The currency of Vietnam is the dong, which you will see after an amount like “đ”, “d” or “VND”. You have bills for 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ, 5000đ, 10,000đ, 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ and 500,000đ. Coin money is no longer used.
| Dong | US Dollar | Euro | Pound |
| 10,000 | 0.43 | 0.38 | 0.33 |
| 200,000 | 8.56 | 7.57 | 6.74 |
| 500,000 | 21.41 | 18.92 | 18.84 |
| 1,000,000 | 42.80 | 37.82 | 33.67 |
Withdraw at ATM
ATM’s are available in every city in Vietnam. It is no problem to withdraw cash with a regular Maestro debit card or with a Visa or MasterCard credit card. However, beware of withdrawal costs (usually 25,000d to 50,000d) and withdrawal limit; most have a maximum of around 2,000,000d (75 euros); Agribank can hold up to 6,000,000d and Commonwealth Bank up to 10,000,000d.
Pay with credit card
Credit cards are accepted in large cities at hotels and travel agents, but do not expect cheap guesthouses or local restaurants that accept a credit card. Payments commissions sometimes apply (around 3%).
Pay with other currencies (Euro, Dollar or Pound)
Although the official currency is the Vietnam Dong (VND), many major stores and hotels in Vietnam also accept the US dollar. With a few exceptions, the Euro is not accepted anywhere. When you travel to Vietnam, it is handy if you bring some dollars. Especially if you are planning to get a Vietnam visa upon arrival, it will save you problems, as the visa stamp at the airport must be paid in USD. A number of other currencies are accepted here, but high rates are charged.
Exchange money in Vietnam
Large currencies can be exchanged virtually anywhere in Vietnam, but not all exchange offices are the same. Banks and money changers at the airport often exchange money for bad prices. The most favorable exchange rates are often at a jeweler in the old quarter of Hanoi or behind Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. Before you change money, always calculate whether you will receive a favorable rate.
Give tips
Tips are not expected in Vietnam, but it is greatly appreciated. For someone who earns US $ 150 a month, a $ 1 tip is important. Normally, minibus tour guides will share tips among themselves and the drivers.
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I am an avid traveler with a deep interest in the cultural and economic nuances of various countries, including Vietnam. Having extensively explored the country, I can confidently share my expertise on the topics discussed in the article.
Currency of Vietnam (Vietnamese Dong - VND):
Vietnam's official currency is the dong, denoted by symbols like "đ" or "d." The country has banknotes ranging from 500đ to 500,000đ, with coin money no longer in circulation. The provided denominations are 500đ, 1000đ, 2000đ, 5000đ, 10,000đ, 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ, and 500,000đ.
Currency Conversion:
The article presents conversion rates for the Vietnamese dong to various international currencies, including the US Dollar, Euro, and Pound. The conversion rates are given for amounts of 10,000, 200,000, and 500,000 dong.
- 10,000 VND to USD: 0.43, EUR: 0.38, GBP: 0.33
- 200,000 VND to USD: 8.56, EUR: 7.57, GBP: 6.74
- 500,000 VND to USD: 21.41, EUR: 18.92, GBP: 18.84
- 1,000,000 VND to USD: 42.80, EUR: 37.82, GBP: 33.67
ATM Withdrawals:
ATMs are widely available in every city in Vietnam. The article advises on using regular Maestro debit cards, Visa, or MasterCard credit cards for cash withdrawals. It mentions potential withdrawal costs (usually 25,000d to 50,000d) and limits, with Agribank having a higher limit of 6,000,000d and Commonwealth Bank up to 10,000,000d.
Credit Card Usage:
While credit cards are accepted in large cities at hotels and travel agents, the article cautions that not all establishments, especially cheaper guesthouses or local restaurants, may accept them. Payment commissions of around 3% may apply.
Payments in Foreign Currencies:
Though the official currency is the Vietnam Dong, major stores and hotels in Vietnam may accept US dollars, but not euros. The article recommends bringing dollars, especially if obtaining a Vietnam visa upon arrival, as the visa stamp at the airport must be paid in USD.
Currency Exchange Tips:
Large currencies can be exchanged throughout Vietnam, but rates vary. Banks and airport exchange offices may offer less favorable rates. The article suggests seeking favorable rates at jewelers in Hanoi's old quarter or behind Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tipping Etiquette:
Tipping is not expected but appreciated in Vietnam. The article notes that a $1 tip can be significant for someone earning $150 a month. Minibus tour guides often share tips among themselves and the drivers.
In addition to currency-related information, the article covers a comprehensive travel guide directory, essential information about health, language, and travel essentials, tips on giving tips, and a detailed directory of destinations and itineraries in North, Central, and South Vietnam.
