What Currency Is Used in Vietnam? Is It Better to Use USD or Dong in Vietnam?
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over the past 10 years, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback.
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
Email me about your travel idea
It is essential to understand currency and payment differences before traveling. Vietnam supports the use of local currency and USD, as well as modern payment options like credit cards and online payments.
To help you prepare for your Vietnam tour, here is what you need to know about when and where to use different forms of payment.
What Currency Is Used in Vietnam? How Much Is 100 USD in Vietnam?
Can I Use USD When Traveling to Vietnam? Should I Bring Dollars to Vietnam?
Is Vietnam Cheap or Expensive for Traveling? What Can You Buy with 100 Dong in Vietnam?
What Currency Is Used in Vietnam? How Much Is 100 USD in Vietnam?
The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The name comes from the Vietnamese word for copper, the material once used to make the earliest coins. Since 2011, coins are no longer in use in Vietnam. Small denominations from 200 VND to 5,000 VND come in paper notes.
More durable polymer notes are used for denominations from 10,000 to 500,000 VND. The smallest denominations of 200, 500, and 1,000 VND are rarely used. Their value is so low that they are not even suitable for tipping.
At a rough exchange rate of 1 USD to 25,000 VND, 100 USD is worth about 2,500,000 VND. Your money can go quite far in Vietnam. A bottle of water usually costs around 5,000-10,000 VND, or about 0.2-0.4 USD.
Vietnamese dong (VND).Can I Use USD When Traveling to Vietnam? Should I Bring Dollars to Vietnam?
USD can be used in some places in Vietnam, and you may need to bring cash in USD if you are using a visa on arrival. The visa stamping fee is usually paid in USD. USD can also be more convenient for payment in large cities like Hanoi or at larger hotels and stores. It is common to see some restaurant menus with prices in USD or hear street vendors calling out prices in dollars.
One advantage of bringing USD is that you can avoid the high exchange fees at the airport and some banks. However, local shop owners and taxi drivers might set their own exchange rates, so pay attention to the conversion.
Local currency is needed for small purchases or outside tourist areas. Exchange a small amount of USD to keep some VND on hand. USD can be exchanged almost anywhere. The rates offered by money changers at the airports are often unfavorable. Look for money changers in the Old Quarter of Hanoi or behind Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, and compare rates before changing money.
USD can be exchanged for Vietnamese dong in many tourist areas.Is Vietnam Cheap or Expensive for Traveling? What Can You Buy with 100 Dong in Vietnam?
Vietnam is generally not expensive to travel in. 100 VND won’t buy you much, but 10,000 VND is enough for a can of soda or a pound of rice. Taxi fares start at around 15,000 VND, or about 0.7 USD, and a cup of excellent local coffee costs around 50,000-75,000 VND, or about 2-3 USD.
Mid-range hotels are around 25 to 50 USD, depending on the time of year. Small local restaurants average 3-7 USD per person, and a street food meal, which is a must-try, is 1-3 USD.
Tourist activities like visiting temples or museums often cost between 1 and 5 USD. A good spa treatment or massage costs between 10 and 50 USD. Getting around cities is easy by taxi. Fares are about 0.5 USD per mile, and drivers usually round up to a convenient amount.
Do I Need to Tip When Visiting Vietnam?
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it is a good idea to tip your guide and driver. If you are satisfied with the service, 10-20% is a standard amount. Bars and restaurants frequented by American customers may have gotten used to receiving tips. Small amounts like 1 USD are appropriate and best given to the staff directly.
At street Vietnamese food stalls and small local restaurants, tips are not expected. Taxi drivers typically round up the fare, and you don’t need to add more. Tipping service staff at hotels, spas, and salons is common. Upscale restaurants and cafés may add a service charge, so check before adding anything extra. It is not expected to tip on top.
More Tips
1. Before traveling, check to make sure that your ATM card is compatible with bank machines in Vietnam.
2. Notify your bank before traveling to ensure your credit card does not get flagged for suspicious activity.
3. Credit cards are accepted in large cities at hotels and upscale restaurants. Smaller establishments, taxis, and guesthouses usually only accept cash.
4. Haggling is expected when shopping in Vietnam night markets. Stay polite, and don’t be too aggressive. Offering 20-30% of the original price is a good starting point.
5. Grab is a local ride-hailing app similar to Uber. You can use it to book cars or motorcycles to get around the city. Payment can be made by cash or card through the app.
Conclusion
With both VND and USD widely accepted in many travel situations, payment is convenient in Vietnam. Local currency for small purchases and USD at major establishments will cover most situations you will encounter there. Finally, feel free to contact us for a tailor-made itinerary just for you in Vietnam!
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over the past 10 years, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback.
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
Email me about your travel idea
.jpg "Weather in Vietnam in November: Comfortable to Visit Vietnam")
