Where to exchange money in Ho Chi Minh City
Short version: change a little at the airport, then use an exchange counter in District 1 or an ATM.
What to bring
Don't buy dong at home; the rate is poor. US dollars get the best rates in Ho Chi Minh City. Euros and other major currencies are accepted at most counters but the spread is usually wider.
Bring clean, new US$100 bills. Folded, torn or marked notes may be refused or get a lower rate.
Airport counters
The worst rates in the city. Change 500,000–1,000,000 VND for your ride and first meal.
Exchange counters in District 1
- Hưng Long Money Exchange, 86 Mạc Thị Bưởi: air-conditioned, English spoken, easy for tourists. Rates are good, if not always the best.
- Eximbank Exchange Point 59, 135 Đồng Khởi: a bank-run counter on Dong Khoi Street. Quotes can vary a little between staff, so compare with one other counter before changing a large amount.
Foreign currency can legally only be exchanged at licensed places in Vietnam. Plenty of people change money at the gold shops near Ben Thanh Market, but if you can't tell whether a shop is licensed, stick to banks and clearly licensed counters like the ones above.
Ask for the rate before you hand anything over, and count your cash before you leave.
ATMs
Fees for foreign cards vary by bank:
- VPBank: reportedly no fee for foreign cards, up to 10 million VND per withdrawal.
- ACB: also no fee, but the limit is around 3 million VND.
Your own bank may still charge a foreign withdrawal fee.
If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and choose VND. Otherwise you pay a second, worse conversion.
Cards
Hotels, malls, chain cafés and most sit-down restaurants take Visa and Mastercard. Street food stalls, markets and small local places are mostly cash only.
Handling cash
- The 500,000 and 20,000 notes are both blue. Look twice before paying.
- Break big notes at a supermarket or convenience store so you have small change for taxis and street food.
Sources: Local Vietnam money exchange guide (updated July 2026), World Nomads