Understanding Vietnamese Dong (VND), currency exchange spots, credit card acceptance, and daily cash needs will ensure a stress-free travel experience across Vietnam.
1. Vietnamese Dong (VND) Denominations
All VND banknotes are polymer bills with multiple zeroes. Be mindful to distinguish between the blue 100,000 VND bill and the green 10,000 VND bill, as well as the blue 500,000 VND bill and the 20,000 VND bill in low light.
2. Where to Get the Best Exchange Rates
Authorized jewelry and gold shops along Ha Trung street in Hanoi Old Quarter, or major international bank branches (Vietcombank, BIDV, HSBC) provide excellent exchange rates for USD, EUR, AUD, and GBP with low spreads.
3. Credit Cards & Cash Usage
Major hotels, fine dining restaurants, and boutique shops widely accept Visa and Mastercard. However, carrying small cash notes (20,000 to 100,000 VND) is essential for street food vendors, traditional cyclos, and tipping your local guides.
4. ATM Withdrawals & Bank Fees
ATMs are widespread across all cities. International banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Citi permit higher withdrawal limits per transaction (up to 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND) with transparent fee structures.
Cash Handling Rule
Keep crisp, unmarked, un-torn foreign currency notes (especially USD $50 and $100 bills) to ensure you receive the highest possible exchange rate from banks and authorized desks.
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