Currency in Vietnam: Tourists payment options in Vietnam

Currency in Vietnam: A Simple Guide for Tourists

Before you explore Vietnam’s bustling streets, floating markets, or scenic rice fields, it's important to know how money works here. The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currency in Vietnam is used everywhere, from roadside vendors to luxury hotels.

Though USD is sometimes accepted in touristy areas, paying in dong is expected almost everywhere. This guide will help you understand where to exchange money, how digital payments work, card usage, and what to expect with tipping in Vietnam.

1 VND = 10 hào = 100 xu (hào and xu are now obsolete)
Notes: ₫1,000 to ₫500,000 (paper & polymer mix)
Coins are no longer in circulation

If you want Vietnam tour packages, do contact Gomayu.

Currency Exchange Options in Vietnam

You can exchange currency in Vietnam at airports, banks, gold shops, and licensed money changers. Banks offer safe exchanges, but gold shops often give better rates. Avoid street exchangers, as they are illegal and risky. Always carry your passport for identification when exchanging money.

Where to exchange safely:

Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank branches
Airport kiosks (lower rates)
Gold shops in tourist areas (better rates, but verify license)

Highlights:

Bring clean, new USD notes for the best exchange rates.
Avoid torn or old bills, they might get rejected.
Exchange before going to remote towns.

Digital Payment Options in Vietnam

Digital payments are growing in Vietnam’s cities, but they’re not yet universal. Apps like MoMo, ZaloPay, and ViettelPay are used by locals. However, these apps require Vietnamese bank accounts and phone numbers, limiting access for foreigners. Tourists should rely on cards, cash, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay (where supported).

For tourists:

Use cards or contactless payments in cities.
Apps like MoMo are not accessible to tourists without a local setup.

Highlights:

Digital payments are more common in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Carry cash for taxis, street food, and rural areas.
Some places allow QR payments linked to international cards.

Credit Card and Debit Card Payment Options in Vietnam

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops. American Express is accepted in luxury spots, but not common. ATMs are available in all cities and tourist areas, and many support foreign cards.

Accepted cards:

Visa and Mastercard in most urban areas
Amex only in high-end establishments

Highlights:

Always check for hidden fees before using a card.
Many small vendors do not accept cards.
Carry cash when exploring local markets or small towns.

Tipping Culture in Vietnam

Tipping is not a long-standing custom in Vietnam, but it’s becoming common in tourist services. Though not required, small tips are appreciated for good service. Most hotels and upscale restaurants already add a 5–10% service charge.

When to tip:

Tour guides, drivers, hotel staff, and massage therapists
Small cafés and food stalls usually don’t expect tips

Highlights:

A tip of ₫20,000–₫50,000 (~$1–$2) is a good gesture.
Tip in local currency.
For multi-day tours, tipping guides is appreciated.

Useful Tips for Tourists

Avoid carrying old or damaged bills, they may be refused.
Always double-check large VND notes, they can look similar.
Exchange leftover dong before leaving, it's hard to use outside Vietnam.
Use hotel safes to store extra cash and important cards.
Use apps like XE Currency for real-time rates.

FAQs About Currency in Vietnam

1. What are the payment options in Vietnam?
Vietnam mainly uses cash, cards, and local digital wallets. Cash remains the dominant method, especially outside major cities.

2. How do people pay for things in Vietnam?
People mostly use cash for everyday purchases. In cities, cards and mobile apps are also gaining popularity.

3. Is cashless payment common in Vietnam?
Cashless payments are growing fast in urban areas. Rural areas still rely heavily on cash.

4. How do I pay someone in Vietnam?
Locals use bank transfers or apps like MoMo and ZaloPay. Tourists usually pay in cash.

5. What is the most used payment options in Vietnam?
Cash is still the most used method across Vietnam. QR and card payments are catching up in cities.

6. Does Vietnam prefer cash or card?
Vietnam prefers cash for daily transactions. Cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants.

7. Can I use GPay in Vietnam?
Google Pay is not widely accepted in Vietnam. Stick to cash or international cards.

8. Is $100 a lot of money in Vietnam?
Yes, $100 is a good amount for a day or two. It covers food, transport, and basic accommodation.

9. How can foreigners pay in Vietnam?
Foreigners can use cash, Visa/Mastercard, or PayPal online. Local apps usually require a Vietnamese account.

10. What card is best for Vietnam?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Choose one with no foreign transaction fees.

11. Is Ho Chi Minh City cash or card?
Both are used, but cash is more common. High-end places accept cards.

12. Which ATM is best in Vietnam for foreigners?
ATMs from Vietcombank, ACB, and HSBC are foreign card-friendly. Fees vary, so check limits before use.

13. How much cash should I carry to Vietnam?
Bring around $50–$100 worth of cash daily for local spending. Carry smaller VND bills for street purchases.

14. How do you pay for hotels in Vietnam?
Most hotels accept Visa or Mastercard. Smaller guesthouses may ask for cash.

15. How do I ask for a bill in Vietnam?
Say "Tính tiền, làm ơn" (pronounced: ting tien, lam un). It means "Bill, please."

16. What is the full form of UPI?
UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface. It is an Indian payment system, not used in Vietnam.

17. What is the most common transaction?
Buying food, paying for taxis, and small shop purchases are the most frequent. These are usually cash-based.

18. What is the safest method of payment?
Card payments at trusted hotels and restaurants are safest. Use cash only from secure sources.

19. How much are ATM fees in Vietnam?
ATM fees for foreign cards range from 30,000–100,000 VND. Daily withdrawal limits may apply.

20. Can I use USD in Vietnam?
No, USD is not accepted for most purchases. Exchange it for Vietnamese Dong.

21. How much does a meal cost in Vietnam?
A street meal can cost 30,000–70,000 VND. Restaurant meals may go up to 150,000 VND.

22. Is PayPal allowed in Vietnam?
Yes, PayPal works for online use. It’s not accepted in shops or restaurants.

23. Does Vietnam accept UPI?
No, UPI is not supported in Vietnam. Use card or local payment options.

24. What payment apps work in Vietnam?
MoMo, ZaloPay, ViettelPay, and ShopeePay are the top local apps. They require Vietnamese bank accounts.

25. What can 20,000 dong buy in Vietnam?
You can buy bottled water, coffee, or a street snack. It’s roughly $0.80 USD.

26. How far does $1 go in Vietnam?
$1 equals about 25,000 VND. It covers basic items like local drinks or bus fare.

27. Is Vietnam or Thailand cheaper?
Vietnam is slightly cheaper than Thailand for food and transport. Accommodation prices vary by location.

28. What payment app is used in Vietnam?
MoMo is the most popular payment app. ZaloPay and ViettelPay are also widely used.

29. What are the payment options in Vietnam as a tourist?
Use cash for local purchases and cards for hotels or tours. Exchange your money at banks or licensed changers.

30. Which SIM card is best for Vietnam?
Viettel and Vinaphone offer great coverage and tourist SIM plans. You can buy them at the airport or convenience stores.

31. Is PayPal available in Nepal?
PayPal is available for sending money in Nepal. You cannot receive funds directly into a Nepali account.

32. How to transfer money to Vietnam?
Use services like Wise, Western Union, or PayPal. Bank transfers are possible but slower.

33. How much does PayPal charge to send money to Vietnam?
PayPal charges around 5% plus a fixed fee. The recipient may also pay a currency conversion fee.