Money & Currency

The currency is the Vietnamese Đồng (VND). Exchange rate (approx.): 1€ ≈ 27,000 VND. The zeros can be confusing at first — you'll quickly become a "millionaire".

Banknotes

There are notes from 1,000 to 500,000 VND. All feature Ho Chi Minh. The most important ones:

• 500,000 VND (≈ 18.50€): The largest note — pink/purple. Be careful with change, often confused with the 20,000 note!
• 200,000 VND (≈ 7.40€): Green. Most frequently dispensed from ATMs.
• 100,000 VND (≈ 3.70€): Green. The everyday note.
• 50,000 VND (≈ 1.85€): Light blue/turquoise.
• 20,000 VND (≈ 0.74€): Blue. WARNING: Looks similar to the 500,000 note!
• 10,000 VND (≈ 0.37€): Brown. For tips and small purchases.

Withdrawing Money (ATM)

• ATMs are everywhere in cities, even in smaller towns. Less common in rural areas — take enough cash with you in advance.
• Fees: Most Vietnamese banks charge 20,000–50,000 VND (0.74–1.85€) per withdrawal. Plus, your German bank's fee.
• Maximum amount: Usually 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per withdrawal. VietinBank and BIDV allow up to 10,000,000 VND.
• Recommendation: A credit card with free foreign withdrawals (DKB, Barclays, C24) saves a lot. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.

Card Payment

In upscale hotels, large restaurants, and modern shops, credit cards are accepted. Otherwise: Cash is King. At markets, street food stalls, for Grab payments on-site, and at small hotels, cash is used. Always have enough cash in various denominations!