Vietnamese Currency

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), represented as “đ” or “d” after an amount. Banknotes are available in various denominations, with the most commonly used being:

  • Polymer notes: 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ, and 500,000đ.
  • Paper notes: 1,000đ, 2,000đ, and 5,000đ, though they are less common.
  • Coins: Available in denominations from 200–500đ but rarely used in daily transactions.

While the Vietnamese dong is the primary currency, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in some businesses, hotels, and tour agencies—especially for large transactions. However, it’s generally more convenient to use dong for everyday expenses.

Accessing Cash & Exchanging Money

Since Vietnamese dong is not readily available outside of Vietnam, it’s best to withdraw cash upon arrival. ATMs are widely accessible in major cities, international airports, and even small towns. Most ATMs accept:

  • Visa, MasterCard, American Express
  • Cirrus, Plus, and UnionPay

The maximum withdrawal per transaction varies by bank, typically ranging from 2 to 5 million VND. Additional ATM fees apply, so check with your home bank regarding withdrawal charges.

Currency Exchange Options

  • Banks and exchange bureaus offer competitive rates and generally do not charge extra fees.
  • Hotels and tour agencies also provide exchange services but at less favorable rates.
  • Jewelry shops in Vietnam sometimes offer better rates for USD exchanges.
  • Always request a mix of denominations, as larger bills can be difficult to break in rural areas.
  • Avoid accepting damaged or excessively worn banknotes, as they may not be accepted by local vendors.

Using Credit & Debit Cards

Major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are widely accepted in large cities and tourist destinations. However, be aware that:

  • Luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and major retailers typically accept cards.
  • Many businesses charge a 3–4% surcharge for card transactions.
  • Smaller shops, markets, and local eateries often only accept cash.

Sending & Receiving Money

If you need to receive money from abroad, services like Western Union and MoneyGram are available, though they can be costly.

  • Western Union
  • MoneyGram

Another option is international bank transfers, which usually take around two working days but involve fees from both the sending and receiving banks.

By planning ahead and using a mix of cash, credit cards, and online banking, managing money in Vietnam can be smooth and hassle-free!