Money in Vietnam: Essential Information About Currency Exchange

1. Quick Facts About Vietnam’s Currency

The dong is the official currency of Vietnam. To put it in perspective, as of March 2025, €1 (EUR) equals VND 27,468, and US$1 (USD) equals VND 25,560. If you find it difficult to remember these symbols, here are some helpful clues.

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Below you will find information about symbols so that you can easily remember it.

• Official Name: Vietnamese Dong
• Currency Symbol: ₫
• Currency Code: VND

Convert Vietnamese dong to euros or US dollars

>>> Best currency to bring to Vietnam: The most convenient currency to carry along in Vietnam is the US dollar, with most food and accommodation services accepting USD and the majority of hotels and big businesses. However, it is often still the case that small vendors and street markets usually deal only in Vietnamese dong (VND). It is always smart to have a mix of Vietnamese dong and USD in order to avoid any kind of hassles in making payments.

2. How to Identify Vietnamese Money

Today, there are the two types that circulate in Vietnam, they are paper banknotes + polymer banknotes.

2.1 Paper banknotes

Included: 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND and 5,000 VND

Starting with paper banknotes, they are of relatively low value, similar to USD cents. The color of the 5,000 VND banknote is blue, while the 1,000 and 2,000 VND banknotes are very similar and have a greyish-brown hue. They can be differentiated by their values or by the images on the back: elephants on the 1,000 VND and a textile factory on the 2,000 VND.

Note: With these paper tickets, you can buy vegetables in the markets, pay for parking motorcycles or go by bus within the big cities.

2.2 Polymer banknotes

These include: VND 10,000, VND 20,000, VND 50,000, VND 100,000, VND 200,000 and VND 500,000.

• The 10,000VND

There are several denominations of polymer banknotes. The 10,000 VND note is dark brown with a golden-green background and is easy to distinguish. With 10,000 VND, one can order a cup of coffee, tea, street juice, banh mi, etc.

• The 20,000 VND

The subsequent highest denomination after 10,000 Vietnam Dong is 20,000 Vietnam Dong. Regarding the 20,000 VND note, we recommend being cautious as it can be readily mistaken for the 500,000 VND. This is often the case for many Vietnamese citizens since they are printed in a very similar dark blue color. Always be careful to look at ticket value so as not to return excess money. The pictures that are printed on the reverse side of the currency do help in preventing mix-ups.

The reverse side of the VND 20,000 banknote features a picture of the Japanese Bridge, a well-known location in the Old Town of Hoi An. The 500,000 VND banknote features the picturesque Kim Lien village, which is known as the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh.

• The 50,000 VND

The 50.000 VND banknote is recognizable easily by its brownish-purple color. If you are new to the art of using Vietnamese currency, take a good look at the value of each banknote. It's possible to have a relatively full lunch from 20.000 - 50.000 VND in local street restaurants or street vendors in Vietnam. You are able to feast, for example, on Pho soup, rice dishes, fried snacks, and sweets.

This polymer banknote features depictions of Ghềnh Lương Đình and Phu Văn Lâu, two buildings constructed during the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, Vietnam, serving as resting areas for the king before heading down to the Perfume River.

• The 100,000 VND

The 100,000 VND stands out with its distinctive dark green tint. In fact, you can easily recognize it from the picture on the back: Temple of Literature-the place you have to visit when coming to Hanoi. Thanks to this ticket, you will be able to afford more elaborated Vietnamese dishes in restaurants, buy nice souvenirs, or take a pedicab ride through historic districts.

• The 200,000 VND

Orange-brown in color, the 200,000 VND ($7.96) note is the second largest denomination issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. Interestingly, many people recognize the image on the back, even if they haven't held the note, as it features Dinh Huong Islet in Halong Bay. Although some tourists might confuse it with the 50,000 VND bill due to its purple-brown color, it is generally easy to distinguish. With 200,000 VND, you can enjoy a more elaborate meal at a restaurant, take a taxi ride of about 10 km, or buy clothes and other items.

• The 500,000 VND

Finally, let us address the 500,000 VND bill. This is the highest denomination, equivalent to around $20. As previously said, this bill is dark green and can easily be mistaken for the 20,000 VND bill, so pay attention. This high-value banknote is useful for making large payments, but it may not be accepted for minor purchases, such as food at markets.

2.3 Vietnamese Coins: Do They Still Exist?

Vietnamese coins officially stopped circulating in April 2011. This means you won't encounter or use them for transactions while traveling in Vietnam.

When it comes to vending machines, in countries where coins are still in use, these machines often only accept them. However, in Vietnam, these machines have been updated to accept banknotes instead. So, you won't have any issues trying to pay with coins.

All transactions are now typically rounded, so you won't see odd denominations like 10,200 VND or 10,500 VND (200 VND and 500 VND were commonly coins). This also means you won't need to use coins at all.

