Vietnam money and payments for US tourists
Traveling to Vietnam from the United States? You’re in for incredible food, warm hospitality, vibrant culture — and a totally different currency system than you might be used to.
Table of Contents
Don’t worry — spending money in Vietnam is straightforward when you know what to expect. In this complete guide from Vietnamtour.travel — a trusted local tour company with 15+ years working with American travelers — we’ll show you:
✅ How to handle Vietnamese currency (VND)
✅ Payment options: cash, card, mobile apps
✅ Exchange rate advice
✅ Safety tips for carrying and spending money
✅ What things cost (with USD comparisons)
✅ What not to do with money in Vietnam
Let’s break it down 💳💱🧳
🇻🇳 Vietnamese Currency – What You Need to Know
💸 What is the currency in Vietnam?
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND).
As of now, 1 USD ≈ 24,000–25,000 VND, depending on the exchange rate.
🧾 Currency Basics:
- Denominations range from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND
- All notes are in paper (no coins)
- Colors can be confusing at first…but don’t panic
- The 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes look very similar in color — double-check before paying!
💡 Pro Tip for U.S. travelers:
You’ll be dealing with big numbers, but it’s easier than it looks.
For example:
| Item | Cost in VND | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl of pho | 40,000–60,000 VND | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Local coffee (cà phê sữa đá) | 25,000–35,000 VND | $1–$1.50 |
| Grab taxi (5 km) | 65,000–90,000 VND | $2.50–$4 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 150,000 VND | ~ $6 |
🇺🇸 It may feel strange holding half a million dong in your wallet, but don’t worry — $100 USD = 2.4–2.5 million VND.
🏧 Cash or Card? What’s Best for U.S. Travelers in Vietnam?
Vietnam is still a mostly cash-based country, but payment options vary by region and venue.
🏪 Use cash for:
- Street food & local restaurants
- Taxis & smaller shops
- Rural destinations or traditional markets
- Tips for guides, drivers, housekeeping
Vietnamese people appreciate crisp, clean VND notes. Don’t try to pay in USD unless you’re at a very upscale hotel or airport shop.
💳 Credit & Debit Cards
Cards are accepted in:
- Major hotels
- Upscale restaurants and bars
- Supermarkets and shopping malls
- Chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, Uniqlo
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common. Some stores will add a 1–3% surcharge for card payments.
💡 Always ask if you can pay by card before ordering food in restaurants — and check if there’s a surcharge.
📱 Mobile Payments & E-Wallets
Digital wallets are growing in popularity among locals, but still limited for foreign tourists.
Apps like MoMo, ZaloPay, or VNPAY require a Vietnamese phone number and bank account, so they’re not ideal for short-term U.S. travelers. However:
- Vietnamtour.travel offers prepaid SIM cards with mobile data
- Guides can help pay for local services and receive reimbursement from you (in VND or USD)
🌍 Exchanging USD to VND — How & Where
🔁 Best Exchange Options:
- Local exchange counters in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.
- Higher rates than hotels or airports
- Look for signs like “Currency Exchange | USD ⇌ VND”
- ATMs (Using a U.S. debit card)
- Convenient but charged a small local fee (40k–100k VND)
- Use tech-savvy bank ATMs: Vietcombank, BIDV, ACB
- Banks (like Vietcombank, Techcombank)
- Reliable but slower
- ID or passport may be required
🎯 EXCHANGE RATE TIPS:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange Booth | Great rates, fast | Must carry cash to exchange |
| ATM Withdrawal | Easy, low stress | Fees + foreign transaction |
| Bank | Official, secure | Slower, long lines sometimes |
| Hotel/Airport | Immediate, convenient | Worst rates usually |
🔒 Never exchange money on the black market (street corners, unofficial vendors) — the risk of scams and fake currency is real.
🛑 Can I Use U.S. Dollars in Vietnam?
Short answer: No, not usually.
USD is not accepted for purchases in most cafes, shops, or taxis.
However, you might use clean USD bills to:
- Tip a guide or driver (if they’re used to American clients)
- Pay visa-on-arrival fees (in some cases)
- Shop at the airport or international hotel stores
Still, we strongly recommend converting USD to VND upon arrival — or let Vietnamtour.travel do it for you as part of your private tour logistics.
💳 ATM Tips for Americans
- Use ATMs at official bank branches, not standalone units
- Maximum withdrawal limit is usually 2–5 million VND per transaction
- International card users may be charged a fee of 40,000–100,000 VND (~$2–4)
- Use cards with no international transaction fees, like Charles Schwab, Capital One, or Chase Sapphire
⚠️ Notify your bank in the U.S. before traveling to Vietnam to avoid flagged transactions or blocked cards.
⛔ Common Money Mistakes by First-Time Visitors
❌ Confusing VND denominations
Double-check:
- 20,000 VND (blue) vs. 500,000 VND (pink) bills
- Some scammers fake change using nearly identical colors
❌ Not carrying small bills
Many vendors can’t break 500,000 VND. Always carry:
- Several 20k, 50k, 100k VND notes for flexibility
❌ Thinking everything is negotiable
You shouldn’t haggle in supermarkets, restaurants, or modern shops — only in markets or souvenir stalls.
