Understanding money in Vietnam is simple once you get used to the large numbers.
Vietnam is generally easy for travelers when it comes to payments, but it is still useful to carry a combination of cash and cards.
Here is what you should know before you arrive.
Vietnamese Currency
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese đồng, usually written as VND or ₫.
You will quickly notice that prices often contain many zeros.
After a few days, reading prices becomes much easier.
For example, travelers often mentally think of 100,000 VND as “100 thousand” instead of focusing on every zero.
Cash Is Still Useful
Even though digital and card payments are increasingly common, cash remains useful throughout Vietnam.
You may need cash for:
Street food
Small cafés
Local markets
Small shops
Tips
Some taxis
Rural areas
Small entrance fees
It is a good idea to keep smaller notes available instead of relying only on large denominations.
Paying by Card
International debit and credit cards are accepted by many hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, tour operators and larger businesses.
Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in tourist areas.
Smaller local businesses may still prefer cash.
Before travelling, check whether your bank charges foreign transaction or currency conversion fees.
Using ATMs
ATMs are easy to find in major cities and tourist destinations.
Most major airports also have ATMs available for arriving passengers.
Withdrawal limits and fees vary between banks, so the amount you can withdraw in a single transaction may differ from one ATM to another.
Your own bank may also charge an international withdrawal fee.
If an ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency, check the exchange rate carefully before accepting.
Exchanging Foreign Currency
Currency exchange is available at airports, banks and authorised exchange services.
Rates can vary, so it is worth checking the amount you will receive before completing a large exchange.
For most travelers, withdrawing VND from an ATM can also be a convenient option.
Should You Carry US Dollars?
You generally do not need US dollars for everyday travel in Vietnam.
Prices for normal purchases are usually quoted and paid in Vietnamese đồng.
Keeping a small amount of emergency foreign currency can be useful when travelling, but VND is what you will normally use during your stay.
Digital Payments and QR Codes
QR-code payments are extremely common in Vietnam.
However, many local QR systems are connected to Vietnamese bank accounts, so foreign visitors should not assume that every QR code will work with an international payment app.
Keep a card or some cash available as a backup.
Keep More Cash for Remote Areas
If you are travelling outside major cities, visiting mountain villages or taking a long road trip, withdraw enough cash before leaving.
ATMs and card terminals may be harder to find in remote areas.
A Simple Payment Strategy
The easiest approach for most visitors is:
Carry some Vietnamese đồng for everyday purchases.
Keep an international card for hotels, restaurants, attractions and larger expenses.
Use ATMs when you need additional cash.
Keep a second card separately as a backup.
Avoid carrying unnecessary amounts of cash at once.
With this combination, paying for things in Vietnam is usually straightforward.
Explore Vietnam
Once the practical details are sorted, you can concentrate on the fun part — discovering Vietnam.
Browse our destinations, attractions and Perfect Days to start planning your trip.