Getting U.S. Dollars in Vietnam?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew currently how easy it is to purchase U.S. dollars in Ho Chi Minh City using the Dong?

Do the banks currently give U.S. dollars in exchange for Dong? And if not, can they be purchased on the black market, and what is the exchange rate of the black market compared with the exchange rate of the Vietcombank.

Thanks

Answer 1

we were able to get dollars from the banks upon presentation of airline tickets - but the organizations we worked with had dollar accounts, or dong accounts that were replenished with dollar transfers.

Answer 2

It is very easy - the $ is like a second currency here. However the dollar is at a premium at the moment as the value of the dong is decreasing, which means that you may have to  folk out a lot of Dong for your Buck. Shop around - don't just take the first rate you see.

Answer 3

I think you get better deal in the black market.  Normally most of the jewlery store will do money exchange.  Just go to one and ask.  Be careful of robery though.  Life is very hard, economy is worst.....  any thing can happen (any where).

US $1=16,825 dong

Answer 4

You shouldn't have any problems getting dollars.  About any jewelry store will do the exchange.  We did the exchange at a jewelry store there the first of this month. c

Answer 5

Quite difficult to get dollars at the bank at the moment,certainly here in Nha Trang it is,i was actually refused.But you should have no problem at the many gold shops dotted around,and you will get a better rate.Also if you are prepared to accept lower denominations you will get an even better rate.{they like to keep hold of the $100 bills}.

Answer 6

yes, buy at the airport

Answer 7

1USD = 16,825DONG

5USD = 84,125DONG

10USD = 168,250DONG

20USD = 336,500DONG

50USD = 841,250DONG

100USD = 1,682,500DONG

The link below can help you too whenever your traveling and have internet.

The best places to trade money is at a market. They will give you more a bit. Fancy places like hotels or banks are not really worth it.