Money

The Vietnamese currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). It is non-convertible, and is currently trading at approximately 21,000 VND to $1.00 USD, 30,000 VND to €1 EUR and 35,000 VND to £1.00 GBP. US dollars are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some on Saturday morning. In the major cities there are exchange bureaus and most hotels will change US dollars although for other currencies it is usually necessary to visit a bank. Exchange rates are more or less the same in banks and exchange bureaus and slightly higher in licensed gold shops. Travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaus but can be difficult to change outside of the major cities. Visa Card and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops but US dollars cash are still the most reliable form of money to carry. There are ATM machines in major cities.