How Much Money to Bring to Vietnam: Daily Budgets + Money Strategy
Vietnam is one of Asia’s best-value destinations. Here’s how to budget and manage money.
Daily budgets
Backpacker: 600,000-900,000 VND/day ($25-37), hostels, pho, local transport. Mid-range: 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/day ($60-120) — 3-4 star hotels, nicer restaurants, taxis. Luxury: 5,000,000-15,000,000+ VND/day ($200-600+): boutique hotels, Halong cruises, fine dining.
How much cash to bring
Bring $300-500 USD cash. Best exchange at gold shops/jewelers in Hanoi + HCMC (better than banks). Don’t exchange at airport (poor rates). Many hotels + tour operators still prefer USD for deposits.
ATMs
Withdrawal limit 2,000,000-5,000,000 VND ($80-200) per session. Fees 30,000-50,000 VND. Use Vietcombank or BIDV ATMs at branches. Charles Schwab/Capital One refund fees. ATMs are abundant in tourist zones.
Tipping + cards
Tipping not traditional but 5-10% appreciated at tourist restaurants + 20,000-50,000 VND for taxi drivers, hotel porters. Cards at mid-range + luxury hotels + restaurants. Street food, motorbike taxis, smaller shops = cash.
VND inflation
Note denominations are confusing, 500,000 VND looks similar to 20,000 VND. Get used to extra zeros: 100k VND ≈ $4, 500k VND ≈ $20, 1 million VND ≈ $40. Always double-check change.