Travelling to Vietnam? You’ll quickly notice the colourful banknotes, the surprisingly low prices, and the occasional confusion between thousands and millions.
This guide helps you understand Vietnamese currency, how to pay, how much cash to carry, and the best ways to handle your travel money safely in 2025–2026.
Vietnam’s Currency: The Basics
- Official currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Banknotes: ₫1,000 → ₫500,000 (no coins in circulation)
- Exchange rate (as of early 2025):
- 1 USD ≈ 24,500 VND
- 1 EUR ≈ 26,000 VND
- 1 AUD ≈ 16,000 VND
- (Rates fluctuate—always check before exchanging.)
- Tip: Carry small denominations (₫10,000–₫50,000) for taxis, street food, and tips.
Exchanging Money in Vietnam
| Option | Where | Pros | Cons |
| Banks (Vietcombank, , BIDV, Techcombank, Vietinbank) | Branches in all cities | Safe & reliable rates | Slightly slower process, open weekdays only |
| Official Money Changers | Gold/jewelry shops in Old Quarter (Hanoi), Ben Thanh area (HCMC) | Fast, good rates | Bring passport; compare before exchanging |
| Airport Counters | Arrival halls | Immediate convenience | Lower rates; use for small amounts only |
| ATMs | Widely available | Easy withdrawals | 2–4% foreign transaction fee per withdrawal |
Using Credit & Debit Cards
- Major cards (Visa, MasterCard) accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
- Still, cash is king — small cafés, taxis, and markets often don’t take cards.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) — always pay in VND to get better rates.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocks.
| Place | Card | Use Tip |
| Hotels & resorts | Widely accepted | Some charge 2–3% card fee |
| Restaurants & shops | Mixed | Ask before ordering |
| Street food, local markets, taxis | Rare | Keep cash ready |
| Supermarkets | Most chains accept cards | Bring backup cash in case terminals fail |
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
For a typical traveler:
- ₫2–3 million/day (~USD 80–120) covers meals, taxis, tickets, and small souvenirs.
- Keep only ₫1–2 million in your wallet; store the rest safely at your hotel.
- Vietnam is safe, but petty theft can happen in crowded spots.
Digital Payments & Apps
Vietnam is embracing cashless payments fast:
- Momo, ZaloPay, VNPay, ShopeePay → popular with locals.
- Most require a Vietnamese bank account, but some restaurants and taxis use QR codes for scanning.
- Grab, XanhSM app (for rides & food delivery) accepts cards or GrabPay credits.
Traveler Tips
- Bring a mix of cash + card for flexibility.
- ATMs limit withdrawals to ₫2–5 million (USD 80–200). Plan for fees.
- Exchange leftover VND at the airport before departure.
- USD notes should be clean, unmarked, and newer than 2009 for best acceptance.
FAQs
1. Can I use USD or EUR directly?
Mostly no — pay in VND. Some hotels or souvenir shops quote in USD but still convert to Dong.
2. Are ATMs safe in Vietnam?
Yes, use machines at major banks or malls; avoid standalone ATMs at night.
3. What’s the largest note?
₫500,000 (~USD 20). Be careful not to confuse it with ₫20,000 (similar color).
4. Should I tip in Vietnam?
Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated:
- Guide/driver: ₫50,000–₫100,000/day
- Restaurant: 5–10% if no service charge
Planning your Vietnam trip? Tonkin Travel can arrange airport transfers, trusted money changers, and safe ATMs near your hotels, so you travel with peace of mind.
Contact us and we’ll make sure your journey runs smoothly — from currency to culture.
