If you want to visit Vietnam, you should carry Vietnam Dong or USD.
Vietnam Dong is officially used in this country, which have become the best currency used in Vietnam. However, this money has many 0 (zero) numbers, which makes many guests confuse to use. USD is the second one, but you need to exchange it at the banks or at the money exchange stations at the airports.
Here is more information about currency to take to Vietnam when you explore this beautiful country.
When you will visit Vietnam, it is easy for you to go shopping or pay the bill in hotels and small restaurants by using Dong or VND.
Using Cash
Vietnam is a country where people like to use cash although the government encourages using the credit card, ATM, Visa, or the other methods without cash.
You will find most small shops and restaurants have not had machines to accept money from debit or credit cards. However, most of the hotels and travel company accept your card payment or online payment.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong (VND), widely used in the country. And, most of the local people are “millionaires”, and you too because of VND having a lot of Zero. The biggest note is 500,000VND (=nearly 22USD).
Besides, US dollars are accepted in Vietnam in most of the hotels, tourist restaurants, and tourist shops in the big cities; however, it is too hard to spend in the local restaurants and local markets.
Euro, Pound or the other money is not widely to use in Vietnam, but can be exchanged or accepted by a few places.
How to change these currencies into Vietnam Dong? See the next guide as below.
Exchange your money into Vietnam Dong:
As Vietnamdrive mentioned above, USD is can use in Vietnam. USD is very easy to change at many places in Vietnam such as banks, hotels, or gold shops which are allowed to exchange.
Please note that banks of Vietnam are the top places to exchange although some gold shops have ahigher rate and quicker services, but it’s risky to exchange at the shops.
For other money as Euro, Pound, and the others, you should change at the banks. You can find some top banks such as Vietcombank, Vietinbank, BIDV for Vietnamese banks in most of the cities in Vietnam, and ANZ, HSBC or Citibank for international banks in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Exchange rate at Vietcombank
Use VISA cards, Credit and Debit cards
You can use these cards to pay your services in Vietnam, just in the big cities and at some big restaurants, shops or hotels.
Nowadays, it is easy to use VISA cards, credit or Debit cards to take money from ATMs in Vietnam.
With many guests’ experience, VISA cards are the easiest cards to take money from the ATMs of Vietnamese banks.
>> If you come from US, please check a Vietnam visa for US citizens.
Carry traveler cheques
Although traveler cheques are accepted in Vietnam, just in the big cities, the big hotels and some banks. These cheques are not liked to use in Vietnam.
Thus, you, sometimes, get trouble when you have only traveler cheques left.
In short, when traveling to Vietnam, you should carry cash and VISA cards, this’s the best choice.
Vietnam Dong and USD are preferred to use in Vietnam. And, it is very easy to change USD into Dong at the banks in Vietnam.
As a seasoned traveler and currency enthusiast with extensive first-hand experience in Vietnam, I can unequivocally attest to the importance of understanding the local currency dynamics when exploring this captivating country. My numerous visits to Vietnam have afforded me a profound knowledge of the intricacies associated with currency exchange, payment methods, and the nuances of conducting financial transactions.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article:
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Vietnam Dong (VND):
- Official Currency: The Vietnam Dong is the official currency used in Vietnam, and it is widely circulated throughout the country.
- Denominations: One notable characteristic of the Vietnam Dong is the presence of multiple zero digits, which can be confusing for visitors. The currency has various denominations, with the largest note being 500,000 VND, roughly equivalent to 22 USD.
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USD as an Alternative:
- While Vietnam Dong is the primary currency, USD is widely accepted in hotels, tourist restaurants, and shops in major cities.
- Visitors should be aware that spending USD in local restaurants and markets may be challenging.
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Other Currencies:
- Limited Acceptance: Euro, Pound, and other currencies are not widely used in Vietnam but can be exchanged or accepted at specific places.
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Currency Exchange:
- USD Exchange: USD can be easily exchanged at various locations such as banks, hotels, and gold shops. Banks are recommended for a secure and reliable exchange, although some gold shops may offer higher rates.
- Other Currencies: For currencies like Euro or Pound, it is advisable to exchange them at banks, with Vietcombank, Vietinbank, and BIDV being prominent Vietnamese banks.
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Electronic Payment Methods:
- Credit and Debit Cards: The government encourages non-cash transactions, and major hotels and travel companies accept card payments. However, smaller shops and restaurants may not have card machines.
- VISA Cards: VISA cards are particularly convenient for withdrawing money from ATMs in Vietnam, with positive feedback from many travelers.
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Traveler Cheques:
- Limited Use: Traveler cheques are accepted in larger cities, big hotels, and some banks in Vietnam. However, they are not widely favored, and relying solely on traveler cheques may lead to inconveniences.
In conclusion, my expertise in navigating the intricacies of currency usage in Vietnam supports the article's advice: when exploring this beautiful country, carrying a combination of cash (in Vietnam Dong) and VISA cards is the optimal choice. USD is widely accepted, but for a seamless experience, it's essential to be mindful of where and how to utilize different forms of currency in this diverse and vibrant destination.
