Planning a trip to Vietnam? If you are visiting Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, or other destinations, this simple Vietnam currency guide will help you understand Vietnamese money, cash, cards, ATMs, and everyday prices.
What Is the Currency in Vietnam?
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
The currency code is VND, and prices in Vietnam are usually written with large numbers because the Vietnamese Dong has relatively low unit value.
Common Vietnamese banknotes include:
- 10,000 VND – Small snacks, drinks, and inexpensive items
- 20,000 VND – Coffee, drinks, and small purchases
- 50,000 VND – Street food and inexpensive meals
- 100,000 VND – Everyday food, shopping, and services
- 200,000 VND – Restaurant meals, transportation, and larger purchases
- 500,000 VND – Larger purchases and ATM withdrawals
Vietnamese Dong Banknotes
First-time visitors should pay attention to the different Vietnamese banknotes.
The 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are both blue, so they can look similar if you are not familiar with Vietnamese currency.
Always check the number on the banknote before paying.
Cash or Card in Vietnam?
Vietnam is increasingly card-friendly, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted at:
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Large restaurants
- Many cafés
- Supermarkets
- International businesses
- Ride-hailing services such as Grab
However, cash is still important in Vietnam.
You will often need Vietnamese Dong at:
- Street food stalls
- Local markets
- Small restaurants
- Small shops
- Local vendors
- Some taxis and small businesses
If you want to experience local food and markets, carrying some Vietnamese cash is recommended.
ATMs in Vietnam
ATMs are widely available in major Vietnamese cities and tourist destinations.
For safer and easier cash withdrawals:
- Use ATMs operated by established banks.
- Avoid withdrawing more cash than you need.
- Keep smaller VND notes for everyday purchases.
- Be aware of ATM fees and foreign exchange fees.
- Keep some emergency cash separate from your wallet.
How to Convert Vietnamese Dong
Vietnamese prices can look confusing because they contain many zeros.
A simple travel trick is to remove three zeros from the price.
100,000 VND = 100
200,000 VND = 200
500,000 VND = 500
For example, if a meal costs 150,000 VND, you can simply think of it as 150 when quickly comparing prices.
For an accurate conversion to USD, EUR, GBP, or another currency, always check the current exchange rate because exchange rates change.
How Much Cash Should You Carry in Vietnam?
You do not need to carry a large amount of cash.
For most tourists, a combination of Vietnamese Dong and a credit or debit card is convenient.
Carry smaller VND notes when visiting street food areas, markets, local shops, and smaller businesses. Use your card when available for hotels, larger restaurants, shopping malls, and other major purchases.
Vietnam Money Tips for First-Time Visitors
The most important thing to remember is that Vietnam is still a cash-friendly country.
Keep some Vietnamese Dong with you, especially when exploring local neighborhoods, street food markets, traditional markets, and smaller businesses.
Whether you are visiting Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or other destinations in Vietnam, understanding the Vietnamese Dong will make shopping, eating, and getting around much easier.
Quick Vietnam Currency Guide
Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Currency code: VND
Country: Vietnam
Cash: Still widely used
Cards: Widely accepted in major businesses and tourist areas
ATMs: Common in cities and tourist destinations
If you are traveling to Vietnam for the first time, bring a card, withdraw some Vietnamese Dong, keep smaller banknotes available, and always check the denomination before paying.
