Vietnam Travel Information
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Money, Currency and Cards in Vietnam
Local Currency
Dong (VND)
General Advice
Travellers to Vietnam would almost believe that the country has two legal currencies – the dong and the US dollar – as many goods and services can be paid in both. Travel with US dollar cash is advised with dong being obtained through banks, ATMs or on the street – see Money Exchange.
Money Exchange
Banks are widespread and change most major currencies. A tolerated blackmarket exists but exchange rates are worse than banks, so it’s generally used for convenience.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widespread and can be found in most major cities. There is a transaction limit equal to $125 (dispensed in Dong) but no limit on the number of transactions you can make up to your own personal limit. For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Credit Cards
Increasingly accepted for major purchases in larger town and cities.
Travellers Cheques
Most people nowadays avoid travelling with travellers’ cheques as commission rates are high and off the beaten track they are hard to change and often impossible if in anything other than US$.
Other Information
Vietnamese Dong (VND), nominally subdivided into 10 hao, however the value of the hao is so low it is not used. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 dong (₫). Coins are issued in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 dong.