Greenfield Dental, a clinic based in Hanoi, Vietnam, has reported a sharp rise in international patients — over 300% growth since 2025. This isn't just one clinic's news: it reflects a broader trend of Vietnam becoming one of Asia's key destinations for medical and dental tourism. If you're considering treatment abroad — or simply want to understand the payment side of such a trip — here's a practical breakdown.
What happened
According to Greenfield Dental, the flow of international patients has grown by more than 300% since 2025. The clinic attributes this to Vietnam's growing reputation as a dental tourism destination and its own expanding presence in that market. Specific patient numbers, source countries, and timelines are not disclosed in the source — so we won't invent them.
Why this matters to travelers
Medical tourism isn't just about treatment. It's a full trip: flights, accommodation, transfers, insurance, and paying the clinic itself. Each of these has payment nuances that become especially noticeable when you pay with a foreign card or crypto.
- Paying the clinic. Large clinics catering to foreigners usually accept international cards, but may add a currency conversion fee. Confirm the total in dong and in your billing currency in advance.
- Hotel booking. At check-in, hotels often place a pre-authorization hold. If your card is in a different currency, expect double conversion and refunds at a rate different from the original charge.
- Refunds. If a trip is cancelled or a booking amount changes, the refund comes at the exchange rate on the refund date — the difference may not be in your favor.
- eSIM and connectivity. For Vietnam, buying an eSIM in advance is convenient — cheaper than roaming and no need for a local SIM.
- Taxis and transfers. In Hanoi and other cities, ride-hailing apps accept card payments; foreign cards may incur conversion fees.
Documents and entry
The source contains no information on visa rules, fees, or length of stay — so we're not providing specifics on Vietnam visas here. Before you travel, check current requirements on Vietnam's official immigration website or at a consulate: rules differ by nationality, and e-visa and visa-free regimes change periodically.
The payment side: plan ahead
A treatment trip usually involves large sums. To avoid losing money on conversions and unexpected blocks:
- ask the clinic in advance which payment methods it accepts and whether there's a surcharge for foreign-currency cards;
- keep a buffer on your card for hotel pre-authorization;
- check your bank's limits and rules for overseas transactions;
- if you use crypto to top up a card, factor in volatility and network fees.
Virtual cards are handy here because they let you split budgets: one card for the hotel, another for the clinic and transfers. That makes spending easier to track and reduces risk if one card gets blocked.
Bottom line
The growth of dental tourism in Vietnam is a signal for travelers: the destination is going mainstream, so it's worth planning not just the treatment but the entire payment logistics of the trip. Check visa rules via official sources, confirm payment terms with the clinic and hotel, and keep a buffer for currency nuances.
Not financial advice. Exchange rates and card transaction terms can change.
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