If you're heading to Vietnam, you might be wondering: Can I just use my US dollars, or do I need to exchange money? The short answer? Both work, but using the Vietnamese dong (VND) is almost always better.
Where Can You Use USD in Vietnam?
If you're heading to popular spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and major beach towns, you'll find that some hotels, tour agencies, and upscale restaurants accept USD. You might even see menu prices listed in dollars, as these areas cater to international visitors.
But if you're paying in USD, don't be surprised if your change is given back in VND—and usually at a less-than-ideal exchange rate. Also, vendors are picky about the condition of your bills, so make sure your USD is crisp and unmarked.
A special note: When getting a visa on arrival at the airport, you must pay the fee in USD: 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Make sure to have the exact cash ready to avoid any hassle.
When to Stick to VND in Vietnam
However, for local markets, taxis, street vendors, and everyday expenses, the Vietnamese dong (VND) is king. In smaller towns like Sapa or rural areas, USD is not commonly accepted.
Local Rice ShopTipping in Vietnam: Can You Tip in USD?
Tipping isn't traditionally expected in Vietnam, but it's appreciated, especially in tourist areas. In high-end restaurants and spas, tipping 5-10% is becoming standard. While you can tip in USD, it's better to use VND.
Vietnamese Dong (VND): The Best Currency to Use
Vietnam's official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), and yes, the numbers can look a little crazy at first. $1 USD is around 25,500 VND, but you'll quickly get used to carrying big bills.
You'll mostly be dealing with polymer banknotes, and the most common ones are 500,000 (~$19.61), 200,000 (~$7.84), 100,000 (~$3.92), 50,000 (~$1.96), and 20,000 VND (~$0.78).
Watch out for similar-looking bills! The 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND notes are both blue—you don't want to accidentally hand over the wrong one.
Here's a rough idea of how much things cost: [the exchange rates fluctuate and please check real-time rates before travel.]
| Item | Price in VND | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 38,250 VND | $1.50 |
| Local beer | 17,850 VND | $0.70 |
| Vietnamese coffee | 25,500 VND | $1.00 |
| Taxi (1km) | 12,750 VND | $0.50 |
| Hostel room | 510,000 VND | $20.00 |
| Luxury hotel room | 3,825,000 VND | $150.00 |
Where to Exchange Money in Vietnam
If you're bringing cash, you'll want to exchange at least some of it into VND. Here's where to do it:
- ATMs: Super convenient, but they charge $2–5 per withdrawal. To minimize costs, it's advisable to withdraw a larger amount at once. However, many ATMs have withdrawal limits of 2–3 million VND (roughly $85–$130) per transaction. Additionally, while chip-only cards are widely used, some ATMs still only accept magnetic stripe cards.
- Banks: Safe and reliable, but you'll need to show your passport to exchange money.
- Airport exchange counters: Easy but offer slightly worse rates than banks in the city.
- Gold and jewelry shops: Often have better rates than banks, and they're always decorated with the sign Vang (gold).
- Hotels: Quick and easy but usually offer terrible rates—use only as a last resort.
Avoid street money changers! Scams and counterfeit bills are a real risk.
How Much Cash Can You Bring to Vietnam?
There's no limit on how much cash you can bring in, but if you're carrying more than US$5,000 USD, you'll need to declare it at customs.
Since many small businesses in Vietnam still prefer cash over cards, it's a good idea to carry a mix of VND and some small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for emergencies.
Credit Card or Cash? What's Better in Vietnam?
Vietnam is still a cash-heavy country, though credit cards are accepted in some places.
- Use credit cards at hotels, shopping malls, and upscale restaurants—but watch out for a 3% service fee in some places.
- Use cash for taxis, street food, small shops, and local markets.
Don't expect to pay with your phone—Apple Pay and Google Pay aren't widely accepted, and local e-wallets usually require a Vietnamese bank account.
Visit Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations, and activities that best suit your requirements.
Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!
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