Planning a trip to Vietnam from India? Understanding Vietnamese currency and knowing how to manage your money can make your trip much easier.

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), commonly written as ₫ or đ. For Indian travellers, the large numbers printed on Vietnamese prices can look confusing at first. You may see prices such as ₫20,000, ₫50,000, ₫100,000, ₫200,000 or even ₫500,000.

This guide was originally researched before our Vietnam trip. After travelling to Vietnam in September 2026, I have updated it with our actual experience of exchanging money, using cards and ATMs, handling Vietnamese banknotes and understanding prices in local markets and shops.

This means the article combines pre-trip research with our first-hand September 2026 experience.

Caption: Our Vietnam family trip in September 2026 — combining pre-trip research with our first-hand experience.

If you are planning your first Vietnam trip from India, you may also find our detailed Vietnam Trip Cost from India in 2026 guide useful for understanding the overall expenses involved.

What Currency Is Used in Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Common Vietnamese banknotes include:

₫1,000
₫2,000
₫5,000
₫10,000
₫20,000
₫50,000
₫100,000
₫200,000
₫500,000

The large numbers can initially look surprising to Indian travellers. A price of ₫100,000 does not mean that you are spending an extremely large amount of money.

The important thing is to get used to the zeros.

For example, you may see:

₫50,000

₫100,000

₫200,000

₫500,000

The actual value in Indian rupees changes with the exchange rate, so it is better to check the current rate before your trip rather than relying on one fixed conversion.

Caption: Vietnamese Dong banknotes we handled during our September 2026 trip.

Photo tip: अगर आपकी photo में ₫20,000, ₫50,000, ₫100,000, ₫200,000 या ₫500,000 के notes साफ दिखाई देते हैं, तो यही photo सबसे अच्छी रहेगी।

Our September 2026 First-Hand Experience With Vietnamese Currency

Before our trip, I had already researched Vietnamese currency and knew that the large numbers could be confusing.

However, understanding the currency in real life was different from simply reading about it.

During our September 2026 family trip to Vietnam, we noticed that the main difficulty was not the banknotes themselves but quickly understanding the numbers while making everyday payments.

For example, local prices were sometimes spoken in shortened form. Instead of saying the complete amount, people could say something like “150” or “200”, meaning 150,000 VND or 200,000 VND depending on the context.

At first, we had to pay close attention to the number of zeros.

This is particularly important in busy markets or when you are shopping because:

₫50,000 and ₫500,000 are very different amounts.

After spending a few days in Vietnam, we became much more comfortable with the system.

Our practical advice is simple: don't rush when paying. Look at the amount, count the zeros and confirm the price if you are unsure.

Caption: Our first-hand experience of handling Vietnamese prices during our September 2026 trip.

How Indians Can Understand VND Quickly

One useful method is to mentally remove three zeros when looking at a price and then understand the amount in thousands.

For example:

₫100,000 = 100 thousand VND

₫200,000 = 200 thousand VND

₫500,000 = 500 thousand VND

You can also keep a currency-conversion app or calculator on your phone.

The exact INR value changes according to the exchange rate, so the figures below should only be treated as examples rather than fixed rates.

Vietnamese Dong	Approximate INR value*
₫50,000	Around a few hundred rupees
₫100,000	Around a few hundred rupees
₫200,000	Around several hundred rupees
₫500,000	Around ₹1,500–₹2,000 range depending on the rate
₫1,000,000	Around a few thousand rupees

Actual INR value changes with the exchange rate, exchange service, bank charges and card/payment fees.

For your own trip, always check the latest INR/VND rate shortly before travelling.

Should Indians Carry Cash in Vietnam?

Yes. Based on both our research and our own trip, carrying some Vietnamese Dong in cash is useful.

Cash can be particularly useful for:

Local markets
Small shops
Street food
Small cafés
Local vendors
Small purchases
Some local transport payments

Cards are useful too, particularly at hotels, larger restaurants, shopping centres and established businesses.

