Vietnam remains a predominantly cash-based society, and many restaurants and shops (with the exception of large international chains) will not accept plastic. Instead, it's best to carry enough cash for everyday transactions.
Cash is the better option. They charge 3% on top of your total bill if you're using a card, in my experience. Better take some cash as it is easier esp if you're going to buy food from weekend markets or streets.
Your $100 can go a long way in Vietnam. Budget travelers can expect to spend up to $25 a day on food and lodging. Middle-budget spenders can enjoy good restaurant food, hire cabs, and stay comfortably in good hotels for about $35-65 a day.
In 2021, the FIS Global Payments Report found that 58% of Vietnam's point-of-sale (POS) transactions were made in cash. By the end of April 2021, 11.53% of all payments in Vietnam were made in cash.
It's usually better to wait and get your Vietnamese Dong once you arrive in Vietnam. The exchange rates in Melbourne aren't great, and you'll likely get more for your money at the airport in Vietnam or even better at money changers or banks in cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
9 WEIRD Things OK in Vietnam, Totally ILLEGAL in America!!! (SERIOUSLY?!!)
How much cash should I take to Vietnam for 3 weeks?
For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.
Do you tip in Vietnam? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Vietnam - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.
When carrying cash for your Vietnam trip, prioritize security. Invest in a quality money belt or concealed pouch to keep your money close to your body. It will minimize the risk of theft. Moreover, avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public spaces.
The preferred digital payment methods in Vietnam are digital wallets, followed by account-to-account (A2A), credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods such as prepaid cards and BNPL.
The Vietnam dong has been the official currency since 1946 when it replaced the French Indochinese piastre at par. It is not advised to purchase Vietnamese dong unless you intend to travel there and use it as local currency. It is not possible to predict the future value of the Vietnamese dong.
Upon arriving in Vietnam, you'll want to have some cash in the local currency. You can find ATMs accepting international cards just outside the arrival gates at all major airports. ATMs are a common sight in Vietnamese cities, and you should have no trouble locating one in most destinations.
Lunch: Mid - range pricing with substantial portions, typically VND 40,000 - 150,000 (USD 1.65 - 6.17) Dinner: Often the most expensive meal, especially at restaurants, ranging VND 50,000 - 200,000+ (USD 2.06 - 8.23+)
Vietnam is embracing cashless payments, but tourists may find it difficult to use local e-wallets, as they often require a Vietnamese bank account. 🔹 Best Alternative for Tourists? Some shops accept QR code payments via banking apps, but cards & cash remain the safest bet.
In general, Vietnam tends to be slightly cheaper than Thailand, with lower prices for accommodation and food. However, keep in mind that tourist hotspots can be more expensive. In both countries, street food is a great way to save money and experience the local cuisine.
The most efficient way to carry money to Vietnam is by converting your Indian Rupees (INR) to US Dollars (USD). USD is widely accepted and easily exchangeable in Vietnam, with a lower conversion cost compared to directly exchanging INR to VND.
As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.
1. Do not drink tap water or eat raw food in Vietnam. The tap water here is not safe to drink, so you should always opt for bottled water or boiled water. You should also avoid ice cubes, unless you are sure they are made from purified water.
You can use your debit card to spend or withdraw cash worldwide. Just use it in the same way you do at home, wherever you see the Visa symbol. We convert card transactions into pounds using the Visa exchange rate. When using your card abroad, you should select to pay in the local currency in order to get this rate.
For best exchange rates, use reputed currency exchange offices or nearby banks. Never exchange money with unreliable sources or street vendors. Before departing, think about exchanging a small sum of money at home. This makes your first few minutes in Vietnam more comfortable by giving you some ng for urgent expenses.
