2025-06-10

A must-see for Vietnamese travelers! What are currency guides and smart ways to use money?

WellBe Inc.

A must-see for Vietnamese travelers! What are currency guides and smart ways to use money?

beginning

Southeast Asia and Vietnam are known for their rich culture, breathtaking natural scenery, and delicious cuisine, and attract many travelers.

However, in order to enjoy your trip to Vietnam to the fullest, it is important to know about the Vietnamese currency “VND”.

In this article, I will explain in detail everything from basic information about Vietnamese currency to smart ways to use money.

Basic information about the Vietnamese currency

The official currency of Vietnam is the “VND”.

The value of Dong changes depending on the season, so make sure to check the latest exchange rates before you travel.

Generally, you can exchange money at the airport, bank, or hotel, but rates vary by location.

What is the type of currency in Vietnam?

Currently, only banknotes are generally in circulation. There are 9 types of Vietnamese banknotes in total.

Since only banknotes are in circulation, you can use only a wallet as a wallet!

However, there are many types of banknotes and some are similar in color, so be careful not to misread them.

・1,000 dong

・2,000 dong

・5,000 dong

・10,000 dong

・20,000 dong

・50,000 dong

・100,000 dong

· 200,000 dong

・500,000 dong

Diversity of payment methods

Cash is the mainstream in Vietnam, but the use of credit cards is also spreading in large cities and tourist spots.

However, keep in mind that there are still many situations where cash is required in rural areas, and cards may not be used in small stores or markets.

Best practices for exchanging money

We recommend getting a small amount of dong first when you arrive in Vietnam.

Airport exchange offices are convenient, but banks and authorized exchange offices in the city can often exchange money at better rates.

Use an official exchange office to avoid the risk of counterfeit bills.

Where to exchange Vietnamese dong and what to keep in mind

I will show you in detail how to obtain the Vietnamese dong (VND), which is the local currency.

The local exchange rate for Vietnamese dong is overwhelmingly good, so we basically recommend exchanging it after arrival.

Also, when re-exchanging Vietnamese dongs left over when returning home, the exchange rate may be poor, so try to use up all of them as much as possible.

Airport

The biggest advantage of exchanging Vietnamese dong at the airport is that it is highly convenient.

Generally, it is said that foreign currency exchange rates at airports are poor when traveling abroad.

However, when it comes to Vietnam, it's often not that different from the local rate.

In particular, Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport have many exchange offices within the airport, so you can compare rates.

However, if you are not used to calculating Vietnamese dong immediately after arrival, there is also a risk of being ripped off, so be careful.

Be sure to check the amount after exchanging money.

Banks

The safest place to exchange Vietnamese dongs is at a bank.

However, sometimes the rates aren't very good, so it's crowded, and there are times when you wait.

Also, since a passport is required, if you have left your passport at the hotel, you will need to take it out.

Rates vary from bank to bank, so we recommend that you compare them.

Hotels

Vietnamese dong exchange at the hotel is available 24 hours a day, making it a relatively safe environment.

It can also reduce the risk of carrying around large sums of money.

The rates are slightly inferior compared to exchange offices in the city.

There are cases where you can use it without cutting back on sightseeing time, so please consider this as an option.

ATM (credit card cashing)

If your credit card has a cashing service at an overseas ATM, this method is also recommended.

Interest is charged on cashing, but there are many cases where the rate is good, and there are also cases where it is cheaper than exchanging money with cash.

Also, there is no need to carry around large amounts of cash, so you can avoid the risk of fraud and rip-offs.

City Exchange

The city's exchange offices generally offer better rates compared to other methods.

However, some stores may charge high fees, so we recommend comparing rates and fees at multiple stores.

Also, be careful of fraud and snatching, so be sure to check the amount when exchanging money.

Precious Metals Stores

In Vietnam, you can sometimes exchange Vietnamese dongs at precious metal stores.

In particular, in places such as Hanoi and Danang, you don't see many general exchange shops, and exchanging money at precious metal stores is the mainstream.

This may also charge high fees depending on the store, so we recommend comparing rates and fees at multiple stores.

After exchanging money, be sure to check the rates, fees, and amount handed over on the spot!

How to make a daily budget

Vietnam is a country where prices are relatively low, but it is important to plan your budget in advance.

Figure out the average costs of food, travel, lodging, and shopping, and plan your daily budget based on that.

Vietnam has a unique culinary culture influenced by France and China, and is one of the most popular cuisines in the world.

Let's take a look at the approximate cost of food for a trip to Vietnam starting at 3,000 yen per day.

Shopping and price estimates

The approximate price of a souvenir for a trip to Vietnam starts at 5,000 yen.

Vietnam has many fascinating souvenirs. In Vietnam, price negotiations are common in markets, etc.

While enjoying negotiations, you can buy at a fair price if you know the market price.

When buying at a market, etc., negotiating prices with local people is one of the pleasures of buying souvenirs, so don't hesitate to bargain.

Here are some popular souvenirs from Vietnam.

・Vietnamese coffee ・Pho ・Lotus tea ·chocolate ・Handcrafted goods ・Pottery

Vietnam Spa Experience

There are many spas in the city in Vietnam, but there are many cases where satellite coverage and service quality are poor if you go in without searching. Therefore, it is important to check the store beforehand.

