When you arrive in Vietnam for the first time, the local currency can be disorienting. Brightly coloured banknotes, six- or seven-figure sums, the feeling of being a millionaire the moment you make your first ATM withdrawal — and the nagging fear of handing over the wrong note when paying for a bánh mì.
It is an experience almost every one of our travellers goes through in the first few days.
But there is no need to panic. The Vietnamese dong is a currency that is easy to get your head around. A few simple reference points are all you need to manage your money with confidence, avoid the classic mistakes, and steer clear of unfavourable exchange rates.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What is the official currency of Vietnam?
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, written VND or ₫. There are no coins in circulation — everything is paid for in banknotes.
The Vietnamese dong (đồng in Vietnamese) has been the national currency since 1978, when the country’s monetary reunification took place. Its international code is VND, its symbol ₫. In everyday life, you will also see the abbreviations đ or simply k for thousands (50k = 50,000 VND).
One notable feature: Vietnam uses virtually no coins. All payments are made in banknotes, with denominations ranging from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND. Every note bears the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh on the front — which is why Vietnamese people sometimes affectionately call them tiền cụ Hồ (Uncle Ho’s money).
Banknotes fall into two categories based on their material:
- Cotton notes (low denominations): 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 VND — the equivalent of small change, used mainly for donations at temples and markets.
- Polymer notes (everyday denominations): 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 VND. These plastic-feel notes are resistant to the humidity of the tropical climate — a genuinely useful quality during monsoon season.
How much is the Vietnamese dong worth in euros and dollars in 2026?
In 2026, 1 euro is worth approximately 30,000 Vietnamese dong, and 1 US dollar around 26,000 VND. The simplest rule: divide any price in VND by 30,000 to get its euro equivalent, or by 26,000 for dollars.
This reference rate — 1 € = 30,000 VND — is the easiest figure to keep in mind for quick mental calculations in the field. In practice, you will often find slightly lower rates at exchange offices and ATMs, depending on the fees applied.
Here is a practical conversion table to calibrate your everyday spending:
| Amount in VND | Euro equivalent (base 30,000) | USD equivalent (base 26,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 VND | ≈ €0.33 | ≈ $0.38 |
| 50,000 VND | ≈ €1.67 | ≈ $1.92 |
| 100,000 VND | ≈ €3.30 | ≈ $3.85 |
| 200,000 VND | ≈ €6.60 | ≈ $7.70 |
| 500,000 VND | ≈ €16.70 | ≈ $19.23 |
| 1,000,000 VND (1 million) | ≈ €33 | ≈ $38.50 |
| 3,000,000 VND | ≈ €100 | ≈ $115 |
To avoid doing the maths in your head, download a currency conversion app before you leave (XE Currency or Google Currency Converter both work well offline). But the “divide by 30,000” reflex will cover the vast majority of situations.
A street food meal costs between 30,000 and 80,000 VND (€1 to €2.50). A taxi ride in Hanoi comes to 50,000–100,000 VND (€1.50 to €3.50). A night in a charming boutique hotel in Hoi An can range from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND (€35 to €80). Purchasing power in Vietnam remains very favourable for European and American travellers.
How to recognise Vietnamese banknotes and avoid mix-ups
The classic trap: the 20,000 VND note and the 500,000 VND note have similar shades of blue. Always check the number printed before you hand one over.
This is the mistake almost every traveller makes in their first few days. Here is the complete breakdown of denominations to help you find your bearings:
| Denomination | Dominant colour | Euro equiv. | Field tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 VND | Grey-brown | < €0.05 | Rarely used — keep some for rural markets |
| 2,000 VND | Brick red | < €0.10 | Very rarely used |
| 5,000 VND | Purple | ≈ €0.17 | Useful for cheap street food |
| 10,000 VND | Orange-red | ≈ €0.33 | Bánh mì, local coffee |
| 20,000 VND | Light blue | ≈ €0.67 | ⚠️ Do not confuse with the 500,000! |
| 50,000 VND | Mauve | ≈ €1.67 | Very useful day-to-day |
| 100,000 VND | Green | ≈ €3.30 | The reference note for small purchases |
| 200,000 VND | Dark orange-red | ≈ €6.60 | Handy for settling a restaurant bill |
| 500,000 VND | Dark blue | ≈ €16.70 | ⚠️ Similar blue to the 20,000 — always check! |
Our field advice: when you first arrive, take a few minutes to sort your notes into piles and familiarise yourself with each denomination. Your first payments will be far more relaxed. And whenever you receive change, count the notes before putting them away — especially in heavily touristed areas.
Where to exchange money in Vietnam: the best options
Licensed jewellery shops in town: the best rates
This is the solution we recommend to all our travellers. In Vietnam, state-licensed jewellery shops and gold merchants are authorised to exchange foreign currencies, and they consistently offer the best rates — with no hidden fees and no commission.
In Hanoi, Ha Trung Street (in the Hoàn Kiếm district, not far from the Old Quarter) has several reliable addresses. In Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyễn An Ninh Street, near Bến Thành Market, is the local reference. These addresses are well known to our guides and teams on the ground — do not hesitate to ask us for specific recommendations before you leave.
At the airport: convenient on arrival, but less competitive rates
The currency exchange counters at Hanoi’s Nội Bài and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tân Sơn Nhất international airports are open 24 hours a day. They are ideal for obtaining a small amount on arrival — enough to cover your taxi and first expenses. That said, the rates are generally less favourable than in the city centre, due to the operating costs of airport operators.
