Getting Vietnamese Dong for Your Trip

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations, and it's also one of the most affordable. The Vietnamese Dong (₫ or VND) comes in large denominations — you'll regularly handle notes worth millions — which takes some getting used to but makes for a fantastic exchange rate.

Vietnam remains largely cash-based for everyday transactions. While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have seen increased card acceptance in recent years, you'll need Dong for street food, markets, local transport, and most restaurants outside tourist areas.

Key insight for 2026: Vietnamese Dong is a restricted currency, meaning you cannot easily buy it outside Vietnam. The best strategy is to bring USD, GBP, or EUR and exchange on arrival, or withdraw from ATMs using a fee-free travel card.

Best Ways to Get Vietnamese Dong

1. ATMs in Vietnam (fee-free card) — Using Wise or Revolut at Vietnamese ATMs is the easiest option. Most ATMs don't charge fees, though limits are low (2-3 million VND per transaction).
2. Gold shops & money changers — Vietnam's gold shops (look for "Vàng" signs) offer excellent exchange rates for USD, GBP, and EUR. Better than banks and often better than ATMs.
3. Exchange at arrival airport — Surprisingly decent rates at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh) and Noi Bai (Hanoi). Fine for initial cash needs.
4. Banks in Vietnam — Vietcombank, Techcombank offer good rates. May require passport.
5. Bring USD cash — $100 bills get the best rates. Useful as backup and for any USD-quoted services.
6. UK bureaux (avoid) — Rates for VND in the UK are terrible if available at all. Don't bother.

ATMs in Vietnam

Vietnam's ATM network is extensive and most ATMs don't charge foreign card fees — a pleasant surprise compared to Thailand. However, there are some quirks to know.

ATM Withdrawal Limits

The main frustration is low withdrawal limits. Most ATMs only dispense 2,000,000-3,000,000 VND (£65-100) per transaction. Some allow 5,000,000 VND. This means multiple withdrawals for larger amounts.

Best ATMs for Foreign Cards

• Vietcombank: Reliable, higher limits (up to 5 million VND), no fees
• Techcombank: Good limits, widespread
• HSBC/ANZ: Higher limits, fewer locations
• Agribank: Lower limits (2 million VND) but everywhere

ATM Tips

• Decline DCC: Always choose "without conversion" when offered. Vietnamese Dong only.
• Try another ATM: If one declines your card, try a different bank's ATM
• Withdraw at airports: There are ATMs in arrivals at major airports
• Card notification: Tell your bank you're visiting Vietnam to avoid blocks

Using Cards in Vietnam

Card acceptance is improving but Vietnam remains cash-dominant.

Where Cards Work

• Hotels: Most accept cards, though budget guesthouses may prefer cash
• Upscale restaurants: In tourist areas, yes. Local restaurants, rarely.
• Shopping malls: Yes, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Convenience stores: Circle K, FamilyMart accept cards
• Tour operators: Most accept cards for bookings, sometimes with fee

Where You Need Cash

• Street food: 100% cash only — and you'll want to eat lots of it
• Markets: Ben Thanh, night markets, local markets — cash only
• Local transport: Xe om (motorbike taxis), cyclos, buses — cash only
• Grab: Can pay by card through the app, but cash option often cheaper
• Local restaurants: Pho shops, bánh mì stalls, coffee shops — mostly cash
• Entrance fees: Tourist sites often cash only

Understanding Vietnamese Dong

Vietnamese Dong has very large denominations which can be confusing at first. Notes range from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND.

Quick Conversion Guide (approximate)

• 10,000 VND = about 32p / $0.40
• 100,000 VND = about £3.20 / $4
• 500,000 VND = about £16 / $20
• 1,000,000 VND = about £32 / $40

Tips for Handling Dong

• Check notes carefully: 20,000 and 500,000 notes are similar colours. Always double-check.
• Count your change: Mistakes happen. Count before walking away.
• Ignore extra zeros: Locals often drop the last three zeros. "Fifty" means 50,000 VND.
• Keep small notes: Street vendors may not have change for 500,000 notes.

How Much Does Vietnam Cost?

Vietnam is excellent value for money:

• Budget: 400,000-700,000 VND/day (£13-23) — dorms, street food, local transport
• Mid-range: 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND/day (£32-65) — private rooms, restaurants, some tours
• Comfortable: 2,500,000-5,000,000 VND/day (£80-160) — nice hotels, good restaurants, tours

Typical Prices

• Pho (noodle soup): 30,000-50,000 VND (£1-1.60)
• Bánh mì (sandwich): 15,000-30,000 VND (50p-£1)
• Bia hơi (draught beer): 5,000-15,000 VND (16-50p)
• Coffee (cà phê sữa đá): 20,000-40,000 VND (65p-£1.30)
• Grab motorbike (short trip): 15,000-30,000 VND (50p-£1)