For most travellers, keeping a combination of VND cash and an international card is more practical than depending entirely on one payment method.

If you are interested in shopping during your Vietnam trip, our guide to the Top 5 Ho Chi Minh City Wholesale Clothing Markets may also help you understand the different shopping areas.

Our Experience: Cash, Cards and ATM Charges

One of the most useful lessons from our September 2026 trip was that the actual cost of accessing money can be different from the displayed exchange rate.

During our trip, we noticed that card transactions and ATM withdrawals could involve additional charges. In our own experience, the charges were around 8% in some situations.

This is our personal travel experience and should not be treated as a universal fee for every Indian bank or every ATM in Vietnam. Charges depend on the card issuer, ATM operator, payment provider and the type of transaction.

Therefore, before travelling, check your own bank's:

International transaction fee
Foreign currency conversion fee
ATM withdrawal fee
Exchange-rate markup
Daily withdrawal limit

This can make a noticeable difference to your actual travel expenses.

USD vs Indian Rupees for Vietnam

Before our trip, we researched different ways of taking money to Vietnam.

During our September trip, we found that carrying USD for exchange was more practical for us than relying on Indian Rupees for direct exchange.

Our experience was that exchanging Indian Rupees did not give us the same practical rate/value that we were expecting, while USD was more convenient for exchanging into Vietnamese Dong.

This does not mean that every traveller will receive exactly the same rate. Exchange rates and exchange-counter charges can change, so travellers should compare the final VND amount received, rather than looking only at the advertised rate.

For our trip, the exchange rate we experienced for USD was around the 25,800 VND per US dollar range, although the exact amount can vary by exchange counter and transaction.

Therefore, if you are carrying foreign currency for Vietnam, compare the actual amount of VND you will receive before exchanging a larger amount.

Can Indians Use Indian Rupees Directly in Vietnam?

You should not expect Indian Rupees to be accepted for normal purchases in Vietnam.

It is more practical to use:

Vietnamese Dong cash
An international debit/credit card
Foreign currency that can be exchanged into VND

If you are carrying Indian Rupees for exchange, check the available rate and charges first.

Do not assume that the exchange rate shown online will be exactly the rate you receive at a physical exchange counter.

Should You Exchange Money at the Airport?

The airport is convenient if you need some immediate Vietnamese Dong after arrival.

However, convenience does not automatically mean the best exchange rate.

A practical approach is to exchange enough money for your immediate requirements, such as:

Transport to your hotel
Food
Small purchases
Initial local expenses

Then compare rates at reputable exchange counters or banks before exchanging a larger amount.

Always ask how much VND you will actually receive after any applicable fees or commission.

If you are still planning your Vietnam trip, it is also useful to understand the visa process before arranging your travel budget.

You can read our detailed Vietnam e-Visa Guide for Indians before travelling.

Using ATMs in Vietnam

ATMs are available in major Vietnamese cities and tourist areas.

If you plan to withdraw money, check the ATM screen carefully before confirming the transaction.

Your total cost may include:

A fee charged by the Vietnamese ATM
A fee charged by your Indian bank
Foreign currency conversion charges
An exchange-rate markup

Our own September 2026 experience also showed why checking these charges matters. We encountered additional charges when using financial services abroad, so travellers should not calculate their budget using only the headline exchange rate.

Your experience may be different depending on your bank and card.

Important ATM and Card Tip

When an ATM or card machine gives you a choice about currency conversion, read the screen carefully before accepting the transaction.

If you are offered a choice between being charged in Indian Rupees or Vietnamese Dong, check the conversion information and applicable charges rather than automatically accepting the first option.

The final cost depends on your card issuer, ATM operator and payment provider.

How Much Cash Should You Carry in Vietnam?

There is no single amount that is suitable for everyone.

Your cash requirement depends on:

Number of travel days
Hotel bookings
Food
Local transport
Shopping
Tours and activities
Whether you use cards
Whether you are travelling for tourism or business/sourcing

For a normal tourist trip, keeping some VND cash along with an international card is practical.

