It is generally better to use the Vietnamese dong (VND) in Vietnam as it is the official currency and widely accepted throughout the country. While some businesses may accept USD, the exchange rate may not be favorable and it’s recommended to use the local currency for day-to-day transactions.
When it comes to deciding whether to use USD or Vietnamese dong (VND) in Vietnam, it is generally recommended to use the local currency for day-to-day transactions. The Vietnamese dong is the official currency of the country and is widely accepted throughout Vietnam. While some businesses may accept USD, it’s important to note that the exchange rate may not always be favorable, potentially resulting in additional costs for tourists or visitors.
Using the Vietnamese dong offers several advantages. Firstly, it simplifies transactions as prices are typically quoted and displayed in VND. This reduces the chances of confusion and allows for smoother transactions when making purchases, paying for services, or negotiating prices. Additionally, using VND helps support the local economy, benefitting small businesses and communities.
To further emphasize the importance of using the local currency while in Vietnam, I’d like to share a quote from renowned travel writer Rick Steves, who said, “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” By embracing the local currency, tourists can immerse themselves in the culture and take part in the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.
Here are some interesting facts about the Vietnamese dong and its usage in Vietnam:
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Currency Symbol: The official symbol for the Vietnamese dong is ₫, which is a combination of the Latin letter “D” with a horizontal stroke across it.
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Denominations: The dong comes in various denominations, including banknotes in 1,000₫, 2,000₫, 5,000₫, 10,000₫, 20,000₫, 50,000₫, 100,000₫, 200,000₫, and 500,000₫.
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Cash Usage: Cash is widely used in Vietnam, especially for smaller transactions. Ensure you have enough smaller denominations on hand as some vendors may not be able to provide change for larger notes.
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ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, allowing for easy access to local currency. Additionally, currency exchange services can be found at airports, hotels, and authorized exchange offices throughout the country.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that using the Vietnamese dong is the more practical and economical choice when in Vietnam. Embrace the local currency, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, and make the most of your experience in this beautiful country.
Table: Currency Exchange Rates (Approximate)
| | USD to VND | VND to USD |
| Buying Rate | 22,000 | 1 USD |
| Selling Rate | 23,000 | 1 USD |
A video response to “Is it better to use USD or dong in Vietnam?”
The video provides a quick overview of the exchange rate between the Vietnam dong and the United States dollar. It mentions that one Vietnamese dong is equal to 0.00004 US dollars, and conversely, one US dollar is equivalent to 22,967.50 Vietnamese dong. Additionally, the video highlights that the Vietnamese dong is depreciating against the US dollar.
Further responses to your query
Vietnamese Dong or US Dollar, which is the best currency to use in Vietnam? Most payments are made with Vietnamese Dong, but US dollars can be directly used for some hotels, restaurants, tours, or other services. You may see the prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City’s airport are all in US dollars.