Where Can I Get Vietnamese Dong? Your Best Options

Understanding how to obtain and manage Vietnamese Dong (VND) is an important part of planning a trip to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Dong, symbolized by ₫ or VND, stands as the official currency of the country. While major cities increasingly accept credit cards, cash remains necessary for many transactions, particularly outside urban centers.

Acquiring Dong Before You Travel

Obtaining Vietnamese Dong prior to your departure can offer peace of mind, though it often comes with less favorable exchange rates and additional fees. Some major banks in the United States might be able to order VND, but this service is generally uncommon. It is advisable to check with your specific bank well in advance to confirm their capabilities and associated costs.

Specialized currency exchange services, such as Travelex, also provide options for acquiring VND before your trip. These bureaus typically offer less competitive rates compared to exchanging funds within Vietnam. While they might advertise “zero commission,” their profit is often built into a less favorable exchange rate, and a card surcharge may apply if paying with a debit or credit card.

Having some VND before arriving provides immediate cash for initial expenses like airport transfers or small purchases. However, disadvantages include potentially higher costs due to less competitive rates and the need to carry a larger amount of foreign cash. For most travelers, it is usually sufficient to obtain a small amount of VND before departure, perhaps enough for initial taxi fares or snacks, and plan to exchange the bulk of their currency upon arrival in Vietnam.

Getting Dong When You Arrive

Upon arriving in Vietnam, several convenient and often more economical methods are available for obtaining Vietnamese Dong. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely accessible in cities and tourist areas, offering a straightforward way to withdraw local currency using international debit or credit cards. Most ATMs typically allow withdrawals between 2,000,000 VND and 3,000,000 VND per transaction, though some international bank ATMs may offer higher limits, potentially up to 10,000,000 VND.

ATM transactions in Vietnam usually incur a local bank fee, commonly ranging from 30,000 VND to 55,000 VND per withdrawal (approximately $1.30 to $2.40 USD). Your home bank may also impose foreign transaction fees. When using an ATM, decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and choose to be charged in Vietnamese Dong, as accepting DCC often results in a less favorable exchange rate. For safety, use ATMs in well-lit areas or those attached to banks.

Official currency exchange counters are another reliable option found at airports, major banks, and reputable gold shops. These locations facilitate the exchange of major foreign currencies like US Dollars, Euros, and Australian Dollars for VND. While airport exchange rates can be slightly less favorable than those found in city centers, they are convenient for immediate needs.

Gold and jewelry shops often offer competitive rates with no additional fees. Banks are generally considered the safest for currency exchange and may charge a commission ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Some hotels and tour operators also offer currency exchange services, but their rates are typically less competitive than those offered by banks or official exchange counters.

Managing Your Funds in Vietnam

Effectively managing your Vietnamese Dong involves understanding its denominations, knowing when to use cash versus cards, and practicing basic security measures. Vietnamese banknotes are issued in various denominations, including 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 VND. It is important to pay attention to the different notes, as the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes can appear similar in color, which might lead to confusion. Coins are rarely used in daily transactions in Vietnam.

Cash remains the preferred payment method for many transactions, especially at local markets, street food stalls, and smaller shops. For these types of purchases, having smaller denominations on hand is particularly useful. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, such as hotels, upscale restaurants, and department stores. However, many merchants may apply a surcharge, typically between 1.5% and 5% (with 3% being common), for card payments to cover processing fees, even though this practice is technically not permitted by Vietnamese law.

For financial security, it is advisable to carry only the amount of cash needed for daily expenses and keep larger sums secured. While rare, counterfeit notes exist; genuine polymer notes have distinct security features such as watermarks, raised printing, color-changing ink, and embedded security threads that can be felt or seen. It is also wise to be discreet when handling money in public.

The Vietnamese Dong is generally not easily convertible outside of Vietnam, so planning to spend most of your local currency before departure or exchanging any remaining amounts at airport counters is a practical approach. Bargaining is a common practice in local markets, and while tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated for good service.