The amount of cash you should bring to Vietnam depends on your personal preferences and spending habits. It is advisable to have a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Having around $100-$200 in cash for smaller expenses and emergencies should suffice, while relying on cards for larger transactions and withdrawing cash from ATMs when needed.
When planning a trip to Vietnam, it is essential to consider the amount of cash you should bring with you. While there are several payment options available in Vietnam, having some cash on hand is always useful for smaller expenses, transportation, and in case of emergencies. Here is a detailed response to the question:
“The amount of cash you should bring to Vietnam depends on your personal preferences and spending habits. It is advisable to have a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Having around $100-$200 in cash for smaller expenses and emergencies should suffice, while relying on cards for larger transactions and withdrawing cash from ATMs when needed.”
It is worth noting that Vietnam operates primarily on cash transactions, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you may encounter places where cards are not accepted. Therefore, carrying a reasonable amount of cash provides flexibility and ensures you can pay for goods and services without any issues.
To provide further insight into the importance of carrying cash, let’s consider a quote from the renowned travel writer Paul Theroux. He once said, “Travel is flight and pursuit in equal parts,” highlighting the need to be prepared for all situations, including being equipped with the necessary funds.
Interesting Facts about Using Cash in Vietnam:
- Vietnamese currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and it is advisable to exchange your currency for Vietnamese Dong upon arrival. The exchange rate is typically more favorable in Vietnam than in your home country.
- The use of USD as an alternative currency in Vietnam is widespread, especially in tourist areas. However, note that the exchange rates offered for USD might not be as favorable as for Vietnamese Dong.
- ATMs are easily accessible in urban areas, and major debit and credit cards are widely accepted. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash as a backup, especially in case of technological glitches or power outages that may affect ATM services.
- Be cautious when handling cash and avoid flaunting large sums in public. It is generally safe to carry cash, but like in any country, it’s wise to exercise basic precautions to prevent any unwanted attention.
To summarize, having a balance of cash and cards is the best approach when traveling to Vietnam. Carrying around $100-$200 in cash for smaller expenses and emergencies, along with relying on cards for larger transactions, ensures you have flexibility and can adapt to various situations during your trip. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared and have a mix of payment options while exploring the vibrant country of Vietnam.
A video response to “How much cash should I bring to Vietnam?”
In this YouTube video, the speaker discusses the budgeting aspect of a trip to Vietnam. For single travelers, they suggest a budget ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on factors like accommodations and dining preferences. For couples, the budget can be around $2,000 to $3,000. The speaker also highlights the importance of exploring places beyond Saigon and recommends destinations like Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. They provide budget estimates for various expenses and suggest using sleeper buses for travel. The speaker emphasizes that Vietnam has its own unique identity and should not be compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Other responses to your question
For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you’ll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.
There are no restrictions on the amount of cash that travelers can bring into Vietnam, but it may have to be declared at customs. If the cash is in Vietnamese Dong, the individual can carry up to ₫15,000,000 without having to declare it. The same is true if the traveler has the equivalent of USD$5,000 or less in cash in a foreign currency. If you are carrying an amount that’s equivalent to 5,000 US dollars and above, you are required to declare your money.
There are no restrictions on the amount of cash that travelers can bring into Vietnam, but it may have to be declared at customs. If the cash is in Vietnamese Dong, the individual can carry up to ₫15,000,000 without having to declare it. The same is true if the traveler has the equivalent of USD$5,000 or less in cash in a foreign currency.
Each individual, upon entry or exit through Vietnamese international border gates by valid passports, can carry cash up to USD5,000 (or other equivalent foreign currency) or VND5 million without the need to declare to the immigration office or customs office. The previous limits were USD7,000 and VND15 million.
Currently, there is no legal limit on the amount of cash you can bring to Vietnam (either for Vietnamese Dong or any other foreign currency). However, in order to do so legally, you’ll need to declare it by following the proper lawful procedure.
There are no restrictions on the amount of currency, gold, precious metals and stones; however, you have to declare on the customs forms provided that your luggage includes:
- Foreign currency: in excess of US$ 5,000
- Vietnam Dong: in excess of VND15.000.000
But how much cash are you supposed to bring for your trip to Vietnam? While there’s technically no legal limit on the amount of money you’re allowed to bring into the country, you are required to declare your money if you are carrying an amount that’s equivalent to 5,000 US dollars and above.
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| Luxury budget (for 1 person) | Medium Budget (for 1 person) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total (for 1 day) | approximately $310 and up | approximately $95 and up |
| Total (for 1 week) | approximately $2100 and up (including going on tour everyday and one souvenir item) | approximately $630 and up (including going on tour everyday and one souvenir item) |