnam to pay or withdraw cash seems convenient, but watch out for fees:

• Currency conversion fee: 2-3% on every transaction
• Foreign ATM fees: €3-5 per withdrawal + 2-3% of the amount
• International payment fees: 1-2% on every purchase

For a monthly budget of €1,500 (about 40,500,000 VND), these fees add up to €45-75 a month, or €540-900 over the year. The solution? Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (Revolut, Wise, N26, Boursorama Ultim) for all your payments and withdrawals in Vietnam.

Tip: Vietnamese ATMs often charge 50,000 VND (about €1.85) per withdrawal. Withdraw the maximum allowed (usually 5,000,000 VND, or €185) to limit the number of withdrawals and therefore the fixed fees.

05Solutions for Different Expat Profiles

Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: Optimizing Regular Flows

If you're a digital entrepreneur or freelancer, you probably receive regular payments from European clients. Your strategy should minimize cumulative fees:

Optimal setup:

1. A Wise Business account to receive your payments in EUR (European IBAN)
2. Grouped monthly transfers to your Vietnamese account (saves on fixed fees)
3. A Wise card for day-to-day spending in Vietnam (real rate, no fees)
4. A EUR savings account on Wise to smooth out exchange rate swings

A concrete example: You bill your clients €4,000/month. Instead of 12 transfers of €333 (expensive in fixed fees), make 1 monthly transfer of €4,000. Annual savings: about €150-200.

For tax and accounting matters, see our guide to accountants for expats, which details your filing obligations.

Expat Employees: Securing Your Income

If you work for a Vietnamese company or a multinational, your salary is probably paid in VND into a local account. Your main challenge: transferring your savings back to France in the best way.

Optimal setup:

1. A Vietnamese bank account to receive your salary
2. A Revolut or Wise account for day-to-day spending (better terms)
3. Quarterly transfers of your savings to France (avoids multiple fees)
4. A Vietnamese multi-currency account to keep part of it in EUR

A concrete example: A salary of 80,000,000 VND/month (about €2,960). You spend 50,000,000 VND (€1,850) and save 30,000,000 VND (€1,110). Every 3 months, transfer your 90,000,000 VND of savings (€3,330) to France via Wise: a total cost of about €14 per quarter, or €56/year.

Note: some expat contracts provide for part of the salary to be paid in France. Check with your employer and optimize this split to minimize manual transfers.

Retirees: Stability and Simplicity

If you're retired in Vietnam, your French pensions are paid into your French account. Your priority: a simple, reliable and inexpensive system for your monthly transfers.

Optimal setup:

1. An automatic monthly transfer from your French account to Wise
2. An automatic Wise transfer to your Vietnamese account
3. A Wise card for day-to-day spending
4. A French savings account kept for emergencies and trips home

A concrete example: A pension of €2,000/month. You transfer €1,600 (your Vietnam budget) and keep €400 in France (insurance, taxes, bank fees). With Wise, the monthly cost is about €7, or €84/year instead of €180-240 with a traditional bank.

Don't forget to notify your pension fund of your change of address and to check the impact on your health insurance.

Tip: Some pension funds can pay your pension directly into a foreign account, but it often takes longer (5-7 days instead of 2-3 days) and the fees are less favorable. The Wise solution is generally still cheaper.

06Real Budget: How Much Do Your Transfers Cost Over 1 Year?

To help you choose the best solution, here's a complete 12-month simulation for different profiles. These calculations include ALL fees: sending, receiving and the exchange rate markup.

Profile 1: Freelancer (€4,000/month transferred)

With a traditional bank:

• 12 transfers × €120 in average fees = €1,440/year

With Wise:

• 12 transfers × €17 = €204/year
• Savings: €1,236/year

Profile 2: Expat Employee (€1,000/month transferred)

With a traditional bank:

• 12 transfers × €80 in average fees = €960/year

With Revolut Premium:

• 12 transfers × €4 = €48/year + €96 subscription = €144/year
• Savings: €816/year

Profile 3: Retiree (€1,600/month transferred)

With a traditional bank:

• 12 transfers × €100 in average fees = €1,200/year

With Wise:

• 12 transfers × €7 = €84/year
• Savings: €1,116/year

These savings aren't trivial, especially over several years. Over 5 years abroad, a retiree saves more than €5,500 just by changing how they transfer money. Enough to pay for several plane tickets between France and Vietnam to visit family!

07Checklist: Preparing Your First Transfer

Before making your first France-Vietnam transfer, make sure you have:

In France:

• Created your Wise or Revolut account (identity check: 1-2 days)
• Checked your bank card limits for topping up the account
• Prepared supporting documents if the amount is > €10,000 (source of funds)
• Noted the current exchange rate to compare with the offer

In Vietnam:

• Opened your local bank account (see our complete guide)
• Obtained your full Vietnamese IBAN/account number
• Checked the SWIFT details of your Vietnamese bank
• Confirmed the receiving fees with your branch

For the transfer:

• Chosen the right time (midweek, avoiding weekends and public holidays)
• Compared rates on Wise, Revolut and your bank
• Checked the EXACT amount you'll receive in VND (after all fees)
• Kept proof of the transfer (screenshot + confirmation email)

For a complete overview of your move, see our complete moving checklist, which covers all the administrative and financial aspects.

Tip: Make a first test transfer of €100-200 to check that everything works properly (bank details, timing, real fees). Once that's confirmed, you can transfer larger amounts with confidence.

08Alternatives and Complementary Solutions

Cryptocurrency: An Option in 2026?

