Vietnam Currency & Payments Guide 2025 – Exchange, ATM, Credit Cards
Overview of Vietnam Dong (VND)
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Banknotes range from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND. Coins are no longer in use.
- Exchange rate (Jan 2025): 1 USD ≈ 24,500 VND | 1 EUR ≈ 26,700 VND
- Large denominations (200,000 – 500,000 VND) are common but may cause confusion due to similar colors.
- Cash is still widely used, especially in markets, taxis, and small shops.
Currency Exchange – Where & How
You can exchange foreign currency into VND at several locations:
- Banks: Safe and reliable, but require ID (passport).
- Airport counters: Convenient but lower rates.
- Gold/jewelry shops: Often provide the best exchange rates in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Hotels: Possible but usually poor rates.
💡 Always check the daily rate online before exchanging: Vietcombank exchange rates.
Using Credit Cards in Vietnam
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted at hotels, shopping malls, and upscale restaurants, but not at small shops or rural areas.
- Accepted cards: Visa, MasterCard, JCB. American Express is less common.
- Surcharges: Some shops add 2–3% card fee.
- Security: Use ATMs inside banks or malls for safety.
ATMs & Withdrawal Fees
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist destinations. Most have a withdrawal limit of 2–5 million VND per transaction (~$80–200).
- Common ATM fees: 30,000 – 60,000 VND per transaction ($1.20–2.50).
- International cards: Visa/MasterCard work at major bank ATMs (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank).
- Tip: Use fewer, larger withdrawals to reduce total fees.
Mobile Payments & E-Wallets
Digital payments are growing in Vietnam, especially in cities:
- Popular apps: Momo, ZaloPay, ViettelPay, GrabPay.
- Foreigners: Can use e-wallets linked to local SIM and bank accounts, but setup may be difficult without residency.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay are gradually expanding but not widely used yet.
Common Money Scams to Avoid
- Fake banknotes: Be careful with large denominations (especially 500,000 VND). Feel the texture & watermark.
- Short-change scam: Vendors may return the wrong amount; always double-check.
- Inflated exchange rates: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors or taxi drivers.
👉 Keep small notes handy for taxis, food stalls, and tips.
