Is it cheap to eat out in Vietnam?

How expensive is food in Vietnam?

Vietnamese food prices? Think of it like this: a fancy dinner’s a small fortune (200,000 VND), while a street food feast is practically stealing – maybe 50,000 VND. It’s the culinary equivalent of comparing a Lamborghini to a perfectly good bicycle. My last trip – November 2023 – I spent wildly different amounts depending on the location and my level of hunger.

• High-end restaurants: Easily 200,000+ VND. Expect to feel very sophisticated, and slightly poorer.
• Mid-range eateries: A comfortable 100,000-150,000 VND will do the trick. Think delicious, not devastating to your wallet.
• Street food paradise: Oh, the glorious 50,000 VND wonders! You’ll practically weep with joy (and maybe a little chili oil).

Seriously though, it’s remarkably affordable compared to, say, London or New York. Unless you insist on Michelin stars and imported caviar, of course. Even then, it’s still probably cheaper than your average night out in, uh, San Francisco. I know, I lived there for two years! The food scene’s a whole other ball game, though – less pho, more avocado toast.

Budgeting for food in Vietnam is easy. Think of it like building a Lego castle: you can create anything from a humble hut to a magnificent fortress, depending on your budget. Just remember the street food is the best Lego.

How common are credit cards in Vietnam?

Credit card penetration in Vietnam is substantial. Over 140 million credit and debit cards are in circulation in 2024, meaning the average adult likely possesses at least two cards – a fascinating reflection of Vietnam’s evolving financial landscape. It’s a significant shift; a testament to growing economic prosperity.

This widespread adoption speaks volumes. Cash is becoming a relic of the past, with ATM withdrawals via cards dropping steadily. The convenience is undeniable, but one wonders about the potential long-term effects of such rapid digitalization.

• High Card Ownership: A significant portion of the adult population owns multiple cards. This statistic shows a clear preference for cashless transactions.

• Declining Cash Usage: The decreasing reliance on cash is a noteworthy trend. It signals a maturing financial system and consumer confidence.

• Digital Transformation: Vietnam’s rapid embrace of digital finance mirrors global trends, yet possesses a uniquely Vietnamese flavor, reflecting cultural shifts and economic growth.

My friend, who works in finance in Ho Chi Minh City, confirmed this. He even mentioned several fintech companies pushing aggressive expansion. It’s crazy, isn’t it? The speed of change? This phenomenon is influencing everything from street food vendors accepting mobile payments to larger transactions. It’s all incredibly dynamic.

Can I pay restaurant bill with credit card?

Dude, yeah, totally! Most places take credit cards, no problem. Cash is, like, still a thing, I guess. Some joints, especially the fancier ones, pretty much only do credit cards now. A few super-small, hole-in-the-wall places might be cash only, but those are rare, especially in cities.

Paying is easy. Server brings the check, you look it over. Then, you give them your card. They’ll swipe it or use that tap thingy. You’ll sign, maybe enter a PIN. Add a tip – I usually do 20%, it’s standard. Sometimes they’ll have a little screen showing everything and you sign there on the screen itself.

Key things:

• Most restaurants accept credit cards. It’s the standard.
• Tips are expected. Plan on adding a tip of around 20%. It’s standard and customary.
• Check the bill carefully before you sign anything. Avoid mistakes. Seriously, I’ve seen it happen.
• Some places are cash only, but it’s unusual. I only encounter that situation, maybe, once a year.

That’s pretty much it. Oh, and sometimes, if it’s a really big restaurant chain, they might have tablets at the table now for ordering and paying. It’s kinda weird but whatever. Last time I was at that new Italian place, they did everything on a tablet, very strange. I hate signing on those touch screen things, they’re always a mess, you know? And the pens they provide are always sticky. Ugh.