VND Currency Converter & Vietnamese Banknote Guide
Convert Vietnamese dong to US dollars, euros, pounds and more at today's rate, count the cash in your wallet, and learn to tell the look-alike notes apart. Today 1 US$ ≈ 25,951 ₫.
Updated: 25 Sep 2026Mid-market rates from ExchangeRate-API, refreshed when you open the page. Exchange shops and ATMs in Vietnam usually give 0.5 – 2% less.
Count your cash
Vietnamese banknotes: how to tell them apart
| Note | Colour | ≈ US$ | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500,000 ₫ | Teal-blue | $19 | Easily confused with 20,000 (also blue) |
| 200,000 ₫ | Red-orange | $7.71 | Can look like 10,000 in dim light |
| 100,000 ₫ | Green | $3.85 | |
| 50,000 ₫ | Pink-purple | $1.93 | |
| 20,000 ₫ | Blue | $0.77 | Easily confused with 500,000 |
| 10,000 ₫ | Brown-yellow | $0.39 | Easily confused with 200,000 |
All notes from 10,000 ₫ up are plastic (polymer) and every one shows Ho Chi Minh on the front, so always read the number of zeros. The classic mistake is handing over a 500,000 ₫ note (≈ $19) instead of 20,000 ₫ (≈ $0.77) — both are blue. Keep large and small notes in separate pockets.
Quick reference: what things cost in dong
FAQ
Should I bring US dollars or exchange at home?
Bring clean, undamaged US dollars or euros and exchange in Vietnam — rates at gold shops and banks in the cities are usually better than at home or at the airport. ATMs are everywhere but charge about 20,000 – 110,000 ₫ per withdrawal plus your bank's fee.
Can I pay by card in Vietnam?
Hotels, malls, chain cafés and Grab accept cards. Street food, markets, small shops and taxis are mostly cash. Plan to carry cash for daily spending.
Is there a limit on cash I can bring into Vietnam?
You must declare foreign currency over US$5,000 (or equivalent) or more than 15,000,000 ₫ in cash at customs on arrival.