
Most will advertise Western Union banking services on yellow signs as well. They can be easily identified by the red-letter neon-signs that display exchange rates. Exchange StallsĪs mentioned above, small stalls that offer exchange services, and wire transfers are scattered prolifically around the major cities and tourist destinations. The airport is also one of your safest options if you are looking to exchange into VND from a currency other than USD or Australian dollars as smaller exchange stalls might not accept less common currencies. The airport is the most comfortable location for changing money, where you will find the most reliable customer service (English-speaking employees).Īirports in the United States will offer rates competitive with those in Vietnam, so picking up some ‘peace of mind' cash while in a familiar place might not be a bad idea. While we recommend the airport for safety (as well as having English-speaking staff), but exchange stalls may offer more competitive rates, especially if you are in an area where there are many. There are a lot of different places to exchange your Vietnam currency. Dollars will work in many places but it can be an expensive and embarrassing ordeal if you find yourself in a situation where your US dollars don't work. It is always better to carry some VND when you are traveling in Vietnam. If you are in a busy area you have nothing to fear from the tellers themselves, but always keep an eye on your belongings, and make sure your passport is returned after the transaction is completed. When exchanging money, you will need to show your passport to the teller. If you have time, walking round to compare rates at a few stalls might help you save a few dong. Such stalls will display the exchange rates for different currencies on neon signs and usually have rates more competitive than those at the airport. Major banks such as Wells Fargo and US Bank have branches in Ho Chi Minh City and you can find small stalls offering exchange services near almost every tourist site. What to Expect When Exchanging Currency in VietnamĮxchanging currency in and around Vietnam's major cities is relatively easy and reliable. If you can, learn some Vietnamese numbers as this is always a great skill to have when you are shopping in Vietnam.Īsia Highlights has put together some other tips for shopping in Vietnam here. It also helps to wander around the market first to get an idea of what is available before making a purchase. If you are looking for something specific, ask around in hotels to find out what the price should be close to, as this will help you decide how much to bargain for. As a general rule, begin by offering 20% to 30% of the original price. You can haggle in Vietnam, especially in Vietnam's many markets. It may feel like you are saving money by avoiding steep airport exchange fees but traveling without any VND can lead to situations where you do not receive any change, or simply cannot buy what you want.
1 US DOLLAR TO VIETNAMESE DONG DRIVERS
If you decide to see how far your dollars can take you, expect local shop owners and taxi drivers to add their own exchange fees and set their own exchange rate, so prepare for inflated prices. In fact, if you have decided to get a Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport you will be required to pay the service fee in USD ($20 to $40 depending on the length of stay). Many restaurants will also have their menu in US dollars. It is not uncommon to hear hawkers yelling out prices in USD as you walk around, and for stores to quote you in US dollars. In the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, US dollars are widely accepted. Due to the historical involvement of the United States in Vietnam and the country's dependence on tourism, it is fair to ask, “Will my US dollars work in Vietnam?” In short, the answer is yes.
