Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing destinations for tourists and digital nomads, thanks to its affordable cost of living, rich culture and easy-to-obtain e-visa. In 2025, more than 21 million international visitors travelled to the country, while many remote workers continue to choose Vietnam for its vibrant cities and low living costs.
Living in Vietnam is remarkably affordable by international standards. Many digital nomads enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on $1,000 to $1,500 per month, making the country one of Asia's best-value destinations without sacrificing modern conveniences, reliable internet or an exciting food and café culture.
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, currency code VND and symbol d with a bar through it. It is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam and circulates mainly as polymer banknotes. Because the dong has a low unit value, everyday prices often run into the tens or hundreds of thousands.
This guide explains Vietnam's currency, its symbol and code, the banknotes you'll use every day and what you should know before spending money across the country.
What is the currency of Vietnam?
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, abbreviated as VND. It is the only official currency used throughout the country, from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the mountain towns in the north. Whether you're paying for a bowl of pho, booking a hotel or taking a taxi, almost every transaction is priced in Vietnamese dong.
The Vietnamese dong is issued and regulated by the State Bank of Vietnam, the country's central bank. It is responsible for printing banknotes, managing the money supply and maintaining financial stability. Today, most circulating denominations are durable polymer banknotes, introduced to improve security and withstand Vietnam's hot, humid climate better than traditional paper notes.
The dong has been part of Vietnam's monetary system for decades, although it has evolved through several currency reforms since its introduction after independence. While its high denominations may seem unusual to first-time visitors, you'll quickly get used to seeing prices quoted in thousands or even millions of dong during everyday spending.
How to recognise Vietnam's currency symbol and code
The Vietnamese dong is identified by the currency code VND and the symbol ₫. While you'll sometimes see the symbol placed before an amount, prices in Vietnam are more commonly written with the amount first, followed by the symbol, such as 50.000₫. The code VND is mainly used by banks, travel websites, exchange services and financial institutions when referring to the currency internationally.
One detail that surprises many first-time visitors is how numbers are written. Vietnam uses dots (.) as thousands separators, so 50.000₫ simply means fifty thousand dong, not fifty with decimal places. Because the dong has a relatively low value compared to currencies like the US dollar or euro, everyday purchases are often priced in thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dong.
You'll mainly encounter VND when checking exchange rates, using banking apps or withdrawing cash, while local shops, restaurants and markets simply display prices in dong. Understanding both the symbol and the code makes paying and converting money much easier throughout your trip.
Also read: Best ways to receive payments from international clients
What denominations of Vietnamese dong are in circulation?
| Denomination | Colour | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000₫ | Dark yellow-green | Usually used for small purchases, local transport fares, bottled water and inexpensive street food. |
| 20,000₫ | Dark blue | Commonly spent on coffee, convenience store shopping, snacks and other everyday expenses. |
| 50,000₫ | Pinkish-purple | Frequently used for restaurant meals, taxi fares, market shopping and attraction entrance tickets. |
| 100,000₫ | Dark yellowish-green | One of the most widely circulated notes, suitable for shopping, dining and medium-sized daily transactions. |
| 200,000₫ | Reddish-brown | Often used for hotel payments, larger restaurant bills, guided tours and higher-value purchases. |
| 500,000₫ | Cyan-blue | Vietnam's highest denomination, commonly dispensed by ATMs and used for accommodation, larger purchases and cash withdrawals. |
What is the exchange rate for the Vietnamese dong?
Vietnam's exchange rate is managed rather than left to move entirely with market forces. Each business day, the State Bank of Vietnam publishes a central reference rate for the Vietnamese dong against major foreign currencies. Commercial banks and licensed foreign exchange providers are then required to buy and sell within a regulated trading band around that official rate, helping reduce sharp currency fluctuations.
