Vietnamese Currency

Q: What is the currency in Hanoi?

The currency in Hanoi is the Vietnamese dong. Each dong is divided into 10 h√†o. When you’re in Vietnam you’ll see the symbol ₫ written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code VND used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I pay in dollars in Vietnam?

US dollars are not normally accepted in Vietnam, and merchants can't legally require customers to pay in USD. It's not unheard of for hotels, tours and services which deal with foreigners a lot to accept USD payments, but you're likely to pay a fee hidden in a hiked up exchange rate. Your best bet when travelling to Vietnam is paying in the official Vietnamese currency: the dong. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

Find out what currency is used in Vietnam, tips and tricks for Vietnamese currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Vietnamese dong card.

Learn about the Vietnamese dong card

What is the currency in Vietnam?

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong. Each dong is divided into 10 h√†o.

When you’re buying currency for Vietnam, look out for the currency code VND. And once you’re in Vietnam, you’ll see the symbol ₫ used to show prices.

You’ll find Vietnamese banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 500000.

Vietnamese coins come in 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000.

Use the Wise Vietnamese dong card to spend in Vietnamese currency.

The Wise Vietnamese dong travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to dong to spend when you’re in Vietnam. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Vietnamese dong - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Vietnamese dong card

Tips for exchanging currency in Vietnam.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, dong - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Vietnamese dong, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Vietnam.

Paying by credit or debit card in Vietnam

You'll be able to use your card in Vietnamese cities and tourist sites - but may need to pay a surcharge of 3% - 4%. Carry cash to beat the extra fee, and for picking up fruit and snacks at the roadside.

It's also good to check in advance if card payments are possible in restaurants as network faults can mean service outages.

ATMs in Vietnam

If you're in cities or visiting any of Vietnam's more common tourist sites, you'll have no problem finding an ATM.

However, if you're in Vietnam to trek, to tour rural areas or to explore the wilds, you'll need to get cash before leaving the cities.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Vietnam, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.