How to pay for stuff in Vietnam?
Paying in Vietnam: Cash is king, especially outside major tourist areas. Credit/debit cards are accepted increasingly, particularly in popular tourist spots. For seamless travel, carry some Vietnamese Dong (VND) for smaller vendors and less frequented locations.
Paying for Stuff in Vietnam?
Okay, so Vietnam, right? Cash is king, still. Seriously, I was there last August, in Hoi An, and even the fancy restaurants preferred dong.
Lots of smaller places, outside the main tourist drags, only took cash. Think street food – forget cards.
But, bigger hotels and shops in Hanoi (I was there for a week, spent maybe 300 USD total) took cards, no problem.
Credit cards are definitely growing, though. It’s a mix, you know? Best to have both just in case.
Should you carry cash in Vietnam?
It’s 3 AM. The air conditioner hums. I’m thinking about Vietnam. Cash. Needed it. Everywhere.
Seriously, even fancy hotels. My credit card felt useless sometimes. Small towns? Forget it. Cash only.
You need cash in Vietnam. Don’t even think about it. Just bring it.
- Hotels – definitely cash, even the nicer ones.
- Taxis – same story. My Grab app failed me more than once.
- Street food – cash is king. Best eats are often cash-only.
- Temples – entrance fees, small offerings. Cash is preferred.
It’s not just the touristy spots. My trip to Sapa last year proved it. The hill tribes, beautiful people… cash was all they accepted.
It’s a practical thing. Not romantic, I know. But practical.
Small purchases, too. Little trinkets, snacks. I was always pulling out the dong. Tipping also. Even a small amount shows respect.
This isn’t some travel blog tip. This is just… my experience. My weary, 3 AM experience. I wish I’d brought more.
Why is cash better than card?
Cash. No interest. Saves money.
Spending control. Tangible. Makes you think. Tracks account balance.
Plastic is easy. Too easy. Mindless.
Cash is friction. Good friction. Like sandpaper on a raw idea. Shapes it.
- Control: Cash limits spending. Budget becomes real.
- Awareness: Physical act. Connects you to the cost. I once spent $200 on a vintage arcade game. Cash. Hurt more. Learned something.
- No Debt: Credit cards tempt fate. Interest is a cruel mistress. Cash is pure.
- Privacy: No digital footprint. Just you and the bodega cat. He gets it.
My motorcycle, a 2023 Triumph Bonneville T120, paid in full. Cash. Felt different. Liberating.
Budgeting apps? Meh. Envelope system. Old school. Works. Tried it last month. Groceries. Rent. Whiskey. Priorities.
This digital age. Too smooth. Needs more grit. Cash provides that.
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