Some expats use cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, stablecoins) to transfer money. In theory, it's fast and cheap. In practice, several obstacles remain:

Pros:

• Low transaction fees (1-3%)
• Speed (a few minutes to a few hours)
• No limit on the amount
• No bank intermediary

Cons:

• High volatility (except for stablecoins)
• Technical complexity (wallets, private keys)
• Complex taxation in France (capital gains tax)
• Hard to convert into VND in Vietnam (few legal exchanges)
• Risk of your bank account being frozen if the bank detects crypto transactions

In 2026, Vietnam is maintaining a cautious stance on cryptocurrency. Although not banned, it isn't recognized as an official means of payment. Using crypto to transfer money therefore remains a marginal solution, reserved for expats who are very comfortable with the technology.

To dig deeper into this topic, see our complete guide to crypto and living abroad.

Cash: When and How?

Carrying cash isn't recommended for large amounts, but it can be useful for your initial move. Important reminders:

• Legal limit: €10,000 maximum without a customs declaration (EU)
• Mandatory declaration in Vietnam if > 5,000 USD or the equivalent
• Risks: theft, loss, a poor exchange rate on arrival
• Upside: immediately available, no bank fees

If you carry cash, split it between several places (suitcase, carry-on, on your person) and declare it to customs whenever you exceed the mandatory thresholds (€10,000 when leaving the EU, 5,000 USD or the equivalent when entering Vietnam). Keep your withdrawal receipts to prove where the funds came from if necessary.

For your initial setup budget, see our guide to setup costs in Vietnam, which details exactly what you'll spend in your first week.

International Money Orders (Western Union, MoneyGram)

These services are fast (a few minutes) but very expensive: fees of 5-10% of the amount + a poor exchange rate. They're only useful in emergencies or if you don't have access to a bank.

When to use them:

• An absolute emergency (you need money in under 2 hours)
• No access to a Vietnamese bank account
• Small amounts (< €200)

Avoid them for:

• Regular or recurring transfers
• Large amounts (> €500)
• If you have access to Wise, Revolut or a bank

For €1,000 sent via Western Union, you'll pay about €50-80 in fees, 5 times more than with Wise. Keep this option for truly exceptional situations.

09Conclusion: Your Optimal Transfer Strategy

Transferring money between France and Vietnam in 2026 has never been simpler or cheaper, as long as you choose the right tools. Here's our final recommendation depending on your profile:

For most expats: Wise remains the best solution. Real exchange rate, transparent fees, proven reliability and ease of use. It's our default recommendation.

For frequent transfers: Revolut Premium or Metal offers the best value if you transfer more than €3,000/month (the subscription quickly pays for itself).

For one-off large amounts: Contact a currency broker (OFX, Moneycorp) to negotiate tailored terms, especially above €20,000.

For emergencies: Keep a Wise or Revolut card with a safety balance for immediate withdrawals in Vietnam.

Remember: the savings you make on your transfers can add up to several hundred euros a year. That's the equivalent of a month of monthly budget in Da Nang, free, just by optimizing your banking.

10FAQ: Your Questions About France-Vietnam Transfers

What is the cheapest way to send money from France to Vietnam?

In 2026, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is still the cheapest option for most transfers. To send €3,000, you'll pay about €13-14 in fees at the real market exchange rate, compared with €90-150 with a traditional bank. Revolut Premium can be slightly cheaper (€10-11) if you regularly transfer more than €3,000/month, because the €8 monthly subscription then quickly pays for itself. For amounts over €20,000, contact a currency broker such as OFX or Moneycorp, who can negotiate even better rates.

How long does a bank transfer from France to Vietnam take?

It depends on the method you choose. With Wise or Revolut, expect 1-2 business days in most cases. Traditional banks (SWIFT transfer) usually take 3-5 business days. Express services like Remitly can transfer money in minutes, but with much higher fees (€50-80 for €3,000). Note that weekends and public holidays (French AND Vietnamese) add to the delay. For an urgent transfer, go for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, and avoid holiday periods like Tet (Vietnamese New Year, usually late January/early February), when Vietnamese banks are closed for 5-7 days.

Do I need to declare my transfers to Vietnam to the French tax authorities?

The transfers themselves don't need to be declared, but you must declare the existence of your Vietnamese bank account every year on form 3916, even if you've become a tax non-resident. Forgetting this declaration carries a fine of €1,500 per account. If you transfer large sums (> €10,000), your French bank may ask you to prove where the funds come from (pay slips, proof of a property sale, etc.). In Vietnam, no declaration is needed for incoming transfers to a personal account unless you transfer more than 50,000 USD at once (in which case the Vietnamese bank will ask for supporting documents). For complete tax optimization of your move abroad, see our guide to the France-Vietnam tax treaty.

Can I easily send money from Vietnam to France?

Yes, but it's slightly more complicated and expensive than in the France → Vietnam direction. Vietnam applies exchange controls on money leaving the country. As an individual, you can transfer up to 50,000 USD/year without any particular supporting documents. Beyond that, you'll need to provide documents proving where the funds come from (employment contract, Vietnamese tax documents, etc.). Fees are usually higher: expect 15-30 USD in sending fees + a 1-2% exchange rate markup with Vietnamese banks. Wise also works in this direction, but with slightly higher fees (about 0.8-1.2% instead of 0.43%). Allow 2-4 business days for a Vietnam → France transfer.

Is it safe to use Wise or Revolut for my transfers to Vietnam?

Yes, both services are perfectly reliable and regulated. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is authorized by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and holds licenses in more than 40 countries. The company has been around since 2011 and has transferred more than 100 billion euros for its customers. Revolut is also regulated by the FCA and holds a European banking license (Lithuania). Both platforms are used by millions of expats worldwide, including thousands in Vietnam. Your funds are protected and kept separate from the company's assets (safeguarding). The only minor risk: your account may be temporarily frozen if their algorithms detect unusual activity (easily resolved by contacting support with your supporting documents).