Revolutionary Change in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City Metro Goes Fully Cashless with QR Codes and Digital Payment Solutions

In a move that highlights Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to modernizing its public transport system, significant changes have been implemented on the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line. Starting from September 15, 2025, paper tickets are no longer available at four of the metro’s busiest stations. This marks a major shift towards a cashless payment system, aligning with the city’s broader vision to streamline transport and reduce cash reliance.

Shift Towards Digital Ticketing

The four stations affected by this change are City Theater, Ba Son, Van Thanh, and Phuoc Long. These stations will no longer offer traditional paper tickets, and passengers are encouraged to use digital payment methods. The digital payment options available to passengers include purchasing tickets via the HCMC Metro HURC app, using MoMo’s Metro Miniapp, tapping bank cards or e-wallets at the gates, or using chip-based ID cards that have already been linked to metro accounts.

For those who prefer to pay with cash, automatic vending machines will remain available at these stations. However, these machines no longer issue paper tickets but instead provide reloadable cards or QR codes. Although this change applies to just four stations for now, officials expect that more stations will gradually adopt these digital methods as they become more widely accepted and integrated into the system.

Reducing Wait Times and Enhancing Convenience

The decision to implement this new system is being described as a pilot program by the metro’s operator, HURC1. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce waiting times at the stations and provide passengers with a more efficient and convenient method of purchasing tickets. HURC1 is working to create a smoother experience for commuters by modernizing the ticketing process, which is expected to reduce congestion and speed up the boarding process.

To help ease the transition for first-time users, staff have been deployed at the four affected stations. These staff members are available to assist passengers in navigating the new system, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the updated technology and payment methods. This level of support is especially crucial for passengers who may be unfamiliar with digital ticketing systems.

Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien Metro: A Pioneering Project for Ho Chi Minh City

The Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line is the first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, representing a major development in the city’s public transport infrastructure. Spanning nearly 20 kilometers, the line connects 14 stations, with both underground and elevated portions. The route stretches from the iconic Ben Thanh Market in the heart of the city to Suoi Tien in the eastern region, serving a growing population and providing a critical transportation link between key areas of the city.

Currently, passengers at the other 10 stations along the metro line can still purchase traditional paper tickets, but the expectation is that, as the system becomes more familiar to commuters, a larger number of passengers will switch to digital payment methods. This is part of the city’s long-term strategy to phase out cash transactions in favor of more efficient and environmentally friendly options, making public transport more modern and accessible.

A Range of Payment Methods for Passengers

One of the significant benefits of this new digital ticketing system is the wide range of payment methods available to passengers. In addition to using QR codes through the HCMC Metro HURC app or MoMo’s Metro Miniapp, passengers can also use bank cards or e-wallets directly at the gates. For those looking for a more traditional approach, there are still ticket kiosks equipped with POS machines that allow users to buy tickets with cash.

The introduction of multiple payment options is designed to cater to the needs of all passengers, whether they are daily commuters or occasional riders. With the inclusion of chip-based ID cards for monthly pass holders, the system aims to make payment options as flexible and convenient as possible. This is a key step in reducing the need for paper tickets and making the ticketing process more streamlined.

Affordable Ticket Prices for All

The ticket prices for the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line range from VND 6,000 to VND 20,000, which is equivalent to approximately USD 0.24 to USD 0.79 per trip. These affordable prices ensure that the metro remains an accessible and cost-effective transportation option for residents and visitors alike. By keeping fares low, the metro is encouraging greater use of public transport, which helps to reduce traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City.

The metro operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the frequency of trains adjusted according to demand. On weekends and public holidays, when more people are expected to travel, the train frequency will be increased to ensure that passengers are accommodated comfortably.

The Expansion of Digital Payments Across Public Transport

In addition to the new digital payment methods being introduced on the metro, Ho Chi Minh City is also working on expanding contactless payment systems across all modes of public transport. The city has partnered with Mastercard to implement an open-loop payment system that will allow passengers to use credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets for direct payments on buses and water buses, in addition to the metro system. This initiative is designed to make the entire public transport network in the city more seamless and efficient.

This move aligns with the global shift towards cashless transactions and aims to make commuting in Ho Chi Minh City more convenient for everyone. The adoption of contactless payments is expected to encourage greater use of public transport while reducing the need for cash transactions, which can often be time-consuming and inefficient.

Integration of ZaloPay for Metro Ticket Payments

As part of the ongoing efforts to expand digital payment options, Ho Chi Minh City’s metro system has integrated ZaloPay into its ticketing platform. Since June 6, 2025, passengers can use the ZaloPay mobile application to pay for their metro tickets. By generating a QR code within the app, passengers can easily scan it at both the entry and exit gates. The system temporarily deducts a provisional amount from the user’s account, then adjusts the fare based on the actual distance traveled, ensuring accurate billing.

This integration of ZaloPay is another example of how the city is embracing new technology to improve the commuter experience and make public transport more accessible to all.

The Future of Metro Travel in Ho Chi Minh City

With the introduction of digital payment methods and the ongoing modernization of the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro system, Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself as a leader in modern public transport in Southeast Asia. The transition to a fully cashless system is expected to enhance the overall travel experience, making commuting more efficient and user-friendly.

As more stations adopt digital payment systems and passengers become more familiar with using apps and e-wallets for their journeys, Ho Chi Minh City’s metro system will continue to evolve, meeting the needs of its growing population and setting the standard for urban transport in the region.

Conclusion

The shift to digital ticketing at four of Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest metro stations is just one of the many steps being taken to create a more efficient, modern, and convenient public transport system. As the metro continues to evolve and expand its digital payment options, it is clear that the future of metro travel in Ho Chi Minh City will be cashless, streamlined, and forward-thinking, offering commuters a seamless and efficient travel experience.

The post Revolutionary Change in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City Metro Goes Fully Cashless with QR Codes and Digital Payment Solutions appeared first on Travel and Tour World