Currency in Vietnam
The complete Vietnamese Dong (VND) travel guide
The Vietnamese Dong (VND, symbol ₫) is the official currency of Vietnam. Issued by the State Bank of Vietnam, banknotes come in ₫500, ₫1,000, ₫2,000, ₫5,000, ₫10,000, ₫20,000, ₫50,000, ₫100,000, ₫200,000, and ₫500,000 denominations — among the largest face values of any major currency (₫500,000 ≈ $20 USD). Coins exist but are rarely used. The polymer (plastic) banknotes are durable but can be confusing for foreign visitors due to similar colors between denominations.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Vietnam
Vietnam is a cash-first country, especially outside Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Street food, motorbike taxis (Grab Bike, Be), local markets, and most small businesses are cash-only. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at chain hotels, mid-to-upscale restaurants, malls, and tourist-oriented businesses. Amex acceptance is limited. ATMs at Vietcombank, BIDV, Sacombank, and Techcombank branches accept foreign cards, with per-transaction limits typically ₫2–3 million (~$80–120) and fees of ₫50,000–110,000 per withdrawal. Citibank Vietnam allows ₫5 million withdrawals — useful for minimizing trips.
Tipping culture in Vietnam
Tipping in Vietnam is not customary but increasingly appreciated in tourist-facing service industries. Restaurants: 5–10% at upscale establishments; rounding up at local places. Taxis: round up to the nearest ₫10,000. Hotels: ₫20,000–50,000 per bag for porters at international chains; ₫20,000–50,000 per night for housekeeping. Tour guides: ₫200,000–500,000 per person per day for private tours. Spa/massage: 10% is generous. Street food vendors and motorbike taxis: no tipping expected.
Best way to get Vietnamese Dong (VND)
For USD-to-VND, multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) deliver rates within 0.5–1% of mid-market. Avoid Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Noi Bai (HAN) airport currency exchange counters — spreads of 5–8% above mid-market are common. Jewelry shops (vàng) in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi old quarters often offer the best USD-to-VND cash rates — typically within 1% of mid-market. For substantial transfers, Wise and Remitly beat traditional bank wires by 2–4% on total delivered amount. Vietnamese residents face capital-control restrictions on outbound transfers.
Practical money tips for Vietnam
- •Carry ₫500,000 notes in moderation — many small shops and street vendors can't change them; ₫100,000 and ₫200,000 are more useful
- •Color-coded banknote tip: ₫500,000 is purple, ₫200,000 is brown — they look similar in low light; double-check before paying
- •Get a SIM card on arrival (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) — 7-30 day tourist plans available for ₫50,000–200,000
- •Grab dominates ride-hailing in Vietnam — much cheaper and safer than street taxis (Mai Linh and Vinasun are reputable taxi companies)
- •VAT (10%) is included in displayed prices; no tourist refund scheme
- •Vietnam plug types A, C, F (mixed); voltage 220V/50Hz — pack universal adapter
- •Bargaining is expected at markets (Ben Thanh, Dong Xuan) but never at fixed-price shops or restaurants
Common money scams to avoid in Vietnam
Common tourist money scams in Vietnam include: bill-padding at restaurants in tourist areas (always check the bill carefully — extra items appear especially after multiple beers); cyclo and xich lo drivers demanding 10x the agreed fare after the ride (always agree on price BEFORE getting in, and pay only the agreed amount); fake "tour guide" offers near major attractions in Hanoi/Saigon that turn into pressure shopping stops; jewelry shop scams where the displayed gold/silver content differs from what's actually sold; counterfeit ₫500,000 and ₫200,000 notes in change (the polymer notes have a clear window — check for it); and motorbike rental "damage" scams in coastal cities (Da Nang, Nha Trang) where operators claim pre-existing damage as new.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use US dollars in Vietnam?
Some tourist businesses in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and resort areas accept USD — but always at terrible rates (you'll lose 8–15% versus the mid-market). Always pay in VND. Convert at a jewelry shop (vàng) in central districts for the best in-person rates.
How much cash should I bring to Vietnam?
Plan on ₫500,000–1,500,000 ($20–60) per day in cash for street food, Grab rides, markets, and small businesses. With cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, your supplementary card spend takes care of the rest. Vietnamese ATMs typically cap foreign-card withdrawals at ₫2–3 million per transaction.
Why are Vietnamese banknotes so large?
Inflation history. The dong has not been redenominated since 1985, even though decades of inflation have made the unit very small relative to USD (₫25,000+ per $1 in 2026). The State Bank has discussed redenomination but no plan has been implemented. As a result, even small purchases involve large numbers — a 10-million dong meal is about $400.
Is Grab safe to use in Vietnam?
Yes — Grab dominates ride-hailing in Vietnam and is significantly safer and cheaper than street taxis. Both Grab Car and Grab Bike (motorbike taxi) are widely available in all major cities. Always pay through the app to lock in the displayed price; cash payments are accepted but lose price-lock protection.
What's the cheapest way to send money to Vietnam?
For USD-to-VND, Wise and Remitly consistently offer the lowest total cost (typically 1–2% margin). Western Union has higher disguised margins (3–5%) but offers cash pickup at thousands of locations. For amounts over $5,000, Wise typically wins by 2–4% versus traditional bank wires.
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.