Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with plenty of variety on offer, known for its beaches, paddy fields, pagodas, full-tilt cities and hilll-tribe villages. It is definitely an exotic and compelling country to visit.
VND
Asia
The money
The State Bank of Vietnam resumed issuing coins on December 17, 2003. The new coins, minted by the Mint of Finland, were in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 Dong in either nickel clad steel or brass clad steel. Earlier, Vietnamese had to exchange banknotes for tokens with a clerk before purchasing goods from vending machines. This was also to help the state ease the cost of producing large quantities of small notes which tended to wear hard. Many residents expressed excitement at seeing coins reappear after many years, as well as concern for the limited usefulness of the 200 ??ng coins due to ongoing inflationary pressures. There had been rumours of coins being mistaken for candies by children and as fakes by some vendors since coins had long been absent from use in Vietnam, these reports have been difficult to verify.
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong
- Code
- VND
- Symbol
- ₫
- One Australian dollar
- 17,758 VND
Bank notes
- 1000 ₫
- 2000 ₫
- 5000 ₫
- 10000 ₫
- 20000 ₫
- 50000 ₫
- 100000 ₫
- 200000 ₫
- 500000 ₫
Coins
- 200₫
- 500₫
- 1000₫
- 2000₫
We supply notes only. Coins are listed so you know what the change in your pocket is worth.
What things cost in Vietnam
The left column is what the guide records locally. The right column is that same figure through today’s rate — the arithmetic we would do for you at the counter, done here instead.
| Everyday price | Dong | Australian dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant | 400,000 | A$22.53 |
| One-way ticket on local transport | 7,000 | A$0.39 |
| Bottle of water | 6,928 | A$0.39 |
Converted at 1 AUD = 17,758 VND, our online rate as at 9 Sep 2026, 05:32. Local prices are a guide to what you will pay, not a quote.
Before you go
- Vietnam is hot and humid in general. Be sure to pack loose fitting clothings to help survive the humidity. However the North can be pretty cold during winter time, if that is where you will be visiting during winter time, be sure to pack some warmer clothings.
- Vietnamese are very friendly, but can be money driven. Try to hide all items that make you look richer to avoid a price mark-up from some businesses. Always negotiate with them for the price, you will be surprised!
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, it is advisable to cover-up as a sign of respect.
- Vietnam is a paradise for foodies! Definitely try dishes such as Pho, Bun cha, Goi cuon, Cha ca and Nem ran.
- If you want to go on a tour, always check the reviews online! Don’t be surprised to find businesses with the same name. Contact the company directly or go to a travel agent, do not book tours via your hotel, as they will inflate prices.
- Basically everything is cheap in Vietnam!
- Avoid tap water, ice and salads. Also, brush your teeth with bottled water and wash your hands regularly. The last thing you want on a trip is food poisoning and an upset tummy.
Vietnam, photographed
-
Ho Chi Minh City — view full size
Ho Chi Minh City -
Mekong Delta — view full size
Mekong Delta -
Ha Long Bay — view full size
Ha Long Bay -
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park — view full size
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park -
Hue — view full size
Hue
Order your VND before you fly
Order online at today’s rate and collect it at the Ringwood counter, or have it delivered. The rate on this page is the rate we transact at.