Vietnam Dong (VND) Exchange Guide: Gold Shops vs. Banks

Exchanging money in Vietnam can be overwhelming due to the large denominations of the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Here is how to handle your finances like a local.

Where to Exchange?

1. Gold Shops (Tiệm Vàng): In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, gold shops around central markets often offer the best rates without service fees.
2. Banks: Safer and more formal, but require your passport and have slightly lower rates.
3. ATMs: TPBank and VPBank are usually the best for international cards, but check for local withdrawal fees.

Pro Tip

Carry crisp, new 100 USD bills. They often command a much higher exchange rate than smaller or older bills in Vietnam.