IN BRIEF
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Going to Vietnam quickly raises two practical questions: what currency take away and what budget plan. The local currency, the dongcirculates mainly in banknotes — denominations ranging from 1,000 to 500,000 dong — which often means wallets full of zeros and high-value bills that aren’t necessarily worth much in euros. Plan accordingly. cash in small denominations for markets and small expenses, knowing that the euros and the dollars are easy to change and sometimes accepted, while the ATM machines They often limit withdrawals and apply fees. To give you an idea, a budget trip can be expected to cost around… 40–50 € per day (based on two people), and basic comfort is usually negotiated between 60–80 €, while combining cards, QR payments and transport applications such as Grab when possible.
This article details what you need to know to manage your budget and choose the right ones currencies Before traveling to Vietnam, this guide explains the local currency, common payment methods, best practices for exchanging money, daily spending ranges based on travel style, and anticipated expenses (Halong Bay cruise, Tet holiday, ATM fees, etc.). You’ll also find examples of typical prices for accommodation, food, and transportation, as well as links for further reading.
The currency in Vietnam: the dong and its use
The official currency is the dong (VND). Today, currency circulates almost exclusively in banknotes; coins still exist but are rarely used. Denominations range from 1,000 to 500,000 VND, which sometimes gives the impression of being a “millionaire” with a wallet full of zeros: a banknote of 500,000 VND is equivalent to approximately 16–17 €.
In practice, expect to handle a lot of banknotes and to be careful when counting: it’s best to ask for small denominations for everyday purchases and always check the change. Banks, exchange bureaus, and many businesses (hotels, agencies, jewelers) offer currency exchange services, especially in tourist areas.
Practical tips for exchanging
Compare rates between different establishments and, if you’re staying for a while, exchange your money gradually rather than all at once. Always ask for a mix of small bills: they make payments easier in markets and with street vendors. For further information on prices and currency exchange, consult practical guides such as Asiatica Travel or budget estimates of Adventure Vietnam.
ATMs: be aware of limits and fees
ATMs have proliferated, but many impose relatively low withdrawal limits (often less than €100 per transaction) and charge local fees in addition to any commissions from your bank. For this reason, ATMs are often considered a last resort Instead, plan for a mix of locally exchanged cash and occasional withdrawals to supplement your income.
Before you leave, check with your bank about foreign transaction fees and withdrawal limits. Some travelers use ATMs for urgent needs but avoid relying on them for their entire trip.
Which currency should I bring: euro, dollar or dong?
Take some euros or US dollars Use banknotes in good condition: these currencies are easy to exchange in Vietnam and are sometimes accepted directly, especially in the tourist sector where prices may be displayed in EUR or USD. Damaged or worn banknotes may be refused, so opt for clean and recent bills.
It is also useful to arrive with a little bit of dong If possible, but it’s not always necessary: currency exchange offices and banks are often found upon arrival in major cities. However, remember that the The dong has no value abroad. ; remember to spend or exchange your last dongs before leaving.
Payment methods available on site
THE bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, sometimes contactless) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. However, in markets, from street vendors, and in many small shops, cash payment remains the rule.
Payments via QR code And local wallets are developing rapidly, but generally require a Vietnamese bank account to be fully used. Ride-hailing apps like Grab However, they allow you to add a foreign card and use the cashless service, which is convenient for journeys and reservations.
For further information on services and the use of electronic payments, see for example the articles on Southeast Asia.
How much to budget per day: budget ranges
Vietnam remains an affordable destination for European travelers. Depending on the level of comfort desired:
– Backpacking mode: allow approximately 40–50 € per day for two people if you are travelling cheaply (simple accommodation, street food, local transport).
– Moderate comfort: with a little more comfort and some paid activities, a budget of 60–80 € per day for two people is a common estimate. Note, however, that some excursions (e.g., Halong Bay) can increase this budget.
For other estimates and budget models, consult practical guides such as Vietnam Discovery Or Where and When.
Examples of common rates
– Double room in a backpacker guesthouse: 10–15 €.
– Double room in a tourist hotel: 30–40 €.
– Street food / snacks: 2–3 € local eateries: 5–6 €.
– Meal in a tourist restaurant: 15–20 € per person for a full meal.
– Bike rental: <€5 / day; scooter: 8–12 € / day.
– Car rental with driver: €60–100 per day depending on route and vehicle.
– Local bus: 2–3 € per 100 km increment; express bus: approximately double.
– Train: approximately 2–3 €/100 km in seat, 6–8 € for a berth.
– Domestic flights: 50–100 € per trip.
– Halong Bay cruise: day trips are available for around 40–60 € per person, depending on the type of boat and the duration.
For practical comparisons and offers, browse resources like Tonkin Travel Or Asiatica Travel.
Items that can increase the budget
Several factors can significantly increase expenses:
– The period of Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late January–February): marked increase in transport and sometimes accommodation prices.
– A Halong Bay cruise Depending on the type of boat and the duration, the experience can represent a significant portion of the budget. To compare offers and activities, also check out specialized agencies and blogs such as Southeast Asia – tailor-made trips.