If you don't make a reservation, popular spas may fill up for 1 week from the same day, so if you go to a popular spa, we recommend making a reservation in advance.

There are many stores that often accept the market price for around $20 for 60 minutes.

Depending on the storeDepending on the treatment time, the tip amount may be set or included in the menu feeSo let's check beforehand.

If you make a reservation from the following site, the tip amount is also listed and you can easily make a reservation, so I recommend it.

Here are a few popular spas in Ho Chi Minh and Danang.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “Evolve Wellness Center @Pullman Saigon”

Evolve Wellness Center offers spa and wellness services at the 5-star Pullman Saigon Hotel, which is ideally located in central Ho Chi Minh City.

In order to provide an excellent service experience, they are constantly setting strict standards for staff hospitality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

We offer a wide range of package menus, from slimming menus to specialty facial menus and scrubs.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “An's Spa”

An's spa, which is very popular among foreign tourists, offers internal health and relaxation of mind and body with shiatsu massages based on Oriental medicine.

It is gaining popularity for shiatsu massages based on Oriental medicine, which is rare in Vietnam, and treatments using 100% organic oil.

A head massage developed by experts who have been involved in qigong, acupressure, and Oriental medicine for 30 years.

This head massage is particularly effective in reducing stress and headaches, and healing the area around the shoulders and neck, and improves the mind and body from within.

The store sells many original products, so you can also buy souvenirs.

Ho Chi Minh City/"WE SPA”

“WE SPA” offers a wide range of services, from hair washing to body massage, whitening and anti-aging facial menus.

It is a spa loved by many people as a trusted salon, with detailed service and advanced technology, and a high repeat rate from customers.

Although it is located in a busy area of Ho Chi Minh City, the inside of the store is quiet and creates a relaxing space.

Ho Chi Minh City/"Anam QT Spa”

Anam QT Spa offers a variety of “Zen-themed” menus and an extraordinary refined space where you can enjoy a sense of luxury.

Inside the salon, which is rich in greenery, you can spend the best relaxing time in a space with attention to every detail, such as an interior based on earth tones and a jacuzzi where you can enjoy bathing in the shade of a tree.

Natural treatments using natural ingredients are popular at salons, and you can receive thorough care and treatment with authentic techniques directly handed down by French therapists.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “SEN SPA”

At SEN SPA, you can enjoy a luxurious spa experience in a modern yet traditional Vietnamese atmosphere that interweaves modern and classical styles.

SEN SPA, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is in an alley.

Separated from the noisy atmosphere, the space is gentle and calm.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “MOMIJI Spa”

A superb space where you can enjoy a modern, high-quality atmosphere. Experience total body healing at Momiji Spa.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City's District 7, Momiji Spa is a Japanese-style space incorporating modern details and traditional Japanese architecture.

At Momiji SpaWe offer a variety of treatment menus, including hair wash, body massage, hot stone massage, foot massage, and heel scrub using safe natural ingredientsI'm doing it.

We provide friendly and courteous service.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “Momochan House Spa”

Momochan House Spa is a popular local beauty salon with skin problems specialists.

We offer a menu tailored to women's concerns, such as small face, acne, freckles, chloasma, and anti-aging.

Specialists who have been trained in Japan will carefully treat each person according to their skin concerns.

Get beautiful skin while relaxing in the relaxed atmosphere of the store.

I also recommend a nail experience in Ho Chi Minh City! “Anna Organic Nails Spa Store1 Central Park”

A popular local store with a high quality and reputation, using safe nail polish products and nail care products with 100% natural ingredients!

We use specialty products from regular polish to organic gel polish.

While constantly updating new trends, we offer a variety of styles of nail decoration, relaxing spaces, and high-end services.

Danang/ “Queen Spa”

Located close to the center of Danang, “Queen Spa”This is Danang's first spa that studies unique therapies such as bamboo spas and spa candles.

It is a popular spa with highly skilled staff and a space where you can feel nature, and it is a popular spa with constant repeat visitors.

In particular, Danang's first bamboo massage (a method of removing toxins from the skin and relaxing muscles using natural bamboo from the 3rd to 5th year) and candle massage (candles made from soybeans can be expected to have the effect of making the skin smoother and softer) are popular.

Danang/ “Moringa Spa”

Located right next to Danang's beach, “Moringa Spa” is a clean spa that has only been open for a few years.

In addition to famous massages using several types of organic essential oils, dry massages are also a must-see for massage beginners.

Don't miss the interior, which has a tropical vibe where you can feel the uniqueness of Vietnam!

“Moringa Spa” is the perfect spa for body treatments during your Danang trip.

Treat yourself to a week of hard work with a body massage like no other.

Danang/ “Levenin Spa”

At this salon,We offer a variety of massages, such as traditional massages using bamboo sticks to approach the meridians of the body, and aroma oil massages using special oils.

Levenin Spa offers high-quality services to relieve stress and invigorate both mind and body.

Experience blissful relaxation.

Vietnam's economic and currency stability

Vietnam has achieved economic growth in recent years, and as a result, the stability of the Dong has also progressed. This is good news for travelers as well. Currency stability makes it easier to make financial plans while traveling.