Vietnam Travel Money Guide:
How to Exchange Currency, Use Cards or Cash, and Avoid Common Scams

Before You Go: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Safely and Stress-Free
✈️ Vietnam Visa Application (Mandarin & English Customer Support Available)

Many travelers only realize too late—while planning currency exchange or payment methods—that:
「My Vietnam visa isn’t approved yet‼️‼️」
「My visa documents were rejected‼️‼️」

Last-minute visa applications are not only more expensive, but may also affect your boarding process and immigration clearance, potentially putting your entire trip at risk.

Our professional Vietnam visa services cover the following:

✔ Professional Document Review to Reduce Rejection & Resubmission Risk ✔  Urgent & Express Processing Options Available ✔  Document Review to Avoid Rejection ✔ Bilingual Customer Support (Mandarin & English) ✔ Real-Time Application Status Tracking

Focus on your Vietnam itinerary with peace of mind—we’ll take care of the visa process.
Apply Now | Vietnam Visa Services

「👉 LetLanytrip Handle Your【Vietnam Visa, All in One Place】」

Lanytrip expert team meticulously verifies your documents to ensure a hassle-free entry into Vietnam.

• Not Sure Which Vietnam Visa You Need?
  Simply provide your basic information, and our specialists will quickly evaluate the most suitable visa option for your trip.

• No Time to Navigate Complicated Regulations? 
  Leave the paperwork and complex procedures to us—you can focus on planning an enjoyable, stress-free journey.

Let Lanytrip handle the details and make international travel easier than ever.

Currency Exchange Options in Vietnam:
Comparison & Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Understanding the pros and cons of different currency exchange methods in Vietnam can help you save money, stay safe, and avoid scams.
Below is a clear comparison of the most common options travelers encounter.

🏦 Vietnam Currency Exchange Methods: Quick Comparison

Recommended Currency Exchange Process in Vietnam:
What to Exchange First and How to Do It Smoothly on Arrival

To get the best exchange rates, we recommend following a two-step currency exchange strategy:

1. Best Strategy: Exchange USD for Vietnamese Dong (VND)

• Before Departure (Your Home Country)： 
  💡Exchange your local currency into large-denomination U.S. dollars (USD 100 bills) before leaving.
  Make sure the U.S. dollar bills are new, clean, undamaged, and free of marks, as newer bills typically receive better exchange rates in Vietnam.
• After Arrival in Vietnam： 
  Once you arrive, visit a reputable, licensed exchange office or well-known gold/jewelry shop in the city to exchange your USD into Vietnamese dong (VND).
  Always count the cash carefully on the spot before leaving the counter.

2. Backup Option: Using ATMs in Vietnam

If you run low on cash during your trip, withdrawing money from ATMs is a reliable option.

• Recommended Banks： 
  Use ATMs operated by major Vietnamese banks such as Vietcombank, BIDV, and Agribank, which are generally more stable and widely accepted by international cards.
• Important Notes： 
  Make sure your debit card has international withdrawal enabled before departure.
  Watch out for overseas withdrawal fees, which typically include a fixed fee plus a percentage-based charge from your home bank.

❌ Common Currency Exchange Scams in Vietnam: Black Markets, Counterfeit Bills, and Change Tricks Explained

Vietnamese dong often comes in very large denominations, which can easily be confusing for travelers.
This creates opportunities for scammers to take advantage of visitors, especially those unfamiliar with the currency.

⚠️Avoid Black Market Currency Exchange

Unlicensed street exchangers or individuals who approach you randomly often come with high risk. Common scams include:

• Mixing in counterfeit bills
• Deliberately miscounting the amount
• Swapping large bills when you’re not paying attention

Always exchange money at licensed exchange offices, banks, or reputable gold and jewelry shops with a physical storefront.

⚠️  Counterfeit Money & Denomination Confusion

Similar-Looking Banknotes
Vietnamese dong denominations can be confusing.
For example, the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND banknotes have very similar blue-green color schemes.

Always double-check the number of zeros before paying to avoid accidentally spending 500,000 VND instead of 20,000 VND.

