How much money can I take out of Vietnam?

How much money can you bring from Vietnam to US?

Oh, you're asking about bringing money from Vietnam to the US, huh? It's... it's a bit of a quiet thing, isn't it? Like you're carrying a little piece of home with you, but then you have to be so careful.

You can bring 5,000 USD, or whatever that amount is in other foreign money. It’s that exact limit. Or, if it’s the Vietnamese Dong, it’s 15,000,000 VND. That’s the number.

And then, if you’re coming into Vietnam, carrying foreign currency... well, that's a different story. They have their own rules for that. It's a whole different set of considerations.

Here's a breakdown of the specifics, so it's not just me rambling in the dark:

• Bringing money from Vietnam to the US:

  • Foreign Currency (USD equivalent): You are allowed to carry up to 5,000 USD. This applies to any foreign currency, so if you have Euros or Yen, you have to convert it to the USD equivalent to check against that 5,000 limit.
  • Vietnamese Dong (VND): The limit for VND is 15,000,000 VND. Once you exceed this, you're in different territory.

• Bringing money into Vietnam (for comparison):

  • If you are entering Vietnam and carrying foreign currency, you must declare it if it exceeds certain thresholds.
  • For cash, the amount that requires declaration is generally over 5,000 USD or its equivalent.
  • There are also limits on precious metals, gems, and valuable documents.

Key Takeaways for Travel:

• Declare what you carry. It's always better to be upfront.
• Know the limits. Both for leaving Vietnam and for entering the US.
• Currency conversion is important. Don't just count the Dong; understand its USD value.
• Customs regulations change. Always check official sources before you travel.

This is all about respecting the rules, you know? It's not just about the money, it's about the process, the silent understanding of what's allowed.

How much can I withdraw in Vietnam?

It’s always the money, isn't it? Standing in front of some ATM in the humid night. The machine hums and then spits out so little. A handful of paper that feels like it disappears before you even put it in your wallet.

Most of them, the local ones, they cap you. It feels like a joke. You need cash for rent, for a deposit, and you're stuck doing it over and over. I did it four times once for my first place on Nguyen Trai street. Just standing there. Transaction failed. Transaction approved. Fee.

The constant fees. They just chip away at you. Small amounts, but it adds up. It's the principle of it.

• Local Bank ATMs (Vietcombank, Agribank, BIDV): These are everywhere, on every corner. But the limit is a pain. You can only withdraw between 2,000,000 VND and 3,000,000 VND at a time. It's never enough.

• International Bank ATMs: These are your best bet for larger sums, but you have to hunt for them. They're mostly just in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Citibank: This is the one. The withdrawal limit is 10,000,000 VND. The one on Ton Duc Thang street saved me more than once.
  • HSBC: Also good, solid. Their limit is 8,000,000 VND per withdrawal.
  • ANZ/Shinhan Bank:Lets you take out 5,000,000 VND. Better than the local ones, anyway.

And remember your own bank has a daily limit, too. So you're fighting against two different numbers. It’s exhausting.

Don't use the airport exchange counters. Just don't. The rates are a robbery. They know you're tired and just want to get to your hotel.

Go to the gold shops instead. The ones near the markets, like Ha Trung in Hanoi. Walk in with your dollars or euros. You get a much better rate. It feels a little strange at first, exchanging money next to displays of gold chains, but it works. It just works.

Can you get Vietnamese dong outside of Vietnam?

Yeah, so, I was in Bangkok, Thailand, last year, around October, trying to get some Vietnamese Dong before I hopped over to Hanoi. Thought it would be easy, you know? Like, international currency, should be everywhere, right? Strolled into this big, fancy bank near Sukhumvit. Asked the teller, "Got VND?" She just blinked at me, then gave me this look that said, "Are you kidding me?" Said they didn't have it. Okay, no biggie, tried a smaller money changer down a side street, you know, the ones with all the colourful signs. Same deal. "No VND, sir." It was so frustrating! Felt like a real idiot, all prepared and then… nada.

Ended up having to wait till I actually landed in Hanoi to exchange my US dollars for Dong. That was a whole other adventure, but at least I got the cash. It’s weird, you hear it's convertible, but man, trying to get it before you get there is a whole other ballgame.

Here's the lowdown:

• You can technically get VND outside Vietnam. The currency is designed to be traded globally.
• But finding it is a pain. Most places just don't bother.
• Why? They reckon it's too much hassle. Fluctuates a lot, and apparently, it's a nightmare to deal with sometimes.

It’s one of those things that sounds simple on paper but is a total pain in the backside in reality. Saved myself the headache by just sorting it out once I was actually in Vietnam.