Where to exchange USD into dong in old quarter Hanoi?

Question

I'm staying in a hotel on Hang Hanh road in the Old quarter. i've heard jewelry stores offer some of the better exchange rates. can anybody refer me to a specific place to exchange money? also, will i get better rates with bigger bills?(100 dollar bill vs. 20 dollar bills?) lastly, if someone can give me a ballpark rate that is good, i'd appreciate it (i'm going next week)

Answer 1

1 dollar = 16,060 dong at the moment.  I would recommend jewelry stores as you already mentioned.  The $100 bill usually get a better rate.  Good Luck.  I will be there again in 19 days.  Cheers.

Answer 2

Forgive me for not knowing the street name. The jewelry store "street" in the Old Quarter crosses the street that runs in front of the Water Puppet Theater. It's about two blocks North of the theater and easy walking distance from your hotel.

My wife and I have met most all of them on that street, and they're pretty good people for the most part. My advice is to do what my wife had done. Go to each of the stores, compare their rates and pick the one with the best exchange rate. If all else fails, Vietcombank is not far away. Look for the big red brick building East of Hoan Kiem Lake that says "Vietcombank" on it.

You could receive a lower exchange rate for US bills smaller that $50. You could also receive a lower exchange rate if the bill is worn or damaged. The jewelry stores may scrutinize on this, but Vietcombank usually doesn't.

Chao em

Answer 3

You can go to Nha Chung street (next to Hom market, walking distance from Hang Hanh) many jewelry stores there offer best rate in Hanoi for many kinds of currency.

Right, you will get better rates with bigger bill, 50dollar bill and 100dollar bill normally same exchange rate, other smaller ones get smaller exchange.

(should not do exchange on the street, deal direct with the stores)

Answer 4

I stayed in a small hotel in Hang Bac. You won't be alone and you'll meet many travellers in the same boat, especially French people, and all of them, including the hotel owners can steer you in the right direction. It isn't the wild west. The catch is to have money to exchange, that's all.

Answer 5

Vietcombank is a place you can trust.