Currency Exchange in Vietnam: Complete Travel Money Guide 2026

• Coins are nearly extinct; paper cash dominates all transactions.
• Keep a pouch for small bills because the vendors rarely break large notes.
• When a price reads “89,” it means 89,000 VND, not 89 VND. Confirm before paying.

How Locals Spot Fake Currency

• Expect your 500,000 VND note to be checked.
• Look for watermarks, metallic strips, see-through windows, and crisp polymer texture.
• If uncertain, visit a bank; staff will verify and replace counterfeit bills if caught early.

What Actually Works

• At airports, exchanges are only enough for transport and food.
• Use bank ATMs inside branches for safety and best rates.
• Compare posted rates at money changers before handing over cash.
• Avoid street exchangers or gold shops unless officially licensed.
• Always carry your passport or ID for large transactions.

Before the Flight

• Plan your first 24 hours of spending in advance.
• Carry some USD or VND for taxis and meals.
• Bring two cards (credit + debit) and enable international usage.
• Prepaid or forex travel cards can beat hotel and airport exchange rates.
• Concierge or travel services like Pickyourtrail can offer pre-trip money setup advice.

First Hour After Arrival

• Exchange only minimal cash at the airport kiosk.
• Use bank-owned ATMs in well-lit areas.
• Withdraw enough for 5-7 days and split your cash as daily carry + hotel stash.
• Get a local SIM card for easy app-based payments.
• If confused, seek help from hotel concierges who know safe exchangers nearby.

Keeping It Simple and Safe

• Cash is still king, especially for street vendors and markets.
• Cards work at hotels, malls, and big restaurants.
• E-wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay are great for long stays but need a local setup.
• Stick to weekly or bi-weekly ATM withdrawals to save on flat fees.

Common Fees to Expect

• ATM withdrawal fees (₹160-₹250 local + home bank charge).
• Foreign exchange markups (up to 3% if unchecked).
• Merchant card surcharges for small payments.
• Airport exchange markups can be 10-12% above real rates.

Smart Withdrawal Habits

• Withdraw larger sums less frequently -fees don’t scale with amount.
• Confirm withdrawal limits with your bank before flying.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Trap

• Always select “Charge in VND”, not your home currency.
• Decline DCC offers at ATMs and terminals; they inflate conversion rates.
• Watch the screen -don’t hit “Accept” until you confirm charges are in VND.

Essential Security Tips

• Notify your bank about international travel.
• Keep a backup card separate from your main wallet.
• Exchange only small sums at the airport.

Street-Level Safety Tips

• Use only banks or licensed changers and ignore street exchangers.
• Inspect ATMs for skimmers before inserting your card.
• Watch your card during transactions; don’t let staff walk away with it.
• Always count your cash before leaving the counter.
• Keep passport copies separate from your main wallet.

Counterfeit Detection

• Check watermarks, colour shifts, and holograms.
• Compare suspicious notes with a real one.
• Exchange any fake note at a bank-don’t recirculate it.

Useful Apps and Tools

• XE Currency, Wise, Revolut -for real-time exchange rates.
• ATM Locator Apps + Google Maps- find secure ATMs.
• MoMo, ZaloPay -digital wallets for long stays.
• Concierge apps (like Pickyourtrail) can offer on-demand local money tips.

In 2025, handling currency exchange in Vietnam comes down to three principles: plan ahead, use banks and ATMs wisely, and stay alert for scams. The Vietnamese Dong may seem confusing at first, but once you grasp local habits, manage small bills, and understand ATM and exchange mechanics, it becomes second nature. With the right balance of cash, cards, and awareness, you’ll not only stretch your budget further but also enjoy Vietnam’s authentic experiences without financial stress. We hope this guide comes in handy to you while you book your Vietnam trip package!