Money and costs

The currency of Vietnam is the “Dong” issued in the following denominations:
• 200d• 500d• 1000d• 2000d• 5000d• 10,000d• 20,000d• 50,000d• 100,000d• 500,000d.Recommended Currency for Spending
Vietnamese Dong. Spending in other currencies, including the USD, often results in “rounding off” to your disadvantage.
Exchange Rates
Please go to http://www.oanda.com for current Dong exchange rates. At the moment of this printing 1USD = 16,800d, and 1 EUR = 23,800d.
Convertible Currencies
All major currencies including the sterling, the Yen, the Canadian dollar, the Euro and the U.S. dollar are convertible. It is recommend you exchange your currency at hotel for better exchange rate, especially at big hotels.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCharge and to a lesser extent American Express) are finally beginning to find wider usage in Vietnam as more and more establishments accept them; in major cities nearly all major and mid-level hotels, restaurants and major tourist shops now accept credit cards. Except for the higher end hotels most establishments charge a three-percent transaction fee; some establishments charge a five-percent surcharge.ATM Machines
ATM machines have arrived in Vietnam. ATMs are located in many places in Hanoi and HCMC, for ANZ visa ATMS: 14 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi and 11 Me Linh Square in HCMC.
Traveler’s Checks
Traveler’s checks denominated in most major currencies are accepted in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but USD is the preferred currency. Traveler’s checks issued by Visa, MasterCharge and American Express are the most widely accepted. Outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City it is often difficult to redeem traveler’s checks. The purchase receipt and the traveler’s check numbers should be kept separately from the traveler’s checks in the event of loss. A redemption fee of up to four-percent is charged. Passport ID is required for redemption.
Price Guide
bottled water: 0.3 US$A bowl of pho: 3.00 US$local beer or Bia Hoi : 0.3 US$internet access 0.5 US$ per hourshort taxi ride 5.00 US$restaurant meal: US$ 3.00-10.00internet access per hour: US$ 0.20-0.50short cyclo ride: US$ 0.50