Vietnam is famous for its stunning landscapes, street food, and vibrant culture – but if it’s your first time visiting, there’s one thing you’ll need to get the hang of quickly: the Vietnamese Dong. You must understand how this currency works, so you can make your trip smoother, cheaper, and a lot less confusing.
Let’s walk through what you need to know about the Vietnamese Dong before you go.
What Is the Vietnamese Dong?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam. And like the Indonesian Rupiah, it comes with lots of zeros. One US dollar is worth around 25,000 VND, so don’t be shocked when your lunch bill says “100,000” – it’s probably under five bucks.
Banknotes come in a wide range of denominations, from 1,000 to 500,000 VND. Coins are rarely used anymore. Most bills are made of polymer plastic, making them waterproof and durable – which is great in Vietnam’s humid climate.
The colours and sizes of the notes help distinguish them, but newcomers often find it useful to take a few moments to familiarise themselves with the different denominations. You’ll also notice that some older paper bills are still in circulation alongside the newer polymer ones, though they’re less common. Knowing the feel and value of each bill can surely help you avoid payment mistakes, especially in busy markets or when handing over cash quickly.
How Much Is Everything, Really?
Vietnam is still considered a budget travel destination, especially outside major cities. If you know where to look and how to budget, you’ll find the prices pleasantly low.
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Street food: A delicious bowl of pho or banh mi sandwich will cost you around 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.25 – $2).
- Coffee: A local iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) goes for about 20,000–35,000 VND.
- Hotels: Budget hostels and guesthouses can be found for $5 – $15 per night. Mid-range stays are around $25 – $40.
- Transport: Grab rides (similar to Uber) start at around 15,000 VND. Long-distance buses and trains are also inexpensive.
- Attractions: Museum tickets and entrance to historical sites are often under 50,000 VND.
These prices make it easy to enjoy authentic experiences without spending a lot. Keep in mind, touristy spots like Ha Long Bay or central Hanoi tend to be pricier – but overall, Vietnam remains a great-value destination.
Tips for Using Dong Like a Pro
Mastering the Dong can make your travels smoother, and even save you from tourist traps. Here are some quick tips to help you handle cash confidently:
1. Learn to Drop the Zeros (Kind Of)
Locals sometimes shorten prices when speaking. If someone says “fifty,” they probably mean 50,000 VND. Don’t let this catch you off guard – always clarify if you’re unsure.
2. Use Smaller Bills
Try to carry small denominations. Many vendors and taxis may not have change for big bills like 500,000 VND.
3. ATMs Are Everywhere
Vietnam has plenty of ATMs, especially in cities. Most accept foreign cards, but withdrawal limits and fees vary. Always check your bank’s international charges before your trip.
4. Count Carefully
Some bills look very similar – especially the 20,000 and 500,000 notes, which can be confused at a glance. Take your time when paying.
5. Credit Cards Are Limited
Cash is preferred nearly everywhere. Only high-end hotels, major restaurants, and large retailers are likely to accept cards.
That’s why it’s smart to always have cash on hand and plan ahead if you’re heading somewhere rural or off the beaten path. Learning a few money habits before you go can help you spend smart and avoid hassle. Only high-end hotels, major restaurants, and large retailers are likely to accept cards.
Where to Exchange Money
You’ll want to start your trip with some local currency in your pocket, and Vietnam offers several options for exchanging money. Banks, authorised currency exchange counters, and gold shops are the most common. Airport exchange rates are convenient but usually less favourable than what you’ll find in the city.
Always check for official signage and ask if there are any fees or commissions before handing over your cash. Most major currencies, especially USD, are easy to exchange. And while rates don’t usually vary wildly, shopping around in larger cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi can save you a bit more.
Carrying crisp, undamaged bills can also help – some exchange counters won’t accept old, torn, or heavily marked currency.
Should You Use a Currency App?
Absolutely. Using a currency conversion app while in Vietnam can help you quickly calculate costs and avoid overspending. Websites like US First Exchange and apps like XE Currency, Wise, or even Google’s built-in converter give you real-time rates that are handy when shopping or planning.
Many of these apps also let you save offline rates, which is helpful when you don’t have mobile data. You can even use them to track spending or set travel budgets, giving you extra control and confidence as you explore.
Can You Rely on Card Payments in Vietnam?
Vietnam is still largely a cash-based society, but credit and debit cards are slowly gaining ground – particularly in urban areas and major tourist destinations. You can expect to use your card at upscale restaurants, shopping malls, international hotel chains, and some boutique shops in places like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
However, in smaller towns, local markets, food stalls, or family-run guesthouses, cash is almost always the only option. It’s also worth noting that some businesses that do accept cards may charge an additional fee for card payments or set a minimum spending amount.
Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express or Discover may not work everywhere. Always have a backup payment method, and inform your bank that you’re travelling to Vietnam to avoid card blocks. Carrying a mix of cash and a travel card is the safest strategy.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnamese Dong might look confusing at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly. Once you do, you’ll realise just how affordable and accessible Vietnam really is. Once you understand the currency, plan your spending, and stick to local habits, you can enjoy everything from a fresh cup of street coffee to a scenic motorbike ride – without breaking the bank.
So go ahead, embrace the zeros and enjoy the ride!
