Vietnam’s Money: Pocket Information About Currency Exchange

Maybe you plan a trip to Vietnam and feel inquisitive about money exchange. There must be a very shocking feeling when it comes to exchanging your money, considering the fact that the amount of Vietnamese bills has such high denominations that you feel like a millionaire. In fact, with only one million Vietnamese dong (VND) falling just short of $40 USD, the difference between your home currency and Vietnam's money is huge.

Vietnamese money comes in different denominations. It's always a fun thing to receive those high-value notes, but do you even know what it's worth? Let this article guide you on handling money when in Vietnam. Let's look into the history of Vietnamese money and analyze the conversion rates so you won't feel perplexed.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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1. Quick Overview of Vietnam's Currency and Vietnamese Dong

The dong is the official money of Vietnam. To put it in perspective, €1 (EUR) equals VND 27,468, and US$1 (USD) equals VND 25,128. If you find it difficult to remember these symbols, here are some helpful clues.

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

Vietnamese dong banknotes bear the portrait of the country's founding father, former President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the name of the regime (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and its symbols (agriculture, industry, and military).

With the banknotes of Vietnam, you will find that one type tends to stick together and takes a little work to handle effortlessly. Currently, according to the State Bank of Vietnam, there are two types of Vietnamese dong notes circulating everywhere in Vietnam: cotton and polymer. The following is how to determine whether the Vietnamese dong note is either cotton or polymer.

Convert Vietnamese dong to euros or US dollars

Note: Exchange rates are for reference only at the time of publishing this article (updated on 10/10/2024).

2. How to Identify Vietnam Dong Notes: A Quick Guide

• 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.

3. Where to Exchange for Vietnamese Dong?

You may feel puzzled when exchanging Vietnamese currency. However, here are some suggestions to help ensure the money-changing process is efficient and stress-free:

• Currency exchange desks at airports
• Banks (including credit unions)
• ATMs (Automated Teller Machines)
• Jewelry stores
• Some hotels

Some of the good money-changing spots are in Hanoi's Old Quarter, especially along Hang Bo and Ha Trung streets. And this is also where you'll find the best money changers, plus the gold shops on Nguyen An Ninh Street in Ho Chi Minh City, close to Ben Thanh Market.

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. Cash vs. Card Payments In Vietnam: What To Choose?

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!

4.1 Cards, Bank fees, and ATMs in Vietnam

A bank card protects you against theft or fraudulent purchases. In many places in Vietnam, like hotels, upmarket restaurants, or brand-name stores, credit cards are acceptable. That's the reason we recommend using it in those cases. In major Vietnamese cities, credit cards are widely acceptable.

Note that using a bank card abroad, there are usually bank fees for all foreign transactions, usually between 3 and 4% extra. Because of this, it will be very prudent to check with your bank prior to traveling to Vietnam. It is also advisable to inform your bank of the dates of your trip to Vietnam in order for it to get you ready for expenses in Vietnam in advance.

If you want to pay by credit card, we recommend that you only do it for big deals: pricier hotels, some pricier excursions, flight tickets, and huge purchases such as jewellery or designer clothing.

>>> Read More: Vietnam's Airport: Detailed guide!

4.2. Cash payment in Vietnam

According to locals, cash is still king in Vietnam, especially in markets, small roadside eateries, rural areas, and places less frequented by foreigners.

Be sure to exchange your Vietnamese dong before leaving the country, as it's not widely recognized elsewhere. Also, be cautious of travel agencies that claim to offer good exchange rates, as some may take advantage of you.

>>>  Read more: Vietnam Travel Cost Guide!

5. Budgeting and Costs for Travelers in Vietnam

Vietnam is among the cheapest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, with an average cost of between $20 and $100 USD per day depending on your travel preferences. Below is a list of common expenses:

• Budget Traveler: $20–$30 each day covers sleeping in hostels or inexpensive guesthouses, eating from the streets and local transport means.
• Mid-range Traveler: $30–$70 each day for more comfortable accommodations; dining at restaurants that belong to the midrange category; and some sightseeing packages.
• Luxury Traveler: $100 every day for accommodation in high-end hotels, fine dining experiences as well as personalized tours.

This is how much you can expect to spend on things:

• Restaurant meal (local): 40,000–80,000 VND
• Water bottle: 10,000 VND
• Taxi ride (1 km): 15,000 VND

To avoid unnecessary expenditure while on a trip, it would be wise for visitors to plan their budgets in Vietnamese Dong currency (VND) so that they can always have enough money for transport cost as well as food supplies for their survival besides paying charges at places such as gallery halls or libraries.

>>> Read More: Vietnam Travel Cost: 3 Key Tips First-Time Travelers Shouldn't Ignore

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!

>>> For your infomation, check these out: 

• Best time to visit Vietnam? Your ultimate weather guide for the perfect trip
• The best way to get to Vietnam
• Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region!
• How to get around Vietnam?