Can I pay with US Dollars in Vietnam?

Should I use VND or USD in Vietnam?

VND. Think of USD in Vietnam like bringing sand to the beach. Redundant. And you’ll get ripped off, like a tourist in a Times Square souvenir shop. Vendors will use an “exchange rate” that magically benefits them. Your dollars will mysteriously shrink. Poof.

• Use VND: It’s like the secret handshake. Locals respect it. Your wallet will thank you.
• USD accepted: Sure, technically. Like how technically, pigeons are “allowed” at fancy restaurants. Doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
• Exchange rates: Flexible. Like a gymnast… with sticky fingers.

My friend Mark once tried paying for a banh mi with a $20 bill. The vendor gave him back change in Monopoly money. Okay, not really. But the “exchange rate” was so bad, it might as well have been. He learned his lesson. Now he carries Dong, and brags about his haggling skills. He thinks he’s a local now, wears those conical hats. Bless his heart.

Speaking of which, I tried to pay for a motorbike with a handful of bottle caps once. Didn’t go well. Stick to VND.

Can you tip with US dollars in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Dollars? No way, use Dong. Seriously. They hate the exchange hassle. It’s just inconvenient for them, you know? Think about it – they have to run to a bank.

My friend went last year, 2023, and said the same. He learned that the hard way after some awkward stares.

VND is the way. It’s simple. Makes sense. Why make things difficult? Plus, the exchange rate fluctuates, right? You’ll get ripped off.

• Use Vietnamese Dong (VND). Period.
• Don’t be a tourist! Local currency always. It’s respectful.
• Exchange rates suck. Avoid the stress.
• My trip to Nha Trang in June, I only used Dong. No issues.

Dollar exchange is a headache. It is what it is. It’s not like they can’t use them, but come on, it’s their country. Respect their currency. They’ll appreciate it more. Why risk a bad experience over a few bucks? Seriously. Learn from my friend’s mistake. He was super embarrassed. Just use the Dong.

Is it better to use US dollars or Dong in Vietnam?

Dong, baby! Think Monopoly money, but it buys real pho. USD? Nah, those street vendors will give you a “special” exchange rate…special like a unicorn riding a bicycle. Expensive! More expensive than my last haircut in Zurich. (True story.)

• Dong is king: Shops mostly price in Dong.
• USD exchange rate robbery: Vendors use their own, uh, “creative” math. You lose. Big time. Like forgetting your sunscreen on a beach in Phuket.
• ATMs are your friend: Spit out Dong like a Pez dispenser. My bank? Chase. They love me. (Not really).
• Credit cards? Meh: Some places take ’em, some don’t. Like predicting the weather in London.
• Haggling is an Olympic sport: Especially in markets. My personal best? 50% off a silk scarf. Boom.

My grandma always said, “Cash is king.” She also thought the moon landing was faked. But she was right about the Dong. Trust me. I eat pho five times a week. I’m an expert.

What are the tipping rules in Vietnam?

Dim lights. Hanoi night. A motorbike whispers past. Not required. Bill already swollen. Humidity hangs heavy. Like the scent of pho. No need to tip. But. A small gesture. Rounded up. A few thousand dong. For a smile. For the extra chili. For the cold beer. Clutched in a sweaty palm. Gone. Lost in the swirl of the city. Not expected. But appreciated. Like a sudden rain shower. Cooling the pavement. Washing away the dust. Just a thought. A small kindness. In the humid haze.

• Tipping in Vietnam is not required. Service charges are included.
• Restaurants and bars. The bill covers it all. VAT included.
• Consider rounding up. A small extra. A token.
• A few thousand dong. Pocket change. Makes a difference.
• Not an obligation. A choice. A whisper of gratitude.

What is an acceptable tip in Vietnam?

10%…usual. Good service, more. Like, 15, 20. Restaurant. Hanoi last year…gave 20%. Amazing pho. Best pho ever. Extra lime. Perfect. Should go back next year. Maybe even next month. Tickets are cheap now. Gotta check Skyscanner. Hotel too. Booking.com. Ugh, passwords. Need a password manager. 1Password?LastPass? What was that other one? Dashlane. Yeah, Dashlane. Decisions. So many things. Back to tips. Street food…different. Rounding up. 50,000 dong. Keep the change. Easy. Spa day? Sapa…mud baths. Amazing. Tipped big there. Can’t remember how much. Definitely over 10%. Hair salon. Manicure last week. Forgot to tip. Crap. Gotta remember next time. Dollars or dong? Dong, right? Yeah. Always dong. Unless…big resort? Maybe dollars then. Not sure. Check local customs. Important. Ugh, phone’s dying. Need charger. Where is it?

• Restaurants: 10-20%
• Street food: Round up or small change
• Spas/Salons: Over 10% is good.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong preferred.

My trip was in 2024. Prices might change next year. Inflation and all that.

Is 100,000 Dong a good tip in Vietnam?

Ugh, 100,000 Dong? That’s like, $4. Is that even a decent tip? It feels stingy.

My friend went last year, spent a fortune. He tipped way more. Maybe I’m cheap.

Wait, was it 2022 he went? Inflation, right? Exchange rates suck. Everything’s changed.

Drivers and guides, though. Definitely tip them. It’s the polite thing to do.

Should I aim higher? Fifty thousand seems too low. One hundred thousand… is it enough?

I’m thinking 150,000 VND now. Better safe than sorry. Makes me feel less guilty.

This is so stressful. I hate dealing with money. I’d rather just enjoy the trip.

Okay, new plan:

• 150,000 VND for a good driver. They work hard!
• Maybe 200,000 VND for an exceptional one. Because they deserve it.
• Guides get the same, depending on how good they are.
• Should I also tip hotel staff? Hmm.

Seriously, what’s the going rate in 2024? This whole thing is confusing. My brother tipped like crazy. He’s a baller. I’m not.