Vietnamese currency & payments

Understanding how money works in Vietnam will help you travel more comfortably and avoid common confusion. While digital payments are growing quickly, cash is still widely used, especially in local shops and traditional markets.

This guide gives you a practical overview of Vietnamese currency, banknotes, payment methods, and useful tips for first-time visitors.

The Vietnamese Dong (VND or "Đồng")

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Prices in Vietnam are typically written with many zeros, which may feel confusing at first, but this is completely normal.

Coins exist in theory, but in daily life, almost all transactions are done using paper banknotes.

Common Vietnamese banknotes

Vietnamese banknotes come in various denominations, from very small values to large ones. Lower-value notes are often used as change, while higher denominations are common for accommodation, transport, and shopping.

Some small denominations you may still encounter include:

₫1,000 – used for very small purchases or rounding change

₫2,000 – occasionally used in local markets

₫5,000 – commonly used for snacks, drinks, or small services

More commonly used banknotes include ₫10,000, ₫20,000, ₫50,000, ₫100,000, ₫200,000, and ₫500,000.

Tip: Many notes are similar in size and color, so it’s a good habit to double-check the number of zeros before paying.

Cash vs. card payments

Cash is still the most reliable payment method in Vietnam. It is accepted almost everywhere, including street food stalls, taxis, small shops, and rural areas.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, shopping malls, larger restaurants, and tourist services in major cities. However, some places may charge a small extra fee for card payments.

ATMs & withdrawing money

ATMs are easy to find in cities, airports, and tourist areas. Most accept international cards and dispense Vietnamese dong.

There may be withdrawal limits and transaction fees, so withdrawing a larger amount at once can help reduce fees.

Mobile payments & e-wallets

Mobile payments and QR codes are becoming more common in Vietnam, especially in big cities. However, most local e-wallets require a Vietnamese bank account, making them less practical for short-term visitors.

For most travelers, cash + card remains the safest and simplest combination.

Exchange rates & quick conversion

Exchange rates change daily and may vary slightly between banks and exchange offices. For a full list of updated exchange rates, please visit our official Exchange Rates page.

For instant currency conversion, you can use our dedicated converter pages below:

Popular currency converters:

• AUD to VND
• CAD to VND
• CHF to VND
• CNY to VND
• DKK to VND
• EUR to VND
• GBP to VND
• HKD to VND
• INR to VND
• JPY to VND
• KRW to VND
• KWD to VND
• MYR to VND
• NOK to VND
• RUB to VND
• SAR to VND
• SEK to VND
• SGD to VND
• THB to VND
• USD to VND

Each converter page provides:

• Live exchange rate updates
• Two-way instant conversion
• Quick reference amounts
• Rates sourced from Vietcombank

Quick VND reference

If you’re looking for a quick estimate while traveling, you can check the latest USD conversion here:

👉 Convert USD ↔ VND instantly

For other currencies, simply select the relevant converter above or view the full exchange rate table.

Currency exchange tips

You can exchange money at airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters. Banks usually offer the most reliable rates, while airport exchange counters may be slightly less favorable.

US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. Always avoid unofficial exchange services.

Practical money tips for travelers

• Keep small bills for daily expenses
• Count your change carefully
• Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated for good service
• Bargaining is common in traditional markets, but prices are fixed in modern stores

Learn more about money in Vietnam

In our travel guides, you’ll find more detailed articles about currency exchange, ATM fees, tipping culture, and payment tips by city — helping you manage your money confidently throughout your trip in Vietnam.

If you are planning to stay in Vietnam long-term, open a local bank account, or understand how digital payments work for residents, read our full guide on:

Banking and payments in Vietnam