Vietnam is a popular destination for travelers looking for exotic culture, beautiful nature and cheap prices. If you plan to visit this country, you will need the local currency - Vietnamese dong (VND). But how to exchange money in Vietnam? Where can you find the best course? And what to watch out for? In this article, we will give you some tips and advice on how to manage money in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese dong has been the official currency of Vietnam since 1978 when it replaced the original currency called the North Vietnamese piastre. Dong is named after the Vietnamese word for a Chinese coin that has been in use in what is now Vietnam since the 10th century. Recently, the exchange rate of the Vietnamese dong has been stable. The Vietnamese dong is a fairly stable currency and has hovered around VND 23,000 per US dollar in recent years against the US dollar.
The Vietnamese dong has denominations ranging from VND 200 to VND 500,000. Coins are not used in general circulation. All banknotes depict the same person, Ho Chi Minh, and some do not differ much in color. Especially in low visibility, they can easily be confused. That's why it's a good idea to divide your money according to value into different parts of your wallet or case,

In Vietnam, you can exchange money in several different places, including banks, exchange offices, hotels, gold shops, or on the street. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will now consider.

• Banks
  

  Banks usually offer the best exchange rates and are generally considered the safest place to exchange money. Major banks in Vietnam include Vietcombank, BIDV, Vietinbank, and Agribank. Banks are typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with some branches also open on Saturday mornings. To exchange money, you will need a valid passport and will be required to fill out a form. While banks usually do not charge a flat exchange fee, they may take a small commission.

  Please be aware that banks are very strict regarding the condition and denomination of banknotes—bills must be clean, crisp, and untorn. It is also common for banks to refuse lower denominations (1, 5, 10, or 20 USD) or offer a significantly worse rate for them compared to 100 USD bills. Banks exchange not only US Dollars (ideally the new "blue" 100 USD series) but also Euros, British Pounds, and other major currencies.

• Exchange offices
  Exchange offices are mostly located in tourist areas and offer competitive exchange rates. However, try to avoid exchange offices that look unofficial or are located in suspicious places. Always check your exchange rate slip and count your money before you leave. Some exchange offices may charge an exchange fee or use tricks such as rounding or swapping notes. Exchange offices usually only exchange US dollars.
  
• Hotels
  Many hotels in Vietnam offer money exchange to their guests. These services may be convenient, but exchange rates may be lower than at banks or exchange offices. Additionally, some hotels may require a copy of your passport or charge a fee for the change. Hotels usually only exchange US dollars.
• Gold shops
  Until early 2026, gold shops were a popular place to exchange money in Vietnam, often offering better rates than banks or exchange offices. However, since February 9, 2026, a new law (Decree 340/2025/ND-CP) prohibits exchanging foreign currency at unauthorized places, including gold shops. Money exchange is now only allowed at licensed banks or official exchange offices. Violations can result in heavy fines.
• Street
  In the past, it was possible to exchange money on the street with unofficial money changers. They often offered attractive rates, but the risk of fraud – fake notes, sudden rate changes, or theft – was high. Since February 9, 2026, street money exchange has become not only risky but also illegal under the new law. Only licensed banks and official exchange offices are permitted to handle currency exchange.

How to use payment cards and ATMs in Vietnam?

If you don't want to carry cash, you can use credit cards and ATMs in Vietnam. Payment cards are accepted in many places, such as restaurants, shops, hotels or travel agencies. However, tourists often seek out street food or markets where card payment is not possible. That's why it's a good idea to always have some cash with you.
There are a lot of ATMs in Vietnam, especially in big cities. ATMs accept most international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or Cirrus. ATMs usually only dispense Vietnamese dong. ATMs have a withdrawal limit that ranges from VND 2 million to VND 8 million, depending on the bank and location. Most ATMs charge a withdrawal fee that ranges from VND 10,000 to VND 60,000. Military Bank ATMs (blue-red MB logo) are the best in this regard. There is no withdrawal fee, the withdrawal limit is 8 million VND.