Exchange USD at airport or withdraw from ATM in Vietnam?

I exchanged $100 USD at Noi Bai Airport when I landed and later kicked myself for it, got a rate of 22,400 VND/USD, while my friend who used his Charles Schwab card at a TPBank ATM got closer to 25,000 VND/USD. That’s a big difference over time. The airport counters are super convenient but not at all competitive on rates. Now I only exchange just enough for my airport transport (100-200k VND), then hit a no-fee ATM once I get to the city center.

I flew into Da Nang recently and didn’t want to get ripped off at the airport. I compared the exchange counter inside the arrivals hall vs. a Techcombank ATM just outside near the taxi area. The counter was giving about 8-10% worse rates than what my Monzo Mastercard got me from the ATM, even after the 50,000 VND withdrawal fee. Unless your card doesn’t work at Vietnamese ATMs, I’d highly recommend skipping airport exchanges or using them for a minimal amount only.

I just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City last week and did a comparison: the Tan Son Nhat Airport exchange counter was giving me a really low rate and added a 2% fee on top. I used my Revolut card at a BIDV ATM inside the terminal and got a way better deal, even after a 55,000 VND withdrawal fee. ATMs usually offer mid-market rates (especially if you decline the ATM's currency conversion), while counters use padded tourist rates. I now always withdraw cash using my card as soon as I land much better value.

Just landed in Hanoi a few weeks ago. I had checked the exchange rates at Noi Bai Airport and they were noticeably worse than what I later got from my Wise Visa debit card at a TPBank ATM in the city. Airport counters were offering around 22,000 VND per USD, while my card withdrawal ended up giving me around 25,000 VND per USD after fees and conversion. If you can wait until you're in the city, use a local bank ATM like TPBank or MB Bank, you'll save a lot. If not, only exchange a small amount at the airport to cover your taxi or SIM card.