– Withdrawals via ATM which are accompanied by local fees and international bank charges.
– Services to Western standards (high-end accommodation, international restaurants, personalized services).
– The availability of French-speaking guides, who are often more expensive than English-speaking guides.
Which remains inexpensive
For most daily expenses (street food, local transport, basic sightseeing), Vietnam offers excellent value for money. Activities and daily life are generally affordable, allowing you to travel comfortably without spending a fortune.
Haggling and tipping
Haggling is common practice in markets and for souvenirs: the starting price is often significantly inflated, and it’s common to reach a “compromise” that’s frequently around half the initial asking price. Don’t hesitate to compare prices and ask locally about typical going rates.
Tipping is not customary as it is in the West: it is not expected in most bars and restaurants. However, for guides and drivers, it is common to tip approximately 5–6 € per day for a guide and half that for a driver. Leaving a few coins in temples and pagodas is common practice.
Latest practical advice
Before you leave, check payment and currency exchange options, find out about your bank card’s fees abroad, and consider buying an eSIM or a local plan to make using apps easier (Grab booking, currency exchange searches, etc.). For information on eSIM plans and connectivity, see Southeast Asia.
Finally, if you wish to plan a tailor-made itinerary or obtain personalized estimates based on your travel style, several agencies and blogs offer detailed advice, such as Southeast Asia, Vietnam Discovery Or Asiatica TravelTo follow the developments in infrastructure and rail links, an interesting article is available on Southeast Asia – High-speed trainAnd for reviews of restaurants and local spots, also check out Southeast Asia – tasting.
FAQ — Traveling to Vietnam: Budget and Currency
Q: What is the local currency in Vietnam and what should I expect upon arrival?
A: The local currency is the dongThere are almost no coins in circulation anymore: everything is mainly in the form of tickets ranging from 1,000 has 500,000 dongExpect to handle a lot of banknotes and see high denominations that do not correspond to large values in euros.
Q: Which currency should I bring: euros, dollars or dongs?
A: Take some euros or US dollars Clean and in good condition: they are easy to change and are sometimes accepted as a form of payment in tourism. Also bring dong for small expenses and markets.
Q: Where can I exchange my money locally and what precautions should I take?
A: THE exchange offices And there are many banks, especially in tourist towns. Compare rates, exchange gradually if you’re staying for a long time, and ask for… small cuts For everyday purchases. Always count your bills because of the large number of zeros.
Q: Can I use ATMs to withdraw large amounts of money?
A: THE ATM machines ATMs are widespread but often have a limited withdrawal limit (often less than €100) and add local fees on top of your bank’s fees. They are convenient as a last resort, but not always economical for withdrawing large sums.
Q: Are bank cards accepted in Vietnam?
A: THE credit cards (including contactless) are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. However, in markets and at many small shops, only the cash payment is possible.
Q: Do mobile payments and QR codes work for tourists?
A: Payments by QR code develop, but they often require a local bank accountTransportation apps like Grab However, they do allow you to link a foreign card to pay for purchases and reservations without cash.
Q: Should you exchange your remaining dongs before departure?
A: THE dong has no value outside of Vietnam. It is therefore advisable to spend it all or exchange what remains for euros Or dollars before leaving, knowing that we might lose out in the process.
Q: What daily budget should I plan for when travelling in Vietnam?
A: Vietnam remains an affordable destination: expect to pay around 40 to 50 euros per day (Basic for two people) in backpacker mode. For more comfort, consider planning instead €60 to €80 per dayThese amounts vary depending on the activities and services chosen.
Q: What expenses can significantly increase the budget?
A: The most significant factors: the period of Tet (New Year) where prices climb, a Halong Bay cruise, THE ATM machines with fees, services to Western standards and French-speaking guides often more expensive.
Q: A quick overview of typical prices to get your bearings?
A: Indicative examples: double room in a guesthouse 10–15 €, double tourist room 30–40 €, street food 2–3 €, tourist restaurant 15–20 €, scooter rental 8–12 €/day, local bus 2–3 € per 100 km increment, domestic flights 50–100 € Halong Bay cruise, by way of the way 40–60 € for a day trip.
Q: Should I haggle and how do I manage “local” vs. “tourist” prices?
A: THE bargaining It’s common for souvenirs and markets: a compromise around half the original price is frequent. Check the “local” price and avoid automatically being swayed by the first price offered to visitors.
Q: What is the custom for tipping in Vietnam?
A: Tips are not mandatory in bars and restaurants, but are appreciated for guides (~5–6 €/day) and the drivers (about half of that amount). It is also customary to leave some coins in the temples.
Q: How to keep your money safe while travelling?
A: Avoid keeping all your cash in one place: distribute it between walletSecure bag and hotel safe. Prefer small bills for markets and always count your banknotes after exchanging money.
Q: If I stay for a long time, how do I manage my currency exchange?
A: For a long stay, exchange your money gradually To take advantage of good rates and minimize fees, keep a supply of small bills and use banks in town for larger amounts.