Travel Tips for Exchanging Money in Vietnam

Many friends of mine who traveled to Vietnam encountered issues when exchanging money from USD to Vietnamese Dong, as many notes were not accepted. Today, I’d like to share how you can avoid this problem and ensure you get USD from money changers in your hometown.
In Vietnam, banks and money changers will refuse to exchange old, torn, or faded USD notes, and you may receive a much lower exchange rate if you attempt to use them. Therefore, it's advisable to bring new or clean bills in small denominations. US $100 notes from the pre-2009 series are often not accepted, so it is best to bring bills US $100 from the year 2009 for easier exchange.
Additionally, when paying for travel services and goods in Vietnam,  it's best to use new USD notes as well. Keep in mind that your money changers at home may not always provide new notes, so you need to check and ensure all are new, not old, torn, or faded.

I hope this information helps you during your trip to Vietnam!

我有许多朋友在越南旅行时遇到了换钱的问题，因为许多美元纸币不被接受。今天，我想分享一些方法，帮助你避免这个问题，并确保在家乡的货币兑换处获得美元。
在越南，银行和货币兑换商会拒绝兑换旧的、破损的或褪色的美元纸币，如果你尝试使用这些纸币，可能会得到更低的汇率。因此，建议你携带新的或干净的小面额纸币。2009年之前的100美元纸币通常不被接受，因此最好携带2009年之后的100美元纸币，以便更容易兑换。
此外，在越南支付旅游服务和商品时，最好也使用新的美元纸币。请记住，你在家乡的货币兑换商可能并不总是提供新的纸币，所以你需要检查确保所有纸币都是新的，而不是旧的、破损的或褪色的。

希望这些信息能在你前往越南旅行时有所帮助！

Examples of Notes/纸币示例: 

New USD Notes/新美元纸币: 

Old,Torn, or FadedUSD Notes/ 旧的、破损或褪色的美元纸币: 

Where to Exchange Currency in Vietnam/在越南哪里兑换货币

1. At Banks in Vietnam/在越南的银行兑换货币

Banks: Banks are considered the safest and most reliable places for currency exchange in Vietnam.Major banks like Vietcombank, VP Bank, BIDV, Eximbank, Techcombank, and Vietinbank offer exchange services for various foreign currencies. [1] Banks also handle less common currencies.However, be aware that banks may have more formalities and potentially less favorable exchange rates compared to other options.You will need your passport for identification. Banks are generally open during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM).

在越南，银行被认为是货币兑换最安全和最可靠的地方。主要银行如越南外贸银行（Vietcombank）、VP银行、BIDV、出口银行（Eximbank）、科技商业银行（Techcombank）和越南工商银行（Vietinbank）提供各种外币的兑换服务。银行也处理不太常见的货币。然而，需要注意的是，银行可能会有更多的手续，并且与其他选项相比，汇率可能不太优惠。您需要携带护照作为身份证明。银行通常在正常营业时间（周一至周五，上午8点到下午4点半）开放。

2. At Gold and Jewelry Shops/ 在金饰和珠宝店兑换货币

Gold and Jewelry Shops: These shops often provide competitive exchange rates and may not charge fees.However, be aware that their exchange rates can differ from official bank rates.

黄金和珠宝店：这些商店通常提供具有竞争力的兑换汇率，并可能不收取手续费。然而，请注意，它们的汇率可能与官方银行汇率不同。

3. At Currency Exchange Counters/ 在货币兑换柜台兑换货币

Licensed Exchange Counters: These can be found in airports, shopping centers, and tourist areas, offering easy access to cash.

授权兑换柜台：这些柜台通常设在机场、购物中心和旅游区，方便获取现金。

4. At Hotels /在酒店

Hotels: Larger hotels may offer exchange services with rates close to bank rates, but smaller hotels might charge service fees.

大型酒店可能提供货币兑换服务，其汇率接近银行汇率，但较小的酒店可能会收取服务费。在越南的货币兑换对顺利旅行至关重要。使用银行和可信的兑换柜台可以确保你获得最佳汇率，避免骗局或假钞。在处理现金时始终保持谨慎，并考虑分批兑换以更好地控制预算。如需无忧旅行，请联系World Mate Travel，让你的旅行体验更加轻松。

5. At Airports/ 在机场

Airports: Currency exchange stalls are available at airports, but they typically offer unfavorable exchange rates. It's best to exchange only a small amount to cover initial expenses like taxi fare.

