The currency of Vietnam is the dong (VND). Notes are available in paper denominations of 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100 VND, and also in metal denomination of 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 d.

The US dollar, preferably crisp clean bills, is widely accepted among major shops and restaurants. Travelers checks can be cashed at authorized foreign exchange outlets and banks, and require presentation of passport. There is normally a 2 to 5 percent transaction fee for cashing travelers’ checks. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some of the bigger hotels and restaurants. Prices are usually quoted in USD so if you are paying in Dong check the exchange rate first.

ATM machines are available at major cities: Hanoi, Ha Long, Haiphong, Hue, Danang, Nha Trang and Saigon.