Vietnam Currency Calculation: Vietnamese Dong

Vietnam Currency Calculation: Get to Know the “Dong” Before You Travel

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. I have had the opportunity to travel and experience the beauty and lifestyle of Vietnam many times. One of the things many people often wonder about and worry about is the “Vietnamese currency” or what is known as the “Dong” (VND). Today, I will share my firsthand experience from the field along with simple dong calculation tips to help make your Vietnam trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Getting to Know the Dong (Vietnamese Dong) Basics

First of all, I must say that the dong is a currency with a very low value compared to the Thai baht or the US dollar. Therefore, the numbers you see are very large and may seem like a lot, but the actual value may not be as high as you think. For example, 1,000 dong may be worth less than 2 Thai baht.

From my experience traveling to several provinces such asLang Son Provincewhere I stayed in 2015, I found that food and general service prices often have high numbers, but when converted to Thai baht, they are very cheap. For example, roasted duck in the local market costs about 40,000 dong, which is only around 60-70 baht.

Simple and Practical Dong Calculation Tips

For travelers who don’t want to get a headache from detailed dong calculations, I, mr.hotsia, have a simple formula that always works well:

• Take the dong amount and divide by 700 (or approximately this, depending on the current exchange rate).
• For example, if you see a price of 140,000 dong, divide by 700 to get about 200 baht.

Sometimes, if the numbers are hard to divide, you can use rough estimates, such as 10,000 dong equals about 15 Thai baht. This helps you get a better sense of prices for goods and services without having to use a calculator every time.

Currency Exchange and Spending in Vietnam

When I arrive in Vietnam, I usually exchange dong at the airport or money exchange shops in big cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi because the rates are quite good and convenient. In provinces I have visited, such asLang SonorNha Trang Seathere are small money exchange shops in the town centers, but you should check the exchange rates and amounts carefully before deciding to exchange.

For daily spending, cash is still king in Vietnam, especially in local markets, street food stalls, or small tourist spots where credit card machines may not be accepted. For example, in morning markets in various cities, I usually use dong cash to comfortably buy food and souvenirs at affordable prices.

Examples of Food Prices and Living Costs in Vietnam

From my real experience in the field, I, mr.hotsia, want to share interesting food prices in Vietnam, such as Vietnamese chicken biryani in the city, priced around 30,000-40,000 dong (about 50-60 baht), which is delicious and filling. Another popular dish is grilled button squid at the night market, which is flavorful and not expensive at all.

Additionally, I found that atVinh Long Bus Stationwhich is a key transfer point in the Mekong Delta, bus or taxi fares in that city are often much cheaper than expected. For example, a taxi from the station to the city center costs about 50,000-70,000 dong (20-30 baht) only.

Warnings When Using Dong and Exchanging Money

I, mr.hotsia, warn all travelers that when using taxi services, you should negotiate the price clearly before getting in and be cautious of communication misunderstandings. For example, I was almost taken to Ho Chi Minh because of a street name that is the same as one in Vinh Long. Also, keep your banknotes safe because there are many types and denominations that look similar.

When exchanging money, choose reputable places and avoid exchanging at unknown sources because you might encounter counterfeit notes or unfair exchange rates.

Summary of Experience and Advice from mr.hotsia

My travels in Vietnam, including Lang Son with its mountains and delicious roasted duck, or the peaceful and beautiful Nha Trang sea, all require the dong as the main currency. Understanding how to calculate and exchange dong will help you feel confident and enjoy your trip more.

Don’t forget to use the simple calculation formula I recommend and prepare enough cash because even in major tourist spots likeNha Trangorthe Buddhist temples in Da Lat citythere are still places where cash and price negotiation are necessary.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, wish your journey in Vietnam to be full of great memories, delicious food, and fun with every dong you spend in this land.

If you want to learn more about traveling in Vietnam, check out my other articles such asLang Son ProvinceorNha Trang Seaat hotsia.com. And if you want to see a detailed dong calculation method, click to watch the introduction video here.Vietnam Currency Calculation: Vietnamese Dong