Is the $2 US bill really worth double its exchange rate in Vietnam?

Question

I have heard that the $2 bill (USA) is considered "lucky" in Vietnam. Because of this, you can exchange a $2 bill for DOUBLE its official exchange rate.

For example, the current exchange rate is $1 US = 16,000 Vietnamese Dong. So, $2 US = 32,000 Vietnamese Dong. However, if you have a $2 bill, in Vietnam you can exchange it for 64,000 Vietnamese Dong. This is an effective 100% gain on a $2 investment. Is this true???

My wife is Vietnamese so we visit Vietnam about once a year. If this IS true, then maybe I have found a way to make our dollars go twice as far!!!

Answer 1

Sorry this just has no basis in fact.  I am currently living in vietnam and this is just not true.  For Communists, The Vietnamese and some of the most capitalistic people you will ever see.  Just getting the right conversion rate is hard enough.

Answer 2

not very likely,mate no luck there

Answer 3

it doesn't really double.....

the $2 US = 32,000 dong....but if u exchange to the people off the street, then it would most likely $2 exchange for 40,000 dong...but tat's very rare....

Answer 4

a few dongs and $2 will get you a ride on a NYC subway

Answer 5

No whoever told you that was smoking something...sorry

Answer 6

The exchange rate for a $2 bill is the same as any denomination. In fact, you might receive a lower rate for exchanging currency less than $50 US. However, the sentimental value of a $2 bill is much higher than other US currency.

The Viets consider a US $2 bill to be "lucky" for lack of a better words. They collect $2 bills and rarely exchange it. An American or American Viet Kieu giving a native Viet a $2 bill is perceived as a symbol of trust and friendship by the native Viet - at least with my Viet family and friends. They never forget that you gave it to them, and I've received a lot more than $2 worth of friendship and favors from that exchange.

Long story short, your scheme of doubling your money by exchanging US $2 bills will not work the way you think it will. If you take a few with you and give them to family and friends, you will receive much more than $2 in return.