29/07/2026
💵 How to Tell Vietnamese Money Apart (So You Never Overpay!)
If it’s your first time in Vietnam, don’t worry - almost everyone gets confused by the money at first. With so many zeros and similar-looking banknotes, it’s easy to hand over the wrong note. Here are a few simple tips to make paying a whole lot easier.
💡 Think in “k”
The easiest trick is to ignore the last three zeros.
• 25,000 VND = 25k ≈ $1 USD
• 50,000 VND = 50k ≈ $2 USD
• 100,000 VND = 100k ≈ $4 USD
• 200,000 VND = 200k ≈ $8 USD
• 500,000 VND = 500k ≈ $20 USD
⚠️ Watch Out for These Notes
The most common mistake visitors make is mixing up:
🔹 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND (both blue)
🟤 10,000 VND and 200,000 VND (similar brown tones)
Before paying, take a second to check the number - not just the color.
The Easiest Way to Identify Notes
All Vietnamese banknotes have the same portrait, so don’t rely on the face.
Instead, look at:
✅ The color
✅ The size (higher values are larger notes)
✅ The number printed on the note
A simple tip: keep your 500k & 200k notes in one section of your wallet and 50k and under in another. It makes paying much quicker.
💵 Spend Like a Local
• Use smaller notes for street food, markets, and Grab rides.
• Save large notes for supermarkets, convenience stores, or shopping malls where it’s easier to get change.
• Always count your change before walking away - locals do the same.
📱 Cash or Card?
Vietnam is becoming more cashless, and many cafés, restaurants, and shops accept QR payments or cards. But for street food, local markets, and small family-run businesses, cash is still your best friend.
Most importantly, don’t stress if you make a mistake. Vietnam is known for its honesty, and many locals will let you know if you’ve handed over the wrong note.
Have you ever mixed up Vietnamese money, or is this your first trip to Vietnam? Let me know in the comments! 👇