Travel guide
Payments and currency in Vietnam
Understand Vietnamese dong, cards, and cash before moving between cities and smaller places.
Editorial owner: Landul editorial teamLast reviewed: 2026-07-15
Short answer
Keep Vietnamese dong as a reserve and use cards where accepted. Check the zeros in the amount before paying and confirm the currency charged.
Checklist
- Check your card's foreign transaction fee
- Carry local currency for small purchases and transport
- Read the amount carefully before confirming payment
Common question
Are cards enough in Vietnam?
Cards can be convenient, but local currency is a useful backup outside the largest destinations.