The first six months of 2024 saw more than 8.8 million foreign visitors to Vietnam - up 58.4% year-on-year and 4.1% higher than in 2019. If you are planning to visit the vibrant coastline and experience the culture and life in Vietnam, you will need to understand the Vietnamese currency system to enjoy your trip.

This guide gives you the ins and outs of the currency in Vietnam, so you can understand and spend it properly. It includes full details on how to find an ATM, which banks you can expect to see. We have gathered the necessary information so you have everything you need.

General overview of Vietnamese currency

The official currency in Vietnam is Dong (VND). While coins exist, paper money is the dominant currency and some vendors may not accept coins. Paper money ranges from 100 VND (just 0.0039 USD) to 500,000 VND, which is approximately 22.4 USD. It is illegal to ask for payment in foreign currency except in licensed businesses, but some places still accept payment in foreign currency, mainly US dollars. However, these vendors will set their own exchange rates, which are often not favorable to tourists, so always exchange Vietnamese Dong at recommended locations for convenience, or you can make purchases at locations that accept card payments.

Vietnamese currency

The State Bank of Vietnam is the sole agency issuing currency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the currency unit is "dong", the national symbol is "đ", the international symbol is "VND". Paper money and coins issued by the State Bank of Vietnam are legal tender, used as an unlimited means of payment within the territory of Vietnam.

The State Bank of Vietnam applies new techniques and technologies in printing and minting money to improve the quality and anti-counterfeiting ability of money and save issuance costs. From 2003 to 2006, the State Bank of Vietnam issued a new set of money to supplement the structure and denominations of money in circulation, meet the payment needs of the economy and improve the quality and anti-counterfeiting ability of money, and protect the interests of consumers. Of which, polymer money has denominations of 500,000 VND, 200,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 10,000 VND and metal money has denominations of 5,000 VND, 2,000 VND, 1,000 VND, 500 VND, 200 VND. The issuance of metal coins is a step towards perfecting the monetary system, in line with international practice. Some denominations of paper money (cotton) will still circulate alongside the new set of coins.

1. 500,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: December 17, 2003

- Size: 152mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Polymer.

- Overall color: Dark purple.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination 500,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Content on the back: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Landscape of President Ho Chi Minh's house in Kim Lien - Denomination of 500,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

2. 200,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: August 30, 2006

- Size: 148mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Polymer.

- Overall color: Red brown.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Face value 200,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Ha Long Bay landscape - Face value 200,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

3. 100,000 VND banknote (new type printed on polymer).

- Release date: September 1, 2004

- Size: 144mm x 65mm.

-Printing paper: Polymer paper, high durability, no impact on the environment, has special security factors such as transparent windows, hidden images or embossed images in the windows.

-Color: Overall decorative pattern and content on front and back are dark green.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 100,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

-Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Landscape of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam - Denomination of 100,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

4. 50,000 VND banknote (new type printed on polymer).

- Release date: December 17, 2003

- Size: 140mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Polymer.

- Overall color: Reddish purple brown.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination 50,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Hue landscape - Denomination of 50,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

50000 front face 50000 front face

5. 20,000 VND banknote (new type printed on polymer).

- Release date: May 17, 2006

- Size: 136mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Polymer.

- Overall color: Dark blue.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination 20,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Content on the back: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Landscape of the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Quang Nam - Denomination of 20,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

6. 10,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: August 30, 2006

- Size: 132mm x 60mm.

- Printing paper: Polymer.

- Overall color: Dark brown on a yellow-green background.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination 10,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scene of oil and gas exploitation - Face value 10,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

7. 5,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: January 15, 1993

- Size: 134mm x 64mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Dark blue.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination 5,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Content on the back: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Landscape of Tri An Hydropower Plant - Denomination of 5,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

8. 2,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: October 20, 1989

- Size: 134mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Dark brown.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 2,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: Text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Weaving factory - Face value 2,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

9. 1,000 VND banknote.

- Release date: October 20, 1989

- Size: 134mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Purple.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 1,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Logging scene - Denomination of 1,000 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

10. 500 VND banknote.

- Release date: August 15, 1989

- Size: 130mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Lotus red.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 500 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Hai Phong port landscape - Denomination of 500 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

11. 200 VND banknote.

- Release date: September 30, 1987

- Size: 130mm x 65mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Reddish brown.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 200 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: Text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Agricultural production - Face value 200 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

12. 100 dong banknote.

- Release date: May 2, 1992

- Size: 120mm x 59mm.

- Printing paper: Cotton.

- Overall color: Dark brown.

- Front content: The words "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National emblem - Denomination of 100 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

- Back content: The words "State Bank of Vietnam" - Landscape of Pho Minh tower - Denomination of 100 VND in words and numbers - Decorative images of ethnic patterns and modern mesh patterns.

Exchange money in Vietnam

You can find some money exchange services in Europe and the US that offer VND, but better rates are often found when visiting Vietnam. USD, GBP or Euro notes are easy to exchange if they are clean and not missing corners or crumpled. Airports offer convenient money exchange services but they are not the best rates, often with hidden fees. It is best to only exchange a small amount initially at the airport and look for a better rate elsewhere such as a bank or use an ATM to withdraw VND directly. Before choosing a money exchange service, understand the average market rate using a currency converter to ensure the transaction tool. Hotel sauna rates are often very friendly, so using a credit or debit card at an ATM is usually a better option.

Using Traveler's Cheques in Vietnam

Changing your passport in Vietnam can be inconvenient. Some banks offer this service, but branches may be closed on weekends. Tourist offices may be able to assist, but the rates are often not favorable. Withdrawing cash or using an ATM is usually a better option.

Using credit and debit cards in Vietnam

Major credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but be prepared for a commission fee (3% standard, 4% for Amex). Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid being blocked. Avoid currency conversion charges (DCC) by choosing to pay in local currency to avoid hidden accounts. Always carry some local cash and use the ATM locator to find nearby machines if needed.

Using ATM in Vietnam

ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas, but they come with fees and low cash limits. Use global ATM locators like Visa, MasterCard or Amex to find one. Some ATMs do not disclose their fees upfront, so choose banks that are transparent. MB Bank is known for its ability to accept foreign cards, but check before withdrawing. Choose to charge in local currency for better rewards rates.

To find an ATM near you, try one of these global ATM locators:

• Visa ATM
• MasterCard ATM Locator
• Amex ATM Locator

Which are the major banks in Vietnam?

Before your trip, check to see if your local bank has partnered with Vietnamese banks to reduce ATM fees. Vietinbank and Vietcombank are the largest banks with extensive networks. Consider these and other popular retail banks or foreign banks with branches in Vietnam to meet your main financial needs. Below is a list of commercial and international banks in Vietnam:

If you have a bank account in Vietnam or know someone who does, you can transfer money between accounts using the average market loss rate. This is a fast and convenient way to get cash, with no hidden fees.

This guide ensures you'll be well prepared to handle currency issues during your Vietnam trip, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.