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If you go to the land of the dragon, you will have to change your currency as soon as you arrive in this beautiful country. Thinking of buying souvenirs on the spot or paying for your hotels / meals in cash? In this case, the question of money surely interests you.
One of the hardest things to get a grip on when traveling to Vietnam is the currency. Here you will find that even small, everyday items cost tens of thousands of Vietnamese đồng (VND). It is easy to lose track, so here is a quick overview of the essentials.
The Vietnamese currency has a large number of tickets, it is profitable to know them.
Be careful not to confuse similar looking currency notes of different denominations, as many of the money have the same colors and can easily be mixed up with one another.
US dollars are accepted everywhere, and change will be given in Vietnamese đồng (VND). You are also able to exchange your US dollar for Vietnamese đồng (VND) at small shops in the streets. Just look for the sign called “currency exchange.”
You can use Visa and MasterCard credit cards in international shops, but you should always bring some money with you as many shops do not accept credit cards. There are plenty of ATMs in Vietnam to withdraw Vietnamese đồng (VND), but be aware that there is sometimes a daily withdrawal limit of 2-3 million đồng from some ATMs.
Price tags are rarely displayed in Vietnam. Knowing what the costs should be is an essential factor in paying a satisfying amount. Remember that Vietnam is said to be the cheapest country to live in, as the Vietnamese đồng (VND) has a very low value. Therefore remember to haggle for items in markets and on the street. It is very rare that the seller expects you to accept the first price that they offer, even it is just a couple of dollars you are trying to bargain down.
You should travel light when coming to Vietnam, as you are found to find everything at an attractive price here. Your first purchase will surely be an empty suitcase so you could pack it with all for your shopping!
It is not required for you to tip in Vietnam, but in light of the poor salary in Vietnam, tips are greatly appreciated in restaurants, hotels and tour guides. Tipping should only be given after receiving excellent service and not every time you purchase something.
There are always taxis to be found in the big cities, and there are a lot of different companies. You can ask the hotel reception to call a taxi for you when you want one. Always remember to check that the meter is on and that the km are shown because some meters tend to go up way to fast. If you are looking for an alternative to a taxi, you can use Grab, which is the Asian version of Uber. You can download the app on your phone and top it up with your credit card, ensuring that you never have to get out money to pay for the Grab. They are offering both taxies, private cars, and motorbikes as a transportation method.
The most common outlet in Vietnam is the two-pronged “European” style (220V), which requires two straight, parallel prongs, unlike the three-pronged UK plug.
Have a nice trip!