Check Security Features

• Check the watermark
• Look for the security thread
• Feel the texture of the banknote

(Vietnamese dong is made of polymer, giving it a firmer, plastic-like feel.)

⚠️ Short-Change Scams

At exchange counters or shops, some vendors may take advantage of unfamiliarity with large numbers and return less change by “missing a zero.”

Pro Tip:
Always count each bill one by one at the counter and use a calculator to confirm the total before leaving.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and exchange money in smaller batches for better safety.

Your First Challenge Upon Arrival in Vietnam:
Don’t Let Endless Immigration Lines Ruin Your Vacation  ⚠️

After landing in Vietnam, the biggest factor that affects your travel experience isn’t the exchange rate—it’s how fast you clear immigration. At major international airports such as Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, immigration queues during peak seasons or busy hours can easily take 1 to 2 hours.

Imagine this:
You’re exhausted after a long flight, dragging your luggage, still haven’t exchanged money—and suddenly you’re stuck in a sea of people at immigration…
The good news? You have a smarter, more elegant option.
ChooseLanytrip'sAirport Fast Track Immigration Service：
📍Da Nang – Fast Track Service at Da Nang International Airport。
📍 Hanoi – Fast Track Service at Noi Bai International Airport。
📍 Ho Chi Minh City – Fast Track Service at Tan Son Nhat International Airport。

Three Key Benefits of Airport Fast Track Service:
Save Time, Guided Assistance, and a Smoother Arrival

1. Personalized Meet & Greet Upon Arrival： 
   A professional team will meet you inside the airport and guide you immediately after you disembark, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed.

2. Priority Immigration Clearance： 
   Enjoy priority processing at immigration, significantly reducing waiting time for visa and passport checks—especially during peak hours.

3. Maximum Efficiency from the Start： 
   Skip the crowds and start your Vietnam journey one step ahead, from the moment you land.

Who Is This Service Especially Recommended For? 

• Travelers arriving on late-night or red-eye flights
• Families with children or elderly members
• Business travelers who value efficiency
• Travelers with a strong preference for well-planned, precise itineraries (yes—even the MBTI Type J 😉)

Spend your time exploring—leave the hassle to  Lanytrip。

Comparison of Payment Methods in Vietnam

💵 Cash Payments in Vietnam (VND): Where Is Cash Still Essential?

• ✅ Pros: 

1.   No transaction fees
2. Widely accepted across the country
3. Simple and straightforward to use

• ⚠️ Cons:

1. Risk of loss or theft
2. Possibility of counterfeit bills
3. Small denominations are often needed for change

• 💡 Best Used For:

1. Street food stalls, night markets, taxis, rural areas, and traditional local markets.

💳Credit Card Payments in Vietnam:
Fees and Where Cards Are Accepted

• ✅ Pros:

1. Safer for large purchases
2. Some cards offer cashback or travel rewards

• ⚠️Cons:

1. Many merchants charge an additional 2%–4% credit card fee
2. Limited acceptance in rural areas
3. International transaction fees may apply

• 💡 Best Used For:
  Hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, and selected tourist attractions.

📱  Mobile Payments in Vietnam (MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPay): Can Foreigners Use Them?

• 💼  Major Apps:MoMo, ZaloPay, and VNPay are widely used in Vietnam.
  In Vietnam, e-wallets are popular in cities and chain stores. Some apps may work for international travelers, but usually require a phone number and identity verification. Availability can change depending on each platform’s KYC policy and current regulations.
  Tip: If you plan to rely on mobile payments, prepare a backup (cash + card) in case verification fails.

• ✅ Pros:

1. Fast and convenient transactions
2. Frequent promotions and discounts
3. Actively promoted as part of Vietnam’s cashless payment initiative

• ⚠️ Cons:

1. Account registration required
2. Limited acceptance in remote areas
3. Higher risk if your phone is lost or stolen

• 💡 Best Used For:

1. Urban shops, chain supermarkets, ride-hailing apps, and selected street food vendors.

🌐International Digital Banks & Money Transfer Tools in Vietnam (Wise, Revolut, and More): Who Are They Best For?

