Vietnam Currency Guide for Indian Travellers
Are you planning a trip from India to Vietnam? Whether you’re exploring the stunning limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or indulging in authentic Vietnamese pho, managing your travel money smartly is key to a smooth experience.
I have been to Vietnam recently and writing this based on my experience. Grasping the currency of Vietnam and finding the place with the best INR to VND rate will save you time and money. It will be really helpful for Indian tourists to get an understanding of Vietnamese Dong (VND) as it is a very low value currency with no decimals. You can say it is more like, we will talk of paise for all our rates instead of Rupee. We have long forgotten paise !!
A Summary of the Official Currency of Vietnam
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency of Vietnam. The Dong is available in frequently used bank notes of denomination 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 VND.
As a point of reference, the value of 1 Indian Rupee (INR) is approximately equal to 290–310 Vietnamese Dong (VND) (the rates vary daily). While large denominations might be a bit puzzling, keep in mind that Dong is a non-decimal currency — and thus you would often see prices in the thousands even for very small purchases.
Currency limits to Vietnam
Under current regulations (Circular 15/2011/TT-NHNN of the State Bank of Vietnam providing the carrying of foreign-currency and Vietnam-dong cash by persons on entry or exit), you can carry along cash in Vietnam dong, US dollar or other foreign currencies when entering Vietnam via international border gates without any limitations.
Vietnamese Dong (VND): You can carry up to 15 millionVND in cash without any declarations. If the cash amount you carry exceeds 15 million VND, you must fill in and submit a declaration form to the border-gate customs office. There is no limit off course.
Other foreign currencies: You must declare foreign currency if the total value exceeds USD 5,000 or its equivalent.
Indian Rupees (INR): Indian regulations allow you to carry up to ₹25,000 in cash when traveling abroad. More than this amount needs to be declared.
Source: https://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/bringing-cash-to-vietnam-70130.html
INR to VND Exchange: Best ways to get Dong
The INR to VND exchange rate can vary across banks, airports, and forex dealers. While the Vietnamese Dong (VND) isn’t as widely traded as major currencies like USD or EUR and generally not available with banks. However it is now directly available for purchase in India with various major money changers including Orient Exchange (orientexchange.in) making it easier than ever for travellers to prepare for their Vietnam trip.
Here are the best ways to get your Vietnamese Dong before you fly:
- Buy VND Currency Directly in India
The most convenient and cost-effective option for Indian travellers is to purchase Vietnamese Dong (VND) directly in India through reputed money changers or RBI-authorised forex companies. Most important thing is before buying compare the rates online or offline with multiple players. You can easily check live INR to VND rates on the google, place your order online, and get genuine Vietnamese Dong delivered right to your doorstep.
- Use a Forex Card
If you prefer a cashless option, you can load your Forex Card with USD before travelling. Once in Vietnam, you can withdraw VND from ATMs or make card payments where accepted. However, note that in places like street food markets or small local shops, cards may not be accepted, and some merchants may add a markup of 2 to 4 percent on card transactions. Therefore, it’s always advisable to carry some cash for convenience.
- Avoid Airport Exchanges
Airport currency counters often have high margins and lower exchange rates. To save money, always plan your exchange in advance. Compare the Airport rate with your buying from the city and you will feel happy as to how much you have saved.
Planning Ahead: Travel Budgeting Tips for Indians
Budgeting your trip with currency exchange in mind ensures you don’t overspend or face cash shortages while in Vietnam. Here are some smart money management tips:
Estimate Daily Expenses:
Vietnam is quite affordable for Indian travellers. Average daily expenses range from ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on your travel style. This includes meals, transportation, and local attractions. Luxury travellers may spend up to Rs 10k.
Split Your Money:
Carry a mix of cash (for street markets and local transport) and card (for hotels and restaurants and upmarket shopping ).
Avoid ATM Withdrawal Fees:
ATMs in Vietnam charge withdrawal fees, usually around 50,000 VND per transaction. Minimize this by withdrawing larger sums at once.
Be Aware of Exchange Rates:
Since the value of the Vietnamese Dong (VND) is quite low, it can often be confusing to understand the actual exchange rate. It’s best to check live rates across different platforms, including orient Exchange.in and other online forex companies. Most of them publish live rate 24x7. Compare this with known offline stores too. Get an idea of how much VND you’ll receive for ₹25,000. Compare.
Carry Backup Funds:
Always keep a small reserve of USD cash, in case you need quick cash exchanges in smaller towns or emergencies en route airports etc.
By planning your currency usage early, you’ll have peace of mind throughout your trip — without worrying about running out of cash or losing money to poor exchange rates or searching for exchange counters instead of enjoying the scenic beauty. Further there are lot of authorised money changers there who give exchange without receipt. Better to avoid such things.
Return of excess cash in VND
There is a common misconception spread by some travel agents that the reconversion of destination currency is costly and will be costing 20%. So they recommend carrying USD. However, this is not true. You can check the buy back rate also online including with orientexchange.in. Some companies even allow reconversion of up to 25% of the currency at the same rate at which it was originally purchased. That is a steal !!!
Conclusion
Vietnam’s vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes make it a dream destination for Indian travellers. But to truly enjoy your journey, planning your currency exchange wisely is essential.
By understanding the Vietnamese Dong, following currency rules, and choosing a reliable partner, you can ensure smooth transactions and get more value for your money.
Carry some VND cash, some USD/INR debit/credit/prepaid card, some USD cash.
Enjoy your holiday.
Author : Bhaskar Rao P