Currency & Money in Vietnam
Your complete guide to managing money during your Vietnam adventure.
Understanding Vietnamese Dong
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam. Due to low denomination values, you'll often deal with large numbers - a simple lunch might cost 50,000 VND. Don't be alarmed by the zeros!
Quick Conversion Tip
To roughly estimate USD value, remove 4 zeros and divide by 2.5. Example: 500,000 VND = 50 / 2.5 = ~$20 USD
Common Denominations
Banknotes (Polymer)
- 500,000 VND ~$20 USD
- 200,000 VND ~$8 USD
- 100,000 VND ~$4 USD
- 50,000 VND ~$2 USD
- 20,000 VND ~$0.80 USD
- 10,000 VND ~$0.40 USD
Typical Costs
- Street food meal 30,000-50,000 VND
- Restaurant meal 100,000-250,000 VND
- Beer (local) 15,000-25,000 VND
- Coffee 20,000-50,000 VND
- Taxi (per km) ~15,000 VND
- Bottled water 5,000-10,000 VND
Exchanging Money
While you can exchange money at various locations, the rates and convenience vary significantly. Here's where to get the best value for your currency.
Gold Shops & Jewelry Stores (Best Rates)
Gold shops in tourist areas often offer the best exchange rates with no commission. Look for shops displaying current rates.
Banks (Safe & Reliable)
Major banks like Vietcombank, BIDV, and Agribank offer fair rates. Bring your passport and expect some paperwork.
Airport Exchange (Convenient but Expensive)
Exchange only what you need for immediate expenses. Rates are typically 3-5% worse than in the city.
Hotels (Avoid if Possible)
Hotels typically offer the worst rates. Only use as a last resort for small amounts.
Currencies to Bring
USD is the most widely accepted foreign currency, but Euros, British Pounds, and other major currencies can also be exchanged. Bring clean, undamaged bills for the best rates.
- US Dollars ($50 and $100 bills get better rates)
- Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars
- Thai Baht (if traveling from Thailand)
ATMs & Cash Withdrawal
ATMs are widely available throughout Vietnam, even in smaller towns. However, there are some important things to know to minimize fees and avoid issues.
Best ATMs for Foreigners
Citibank ATMs
- No local withdrawal fee
- Higher limits (up to 8,000,000 VND)
- Found in major cities only
HSBC ATMs
- No local fee for HSBC cardholders
- Higher limits available
- Major cities only
Vietcombank ATMs
- Most widespread network
- Fee: ~22,000 VND per withdrawal
- Limit: 2-3 million VND
Agribank ATMs
- Available in rural areas
- Fee: ~22,000 VND per withdrawal
- Lower limits typically
ATM Tips
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize fees
- Always choose VND when given currency options (avoid dynamic conversion)
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
Cards & Digital Payments
Vietnam is increasingly card-friendly, but cash remains king for most transactions. Understanding when and where you can use cards will help you plan better.
Credit & Debit Cards
Cards Accepted
- Hotels and resorts
- Upscale restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Large supermarkets
- International chains
Cash Only
- Street food vendors
- Local markets
- Small shops and cafes
- Taxis (most)
- Temples and attractions
Mobile Payments
Mobile payments are growing rapidly in Vietnam. The most common apps used by locals are:
MoMo
Most popular e-wallet
ZaloPay
Linked to Zalo app
GrabPay
Via Grab app
For Tourists
While local e-wallets require Vietnamese bank accounts, you can use the Grab app with international cards for rides, food delivery, and some stores. It's worth downloading before your trip.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping is not traditionally part of Vietnamese culture, but it's becoming more common in tourist areas. While never required, a small tip for good service is always appreciated.
Suggested Tipping
- Tour guides (full day) 100,000-200,000 VND
- Drivers (full day) 50,000-100,000 VND
- Hotel porters 20,000-50,000 VND
- Housekeeping (per day) 20,000-50,000 VND
- Spa/Massage 50,000-100,000 VND
No Tip Expected
- Taxi drivers
- Restaurant servers (service included)
- Street food vendors
- Shop staff
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