❌ Forgetting about tipping
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated. Read our full guide:
👉 Tipping in Vietnam for Americans
🛍️ What Can You Buy For $5 USD in Vietnam?
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how far your money goes. Here are amazing things you can get for under 120,000 VND (~$5):
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 1 bowl of pho + iced coffee combo | 70,000–90,000 |
| Full-body local massage (basic spa) | 90,000–120,000 |
| 3 Bánh mì sandwiches | ~90,000 |
| 2 movie tickets (modern cinema) | ~100,000 |
| 12 km Grab ride in Hanoi | ~80,000 |
| SIM card with data (7 days) | ~100,000–120,000 |
| Cultural performance ticket | ~100,000–150,000 (often subsidized) |
🇺🇸 You’ll feel the value difference instantly compared to large American cities.
🧾 Paying for Your Trip With Vietnamtour.travel
When you book a customized private tour with Vietnamtour.travel (as most of our U.S.-based guests do), we offer:
- ✅ Payment in USD via Bank Transfer, PayPal, or Domestic Zelle Equivalent (Wise)
- ✅ Transparent invoicing with no surprise fees
- ✅ All-inclusive pricing — hotel, transfers, domestic flights, meals, guides
- ✅ Minimal need to carry cash internationally
We still help you prepare VND for souvenirs, street food, or café purchases — but you’ll never need to worry about carrying thousands of dollars abroad.
❓FAQ – Vietnam money and payments for US tourists
1. How much cash should I carry daily?
About 500,000–1,000,000 VND ($20–$40) is plenty for local spending. For more expensive meals or souvenirs, bring more or carry a card.
2. Do I need to pre-exchange dollars in the U.S.?
Not necessary. Exchange rates are better within Vietnam. Our team can help you safely exchange on arrival.
3. Are contactless cards accepted?
Yes, but mostly in large cities and high-end shops. Don’t expect contactless in rural areas, taxis, or street stalls.
4. Is there a “tourist tax” or pricing for foreigners?
Not officially. Some market stall vendors may charge higher for tourists, but you can negotiate politely with your guide’s help.
5. Can I pay in cryptocurrency?
As of now, crypto is not accepted anywhere in Vietnam. Stick with VND and supported card payments.
✅ Final Tips from Vietnamtour.travel
💳 Use your card for major purchases
💵 Use VND cash for small/local transactions
🏦 Use ATMs or trusted exchange counters
👛 Carry a tidy little stack of small bills
And most importantly…
📩 Let Vietnamtour.travel help you manage payments, exchange, airport transfers, and spend planning — so you can enjoy Vietnam with peace of mind.
👉 Start planning your trip here! »
“You only need to bring a few dollars and an open heart — we’ll handle the rest.”
Amidst countless options, you are probably looking for a travel company that truly understands Vietnam to turn your dream of exploring this S-shaped land into a reality. We, a local travel company in the heart of Vietnam, are proud to be natives of this land, carrying within us a love and deep understanding of every corner and every unique cultural aspect. Different from international travel companies, we don’t just offer tours; we share the most authentic and intimate experiences with Vietnamese life and people. You will discover famous destinations such as the majestic Ha Long Bay, the poetic ancient town of Hoi An, or the serene Imperial City of Hue from a local’s perspective
We understand that when setting foot in a foreign country, dedicated and timely support is extremely important. Therefore, our support team is always ready 24/7 throughout your journey in Vietnam, answering all your questions and assisting you in every situation. Moreover, with full licenses to organize domestic and international tours issued by the Vietnamese government, you can be completely assured of our prestige and service quality. Contact us today for the most professional and dedicated consultation, and let’s plan an unforgettable and complete trip to Vietnam together
Contact us today to receive a free consultation and start designing your dream tour, Vietnam money and payments for US tourists !
At Vietnamtour.travel, we’re dedicated to making your journey seamless and memorable. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Hotel booking, Car rental, Visa assistance, and Airport fast-track services, ensuring all your travel needs are covered.
Beyond the essentials, we specialize in a diverse array of tourism types tailored to your interests. Whether you’re looking for a Private, custom-designed tour, a relaxing Beach and island getaway, an enriching Cultural exploration, the vibrant energy of Urban tourism, or an authentic Agricultural and rural experience, we have something for everyone. We also expertly handle MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), providing professional solutions for corporate events.
Contact Us Now Vietnam money and payments for US tourists
WhatsApp 1 : +84 965 251 618
WhatsApp 2 : +84 989 248 646
Email: info@vietnamtour.travel
support@vietnamtour.travel
Website: www.vietnamtour.travel
• Hanoi Office: No. 3, Ngo 225 Luong The Vinh Street, Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City Office: Room 503, 5th Floor, C4 Building, Gia Khang Apartment Complex, 38 Street, Ward 14, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City