If you are travelling for shopping or wholesale sourcing, your requirements can be very different from those of a normal tourist.

During our own Vietnam trip, we visited markets and shopping areas, so having cash available was useful even though we also had cards.

For readers interested in sourcing clothing from Vietnam, our guide Vietnam vs India Wholesale Clothing: Prices, Markets and Sourcing may also be useful.

Why Vietnamese Prices Can Be Confusing for Indians

The main challenge is the number of zeros.

For example:

₫20,000 is not ₫200,000.

₫50,000 is not ₫500,000.

This sounds simple when reading it at home, but when you are standing in a busy market, looking at products and listening to prices, it is easy to make a mistake.

We experienced this ourselves during our September trip.

Another thing we noticed was that local sellers sometimes shortened the way they said prices. For example, a seller might say “150” when the context means 150,000 VND.

Therefore, if you are not sure, ask for the price again or use your phone calculator.

Caption: Vietnamese prices can look confusing at first because of the large numbers and zeros.

Our Practical Tip for Shopping in Vietnam

If you are shopping in local markets, don't immediately hand over money just because you think you understood the price.

First:

Check the number → confirm the amount → then pay.

This is especially useful when you are dealing with ₫100,000, ₫200,000 and ₫500,000 notes.

It is also a good idea to separate smaller and larger notes in your wallet so that you can identify them quickly.

During our September trip, we also visited Tan Binh Market, which was particularly relevant to us because we were researching clothing sourcing and resale opportunities.

You can read our related guide about Tan Binh Market in Ho Chi Minh City for more information about this market and our observations.

Caption: Tan Binh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, during our September 2026 trip.

Cash vs Card in Vietnam: What Worked for Us?

Before our trip, our research suggested carrying both cash and cards.

After actually travelling to Vietnam, we found that this combination was practical.

Cash was useful for smaller local payments and markets.

Cards were useful where card payments were available.

However, because international card and ATM transactions can involve additional charges, it is important to understand your own bank's fee structure before travelling.

So instead of thinking of cash and cards as competing options, it is better to use them for different situations.

Best Money Strategy for Indians Visiting Vietnam

Before Leaving India

Check your bank's international transaction charges.
Check ATM withdrawal fees.
Enable international transactions on your card if required.
Carry a backup payment method.
Check the latest INR/VND and USD/VND exchange rates.
Keep emergency funds separately from your everyday spending money.

After Arriving in Vietnam

Keep some VND cash for immediate expenses.
Use cards where they are accepted and the charges are acceptable.
Withdraw cash only when needed.
Compare exchange rates before exchanging a large amount.
Check the zeros carefully before making cash payments.
Keep smaller notes available for everyday purchases.

Vietnam Currency Cheat Sheet for Indian Travellers

Here is a simple reference table:

Vietnamese Dong	How to Think About It
₫20,000	20 thousand VND
₫50,000	50 thousand VND
₫100,000	100 thousand VND
₫200,000	200 thousand VND
₫500,000	500 thousand VND
₫1,000,000	1 million VND

The INR equivalent changes with the exchange rate, so this table is intentionally focused on helping you read Vietnamese prices, rather than giving a fixed rupee conversion.

Our Biggest Lesson From Using Vietnamese Currency

Before visiting Vietnam, it is easy to think that understanding the currency is simply a matter of memorising the exchange rate.

Our September 2026 experience showed that the more important skill is actually recognising the numbers quickly in real-life situations.

The first few payments may require extra attention.

After a few days, however, the system becomes much easier to understand.

For us, the most useful habits were:

Looking carefully at the zeros
Confirming prices before paying
Keeping smaller notes accessible
Using a phone calculator when necessary
Comparing exchange rates
Not relying on just one payment method

Our Vietnam Trip: Hotel and Travel Insurance

For our Vietnam trip, we also planned our accommodation and travel insurance in advance.

