Money exchange for Vietnam - At arrival airport or prior to departure?

[PLANT]

Well my experience is from 10 years ago......into Hanoi......cab fare was $20US dollars.....they stopped 2 times to get directions and then 100metres from Motel they wanted more money....refused exited and discovered that cab had pulled up short 100metres......

Found US dollars talks all languages.

That if you pay for something with a big note, review the change and make sure it has no writing on it.....got me storing a bike......needed to go to bank to get money changed so that other vendors would take it.
Back then I used banks with travellers cheques to get money....aircon, secure, space and time to make sure everything in order.

Money belt handy.
Bike taxi 10,000 dong anywhere.
Water 7000 dong
$1AU=10,000 dong I think.

Sit on bed and play with money for at least 30 minutes to get your head around appearance....have separate stashes..

And Remember VIETNAM is THE LAND OF IMITATION AND DECEPTION!

For future reference...where to get money before you get there?

 

[Bigtones]

Similar to the questions for other countries.

Where is the best place to get cash for Vietnam and do you need much cash?

Hi , I'am currently in Vietnam and have been here a few times before. The best thing to do is get a small amount for a cab from airport to hotel. ( Saigon to airport is $120000 to 140000 Dong which is $6- $7 AU for 25 minute trip to Ben than district 1). Cash is king so bring your Au $ over and you will get a much better rate at the money changers or on the street. Currently official rate is $1AU = 21500 Dong, from the official money changers it's $25000 Dong , on the street it's $30000 Dong. If you just get it out from ATM the exchange rate is much less than he official rate. Tips, only use Vinasun or mailinh taxis to avoid ripoffs, I've used Saigon taxi from airport as well and they were ok. When shopping they'll see you coming as silly tourist with $$$ signs above your head so always bargain at about 1/4 of what they say and rise in little bits as I see so many people thinking they are getting a good deal when they are not,e.g. Sunglasses on the street will star off at 350000 Dong say to them 50000 dong , they will laugh and act like your ridiculous, pick a few sunglasses you like like 5 pairs and you will get them for 50000 each. Although at the markets you'll get them for $100000 D when you walk away and play there game for 1 pair, same with t shirts and polos you'll get them for about 150000 d but they'll start off at 450000 D.

 

[Swanhaven]

I know that this is a late response but it may help some people: I have a business in Vietnam and visit the country every 3-5 weeks:Th rate is about 21,000 dong to the US dollar.
I carry my debit card of course but most terminals limit you to what you can draw AND BE CAREFUL - in Australia your card ALWAYS comes out before the money - in many cash machines in VN the cash comes out first and then yur card - quite often you can walk away and you card is sticking out of the machine (very lonely). I carry US dollars and A dollars to great effect. If I need dong I cash them $1-200 dollars at a time - look for good money changes - many around - you can get $25K to the US dollar without too much trouble - if you want to shop and bargain don't be afraid to use either US or A - the traders love them - you can easily get 25,000 on either currency - the official stand of the VN government is to trade only in DONG but as they say "it is more in the breach etc". On another matter, unemployment is presently high especially in HCM (Saigon) and petty crime is rampant - leave excess cash and especially your passport in the hotel safe - watch your Apple Phone if you are carrying - huge black market in this product and ladies always walk on the shop side of the streets - not the road side- bags are snatched by the hour. Sounds like I am whinging - but a lovely place with great people who are respectful and gentle - we employ 141 and they are great workers, love to work and enjoy working for good employers and give their best. Vietnam is one of the best investments I have made - usually travel on A VN flight which has a Code Share with QANTAS - if you shop carefully the price difference in J is small and Y is very cheap. Flys ex Sydney & Melbourne every day (about 11.30am) AESST and returns at 2130 each evening- make sure you are at the airport (VN) a god 2 hours before boarding - from book-in to departure level can be VERY long or VERY short - hardly anything in between. You will need a VISA - can be done on line but very expensive - at the VN consulate, very slow (Edgecliff in Sydney) however, VINA travel in Marrickville have an outstanding service - VISA's frfom24 hours to 5 days. Howvere will only acept CASH as in CASH .Shorter the period, greater the cost and if you want a great 5 star hotel try The Equatorial in District 5 in HCM City- just home from home and rates are very reasonable for a 5 star. Hope this helps.