Our recommendation: change €50 to €100 at the airport for your first few hours, then top up your cash in the city the following day.
Hotels: keep for emergencies
Most hotels offer a currency exchange service, but the rates they apply are among the least favourable on the market. This option is only worth using for small amounts or in an emergency outside jewellery shop opening hours.
Can you use ATMs in Vietnam?
Yes, ATMs are plentiful in major cities. Each withdrawal is capped at around 5,000,000 VND (approximately €165 or $190), with transaction fees of €2 to €5 per withdrawal.
ATMs are available around the clock in the vast majority of cities and tourist areas. The Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV and Agribank networks are the most widespread and accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro cards. Instructions are available in English.
A few things to know before you withdraw:
- Withdrawal cap: generally between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 VND (€65 to €165) per transaction. You can make multiple withdrawals if needed.
- Withdrawal fees: expect €2 to €5 per transaction, on top of any fees your own bank charges. Reduce the number of withdrawals by taking out larger amounts at a time.
- Note condition: check that the notes dispensed are not torn or badly worn — some vendors refuse damaged notes.
- Rural areas: ATMs become scarce outside cities. Before heading to Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, the Mekong Delta or remote regions, make sure you withdraw enough cash.
If you use a travel-friendly card (Revolut, Wise, N26…), international ATM fees are often zero or minimal — a real advantage over a stay of several weeks.
Should you pay cash or by card in Vietnam?
Cash in dong remains essential for markets, street food and rural areas. Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in major cities, but expect a surcharge of at least 3% added by the merchant to cover their processing costs.
The reality on the ground is nuanced: Vietnam is a country changing rapidly, and payment methods vary enormously depending on where you are. This table summarises the situation:
| Situation | Cash | Bank card |
|---|---|---|
| Markets, street food | ✅ Essential | ❌ Not accepted |
| Small local restaurants | ✅ Recommended | Rarely |
| Tourist restaurants | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Often accepted |
| Large hotels | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Accepted |
| Souvenir shops | ✅ Recommended | Variable |
| Shopping malls | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Accepted |
| Traditional taxis | ✅ Essential | ❌ Not accepted |
| Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Xanh SM…) | ✅ Possible | ✅ Possible |
| Rural areas | ✅ Essential | ❌ Not available |
| Tips | ✅ Essential | ❌ Not applicable |
For ride-hailing apps (Grab, Xanh SM…), you can choose between cash payment or card payment by registering your bank card in the app — it is often simpler and faster, and perfectly safe.
A note on local mobile payments: apps like MoMo and ZaloPay are widely used by Vietnamese people, but they require a Vietnamese bank account. They are not accessible to foreign visitors passing through.
The simple rule to remember: always have cash on you. Cards are a useful complement — not a reliable substitute in Vietnam.
How much cash should you bring to Vietnam?
Plan for between €30 and €60 per person per day for a standard comfort trip, excluding accommodation and any circuits already paid for.
The amount you need depends on your travel style. Here are our estimates by profile:
| Travel profile | Estimated daily budget (excl. accommodation) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / backpacker | €15 to €25 per person | Street food, local transport, site entry fees |
| Standard comfort | €30 to €50 per person | Local + some tourist restaurants, moderate shopping |
| Upmarket travel | €60 to €100 per person | Fine dining, massages, shopping, tips |
If your circuit is fully pre-paid (accommodation, transport, guides), the amount you need for personal expenses will be significantly lower. At Parfum d’Automne, we can give you a precise estimate of personal spending for your specific itinerary before you depart.
On customs: you can enter and exit Vietnam with foreign currency without declaring it up to the equivalent of USD 5,000. Beyond that, a declaration is required at the airport.
What currency scams should you watch out for in Vietnam?
The most common scam involves the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes, which share a similar shade of blue. Always count your notes before leaving the counter.
Vietnam is a generally very safe country for travellers, but a few situations warrant your attention:
Note confusion: the 20,000 and 500,000 VND notes share a similar blue tint. Some unscrupulous vendors — particularly in heavily touristed areas — may play on this resemblance. Make it a habit to check the value of each note before handing it over.
Counterfeit 500,000 VND notes: they exist, though they remain rare. If in doubt, compare with a note you are sure about: genuine polymer notes have a smooth, distinctive feel with visible security features (security thread, hologram).
Street money changers: always avoid people offering informal exchange on the street, even at an attractive rate. Only official establishments (licensed jewellery shops, banks, authorised exchange offices) provide any guarantee.
Inflated rates at airports or hotels: legal, but unfavourable. Always compare the displayed rate with the reference rate (around 30,000 VND per €1) before agreeing to any transaction.
Short change at markets: in busy markets, always count your change before walking away — errors, deliberate or not, do happen.
Taxi meter manipulation: we recommend using ride-hailing apps, or booking a taxi through a trusted intermediary such as your hotel, restaurant or café.
Our local guides based in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An know the reliable addresses and situations to avoid. Do not hesitate to ask them as soon as you arrive.
The Vietnamese dong is not intimidating once you have a few simple reference points in place. One euro equals around 30,000 VND — that is your compass. Prioritise cash for everyday spending, change your money at licensed jewellery shops in town, and always check your notes when paying. With these habits in place, you will move through Vietnam with a clear head, focused on what matters most: enjoying the journey.
To organise your stay in Vietnam — from Hanoi to Halong Bay, from Hoi An to the Mekong Delta — we invite you to share your travel project with us. Every practical detail, including money management on the ground, is part of the support we provide from day one.
