Vietnam currency: the dong and the cash rules

The dong, the cash rules at the border, and where to change money.

By the Local SIM Vietnam team, checked October 2, 2026

Illustration: paper banknotes beside a glass of iced coffee on a brass tray, a market lane behind.

The short answer

Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), written with the ₫ symbol. You may bring up to 15 million dong in cash, or 5,000 US dollars, without declaring it at the border; above that, declare at customs. Change money only at official exchange counters with a clear sign.

The dong, VND: written with the ₫ symbol.
Declare cash over 15 million dong or 5,000 US dollars when you cross the border.
Bank cards and traveller's cheques do not count towards the cash limit.
Change money only at official counters with a clear sign.

Checked October 2, 2026

Cash, cards and the border

Where	What to know
At the border	Declare cash over 15 million dong or 5,000 US dollars, coming in or going out.
Changing money	Official exchange counters only; changing elsewhere is illegal, and risks the money.
Cards and ATMs	Card and ATM fraud is common; the Canadian advice suggests machines inside banks or public buildings.
The eSIM plans on this site	Paid by card before you fly, in US dollars.

At the border
What to know
Declare cash over 15 million dong or 5,000 US dollars, coming in or going out.
Changing money
What to know
Official exchange counters only; changing elsewhere is illegal, and risks the money.
Cards and ATMs
What to know
Card and ATM fraud is common; the Canadian advice suggests machines inside banks or public buildings.
The eSIM plans on this site
What to know
Paid by card before you fly, in US dollars.

The dong in practice

At the border
Arriving or leaving with more than 15 million dong or 5,000 US dollars in cash means a customs declaration. Cards, traveller's cheques and similar papers are not counted as cash.
Exchange counters
Use official counters with a clear sign. The UK's advice warns that changing money anywhere else is illegal, and the loss is yours.
Cards
The Canadian advice reports frequent card and ATM fraud, and suggests using ATMs in public areas or inside a bank or business.

The bottom line

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Questions

What is the Vietnam currency?

It is the Vietnamese dong, written VND and with the ₫ symbol. Cash over 15 million dong or 5,000 US dollars must be declared at the border, and money is changed at official counters.

How much cash can I bring to Vietnam?

Up to 15 million dong and 5,000 US dollars need no declaration; more than either must be declared at customs. Cards and traveller's cheques are not counted towards the limit.