Nha Trang is revolutionizing tourism: cashless payments are now mandatory!

Nha Trang is revolutionizing tourism: cashless payments are now mandatory!

In Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, there is a remarkable trend in the tourism industry: the implementation of cashless payment methods has become increasingly established. On May 25, Tuoi Tre Online reported on the new payment methods, which include QR codes and digital options. These developments promise significant relief for tourists seeking greater convenience in their shopping and ticket purchases. A tourist reported that she paid VND60,000 for two entry tickets in less than 30 seconds at Ponagar Tower via a banking app.

The decision to promote cashless payments comes under the leadership of authorities such as Mr. Huynh Tan Hai, deputy director of the provincial Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Mr. Cung Quynh Anh, deputy director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The latter highlighted the importance of these payment methods for the tourism industry, stressing that they are also crucial for the safety of visitors. The Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, led by Mr. Pham Minh Nhut, also supports this initiative and reports significant time and cost savings in restaurants by using cashless payments.

Growth of cashless payments

The trend towards cashless payment methods in Vietnam is accompanied by widespread acceptance among the population. According to Mastercard, digital transformation has picked up pace in the country's banking sector. Consumers in Vietnam are adopting digital payments faster than in many other regional markets. For example, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) reported that the volume of non-cash transactions increased by 58% in the first seven months of 2024, while the value increased by 35%. QR code transactions even achieved an increase of almost 107%.

This positive development towards cashless payments also includes a variety of platforms and technologies. Account-to-account transfers, e-wallets and mobile wallets are becoming increasingly popular, supported by the introduction of Google Pay and Apple Pay. The number of point-of-sale terminals in Vietnam grew by 33% last year. Consumer forums show that the desire for comfort and safety has a lasting influence on the trend.

Cashless Day and the future of digital payments

To support these trends, Cashless Day 2025 was launched to raise awareness of modern payment methods and build a sustainable cashless ecosystem. This program includes events such as the “Ting Ting Day” festival and workshops on digital payment methods. Mastercard is playing a key role in this movement by working with SBVs, banks and fintechs to expand acceptance of cashless payments.

Additionally, Mastercard aims to support 600,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to accept digital payments via Mastercard QR. The company aims to increase awareness of cashless payments through educational initiatives such as Vietnam Cashless Day and Vietnam Card Day. This is also done through investments in security technologies and collaborations with the government and other stakeholders to realize the vision of a cashless society.

Nha Trang represents a pioneering development that will drive both local tourism and the broader digital transformation in Vietnam. The introduction and acceptance of cashless payment methods provide a new framework for an effective, secure and convenient payment experience for tourists and locals alike.

More information is available on the Vietnam.vn and VIR.com.vn websites: Vietnam.vn and VIR.com.vn.