Our Ho Chi Minh City accommodation was booked through Agoda, and we kept the booking confirmation with our travel documents.

We also took SafetyWing travel insurance for our international trip.

Before travelling, always read your travel insurance policy carefully, including coverage, exclusions, emergency assistance and other applicable conditions.

Keeping your hotel confirmation, insurance details, passport information and other important documents accessible on your phone can make international travel more organised.

Caption: Our accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City during our September 2026 family trip.

Final Tips for Managing Money in Vietnam

Vietnam is relatively straightforward for Indian travellers once you become comfortable with the Vietnamese Dong.

The large numbers may look confusing at first, but after a few days you will become familiar with them.

Based on our research and our September 2026 experience, these are the main things we would keep in mind:

Carry some Vietnamese Dong cash.

Keep an international card as a backup.

Check your bank's international transaction charges.

Check ATM fees before withdrawing money.

Compare exchange rates before exchanging a large amount.

Be careful with the zeros.

Confirm prices before paying in busy markets.

Do not assume that the online exchange rate is the same as the rate you will actually receive.

Most importantly, give yourself a little time to get familiar with the currency after arriving.

Once you understand the VND numbers, everyday payments become much easier and you can focus more on enjoying your Vietnam trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the currency of Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), commonly represented by ₫ or đ.

Is cash needed in Vietnam?

Yes. Cash can be useful for local markets, small shops, street food, small cafés and other everyday purchases. Cards are also accepted at many hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and established businesses.

Can Indians use debit and credit cards in Vietnam?

International debit and credit cards can be used at many businesses, but acceptance varies. It is sensible to keep some Vietnamese Dong cash as a backup.

Why are Vietnamese prices so high in numbers?

Vietnamese Dong has relatively large numerical denominations, so prices commonly contain several zeros. A price such as ₫100,000 does not mean you are spending an extremely large amount in Indian rupees.

Is USD useful in Vietnam?

USD can be useful for travellers who want to exchange foreign currency into Vietnamese Dong. During our September 2026 trip, we found USD more practical for exchange than relying on Indian Rupees. However, exchange rates and fees vary, so compare the actual VND amount you receive.

Is it better to carry cash or use a card in Vietnam?

A combination of Vietnamese Dong cash and an international card is practical. Cash is particularly useful for local markets and smaller payments, while cards can be convenient at larger establishments.

Should I exchange all my money at the airport?

Not necessarily. You can exchange enough for your immediate expenses and then compare rates at reputable exchange services before exchanging a larger amount.

Are ATM withdrawals expensive in Vietnam?

The cost depends on the Vietnamese ATM, your Indian bank, your card and the applicable currency-conversion charges. Always check the fees displayed before completing a withdrawal.

What was our experience with card and ATM charges?

During our September 2026 trip, we experienced additional charges of around 8% in some card/ATM situations. This was our own travel experience and should not be treated as a universal fee. Charges vary between banks, cards, ATMs and payment providers.

How can I avoid confusing ₫50,000 and ₫500,000?

Always check the number of zeros before paying. If you are unsure about a price, confirm it with the seller or use your phone calculator.

Is travel insurance useful for a Vietnam trip?

Travel insurance can provide protection for certain unexpected situations during an international trip. Always read the policy terms, coverage and exclusions before purchasing or travelling.

You can check SafetyWing travel insurance plans before your international trip.

Disclaimer

Currency rates, exchange rates and banking/ATM charges change frequently. Exchange rates and fees mentioned in this article are provided for guidance and based partly on our September 2026 travel experience. They should not be treated as guaranteed rates or fees for every traveller.

Always check the latest exchange rate and your own bank or card issuer's international transaction and ATM charges before travelling.

Travel insurance coverage depends on the specific policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Vetnam Currency Guide for Indians 2026: Vietnamese Dong, Cash, Cards, Exchange & Our First-Hand Experience