How strong is Vietnam currency?
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is currently among the world's lowest-valued currencies. As of August 2024, its exchange rate requires a large number of dongs to equal just one U.S. dollar, making it the third weakest currency behind the Iranian Rial and the Lebanese Pound.
How strong is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) currency today?
Okay, lemme tell you what I think I know about the Vietnamese Dong. It’s kinda confusing, honestly.
As of August 2024, the Vietnamese Dong (VND) is ranked as the third-lowest valued currency unit internationally. It comes after the Iranian Rial and the Lebanese Pound.
Okay, so basically, I remember exchanging some USD for VND back in July, maybe around the 15th? I was in Ho Chi Minh City.
I vaguely recall getting a ton of Dong for, like, 20 bucks. It felt kinda ridiculous! Made me feel rich, even though I wasn’t, lol.
I think it was something around 23,000 VND for one USD. The exchange rate was displayed on a big digital screen at the airport (Tan Son Nhat, I think).
It bought me a delicious banh mi, a coffee, and a few little souvenirs from Ben Thanh Market.
So yeah, it’s not exactly a strong currency, relatively speaking. But it goes far locally, you can live quite well with it.
Still, makes your wallet bulge, believe me.
What can you buy with 20,000 Dong in Vietnam?
With 20,000 Dong, you can snag some everyday treats.
- A steaming bowl of pho, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
- A thirst-quenching nuoc mia (sugarcane juice).
- Maybe a banh mi, if you haggle a bit.
It’s enough for a taste of local life. The value varies. Tourist spots, naturally, inflate prices. Local markets are the place to be. They are where your Dong goes further. You can almost feel like a local. It’s all part of the charm, you know? Speaking of, I once bought a ridiculously oversized hat in Hanoi for just 15,000 Dong.
Street food is the answer. Affordable eats are the key. You get more for less if you wander off the beaten path. It’s also a chance to experience the authentic flavors. My friend Trang always knew the best, cheapest spots.
Is Vietnams currency weak?
Okay, so Vietnam’s Dong…is it weak? Hmm.
The Dong (VND)…yeah, it’s kinda weak. Compared to the US Dollar or Euro. Like, duh. It’s not gonna be strong.
The State Bank of Vietnam… they manage it, right? A “managed floating exchange rate.” What does that even mean? Sounds complicated.
- Keep it stable-ish.
- Stay competitive.
- That’s the goal, anyway.
It does fluctuate. I saw that news story about the VND depreciating against the USD. Global stuff… rates. Yawn.
It stays within a band. Controlled… like my internet access growing up lol.
Is it really that weak, though? Relative, I guess. Everything is.
- Remember that trip I planned with Anh in 2023?
- Convert money then!
- Thinking about what to pack for that trip!
What can you buy with 20,000 Dong in Vietnam?
Ugh, 20,000 dong. Hanoi, 2023. Hot as hell. Couldn’t even get a decent banh mi. Maybe a small pho at a street stall. Not the good stuff. Definitely not enough for a bia hoi. Remember that tiny place near Hoan Kiem Lake? Plastic stools, noisy. Best pho ever. 40,000 dong, though. Double. 20k got me a bottle of water. And a che. Sweet, kinda weird jelly thing. Not bad. Still hungry. Sunscreen was more than 20k. Rip-off. Tourist prices. Should’ve haggled.
- Food: Basic pho, street vendor. Small.
- Drinks: Water. Local soda. Cheap che.
- Other: Nope. Not much else. Maybe a postcard. Not even close to a taxi.
Haggling is key. Especially for sunscreen. Don’t get ripped off like me. Local markets are cheaper. Definitely. Tourist traps everywhere. Ben Thanh Market. Nightmare. Fixed prices. High.
- Ben Thanh Market: Overpriced. Avoid.
- Local Markets: Better prices. Worth it.
- Sunscreen: Essential. Bring your own.
Lost my sunglasses too. Dumb. Another 200k gone. Ouch. That’s ten bowls of cheap pho.
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