Money in Vietnam
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- VNDVietnamese dong
- Symbol
- ₫
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Vietnam
Notes carry large numbers, so count the zeros before you pay.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Vietnam is largely cash-based, and many restaurants and shops other than large chains do not take cards. Cash is needed at markets, street food stalls and small vendors.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in cities and mostly dispense dong. One source reports flat fees of about 20,000 to 50,000 VND per withdrawal and local bank limits around 2,000,000 VND per transaction (as reported by Bamboo Travel and Local Vietnam).
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency and are needed for a visa on arrival, but dong is used for normal purchases.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange is available at banks, hotels and exchange bureaux, and airport counters often give poor rates. Check the rate before you change money.
- Watch out for
- The 500,000 VND note looks very much like the 20,000 VND note, so check the zeros before paying. Card payments sometimes carry a commission of around 3% (as reported by Local Vietnam).
Tipping in Vietnam
Not required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is welcome. Guides and drivers are usually tipped.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Bamboo Travel, InsideAsia Tours, Local Vietnam, Local Vietnam (ATM guide), Experience Travel Group, Jacada Travel.
Convert to and from VND
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25,764 VND | 28,863 VND | 34,572 VND |
| 10 | 257,638 VND | 288,630 VND | 345,717 VND |
| 50 | 1,288,190 VND | 1,443,150 VND | 1,728,583 VND |
| 100 | 2,576,380 VND | 2,886,299 VND | 3,457,166 VND |
| 500 | 12,881,900 VND | 14,431,496 VND | 17,285,828 VND |
What each amount is worth in VND. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Vietnam use?
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND).
Do you need to tip in Vietnam?
Appreciated. Not required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is welcome. Guides and drivers are usually tipped.
Can you pay by card in Vietnam?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Vietnam is largely cash-based, and many restaurants and shops other than large chains do not take cards. Cash is needed at markets, street food stalls and small vendors.
Are there ATMs in Vietnam?
ATMs are common in cities and mostly dispense dong. One source reports flat fees of about 20,000 to 50,000 VND per withdrawal and local bank limits around 2,000,000 VND per transaction (as reported by Bamboo Travel and Local Vietnam).