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How to Receive International Payments as a Freelancer in Vietnam (2026)

By Aayush Jain·Reviewed May 8, 2026·7 min read

Vietnam's tech sector has grown exponentially, with an estimated 500,000+ IT professionals serving international clients. SBV (State Bank of Vietnam) rules require conversion of foreign income to VND, and Wise's rates make this significantly cheaper than traditional bank transfers.

Best platforms for Vietnamese freelancers

  • Wise Business — supports VND payouts to Vietnamese banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV). 0.45% FX margin.
  • Payoneer — supports VND local bank transfer. 2% FX margin. Good for Upwork/Fiverr workers.
  • USD wire transfer — direct SWIFT to Vietnamese bank accounts possible. Bank converts at their rate — compare with Wise.

SBV rules for foreign currency

  • SBV Circular 32/2013 requires individuals to sell foreign currency (convert to VND) when received unless held in a licensed foreign currency account.
  • Licensed Foreign Currency Account (LFCA) at State Treasury or commercial banks allows temporary USD holding.
  • All foreign income must be declared on annual personal income tax returns.
  • SBV's BIDV, Vietcombank, and Techcombank have the best USD-to-VND conversion rates among state banks — compare with Wise before large conversions.

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