3. Exchanging Money in Vietnam

3.1 Best Currency to Bring to Vietnam (USD or Vietnam Dong?)

When you're coming to Vietnam, the Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official and best currency to use for all your daily transactions.

You can use US dollars (USD) at some major hotels, high-end restaurants, and tourist shops in big cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc island, and Ho Chi Minh City. However, for most smaller purchases, such as buying souvenirs, enjoying street food, or grabbing a coffee, Vietnamese Dong is essential. Using USD in these local spots often results in unfavorable exchange rates. Particularly in remote or mountainous provinces, USD is generally not accepted, so cash in VND is your most reliable payment method.

You should exchange your currency into Vietnamese Dong upon arrival in Vietnam. You'll typically get better exchange rates at banks, authorized money changers, or even at Vietnamese airports (though airport rates might not be as competitive as those found downtown). Vietnam has a developed banking system with numerous ATMs available in urban areas, making it easy to withdraw VND.

3.2  Where to Exchange for Vietnamese Dong?

In the markets, small roadside restaurants, and rural areas, cash is a must-have.

The Vietnamese 'dong' from Vietnam is not exchanged readily by most countries, so it would be advisable to exchange it into the money in Vietnam. Below are some of the commonly used methods:

• Banks – safer and well-regulated exchange rates.
• Exchange offices at airports – convenient, but the rates can sometimes be poor.
• Jewelry stores – some of them offer better exchange rates, but they are not highly regulated. For example, on Ha Trung Street, Hanoi.

Practical Tips for Currency Exchange in Vietnam

Count money carefully due to high denominations: Vietnamese Dong has many denominations, and some banknotes can look quite similar, particularly the 20,000 VND and 200,000 VND notes. This can lead to confusion when paying or receiving change, and sometimes vendors might intentionally shortchange you. Always take your time to carefully count your change and inspect the banknotes you receive.   

Avoid street money exchange scams: To prevent scams related to currency exchange, you should always use official and reliable channels to exchange money. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places, but carrying Vietnamese Dong is essential for taxis and small purchases. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and are widely accepted, but ensure your bills are new and in excellent condition. 

Note: Before using an ATM to withdraw cash, be aware that there are limits on how much can be withdrawn at one time. The maximum amount typically allowed per transaction is 5 million Vietnam dong. In rural areas, ATMs are less common, while bank offices or airport counters may have higher exchange rates.

✈️You might like the travel diary: What to do in Vietnam in 10 days? Practical tips

4. Using ATMs & Credit Cards in Vietnam

Once you grasp the denominations and currency of Vietnam, you may wonder, 'Should I pay by card or in cash? Are foreign credit cards accepted in Vietnam? What are the bank charges? Where can I change money in Vietnam?” These are the common questions you often ask yourself when planning a trip to Vietnam. Based on my personal experience working with numerous tourists, here are some recommended locations and types for converting money in Vietnam!

There is more security against theft or fraud through their use. In upscale restaurants, hotels, and big-brand stores in Vietnam, especially in major cities, bank cards are widely accepted. However, they are still not as popular a way of paying for goods and services in everyday life. Markets, small shops, street restaurants, and rural areas require cash for transactions.

Moreover, international card-and-pin transactions attract bank charges of around 3% to 4% of the total transaction value. Before departing, it is always wise to communicate with your bank about your travel dates to avoid the possibility of them blocking your card upon detecting foreign usage. It is advisable to at least carry some cash while in Vietnam.

>>>  Read more: Vietnam Travel Cost Guide!

5. FAQs

1. Is $100 US dollar a lot of money in Vietnam?

As of July 2024, with one United States dollar equaling 25,286 dong. This means that $100 US is equivalent to 2,528,600 VND.  So, yes, $100 US dollars is considered a substantial amount of money in Vietnam. With this amount, you can cover several days of accommodation, meals, and transportation, especially if you are spending wisely. For example, a decent hotel room can cost around $20-40 per night, and meals at local restaurants can range from $1-5 per meal. Therefore, $100 can go a long way in Vietnam. 

2. How do you authenticate the Vietnamese Dong?

To authenticate Vietnamese dong banknotes:

1. Watermark: Hold the note up to the light to see a faint image of Ho Chi Minh and the denomination.
2. Texture: Feel the note for a distinct texture, especially raised printing on the portrait and numbers.
3. Security Thread: Look for a clear security thread embedded in the note.
4. Holographic Elements: Tilt the note to see color-changing holographic elements on higher denominations.
5. UV Light: Under ultraviolet light, genuine notes show hidden fluorescent patterns and features.

These steps can help you verify the authenticity of Vietnamese dong banknotes.

Final Thoughts

Here's a general overview of Vietnam's money to help you prepare for your upcoming trip. Learning about the monetary system and exchanging currencies can be an exciting part of traveling, much like learning a new language. While it may seem a bit complex initially, with some practice, you'll become adept at using Vietnamese dong. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy your vacation in Vietnam!

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