Many first-time visitors are surprised by how large the numbers look. Seeing exchange rates in the tens of thousands of dong for one US dollar or euro is completely normal. This is the result of decades of inflation and currency devaluations that reduced the dong's purchasing power. Instead of introducing a redenomination by removing zeros, Vietnam retained its existing denominations.
Before exchanging money or transferring funds, it's worth checking the latest rates. The State Bank of Vietnam publishes the official daily reference rate, while Vietcombank displays live retail exchange rates that reflect what customers typically receive when buying or selling foreign currency.
How much is the Vietnamese dong worth against the US dollar?
| Rate type | Who uses it | Exchange rate (per US$1) |
Estimated fees / Spread | VND received (for US$100) |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-market rate | Global markets and fintech platforms | 26,280₫ | 0₫ (no hidden markup) | 2,628,000₫ | Digital transfers and comparing real exchange rates |
| Commercial bank | Banks and authorised exchange desks | 26,100₫ | ≈18,000₫ (around 0.7% spread) | 2,610,000₫ | Secure, regulated in-person currency exchange |
| Gold shop bureau | Licensed independent exchange shops | 26,270₫ | ≈1,000₫ (around 0.04% spread) | 2,627,000₫ | Getting the highest cash value for larger exchanges |
The example above uses US$100 to show how different exchange rates and spreads can affect the amount of Vietnamese dong you actually receive.
The Gold shop advantage: Because gold shops compete aggressively for physical foreign currency, they offer a rate almost identical to the true mid-market rate, allowing you to walk away with an extra 17,000₫ per $100 compared to a bank
How do travellers get and spend Vietnamese dong?
Most travellers get Vietnamese dong by withdrawing cash from ATMs or exchanging foreign currency at banks and licensed exchange counters. While hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City usually accept Visa and Mastercard, many street food stalls, local markets and smaller businesses still prefer cash, so it's worth carrying some dong every day.
Managing your travel money is easier with Grey. You can hold foreign currencies in your multi-currency account before your trip and use the Grey virtual card wherever Visa is accepted across Vietnam. If you also need to send money to someone in Vietnam, Grey doesn't currently support direct NGN-to-VND bank transfers. Instead, you can convert your funds to USD Coin (USDC) and send them instantly to a crypto wallet or platform that supports payouts in Vietnam, providing a better alternative for cross-border transfers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol for the Vietnamese dong?
The official symbol for the Vietnamese dong is ₫, while the international currency code is VND. In Vietnam, prices are usually written with the amount first and the symbol afterwards, such as 50,000₫. You'll also see VND on banking apps, exchange services and travel websites when viewing exchange rates.
Is USD accepted in Vietnam?
The Vietnamese dong is the only legal currency for everyday transactions. Although some luxury hotels, tour operators and selected tourist businesses may accept US dollars, most shops, restaurants and markets expect payment in dong. Carrying local currency is the safest option for travellers exploring beyond major tourist areas.
How much is 1 USD in Vietnamese dong?
Exchange rates change daily, but US$1 usually converts to around 25,000-26,300₫, depending on market conditions and where you exchange your money. Banks, exchange counters and digital financial platforms may all offer slightly different rates, so it's worth comparing before making larger currency exchanges.
Can I use my card in Vietnam?
Yes, international Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets and many restaurants across Vietnam's larger cities. Smaller businesses and street food vendors often accept cash only. If you're travelling with a Grey virtual card, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
Should I exchange money before I travel?
It's usually better to wait until you arrive in Vietnam before exchanging large amounts of money. Local banks, authorised exchange counters and ATMs often provide more competitive rates than exchange services in your home country. Compare rates first and avoid exchanging money at airports unless absolutely necessary.
How do I send money to Vietnam?
Grey doesn't currently support direct NGN-to-VND bank transfers. Instead, you can convert your funds to USD Coin (USDC) within the Grey app and send them instantly to a crypto wallet or platform that supports payouts in Vietnam. This provides a practical alternative for cross-border transfers where supported.
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