A Backpacker's Guide to Spending Dong Without Stress

Time Business News

5 days ago

If you've ever handled a Vietnamese banknote, you know the feeling – a wallet full of bills in the hundreds of thousands. The Vietnamese Dong might look overwhelming at first, but once you understand it, it becomes surprisingly easy to manage – and even kind of fun.
So, if you're exploring the busy streets of Hanoi, riding scooters through Da Nang, or sipping coffee in the alleys of Ho Chi Minh City, spending Dong wisely can help you stretch your trip without feeling like you're constantly budgeting.
This guide gives you everything you need to know – from daily costs to tips on how to avoid common currency mistakes – so you can focus on the adventure, not the math.
Keep in mind that these things change constantly, so always check the prices before your trip.
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is one of the least valued currencies in the world – and that's not a bad thing. At the time of writing, 1 USD is equal to around 25,000 VND, which means even a basic meal might cost 30,000 or 50,000 Dong.
You'll see bills ranging from 1,000 VND all the way up to 500,000 VND, and yes – all the zeros can blur together at first. But you'll adjust quickly. Locals often drop the 'thousand' part in conversation – for example, saying '50' when they mean 50,000 VND.
Don't let the big numbers fool you. What looks expensive might actually be pocket change in your home currency.
If you're arriving at a major airport like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), you'll find currency exchange counters and ATMs right after you exit customs. Exchange rates at airports are usually decent, but you'll often get better rates at gold shops or independent money changers in the city.
Keep in mind: ATMs are widely available and usually safe. Stick to banks like Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV.
are widely available and usually safe. Stick to banks like Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV. Cash exchange gives better rates if you bring crisp USD or EUR bills.
gives better rates if you bring crisp USD or EUR bills. Avoid exchanging Dong before your trip – you'll get a worse rate outside Vietnam.
Always ask for smaller bills when possible. Many local vendors and cafés don't carry much change for 500,000 VND notes.
Vietnam is famously budget-friendly. You can easily get by on $20–25 USD per day (about 500,000–600,000 VND) without sacrificing meals, sightseeing, or comfort.
Here's what an average day of spending might look like: Street food breakfast (banh mi or pho): 20,000–40,000 VND
20,000–40,000 VND Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): 15,000–25,000 VND
15,000–25,000 VND Local lunch (com tam, bun cha, or noodles): 30,000–50,000 VND
30,000–50,000 VND Entrance to museums or attractions: 20,000–50,000 VND
20,000–50,000 VND Snack (spring rolls, sugarcane juice): 10,000–20,000 VND
10,000–20,000 VND Dinner at a casual eatery: 40,000–70,000 VND
40,000–70,000 VND Bed in a hostel dorm: 150,000–250,000 VND
Even with transportation and bottled water added in, you'll still stay under 600,000 VND in most cities.
The most common issue travelers run into? Confusing the bills. The 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are similar shades of blue and can easily get mixed up.
Here's how to avoid headaches: Take a few minutes to memorize the colors and values of each bill.
Keep high-value notes in a separate part of your wallet.
Always count your change – especially in markets or taxi rides.
Don't hand over a big note without confirming the price first.
Pro tip: Never rely solely on your card. Many small shops, food stalls, and even some hotels are cash-only.
If you're a foodie on a budget, Vietnam is a dream. Some of the best meals come from plastic stools on the sidewalk. For the price of a coffee back home, you can get: Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich): ~25,000 VND
~25,000 VND Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup): ~40,000–50,000 VND
~40,000–50,000 VND Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls): ~10,000 VND each
~10,000 VND each Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk): ~20,000 VND
These aren't snacks – they're real, hearty meals that keep you full for hours. And because the portions are lighter, you can try more things throughout the day without overdoing it.
Bargaining is a normal part of everyday life in Vietnam – especially in markets, tourist areas, and smaller towns. Locals do it all the time, and vendors expect a bit of friendly negotiation. If you're new to it, don't feel shy or rude. As long as you stay polite and respectful, it's all part of the experience.
You should negotiate: At markets when buying clothes, souvenirs, or local crafts
With moto-taxi drivers, unless you're using an app like Grab
For tours or day trips, especially in beach towns or rural areas
You shouldn't bargain: In restaurants, food stalls, or cafés – prices are usually fixed and already low
At convenience stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies
When prices are clearly posted or printed – especially in more modern shops
When you do bargain, start with a smile. Offer a fair counterprice, and keep things light. Vendors often give you a 'tourist price' first, expecting a little back-and-forth. If they won't budge, it's totally fine to thank them and walk away – many times, they'll call you back with a better offer.
It might feel awkward the first few times, but once you try it, you'll see it's not confrontational – it's almost a game. And when done right, it can even be fun.
Getting around Vietnam is cheap and straightforward. Here are the most common ways and their prices: Bus fare in cities: 5,000–7,000 VND
5,000–7,000 VND GrabBike or GrabCar (ride-hailing app): 10,000–50,000 VND for short trips
10,000–50,000 VND for short trips Intercity bus: 100,000–300,000 VND depending on distance
100,000–300,000 VND depending on distance Scooter rental (per day): 100,000–150,000 VND
Download Grab or Be apps – they're reliable, priced fairly, and safer than negotiating directly with taxi drivers.
Once you get used to the Vietnamese Dong, managing your money gets easier – but a few daily habits can make a big difference, especially on a tight travel budget: Carry small notes like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 VND. Many street vendors won't have change for a 500,000 note, especially in the morning.
like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 VND. Many street vendors won't have change for a 500,000 note, especially in the morning. Separate your big bills . Keep 200,000 and 500,000 notes tucked away for hotels or transport, and use smaller ones for food and quick buys.
. Keep 200,000 and 500,000 notes tucked away for hotels or transport, and use smaller ones for food and quick buys. Break large bills early in the day at a minimart or café. It's less stressful than trying to do it in a rush at a food stall.
in the day at a minimart or café. It's less stressful than trying to do it in a rush at a food stall. Track your spending with a quick phone note. Even a rough list helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary ATM fees.
with a quick phone note. Even a rough list helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary ATM fees. Withdraw wisely . ATMs are common in cities but may charge 30,000–50,000 VND per transaction. Take out enough for a few days and stick with major banks like Vietcombank or BIDV.
. ATMs are common in cities but may charge 30,000–50,000 VND per transaction. Take out enough for a few days and stick with major banks like Vietcombank or BIDV. Keep a small USD stash just in case. $20–$50 can help in an emergency if your card fails or ATMs are down.
With just a little prep, you'll avoid the most common money hassles – and spend more time enjoying Vietnam, not counting bills in the street.
Traveling with the Vietnamese Dong might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier fast. Once you get familiar with the bills, the prices, and the rhythm of the local economy, you'll start to realize just how far your budget can go.
You don't need a big wallet to have big experiences in Vietnam. The real value comes from the food you try, the people you meet, and the everyday discoveries that make the country feel special. And luckily, most of those things cost far less than you'd expect.
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