Hoàng Anh, a 28-year-old office worker from Ho Chi Minh City, is an avid traveler who frequently goes on group trips with friends and family. This year, she says she has to be more mindful when planning her vacations due to higher-than-expected costs. “We’ve been looking at some domestic and international flights, but they’re all significantly more expensive than before. So, our group is prioritizing options with more deals for this summer’s trip,” shares Hoàng Anh.
Mustgo, an online booking platform with over 2,000 hotel partners nationwide, also notes that airfare in the first half of this year has increased by 15-40% compared to the same period last year, depending on the route, due to rising fuel prices and a decrease in the number of aircraft.
The surge in airfare has many travelers carefully calculating their budgets when planning their trips. Besides choosing destinations and itineraries, maximizing deals and discounts can help you design a cost-effective summer vacation. With the widespread acceptance of cards and QR codes in many regions, it’s wiser to go cashless and spend online to take advantage of deals and track your budget.
Low foreign exchange rate credit cards for overseas trips
If you’re planning a trip abroad, popular destinations like Thailand and China are in high demand this summer. According to domestic travel agencies, Vietnamese tourists can enjoy sightseeing, exploring ancient towns, and indulging in local cuisine in these two countries for as little as VND 10 million. Additionally, popular routes like South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and China have seen a 20-30% increase in travelers compared to the previous year.
When traveling abroad, it’s crucial to keep a tight rein on your spending. In case of emergencies, many tourists have had to withdraw cash from foreign ATMs, incurring high fees for each transaction. Therefore, it’s best to avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs overseas, carry sufficient foreign currency, and always have a low-cost international credit card for online transactions.
Ms. Thu Thủy from Hanoi shared a memorable experience from her first trip abroad to Thailand a few months ago. “With more than a day left on my tour, I had almost spent all the baht I had exchanged in Vietnam. This made me panic and feel helpless. I had to find an ATM to withdraw cash, incurring a fee of up to $7 per withdrawal, plus additional currency exchange fees. After this trip, I realized the importance of having a low-cost international payment credit card,” she said.
Currently, credit cards for overseas spending offered by banks charge foreign exchange fees ranging from 1% to 3% per transaction. Some banks have even developed credit cards specifically for overseas travelers, waiving currency exchange fees, such as BVBank’s JCB Discovery card. This card is accepted at numerous global websites and stores, and it offers an interest-free period of up to 55 days. This is a unique advantage that sets BVBank apart from other travel credit cards on the market.
Additionally, the JCB Discovery card, specialized for international travel, offers discounts of up to 50% in various sectors, including dining, shopping, tourism, and entertainment. Moreover, it provides exclusive benefits for entertainment, travel, and shopping in Japan.
Credit cards with hotel and dining perks for domestic travel
For domestic travel, travel agencies observe that travelers tend to prefer nearby destinations and avoid air travel to cut costs.
Booking hotels and resorts during the summer can also be more expensive than in the low season. Therefore, it’s wise to prioritize spending with credit cards that offer discounts when booking accommodations, flights, and travel agencies. Additionally, look for restaurants that offer discounts and promotions for credit card spending when dining out with friends and family.
The BVBank VISA Lifestyle credit card is ideal for domestic travel, offering a total refund of up to VND 600,000 per month and a maximum of VND 7.2 million per year. For every VND 1 million spent on hotels, airlines, and travel agencies, cardholders get a 5% refund; for restaurant spending, they get a 4% refund. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy discounts of up to 30% in various sectors, including dining, shopping, tourism, and entertainment.
There are numerous credit cards on the market, each designed to meet specific needs, such as waiving annual fees, offering online shopping discounts, or providing cashback for restaurant spending. If you’re a travel enthusiast, choose a credit card that suits your needs and take advantage of the perks to save money on your vacations.
Get trendy this Tet with designer deals – 40% off at Dang Quang Watch
Tết Nguyên Đán, the biggest festival of the Vietnamese people, is approaching and the entire country is beginning to enter a joyful and festive atmosphere. If you are looking for a way to refresh your style and shine at the Tet parties, then Đăng Quang Watch is definitely the place you cannot miss.
Where do Vietnamese people travel during Tet?
According to the latest research data, domestic travel will continue to be the top choice for Vietnamese people during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2024.
Expectations of purchasing power near Tet
The Lunar New Year is approaching. At the moment, in traditional markets, flea markets, and supermarkets, purchasing power is gradually increasing. Small traders expect a 50% increase in purchasing power compared to regular days, focusing on essential items for the holiday. However, the price increase of goods will not be significant because there is a plentiful supply of goods, and the prices of some essential consumer goods are relatively stable. People can rest assured when shopping for the Lunar New Year.
Fashion frenzy: Post-Tet sale madness, customers flocking in, stores overwhelmed
With increasing shopping demands from the public and many stores clearing out their inventory before the Lunar New Year holiday, fashion streets in Hanoi are always bustling and crowded.
First Month of 2024: State Budget Collection Reaches Nearly 231 Trillion VND
According to the Ministry of Finance, the total state budget revenue for the first month of 2024 is estimated to reach nearly 231 trillion dong, equivalent to 13.6% of the projected amount, a decrease of 2.8% compared to the same period in 2023.