机场内设有货币兑换摊位，但通常提供不太优惠的汇率。最好只兑换少量资金，以覆盖初期支出，例如出租车费用。

How to Exchange Money / 如何兑换货币

• Bring Clean, Crisp Bills: Ensure your banknotes are not damaged, as damaged notes may be subject to additional fees or rejection.
• Declare Large Amounts: According to Vietnamese law, amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000 must be declared upon arrival, and amounts exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must also be declared.
• Avoid Exchanging Money on the Street: Street money changers might offer tempting rates but carry a high risk of scams or counterfeit bills.
• Check Rates: Use online currency converter tools to check the rates and ask around to find the best deal.
• 带上干净、整洁的钞票: 确保您的钞票没有损坏，因为损坏的钞票可能会面临额外费用或被拒绝。
• 申报大额资金: 根据越南法律，超过15,000,000越南盾的金额在入境时必须申报，超过5,000美元（或其他货币等值）的金额也必须申报。
• 避免在街头兑换货币: 街头兑换商可能提供诱人的汇率，但存在高风险的诈骗或假币。
• 检查汇率: 使用在线货币转换工具检查汇率，并向周围人询问以选择最佳交易。

General Tips / 一般建议

• Use Vietnamese Dong (VND): While USD might be accepted in some places, using VND ensures smoother transactions.
• Carry a Mix of Denominations: Exchanging for many small-denomination bills makes it easier to handle daily expenses, especially at local markets and smaller businesses. Larger notes are more convenient if you've booked a tour with all expenses covered.
• Be Aware of Exchange Fees and Limits: Inquire about any fees or limits before exchanging money.
• Keep Records: Maintain records of your transactions.
• Avoid Large Exchanges at a Time: Exchanging smaller amounts reduces the risk of theft, especially in crowded tourist areas, and helps you manage your budget better while preventing unexpected expenses or losses.
• Check Your Money After Exchanging: To ensure you receive genuine notes, check the polymer material, hidden image element, and embossing.
• Consider Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. Some cards offer no foreign transaction fees. ATMs are widely available in cities.
• Choose Local Currency When Using Cards: When using your card, always choose to pay in the official Vietnamese currency: the dong.
• 使用越南盾（VND）: 虽然在某些地方可能接受美元，但使用越南盾能确保交易更加顺利。
• 携带多种面额: 兑换许多小面额的钞票使您更容易处理日常开支，尤其是在当地市场和小商户。若您预订了包含所有费用的旅行，使用大面额钞票会更方便。
• 注意兑换费用和限额: 在兑换货币之前，询问任何费用或限额。
• 保留交易记录: 保留您的交易记录。
• 避免一次性兑换大额资金: 小额兑换可以减少在拥挤的旅游区域被盗的风险，有助于更好地管理预算，防止意外开支或损失。
• 检查兑换后的钞票: 确保您收到的钞票是正品，检查聚合物材料、隐藏图像元素和压印。
• 考虑使用信用卡/借记卡: 主要信用卡在酒店、餐馆和大型商户普遍接受。有些卡提供免外汇交易费的服务。城市中ATM机也非常普遍。
• 使用卡时选择当地货币: 使用信用卡时，请始终选择以越南盾支付。

Currency exchange in Vietnam is vital for a seamless trip. Using banks and trusted exchange counters ensures you get the best rates and avoid scams or counterfeit money. Always be cautious when handling cash and consider exchanging smaller amounts for better control over your budget. For a worry-free trip, contact World Mate Travel to make your travel experience even easier.

在越南的货币兑换对顺利旅行至关重要。使用银行和可信的兑换柜台可以确保你获得最佳汇率，避免骗局或假钞。在处理现金时始终保持谨慎，并考虑分批兑换以更好地控制预算。如需无忧旅行，请联系World Mate Travel，让你的旅行体验更加轻松。