Vietnam’s electric energy, street food culture, and epic landscapes attract travelers from around the world-but navigating currency in Vietnam can be tricky if you’re unprepared. Whether you’re sipping iced coffee in Hanoi, booking a Ha Long Bay cruise, or paying for bánh mì from a street cart, you’ll mostly be using cash. This guide helps you master money in Vietnam-from what currency to bring and where to exchange it, to cash safety and key payment tips. Travel confidently, avoid hidden charges, and enjoy Vietnam’s charm stress-free.
How to pay in Vietnam – cash or card?
Vietnam is a cash-card combination country for tourists and foreigners. One can pay by cash or card for nearly 50-50 of the transactions.
You can use cash for:
- Budget hotels
- Hostels
- Local tour operators
- Shopping at street markets
- Tips and gratuities
- Entry fees to pagodas, local attractions
- Local buses
- Local taxis / motorbike taxis
- Local trains
- Street food
- Small eateries / restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants (many prefer cash)
- Small purchases
- Local expenses at grocery stores, local shops
- Tailoring services (esp. in Hội An)
- Mobile SIM and phone top-up
- Laundry services
- Nightlife / bars (most)
You can use card for:
- 4 and 5 star hotels
- Hostels (in major cities like Hanoi, HCMC)
- Large tour operators
- Shopping at malls
- Airport transport (Grab, private taxis)
- Upscale restaurants
- Online bookings for upscale hotels, flights, tours
- Spas
- Vehicle renting (mainly car rental agencies in cities)
- Emergency medical clinics / pharmacies (in cities)
- Tailoring services (esp. in Hội An)
What’s the best currency to take to Vietnam?
Vietnam mainly accepts its local currency Vietnamese Dong (VND or ₫). Don’t be shocked with notes like 10,000, 20,000 and 500,000! These are denominations but their value is insignificantly low compared to the US Dollar, Euro or Pound.
So, Vietnamese Dong is the best currency to take to Vietnam.
Where to get the local currency in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, you can get the local currency in 4 ways. These are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange
Money transfer and local pick-up
Gold shops
Types of cards to swipe in Vietnam
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Vietnam
When withdrawing money in Vietnam, majority of the ATMs will accept Visa, Mastercard and JCB cards. Some of them may accept Cirrus, Plus, JCB, Unionpay and Rupay cards. Cards such as Amex, Diners, Discover will are not usually accepted by many ATMs.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Vietnam?
Bringing a small amount of Vietnamese Dong (VND) before arrival is useful for immediate costs like airport taxis, SIM cards, or snacks. However, VND is hard to obtain abroad, and rates outside Vietnam are typically worse.
A better option is to withdraw VND from ATMs upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Some machines limit the amount per transaction, and withdrawal fees may apply. Check with your bank and inform them of your travel dates.
If exchanging foreign currency, do so at licensed money changers or banks such as Vietcombank, BIDV, or Agribank. Airport counters are convenient but may offer lower rates. Street money changers may offer competitive rates but pose a risk of counterfeit notes or scams-use caution.
USD is the most commonly accepted foreign currency for exchange, followed by EUR, AUD, and SGD. Notes must be clean and undamaged. Carrying both cards and cash is advisable, as cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred for transport, street food, and rural areas.
Where to withdraw money in Vietnam
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Vietnam are those owned by popular banks such as:
VP Bank,
VietinBank,
Shinhan Bank,
Vietcombank, and
VIB Bank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in Vietnam, namely:
HSBC
Shinhan Bank
Citibank
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Vietnam.
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Vietnam. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Vietnam.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Where to exchange currency in Vietnam
In Vietnam, you can exchange currency at gold shops, authorised currency exchanges, banks, airports, and hotels, the most popular being gold shops.
Currency exchange offices in Vietnam are known as money changers, and while official exchange at banks is encouraged, there are many licensed gold shops that offer highly competitive rates – especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Well-known areas for exchanging currency include:
- Hanoi: Ha Trung Street – famous for a cluster of reputable gold and currency shops.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen An Ninh Street (near Ben Thanh Market) – known for reliable gold shops and exchanges.
- Tourist agencies and hotels – may offer exchange but usually at less favorable rates.
Avoid unlicensed street money changers, as this is technically illegal and risky despite its prevalence.
- Banks Offering Currency Exchange:
Vietcombank
BIDV (Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam)
VietinBank
Sacombank
Bank rates are transparent but slightly lower than those at licensed gold shops. Bank operating hours are typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
💡 Tip: USD is the most widely accepted for exchange. Newer and undamaged notes get better rates. Always check for the exact amount you’re receiving and keep receipts for any future reconversion.
Pro-tips:
Stay away from airport exchanges – Poor rates
Avoid the black market – Be wary of being conned.
Include fresh notes – If your notes are damaged or dirty, you can expect to pay more or less.
Is carrying money in Vietnam safe?
Safety wise, carrying a sensible amount of cash money in Vietnam is quite alright. And necessary. To safely carry cash during your travels in Vietnam, consider these tips:
Some safety tips for carrying cash while travelling in Vietnam are:
- Carry only the cash you need.
- Do not keep all the cash in one pocket or wallet.
- Put some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
- Do not flash your cash.
- When paying, do not remove or display your entire cash.
- Keep wallets preferably in front pockets.
- Cross-wear your purses if possible.
- Hold your purses, wallets and bags close and tight on crowded streets and in public trains and buses.
- When withdrawing cash, keep the cash low while you count it so people around don’t see it.
- If you’re dining alone, don’t leave your wallet / bag unattented while you go to the restroom.
- If sitting outdoors in a restaurant, don’t leave your wallets / bags on the table.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Vietnam
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
