i will be going to vietnam soon?

Question

what is the currency used over there? i heard some places accept USD$ and the vietnamese dong?
are the things expensive?

Answer 1

The official currency is the VN Dong. If you take clean, crisp $100.00 US bills, you will get the best exchange rate of about $1,650,000 VND. Most hotels can cash $100.00 for you and you are likely to find even better rates in the Shopping plazas of the large cities HCM or Hanoi. Many places will not exchange warn or tattered bills of any denomination.

In Saigon, (Ho Chi Minh city) you can exchange money safely at the Zen Plaza or Diamond Plaza in District 1 and many hotels will also be able to give you a good rate. Don't worry too much about 10-50 thousand dong rate difference, as you are talking about less than 1-3 dollars. I would not recommend taking more than $30 US in small bills (you will need some small currency to pay airport taxes etc). You will definitely want to exchange your currency because there are many things that you may want to buy which will cost far less than 1 US dollar. In addition, Vietnamese people have little use for small denomination U.S. currency as they can not exchange it or use it effectively. You are far better off to exchange $100.00 US at a time and bargan with the locals in their own currency. It might be wise though to bring a small calculator unless you are extremely good at manipulating large numbers. A bowl of Pho, Vietnamese noodle soup, and a bottle of beer might cost 55,000 VND. Try wrapping your mind around converting those kinds of numbers all day.

Unless you are a conspicuous consumer, $100.00 US/ day including accommodations, meals, shopping and entertainment should be more than sufficient. You can easily survive on $20.00 US per day if you are adventerous and just a little bit saavy. I suggest that you pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Vietnamese Phrase book and companion travel guide on Vietnam. Most Vietnamese outside of Hotels and Tourist areas do not speak much English, if any at all. If you use it correctly, you will find the phrase book invaluable!

Don't miss the coffee shops springing up all over Vietnam. Especially in HCM and Hanoi. The coffee is exceptional and the experience is refreshing. Shopping can be an experience as well. Keep in mind that the locals will see you as a rich tourist who can afford to pay top dollar, you can't blame them considering they are often living on the equivelant of $2.00 US/Day or less. Don't be afraid to bargan but be careful as the language and conversion factor can be challenging at best.

I have visited Vietnam several times from the southern tip to the Central Highlands and can say that it is one of the most beautiful countries and cultures that I have ever experienced. My spouse's family and my godson live in the Mekong delta and consequently, I get to experience life in Vietnam much the way it truely is. Each time I return, I see things that I missed on previous journeys. The culture is much like the layers of an onion, you will only see the outer layers unless you are brave enough to look more deeply and wise enough to leave your own cultural ideas and experiences behind. In which case your experience will almost certainly change your life.

You will no doubt be amazed at the traffic in the big cities. All westerners are. It is nearly impossible to imagine that so many people on motorbikes can manuver through the crowded streets with such fluid precision and not become hopelessly gridlocked. In fact, traffic in Saigon largely flows better than most large cities in the US. Crossing the streets is a bit unsettling at first, but the best advice is to step off the curb with authority and walk at a steady even pace. Do not hesitate and traffic will flow around you.

Unless you or a friend or relative speaks Vietnamese and is familiar with the country, I might recommend that you find a local guide who is willing to spend the time with you. For as little as $10 - 20 US/day you can hire an interpreter who will be able to really open up the country and culture for you. If you are staying in Saigon (HCM) I recommend that you check into the Pham Ngu Lao (backpackers) district. Here you will find many western tourists who speak English and locals who cater to them. It is in the heart of the city and within walking distance to everything. This would also be a great place to find a local interpreter and begin your journey.

Enjoy, Vietnam is a fascinating and beautiful country and its people are warm and friendly and rich in culture.

Answer 2

You heard right, the dong is Vietnamese Currency. You also heard right about the use of the US dollar. Both can be used most everywhere. I usually cash my dollars in at a jewelry store for the best rate and then spend dong.

Most everything is very reasonable. Bia Hoi (local draft beer) is only around 5 to 20 cents a glass. Heineken's and Tiger bia are about 80 cents at most local restaurant's. A bowl of Pho is anywhere from 30 cents to a $1.00 depending on where you eat.

You will have a good time. If you get a chance do visit the Ancient City of Hue. The Citadel there is unbelievable. One whole part of the city has a big wall around it. Lots of little romantic cafes along the beautiful Perfume river, which runs right through the middle of the city. A good hotel will run you about $20 to $25 dollars a night.

Vietnam is a great place to visit. We try to go every summer break for a month or more. Good luck. cheers

Answer 3

Put your money onto an ATM card. Why do you want to bring hundred dollar bills ? There are ATMs everywhere.

Answer 4

VN dong is about 16,100 to $1....google currency convertor for latest before you go.....EVERYONE takes dollars....BUT the prices are so cheap...think...average income is about $700/ YEAR.....breakfast $.50 lunch $2 or so....dinner $3-5...fancy hotels charge fancy prices but even an unbelievable buffet is about $12.....beer & cigs .50 ea. Take few clothes....buy a wardrobe for so little, it's not worth packing.....hint: bring a couple of hundred in singles....most places cannot change anything over $5, if that. hint: the World Heritage Sites only accept dong (pron. dome)....about $1.85 each. Cyclo rides should run about $1 ROUND TRIP to virtually anywhere in Hue. Prices in Saigon and Hanoi are higher....Saigon is like NYC with hustlers and bustlers.....

Answer 5

take plenty of us dollars they love it.the dong is pretty well worthless.take the greenback,get some dong at the airport of entry.food is very cheap ,hotels are to expensive t shirts are about 2-3 dollars american.a must visit is the uniforcation palace.the anti american museum.and the cu chi tunnels wear your worst clothes for the tunnels,very dirty business.one word of warning if you are a lady and carry a hand bag,carry it on the opposite side to the road.thieves ride motor bikes and grab them.do not let children surround you playing=walletless

Answer 6

You're going to have a great time. Try to have an interpreter with you. Try to cover both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and some of the great beaches in between. Most items are cheap and you can always haggle. The food is great and the people are really nice.

Answer 7

U.S and AUD Dollars and VN Dong used over there, something is very cheap under $1.00 , so you need more VN Dong, nothing is expensive, I am sure
Enjoy your nice trip

Answer 8

u can use both USD and VN dong

Answer 9

They accepts both. things there is slightly cheaper than thailand (if you know how to bargain).

Answer 10

You need to be carefull. The Americans might drop some napalm on the hotel where you are staying