MONEY IN VIETNAM
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Banknotes currently in circulation include:
- 1,000 VND
- 2,000 VND
- 5,000 VND
- 10,000 VND
- 20,000 VND
- 50,000 VND
- 100,000 VND
- 200,000 VND
- 500,000 VND
Because the numbers can appear very large to first-time visitors, it is helpful to become familiar with the different banknote colors and denominations before making purchases.
A Rapidly Growing Cashless Society
Vietnam has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years. In major cities, cashless payments are now part of everyday life, and many Vietnamese people rarely carry large amounts of cash.
QR code payments linked to banking applications have become one of the most common payment methods throughout the country. It is now normal to see QR payment codes at:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Convenience stores
- Shopping malls
- Hotels
- Street food vendors
- Market stalls
- Taxi and transportation services
Many local residents pay for almost everything directly through their banking apps.
Some of the largest and most widely used banking applications include:
- Vietcombank (VCB)
- MB Bank
- Techcombank
Visitors staying in Vietnam for an extended period may notice that QR payments are often even more common than card payments among local customers.
Cash Is Still Highly Recommended
Despite the growth of digital payments, international visitors should always carry some cash.
Most Vietnamese QR payment systems are designed for domestic bank accounts and may not work with foreign banking applications.
Cash remains useful for:
- Small restaurants
- Local markets
- Street food vendors
- Rural areas
- Tipping guides or drivers
- Small family businesses
A combination of cash and card payments is usually the most convenient approach for tourists.
Be Careful with QR Code Scams
As QR payments become more popular, travelers should exercise the same caution they would in any country using digital payments.
A few simple precautions include:
- Verify the merchant before scanning a QR code.
- Confirm the business name shown on the payment screen.
- Avoid scanning random QR codes displayed in public places.
- Double-check payment amounts before authorizing transactions.
Although scams remain relatively uncommon, basic awareness can help prevent mistakes.
Credit Cards and Visa Payments
Visa, Mastercard, and other major international cards are widely accepted in:
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Airports
- Large restaurants
- International café chains
- Tourist attractions
- Modern supermarkets
However, smaller businesses may charge a small card-processing fee or prefer cash payments.
For this reason, carrying some Vietnamese Dong is always advisable even if you plan to rely primarily on cards.
Currency Exchange
US Dollars and Euros can be exchanged easily in Vietnam.
Exchange services are available at:
- Banks
- Airports
- Licensed exchange counters
- Many hotels
In major tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An, finding currency exchange services is generally straightforward.
Travelers often receive slightly better exchange rates when exchanging larger denomination notes such as USD 50 or USD 100 bills.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available throughout Vietnam, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Most international bank cards can be used to withdraw Vietnamese Dong directly from ATMs. Withdrawal fees vary depending on the bank and card issuer.
For convenience and reliability, ATMs operated by major banks are generally recommended.
Useful Budget Reference
Approximate everyday costs:
- Bottled water: 10,000–20,000 VND
- Local coffee: 25,000–60,000 VND
- Street food meal: 40,000–100,000 VND
- Restaurant meal: 100,000–300,000+ VND
- Airport taxi or app-based ride: varies by distance
Using a currency conversion app during your first few days can make spending easier until you become familiar with Vietnamese prices.
Final Tip
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's leaders in digital payments, and QR codes are now a normal part of daily life. Nevertheless, foreign visitors should not rely entirely on cashless transactions. Carrying a reasonable amount of Vietnamese Dong, alongside a Visa or Mastercard, remains the safest and most convenient way to pay while traveling throughout the country.