We are off to Vietnam on 22 May (Vietnam Highlights) and I was just looking into currency and noticed the Post Office don't supply Dong. Is it worth getting some prior to arrival or is an ATM easily found in Hanoi? We are being met on arrival by ImTrav....
We will have some US$ but I was hoping to have some local currency on arrival.
Hello Michael58,
Thanks for posting on the forums.
It's a good idea to take along US$ to change whilst you are in Vietnam, but I agree it is best to have some local currency with you for when you arrive. It's just those small things like buying drinks/snacks and knowing you have the peace of mind of not being in another country with no currency!
There are ATMs in the big cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, and lots of the hotels will change money for you too.
What I would do is change a small amount at the airport before you board your flight. If it's just a little bit the unfavourable airport exchange rates won't really make any major difference, and at least you will have some currency with you. On arrival you can then go about locating at ATM - the hotel or your tour leader will be able to advise you on this.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Kelly
Kelly,
Is the exchange rate better in Vietnam than a bank here in the US with no exchange fees attached?
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your post. I can't imagine there will be much in it, to be honest. I haven't been to the US or changed money there, but speaking from the UK if you change money at a "no fees" place before you go it isn't going to be that much difference to the rates you will get it at once in the destination.
Also, on a fairly short 2 or 3 week tour it's unlikely you will need to take enough money with you for it to make any really significant difference. If you were taking thousands of dollars then it would be worth shopping around for the best rates, but on several hundred it won't be a big difference either way.
Last year when I went to Thailand I changed about £400 at the airport (London) and compared with the rates once I was actually in Thailand it made practically no difference, maybe £10 or so.
I hope this helps,
Regards
Kelly