• 💳 Popular Platforms:
  Wise, Revolut, and Charles Schwab — widely used international digital banking and money transfer services.

• ✅Pros:

1. Real mid-market exchange rates
2. Low transfer and conversion fees
3. Ideal for long-term stays, digital nomads, and business travelers

• ⚠️Cons:

1. Account setup required in advance
2. Basic English proficiency needed for app usage and support

• 💡 Best Used For:
  International money transfers, cross-border currency exchange, and remote or overseas payments.

🚗 How to Get from Vietnam Airports to Your Hotel Safely: Avoid Price Negotiations and Change Disputes

You’ve just landed in Vietnam, full of excitement—only to find yourself negotiating fares with taxi drivers outside the airport?
❌  Common pitfalls include: 

1. Quoted prices that change after boarding
2. “No change available” excuses despite prior agreement
3. Excessive late-night or holiday surcharges

Travel Smart and Arrive in Style 

For a smoother, stress-free arrival, pre-book Lanytrip's Vietnam airport transfer service and eliminate transportation hassles from the start.

📍 Da Nang – Private Airport Transfer from Da Nang International Airport。
📍Hanoi – Private Airport Transfer from Noi Bai International Airport。
📍Ho Chi Minh City – Private Airport Transfer from Tan Son Nhat International Airport。

Why Choose Lanytrip’s Airport Transfer Service?

✅  Fixed Pricing by Reservation

One flat rate with no surprises—no overcharging, no negotiations, and no tourist traps.

✅ No Cash, No Change Disputes

No need to rush for small bills at the airport. Payment is simple and stress-free.

✅Personalized Meet & Greet Service

Your driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name right after arrival—for maximum comfort and peace of mind.

🚗Who Is Airport Transfer or Private Car Service Best For?

1. Travelers arriving on late-night or red-eye flights
2. Families with children or elderly members
3. Business travelers who value punctuality and efficiency
4. Travelers who prefer well-structured, perfectly timed itineraries (including MBTI Type J 😉)

Start your Vietnam journey with a five-star, seamless experience—from the moment you step out of the airport.

Complete Guide to Payment Fees in Vietnam: Cash, Credit Cards, ATMs, and Mobile Wallets

Practical Tips & Traveler Safety Advice for Handling Money in Vietnam
Vietnam Money Safety Guide: Currency Exchange, Card Payments, ATMs, and Mobile Wallets

✅ Safe Currency Exchange Rules: Licensed Shops, Daytime Only, Count on the Spot

• Always use licensed banks, authorized gold shops, or reputable exchange offices.
• Avoid exchanging money at night or in low-traffic areas, especially when handling large amounts of cash.
• Count every bill on the spot and check for authenticity—particularly for large denominations.

✅ Credit Card & ATM Safety Tips: Ask About Fees, Avoid DCC, Protect Your PIN

• Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, if available.
• Always ask merchants in advance whether extra card fees apply.
• When using ATMs, choose to be charged in local currency (VND) to avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) traps.
• Shield the keypad when entering your PIN and watch for skimming devices on ATMs.

✅ Mobile Payment Safety:
App Locks, Account Freezing, and Phone Loss Response

• For longer stays, consider getting a local SIM card to register apps like MoMo or ZaloPay.
• After topping up, set an app password or biometric lock.
• If your phone is lost, contact the platform immediately to freeze your account.
• Take advantage of promotions—many chains and supermarkets offer exclusive MoMo discounts.

✅  Small Cash Preparation: How Much Small Change Should You Carry?

• Carry sufficient small denominations (10,000–50,000 VND) to avoid payment or change issues.
• U.S. dollars may be accepted in some tourist areas, but rates are poor—Vietnamese dong is still recommended.
• Download essential apps before departure and familiarize yourself with basic functions.
• Avoid keeping all your cash in one place—split it across bags or share with travel companions to reduce risk.

Conclusion:
The Best Way to Manage Money in Vietnam — Cash + Credit Cards + Digital Payments

Vietnam may not be a high-cost destination, but using money unwisely can still lead to problems. From black-market exchange scams and excessive fees to counterfeit bills and failed payments, travelers can easily encounter avoidable risks.

