When traveling in Vietnam, for most financial transactions, Vietnamese people tend to prefer using cash over card payments. Although the use of credit or debit cards for payments is gradually becoming popular, it is only supported in a few places such as restaurants or shopping centers. Therefore, carrying cash is still the best option as street vendors never accept credit cards and are widespread across the country1.
Note that not all money exchange counters are the same. Exchanging money at airports, banks, or money changers often results in different exchange rates. Always determine whether you are getting a favorable rate before exchanging money2.
1. Quoc Trinh Gold Shop
- Address: 27 Ha Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, just a few hundred meters from the Vietnam Tuong Theater3.
- Contact: +84 4 3826 88564
- Working hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 – 18:005
When you exchange money at Quoc Trinh Gold Shop on Ha Trung Street, you usually get a good rate, and the staff is professional, making everything really quick. Therefore, Quoc Trinh Gold Shop is definitely one of the best places to exchange money in Hanoi. The exchange rate here is really good, even better than many other shops or banks in Hanoi. Many tourists place a lot of trust and choose this place as their favorite spot to exchange money in Hanoi6.
2. Giang Son Gemstone Jewelry
- Address: 130 P. Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam7
- Contact: +84 24 3826 73338
- Working hours: Monday to Sunday 07:30 – 22:309
3. Quang Huy
- Address: 130 P. Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam10
- Contact: +84 24 3826 711711
- Working hours: Monday to Saturday 08:30 – 17:0012
4. Banks
In Vietnam, major banks like Vietcombank, Vietinbank, Agribank, and Eximbank offer currency exchange services. While banks are reliable, be prepared for potential wait times, and keep in mind that a fee of 0.5% to 2% may be applied. It’s advisable to carry new notes, as damaged or dirty notes might incur an extra charge of 2% of the note’s face value13.
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