Navigating payments when traveling is always a bit of a puzzle, especially when you’re heading somewhere with a currency as “quirky” as the Vietnamese dong (VND). If you’re wondering whether you can just whip out a crisp $20 bill in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and pay for your noodles or hotel stay, let’s tackle this with real stories, local law, and a peek at how global trade standards play into daily life. You’ll get a hands-on feel (with actual screenshots and regulatory links) for when USD works, when it doesn’t, and why the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.”
Let’s rewind to my first trip to Vietnam. I landed in Hanoi late, suitcase in tow, only to realize my only cash was a stack of US dollars. “No problem,” I thought—tourists use dollars everywhere, right? Wrong. My first attempt at a street food stall—total confusion. The vendor shook her head, pointed at the prices (all in VND), and sent me packing. At a mid-range hotel, the receptionist politely smiled, explained they could only accept dong, and advised me to find an ATM.
On my third day, however, I tried a larger international hotel chain. This time, the front desk manager hesitated, then said, “We can quote in USD, but payment must be in VND”—and showed me their rate chart for converting USD to dong (with a 3% markup). That’s when I realized: Vietnam’s official rules on currency are strict, but real life sometimes blurs the lines—though rarely in favor of the traveler.
It’s not just a matter of preference—there’s real legal muscle behind these policies. According to Vietnam’s State Bank (Circular No. 32/2013/TT-NHNN), the dong is the only legal tender for payments within Vietnam. Article 22 specifically states: “All payment, listing and advertising of prices in Vietnam must be made in Vietnam dong.” Violating this rule can result in fines of up to VND 500 million (roughly $21,000 as of 2024).
There are some exceptions, such as payments between banks, for certain import/export activities, or for organizations licensed by the central bank. But for you as a traveler, that means:
Let’s walk through a simulated scenario:
Here’s a screenshot from a real forum post on TripAdvisor:
“I tried to pay for my hotel in USD, but they insisted on dong and said it was illegal to take dollars. My advice: always carry VND. Even the shops in tourist areas won’t take USD anymore.” – user: Vietnamtraveller, 2023
I reached out to Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy, a compliance officer at a major Vietnamese bank, for his take. He shared:
“Vietnam has tightened foreign currency controls to stabilize the dong and combat money laundering. Allowing widespread USD payments would undermine monetary policy and could lead to price instability. Only licensed financial institutions and certain export/import transactions can legally use foreign currency.”
| Country | Legal Tender Rule | Law/Regulation | Enforcement Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Only VND permitted for domestic payments | Circular 32/2013/TT-NHNN | State Bank of Vietnam |
| Cambodia | USD widely accepted alongside the riel | National Bank of Cambodia directive | National Bank of Cambodia |
| Laos | Kip is official, but USD/THB accepted informally | Bank of Laos regulations | Bank of Laos |
| Thailand | Only baht is legal tender | Bank of Thailand Act | Bank of Thailand |
As you can see, Vietnam’s approach is stricter than some neighbors (like Cambodia) but similar to Thailand.
A classic example: An expat friend of mine, let’s call him Mark, tried to buy electronics in a border town shop using USD. The shopkeeper agreed—sort of. She calculated the price using her own exchange rate, which was 5% worse than the bank’s. Mark agreed, but when he tried to get a receipt, the shopkeeper wrote the price in dong, not dollars. Later, Mark ran into trouble claiming the expense for his company, which insisted on VND receipts. That little “shortcut” ended up costing him twice—once on the rate, again on paperwork headaches.
This isn’t just a personal hassle. According to a USTR report on Vietnam, inconsistent application of foreign currency rules at border regions, especially for cross-border trade, creates disputes and compliance risks (USTR 2023 NTE Report, p. 425).
If you’re headed to Vietnam, don’t expect to use USD like you might in Cambodia or touristy parts of Thailand. Vietnam’s legal framework is clear: the dong rules, and both small businesses and big hotels are bound by regulations that are increasingly enforced. Even if you find the occasional place willing to bend the rules, the exchange rate will almost never be in your favor.
Practical tips from my own (sometimes embarrassing) attempts:
For detailed advice, check the State Bank of Vietnam and major travel forums like TripAdvisor for the latest traveler reports. If you’re doing business, consult with a local legal expert or financial advisor to stay compliant.
My biggest takeaway? Don’t assume anything just because you’re a tourist. Vietnam’s currency rules are a core part of how the country manages its economy and financial system—and if you try to sidestep them, you’ll almost always pay the price.