Money

Local currency is Vietnam Dong (VND), and can only be exchanged locally but not outside Vietnam. It is quite the same rates everywhere through the country no matter when being exchanged in banks, hotels or local shops. Money exchange rates can be found on many different websites like the one given below.
Another important note is foreign currencies can not be bought back as the policy by the Local Government so small amount of US Dollar or other currencies should be exchanged at a time only.
A combination of US$ cash and US$ travellers' cheque is recommened when traveling to Vietnam. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognized brands.

It's a good idea to arrive with at least some small denomination dollar bills ($1s, $5s and $10s) to get you from the airport into town. If you do bring dollars into Vietnam, make sure they are not badly tattered as they may be refused.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorized foreign exchange banks are few and far between. So if you're heading off the beaten path, stock up with enough cash (dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are, you'll always find someone willing to change dollars cash into dong, though rates will vary.

When receiving dong, you'll be presented with a huge pile of notes. The largest bill is on 500,000d (roughly $24), so bear this in mind when changing $100! Refuse any badly torn notes (you'll find it hard to get rid of them - the same goes for dollars) and ask for a mix of denominations so that you always have a few low-value notes in hand.


Furthermore, even government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US$ is welcomed as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with the VND. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in $, though you can pay in dong if you'd rather - just check what exchange rate they're using.

For everyday expenses, mix of US$ cash and dong is recommended . For larger items (hotel bills, train tickets, etc.) or when the exchange rate works in your favor, use dollars or credit cards. For cyclo, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use VND. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.


Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, JCB, MasterCard) are now widely accepted in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and HCMC. All top level and many mid-level hotels accept them, as do a growing number of restaurants and upmarket shops catering to the tourist trade. But watch out for the extra taxes they wap on when using a credit card - these can amount to an additional 3 percent. Outside the major cities you will have to rely on cash.
Cash advances in US Dollars on credit cards are now not available as because of new regulations from Government. Only a few other foreign banks used to cash out in US dollars but they no longer do so ATM machine is recommended as they are everywhere now in Vietnam. There is a charge of 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND ( roughly 1 USD to 2,4 USD ) applied for each draw depending on what bank you use.