The official currency in Vietnam is Dong (VND). Banknotes are issued in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 dong. Be careful when handling the 20,000 and 500,000 bills because they look quite similar.
Currency exchange services are available upon arrival at the airport. The exchange rates are not as good as in the city but you may need it for taxi fare or other immediate needs.
Money exchange shops and jewelry stores are your best options to get the most favorable rates. These shops can be easily found at the Old Quarter.
If you want to be more secure about your transaction, opt to exchange your money at bank branches or ATM. Almost all banks in Vietnam offer foreign currency exchange service. Transactions may take longer because you will need to fill up some forms and present required documents.
The major currencies that are widely accepted at Hanoi’s forex shops include USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD, JPY, and HKD.
Read on for more details about the best places to exchange money in Hanoi.
Image credit: diachiso.vnThe Old Quarter is the main tourist destination in Hanoi with Hoan Kiem Lake as the centerpiece. The atmosphere of the place is super vibrant with many kinds of activities day and night. Any kinds of services that one needs in Hanoi can be found here. So it is not hard to buy local currency in the area.
Forex service at the Old Quarter is mostly offered by gold dealers and tour operators. Their rates are often better than banks’ rates.
You can find these gold shops along Ha Trung and Hang Bac streets. Most of them only exchange US dollars and are open from Mondays to Saturdays.
RECOMMENDED MONEY CHANGERS
1) Quoc Trinh Gold Shop
2) Kim Linh Jewelry
3) Tu Binh Jewelry
4) Hanoi Money Exchange
5) Phu Van Jewelry
6) Manh Hung Jewelry
*Opening hours may vary. Call first before visiting.
Image credit: Hoang Tin Gold ShopThere are also reputable gold dealer shops outside the Old Quarter that provide professional currency exchange service.
Vang Hoang Tin gold shop – located near Kim Ma bus station, and Bao Tin Minh Chau – situated near Bay Mau lake are the two most visited places. Both shops are open daily.
RECOMMENDED MONEY CHANGERS
1) Vang Hoang Tin Gold Shop
2) Bao Tin Minh Chau
3) Kim Chung Gold Shop
4) Bao Minh Jewelry
*Opening hours may vary. Call first before visiting.
Most bank branches at the Old Quarter in Hanoi are clustered around Hoan Kiem Lake and near Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. Banks are the option to go for if you are looking for a more secure transaction and exchange rates are not your highest priority.
Among many banks available at the Old Quarter, Vietcombank, Vietinbank, and Techcombank are the most popular. For a successful transaction, bank account is not required but identification document is a must.
RECOMMENDED BANK BRANCHES
1) Vietinbank on Ly Thuong Kiet
2) Vietcombank on Cau Go
3) Techcombank on Bat Dan
4) Vietnam International Bank (VIB) on Dinh Tien Hoang
5) SHB on Hang Hanh
*Opening hours may vary. Call first before visiting.
