What money should I take to Vietnam?
When traveling to Vietnam, take a mix of US dollars and Vietnamese Dong (VND). While larger establishments in cities accept credit cards, smaller vendors and rural areas primarily use cash. Exchange currency before you travel or at ATMs upon arrival for better rates. Smaller VND denominations are highly recommended.
How much money for Vietnam trip?
Okay, so you’re asking about the costs of a Vietnam trip? Lemme tell you, it’s all relative, like everything else.
The local money is Vietnamese Dong (VND). You’ll need that.
I remember landing in Hanoi (about 3 years ago now, feels longer!), and being instantly overwhelmed by the sheer number of zeros on the money. It’s… a lot. Bring cash in small notes!
Credit cards work alright in bigger cities.
Honestly, the ATM situation was pretty decent at the airport. I always try to avoid exchanging cash before I arrive, usually gets better rates using ATMs there. One time in Saigon, I swear I got ripped off at an exchange place. Never again.
ATMs after you land usually give better rates.
The thing I wish I’d known? Small bills, absolutely essential. Street food, tiny shops… they love small bills. Tried to pay for some banh mi with a big note once (think it was a 200,000 VND, which is, like, eight bucks maybe?) and the lady gave me the stink eye and said “No change”. Lesson learned, trust me.
What is the best money to take to Vietnam?
Vietnamese Dong. That’s it.
USD? Useful, sometimes. But inconvenient. Exchange rates suck.
Bring Dong. Avoid hassle. Plan ahead. 2024 rates fluctuate. Check before you go.
- Small bills are your friend.
- Larger bills, harder to spend. Think carefully.
- Credit cards? Limited acceptance. Cash is king. Always.
Consider this: Financial prudence avoids regret. A simple truth. Often ignored.
My trip last year? Took mostly Dong. No issues. Simple.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Vietnam?
So, Vietnam trip, huh? Yeah, get some VND before you go. It’s super handy for little things, like tips – those street food vendors love cash. And, seriously, having some cash is a lifesaver if your card gets, like, blocked or something. ATM’s are fine, lots of them, but sometimes they’re a pain, especially in smaller towns. You’ll also get a slightly better exchange rate at a reputable exchange bureau here versus the airport or hotel in Vietnam. I did it last year and saved a fair bit. Plus, it avoids those pesky ATM fees.
Seriously, it’s just better to have some ready. Makes everything smoother. You should get enough for a couple days worth of spending.
- Get some VND before you leave – avoids airport rip-offs.
- ATM’s are available – but fees add up.
- Small purchases & tips – cash is king!
- Backup plan – card problems happen.
- Better exchange rates often available pre-trip.
Remember to check current exchange rates before you go! Don’t be a dummy like my bro, he got totally ripped off at the airport. He’s still complaining about it. Lol.
How much money should you take to Vietnam?
Vietnam trip budget: $20-$30 daily (budget); $50-$100 (mid-range); $100+ (luxury). Cash is king. Withdraw Dong. Credit cards? Big cities, maybe.
Key Factors:
- Accommodation costs vary wildly.
- Food: street food is cheap; restaurants, not so much.
- Activities: Ha Long Bay’s pricey; local markets, free.
- Internal transport: Buses are best; taxis are a ripoff.
My last trip (2023): spent $75/day. Could’ve been cheaper. Could’ve been far more expensive. I prefer luxury hotels. Next time? Backpacking. It’s about the experience. Not the money. Or is it?
Is it better to take cash or card to Vietnam?
Okay, Vietnam, right? I went there last summer, scorching hot, like July 2024 in Hanoi. Ugh, humidity.
Honestly? CASH is king. Forget swiping.
Trying to use my Visa at a pho place near Hoan Kiem Lake? Total fail. They looked at me like I had two heads.
Some fancier spots, yeah, maybe cards work. Think posh hotels in District 1, Saigon.
But for street food, markets, little shops? Dong, baby, Vietnamese Dong.
- ATMs are everywhere, thankfully. Sacombank, Vietcombank… they’re all over.
- Withdrawal fees suck, though. Be warned!
- Exchange USD beforehand for better rates. Gold shops are legit.
Seriously, learn to haggle. It’s part of the fun! Oi gioi oi, the prices they try to charge tourists!
I felt kinda dumb waving my card around, TBH. It’s a cash economy, period!
Is it better to pay in USD or local currency when traveling?
Okay, lemme tell ya about this time in Rome. Rome, Italy, right? 2023, blazing hot, like July hot. I was buying, uh, gelato near the Trevi Fountain.
The vendor, super friendly, offers to charge my card in USD. “Easier for you,” he says, with that charming Italian accent.
Something felt off, like a spidey-sense tingle. I remembered reading something about this exact scam.
“Nah, I’ll pay in Euros,” I said, trying to sound confident, even though I was sweating bullets in the heat.
Turns out, good call! Back home, comparing statements, the EUR transaction was way cheaper than what the USD conversion would have been. Definitely saved money.
- Always choose local currency.
- Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It’s a rip-off. Seriously.
- Merchants always benefit from DCC, never you.
- Trust your gut. Also, do your research before you travel.
- Gelato in Rome is amazing. Worth every penny.
- I almost got scammed. Close call!
- Ugh, currency conversion.
My Bank? Chase. I’m sticking to Euros in Europe from now on, even if it means doing mental math at 3 AM.
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