The smartest approach is to build a flexible payment mix based on your trip length, spending habits, and risk tolerance. A combination of cash, credit cards, and digital payments offers the best balance of convenience, security, and cost efficiency.

✅Short-Term Tourists

Primarily use cash, with credit cards as a backup in major cities.

✅Long-Term Stays & Business Travelers

Make full use of digital banks, mobile wallets, and international payment apps.

✅Budget-Savvy Travelers

Avoid high fees, compare exchange options, and take advantage of mobile payment promotions and discounts.

Traveling abroad isn’t just about enjoying new landscapes and cultures—it’s also an exercise in risk awareness and smart planning.
When you manage your money well, your journey becomes smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.

Spend wisely, travel worry-free.

Vietnam In-Depth Travel Recommendations: How to Choose Between North, Central, and South Vietnam
Let Lanytrip Reserve Vietnam’s Most Breathtaking Experiences for You

If your idea of traveling to Vietnam goes beyond simply “checking off attractions,” and you truly want to experience the soul of the country, Lanytrip’s carefully curated Vietnam itineraries are designed just for you.

We skip rushed shopping tours and tourist traps, focusing instead on high-quality, immersive travel experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and worry-free.

📍 Three Handpicked Routes to Discover the Best of Vietnam

• North Vietnam: Mountains, Sea, and Slow Travel Escapes：

Discover the dramatic limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the breathtaking rice terraces and cloud-covered mountains of Sapa, and the timeless charm of Hanoi, a capital city with over a thousand years of history.

Perfect for travelers who love nature, culture, and unhurried exploration.

• Central Vietnam: Picture-Perfect Moments & Iconic Landmarks： 

Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, and stand in awe at the famous Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills)—a must-visit destination for photography lovers and social media enthusiasts.

Ideal for travelers who want stunning visuals and unforgettable highlights.

• South Vietnam: Island Relaxation & Cultural Immersion： 

Relax on the visa-free beaches of Phu Quoc Island, or venture deep into the Mekong Delta to experience authentic local life, floating markets, and traditional Vietnamese culture.

Best for those seeking a balance of leisure, sunshine, and cultural depth.

More Than Pho and Massages — Vietnam Has So Much More to Offer

Traveling to Vietnam shouldn’t stop at food and spa experiences. You deserve a journey that leaves a lasting impression.

“No need to spend hours comparing prices.”
“No worries about falling into tourist traps.”

✨ We take care of the details, so you can save your energy—and your smiles—for the landscapes and moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. ✨

Contact Us — We’re Here to Help

• Taiwan Mandarin Customer Support | LINE ID：@Lanytrip（please include the @ when searching）。
  Bilingual Customer Support (Mandarin & English)
  Real-time assistance to help you prepare for a smooth departure

• Vietnam Customer Support | WhatsApp ID: +84333708807。
  Dedicated support after you arrive in Vietnam
  Our local team primarily communicates via WhatsApp

  📌 Tip: We recommend downloading and registering WhatsApp before departure to ensure seamless communication during your trip.

Explore Now

👇🏼【Vietnam Visa Complete Guide】👇🏼

Entering Vietnam Made Easy

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Want to Discover Vietnam’s Most Authentic Hidden Gems?

👇🏼【North Vietnam Hidden Spots — Our Secret List Revealed 】👇🏼

Travel with Lanytrip and Experience North Vietnam at a Slower, Deeper Pace

Dreaming of Stunning Travel Photos? Your Ultimate Central Vietnam Guide Is Here!

👇🏼【Hoi An Lantern Streets & Da Nang Pink Church — Must-Visit IG Photo Spots】👇🏼

Explore the Most Colorful Side of Central Vietnam with Lanytrip

Looking for Picture-Perfect Vacation Photos? Explore the Best of Southern Vietnam!

👇🏼【Mui Ne Sand Dunes × Ho Chi Minh City Áo Dài Experience 】👇🏼

Discover Southern Vietnam’s Most Photogenic Getaway with Lanytrip