Money in Vietnam: Cash, ATMs, Cards and QR Payments for Visitors (2026)

Vietnam has changed fast. Ten years ago almost everything was cash. Today many locals pay by scanning QR codes with their banking app, even at street stalls. Visitors sit somewhere in between: cards work in more places than before, but cash is still essential.

The currency

The Vietnamese dong (VND) has big numbers. Common notes are 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000. Small notes (1,000, 2,000, 5,000) are paper; larger ones are polymer.

Two tips:

• Locals often drop the thousands: "50" means 50,000 VND.
• The 20,000 and 500,000 notes are both bluish. Keep them apart in your wallet.

ATMs

ATMs are everywhere in cities. With a foreign card:

• Expect a fee from the local bank, often somewhere around 20,000–100,000 VND per withdrawal, plus whatever your own bank charges.
• Each withdrawal is limited, commonly a few million dong. Taking out the maximum each time keeps fees down.
• Use ATMs inside banks or malls when you can, and cover your PIN.

Cards

Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, malls, supermarkets, chain cafés, most mid-range and upscale restaurants, and on ride-hailing apps. Some places add a small card fee. Small shops, markets and street food stalls usually want cash.

QR payments

Locals mostly pay with QR bank transfers, a system called VietQR. You'll see the codes taped to counters everywhere. Unfortunately, this usually needs a Vietnamese bank account, so most visitors can't use it. Don't worry; anywhere with a QR code also takes cash.

Exchanging money

• Banks and licensed exchange counters give fair rates. Bring clean, undamaged US dollar or euro notes; worn or marked notes may be refused or get a lower rate.
• Airports give slightly worse rates. Change a small amount for your first day, then the rest in the city.
• Compare the buying rate and any commission before you hand over money.

How much cash to carry

For a typical day in Hanoi, eating local food, taking Grab and visiting a few sights, 500,000–1,000,000 VND in your wallet is usually plenty. Keep a reserve in your hotel safe.

Practical tips

• Break big notes at supermarkets and convenience stores. Street vendors often can't change 500,000 VND.
• Tell your bank you're travelling so your card doesn't get blocked.
• Keep a second card in a separate place in case one is lost or swallowed by an ATM.

Prices and bargaining

Most shops, cafés and restaurants have fixed prices. Bargaining is normal at markets, souvenir stalls and with some street sellers. Be friendly about it; the difference is often small.

Written in October 2026. Fees and limits vary by bank and change over time; check with your bank before you travel.