What Money/Currency to Use for a Vietnam Cambodia Tour?

Vietnam and Cambodia make things easy for travelers. Local payment options in a mix of currencies, and digital and cash payments won’t seem too foreign to first-time travelers. There are some distinct features to be aware of, but with a little preparation, you’re sure to have a smooth trip.

Both Vietnam and Cambodia Have their Own Currencies: Vietnamese Dong & Cambodian Riel

The dong (VND) is the national currency of Vietnam. The country is slowly moving towards digital payments, but cash in the form of banknotes is still very common. It comes in a range of denominations, from notes of 1,000 to 500,000.

Modern banknotes in Vietnam are of a plastic polymer type, but there are still many old-style cotton fiber banknotes in circulation, which remain widely accepted around the country. Recently, the exchange rate with USD has been around 1:25,000.

Cambodia's official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). The name riel is commonly believed to come from a Mekong River fish, but it likely comes from the former Spanish-American dollar, which was used for international trade in Asia from the 16th to 19th centuries. The exchange rate with the US dollar is fixed at around 4,000:1.

7 Days Glimpse of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Siem Reap

What Money/Currency to Use When Traveling in Vietnam? Is It Better to Pay in USD or Dong?

It is recommended to carry a mix of currencies in Vietnam. Most transactions will be in VND. Small vendors, street markets, and businesses in rural areas will only accept local currency.

USD is needed if you're paying cash for a Vietnam visa on arrival. Once there, there are many places to exchange money. Pay attention to the exchange rate.

Stores that accept USD for purchases often offer poor rates, and it would be better to exchange money first at a bank or reputable money exchange counter.

Vietnamese Dong

What Money/Currency to Use When Traveling Cambodia? Better to Pay in USD or Riel?

Since the exchange rate is basically fixed, using USD in Cambodia is very convenient. The rule of thumb is to use dollars for larger transactions and riel for smaller ones.

Often, it is not necessary to exchange any currency there. Change for fractions of a dollar will always be given in riel, so after a day of shopping, you will have plenty of local currency.

The riel is available for exchange outside of Cambodia. Arrive with USD in cash. It's needed for the Cambodia visa on arrival, and you'll have no problem using it for taxis or other transportation.

If you want to exchange money after arriving, the best rates are often at the moneychangers in local markets. Shop around, and don't choose the first place you see.

Cambodian Riel

How Much Cash Should I Take for a Vietnam and Cambodia Tour?

Cash is needed for daily expenses such as food, transportation, and attractions. Most likely, you'll have booked a hotel online and paid in advance by credit card, so a large part of the costs will already be covered.

In Vietnam, mid-range to luxury travelers should prepare 30-50 USD a day in cash. Larger restaurants accept credit cards, so $10/day can cover street food and eating at smaller establishments. Another $15 will cover entrance fees and tipping. Another $5-10 should be enough for local transportation.

Costs in Cambodia are similar, but there will be fewer places that accept credit cards. Plan for 25-40 USD a day. Meals will cost around $10, transportation between $5-10, and another $10 will be enough for tips and entrance fees.

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

Is Mobile Payment Convenient when Traveling in Vietnam and Cambodia?

The most helpful mobile payment option in Cambodia and Vietnam is the ride-hailing app Grab. Download it before traveling and link your debit or credit card. Once you're there, you can use it for transportation and food delivery. Grab's online payment is convenient and secure, so you won't have to worry about being overcharged.

Credit cards are commonly accepted in larger cities in Vietnam. The popular local digital wallet, MoMo, can be linked to a Visa or Mastercard and is widely used. Apple Pay and Google Pay can also be found in some places. In rural areas, cash is still king. Plan on bringing VND with you when going outside larger cities.

Upscale restaurants, larger stores, and hotels will accept credit cards in Cambodia. Even in big cities, smaller establishments work entirely in cash. Mobile payment apps are increasing in popularity, but cross-border payment options remain limited.

Some platforms, such as Pi Pay, allow you to load cash into an e-wallet through bank transfers or cash at retail outlets. Similar to Vietnam, cash is often the only option outside of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Using Grab App in Vietnam and Cambodia.

More Insider Tips about Payment in Vietnam and Cambodia

1. Notify your bank or credit card company before traveling to avoid transactions being flagged as suspicious.

2. Tipping is not mandatory in either country but is always appreciated. For taxis and tuk-tuks, rounding up to the nearest dollar or large denomination is easiest. Small tips of 10-15% at local restaurants are appropriate. Upscale restaurants often include the tip in the bill, so check first.

3. Haggling is common when shopping outside of fixed-price stores. Don't accept the first price you're offered at markets, but keep it friendly.

4. It's a good idea to negotiate the price of taxis and tuk-tuks in advance before getting in the vehicle.

5. ATMs in Vietnam only dispense dong. In Cambodia, you can withdraw USD or riel. Check the fees before completing your transaction.

Conclusion

Vietnam and Cambodia are very welcoming to tourists and make payment as convenient as possible. A mix of credit cards, cash, and mobile payments in both countries will ensure a smooth travel experience.

Book one of our tours so the majority of costs will already be covered. With hotels and attractions included, you won't need to carry as much cash with you. See our full range of Vietnam and Cambodia tours, and contact us to arrange your trip today.