Ultimate Guide to Currency Exchange in Vietnam: Rates, Safety & Digital Alternatives
As of February 5, 2026, the Vietnam exchange rate for the US Dollar is approximately 1 USD = 25,982 VND. For travelers and expats, navigating the landscape of currency exchange in Vietnam has changed significantly this year due to new government regulations and the rise of digital "PayFi" solutions. To get the best currency exchange in Vietnam, you must balance traditional cash methods with modern tools like the Fizen Super App to avoid high fees and legal risks.
What is the Current Vietnam Exchange Rate for USD to VND?
The USD to VND market in early 2026 is experiencing a "new interest-rate regime," with the State Bank of Vietnam maintaining tight control. While official bank rates at institutions like Vietcombank hover around 25,790 – 26,180 VND, "black market" or unofficial rates can be slightly higher but come with increased scrutiny under new laws.
| Entity | Buying Rate (Cash) | Selling Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Vietcombank | ~25,790 VND | ~26,180 VND |
| Indovina Bank | ~26,030 VND | ~26,380 VND |
| Unofficial (Licensed Gold Shops) | ~26,430 VND | ~26,570 VND |
| Fizen App (USDT в VND) | 26,446 VND |
Pro Tip: Always carry crisp, new $100 bills. Older, torn, or marked notes often receive a lower exchange rate or are rejected entirely by banks and shops.
Where is the Best Currency Exchange in Vietnam?
Knowing where to exchange money in Vietnam depends on your location and your priority: safety or the absolute highest rate.
Top Locations in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
For those wondering where to exchange money in Ho Chi Minh, the area around Ben Thanh Market remains the hub.
- Ha Tam Jewelry: Located at 2 Nguyen An Ninh, this is legendary for offering competitive rates that often beat the banks
- Hung Long Money Exchange: Found at 86 Mac Thi Buoi, known for fast service and reliability
Top Locations in Hanoi and Da Nang
- Hanoi: The "Gold Street" (Ha Trung Street) is the go-to spot.
Quoc Trinh (27 Ha Trung) is the most famous licensed dealer - Da Nang: If you are looking for where to exchange money in Da Nang, head to Tam Thanh (Hieu Vang) near the airport for city-level rates, or Vietcombank branches on Nguyen Van Linh street for maximum security
How to Exchange Money Safely
How to exchange money in Vietnam changed legally on February 9, 2026. The Vietnamese government issued Decree 340/2025/ND-CP, which imposes strict fines on unauthorized foreign currency transactions.
- Fines for Individuals: Trading currency at unlicensed institutions can result in warnings for amounts under $1,000, but fines scale up to 20 million VND ($800) for larger amounts
- The Golden Rule: Only exchange money at locations with a visible "Foreign Currency Exchange" license to avoid legal trouble
What Can $100 Buy You in Vietnam Today?
Many travelers ask, "Is $100 a lot of money in Vietnam today?" With $100 (approx. 2.6 million VND), you can live quite comfortably:
- Purchasing Power of $1: One dollar gets you a fresh Banh Mi, a traditional Ca Phe Sua Da, or a short 2km Grab motorbike ride
- How long will $100 last? For a budget traveler, $100 can last 3–4 days, covering local meals, a hostel bed, and sightseeing
- Is $1000 enough for 2 weeks? Absolutely. $1000 (26 million VND) provides a mid-to-high range experience including boutique hotels, internal flights, and fine dining
Fizen Experience: Why Traditional Exchange is Becoming Obsolete
While hunting for the best currency exchange in Vietnam, many tech-savvy travelers are skipping the gold shops entirely. At Fizen, we’ve seen a 40% shift toward stablecoin-based payments in 2026.
Our Experience: Why carry stacks of VND when you can pay via QR code? In Vietnam, the Fizen Super App allows you to spend your USDT or USDC directly at any merchant accepting VietQR.
- Zero Cash Risks: Avoid the risk of counterfeit bills or getting short-changed at unofficial booths
- Real-time Rates: Get transparent conversion rates from stablecoins to VND without the "tourist tax"
- Universal Acceptance: From street food stalls in Da Nang to luxury hotels in Saigon, just Scan to Pay with Fizen
- Easy top-up: Bind your bank card, use a bank transfer or send crypto
Ready to skip the exchange booth? 👇🏻
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the typical fees for converting dollars to dong?
Banks usually charge a 2–4% spread.
Licensed gold shops offer better rates with a spread closer to 1%.
Beware of "zero fee" claims at airports—they usually hide the cost in a very poor exchange rate.
How can I avoid high exchange fees?
A: Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels.
Use a PayFi app Fizen to pay directly with stablecoins, or use ATMs from banks like TPBank or VPBank which often have higher withdrawal limits and lower foreign transaction fees.
Where can I exchange money in Vietnam safely?
Stick to major commercial banks (Vietcombank, BIDV) or large, established jewelry stores in District 1 (HCMC) or Ha Trung Street (Hanoi) that display official exchange licenses.
