How Much Vietnamese Dong Should You Carry? Budget Tips for Vietnam

Vietnam is one of those countries where your money suddenly seems to stretch forever – a full meal for a couple of dollars, a local bus ticket for pocket change, and a strong coffee that costs less than a bottle of water. But that also means it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re really spending, especially when the numbers on the notes look huge.

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) comes in thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, and it can be confusing the first few days. A little planning – and knowing how much cash to keep on hand – makes traveling here much simpler.

Before you go, it helps to buy Vietnamese Dong or at least learn what your money’s worth, so you don’t start your trip second-guessing every bill.

How Cash Works in Vietnam

Cash is still king in most of Vietnam. You’ll see card machines in big hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but once you step into a street food stall or hop on a local bus, it’s cash-only. In smaller towns, even guesthouses and coffee shops prefer bills over cards.

The smallest notes are worth less than a few cents, while the biggest – 500,000 VND – is roughly twenty U.S. dollars. It feels strange at first, but you’ll quickly get used to counting in thousands instead of tens. After a couple of days, you’ll automatically know that 100,000 VND covers a meal, 50,000 VND buys a short taxi ride, and 1 million VND is a solid day’s spending money.

It’s also a good idea to organize your bills by value – the colors and sizes are similar, and it’s easy to hand over the wrong note if you’re not careful.

How Much to Carry Day-to-Day

Most travelers are comfortable with about 1 to 1.5 million VND per day (roughly 40-60 USD) for meals, transport, small shopping, and coffee breaks. This covers most situations, even in busier cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.

If you’re on a tighter budget, 600,000 to 800,000 VND a day is enough for simple meals, local buses, and inexpensive hostels. For mid-range travelers, plan around 1.5 to 2 million VND daily to include restaurants, guided tours, or nicer hotels.

It’s smart to divide your money – keep small notes for quick purchases and larger ones in a separate pocket or wallet. Street vendors and local cafés rarely have change for 500,000 VND notes, so try to break those at supermarkets or chain coffee shops.

ATMs, Cards, and Withdrawal Tips

ATMs are widely available across cities, airports, and larger towns. Most accept international cards from Visa, Mastercard, or Cirrus networks. The withdrawal limit per transaction is usually around 2-3 million VND, though you can repeat the process if needed.

Stick with machines from big banks like Vietcombank, ACB, or BIDV – they’re reliable, and their fees are reasonable (typically under $2). Smaller or independent ATMs can charge more or occasionally reject foreign cards.

When withdrawing, always choose “charge in local currency” on the screen. If you let the machine charge you in your home currency, you’ll pay an extra conversion fee without realizing it. It’s a small choice that saves you several percent every time.

Also, avoid using ATMs late at night in deserted areas – not for safety concerns necessarily, but because some machines go offline for maintenance.

Where to Exchange Money

If you prefer bringing cash, exchanging money in Vietnam is straightforward. Licensed exchange offices and banks in major cities usually offer fair rates and clear signage. The process is quick and secure – you just show your passport and hand over your bills.

Avoid exchanging at hotels or airports unless you have no other choice. Their rates are often 5-10% worse, and some add service fees. Markets or small shops may offer “better” rates, but they’re unregulated and sometimes hand out outdated notes that are hard to spend.

If you want peace of mind, you can always buy Vietnamese Dong before flying out through your local bank or online platform. Having some cash ready when you land means no stress over finding an ATM before your first meal or taxi.

Cards and Digital Payments

Vietnam is catching up quickly with digital payments. In big cities, you’ll see contactless terminals at restaurants, stores, and even some taxis. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though American Express is still hit-or-miss.

Apps like Grab (for taxis and food delivery) let you pay directly through your card, making it easy to track expenses. Still, don’t rely entirely on digital payments – many rural towns, islands, and markets are still cash-based.

If you’re a frequent traveler, multi-currency cards like Wise or Revolut are great options. You can keep Dong in your account, pay directly in local currency, and avoid those silent 3% exchange markups banks love to hide.

Keeping Money Safe

Vietnam is generally safe, but it’s always good to stay cautious. Petty theft is rare but not unheard of in crowded areas like markets or night streets. Keep your wallet or small pouch close to your body and avoid flashing large stacks of cash.

If you’re carrying a big amount, divide it into smaller portions – one for daily use, one backup in your bag, and maybe a little tucked away in your luggage. Most hotels and homestays offer safes or lockers; use them when you can.

Another simple trick: carry a spare card in a separate place from your main wallet. Losing one shouldn’t mean losing all access to your money.

A Few Simple Tips

You don’t need to overthink it, but these small habits make things easier:

• Break big bills early. You’ll thank yourself later at food stalls or small shops.

• Exchange smart. Skip hotel counters – go to banks or official changers instead.

• Keep a mix. Half cash, half card usually works best for short trips.

• Plan for islands. Some smaller islands and mountain towns have no ATMs at all.

• Track your spending. A quick note in your phone helps you spot when you’re overspending on souvenirs or taxis.

Little routines like these keep your budget smooth and your days stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam makes budgeting easy. Once you get used to the big numbers, you’ll see how far your money really goes.

No matter if you buy Vietnamese Dong before your flight or withdraw it there, keep enough for small spends and the fun stuff. With a few good habits, your cash stretches easily – from morning pho to a sunset beer by the river.