Vietnam (VN)
Vietnam is a dynamic, rapidly developing Socialist Republic stretching 1,650km down the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula — a country of extraordinary geographical diversity, from the karst mountains of the north and the Red River Delta, through the stunning coastline of the Central region, to the vast Mekong Delta in the south.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Vietnam.
Denominations
Polymer banknotes: ₫500,000 (blue), ₫200,000 (red-brown), ₫100,000 (green), ₫50,000 (pink), ₫20,000 (blue/indigo), ₫10,000 (orange). Coins largely absent from circulation. Note: ₫100,000 and ₫1,000,000 can look similar to the unwary — always check the printed number carefully.
Payment Culture
Vietnam is moving rapidly toward cashless payments via QR codes (VNPay, MoMo, ZaloPay), but cash is still king in markets, street food stalls, rural areas, and small local shops. Carry ₫200,000–₫500,000 in small denominations for daily transactions. Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants and shopping malls in cities. Always check whether a card surcharge applies.
ATM Tips
Most ATMs charge foreigners ₫55,000–₫110,000 per withdrawal. Daily limits are typically ₫5–₫10 million per transaction. Use HSBC, Citibank or VPBank ATMs for slightly lower foreign fees. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas — use bank-branded machines. Notify your home bank before arrival to prevent freezes.
Exchange Tips
Official exchange at banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank) and licensed money changers in Hang Bong (Hanoi Old Quarter) or Ben Thanh area (HCMC) offer competitive rates. Avoid airport exchange counters — rates are poor. Wise and Revolut work for transfers in. Never exchange with unlicensed street changers.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents