What is the best way to take out money in Vietnam?

Which ATMs in Vietnam dont charge fees?

TPBank. No fee. 5 million VND. VPBank. Also free. Same limit. MBbank. 49,000 VND fee. 5 million VND. VIB. 50,000 VND. Limit unchanged. Meaningless.

• TPBank: Zero fees. 5,000,000 VND limit.
• VPBank: Free. 5,000,000 VND.
• MBBank: Costs. Why bother?
• VIB: Costs more. Pointless.

Limits are per transaction. Daily limits higher. Check your own bank’s fees. International withdrawals always incur charges. Mine’s absurd, 200,000 VND per transaction. Highway robbery. Still cheaper than some. Absurdity is relative. Five million VND is roughly $210 USD as of July 12, 2024. Exchange rates fluctuate. Life is fleeting.

What is the cheapest way to exchange currency in Vietnam?

Vietnamese Currency Exchange: The Lowdown

Banks consistently provide the most favorable rates. Seriously, it’s not even close. Vietcombank, BIDV, Vietinbank, and Agribank are your major players. My friend, a seasoned traveler, swears by Vietcombank for the best deals.

Their hours? Typically 8 AM to 4 PM, weekdays. Some branches extend service to Saturday mornings. Plan accordingly; last time I went, the line was insane.

Beyond Banks: Alternatives (Proceed with Caution)

• Authorized money changers: These exist, but rates are usually less competitive.
• Hotels: Avoid! They’ll gouge you. Trust me. I learned that the hard way in 2022.
• Street vendors: A huge no-no. Risk of scams is astronomical.

Smart Money Moves

• Notify your bank: Before leaving, inform them of your travel plans. Preventing card blocks is essential. My Chase card gave me a panic attack last year.
• ATM withdrawals: Many ATMs readily dispense Vietnamese Dong. Check your bank’s fees; some are surprisingly reasonable.
• Credit cards: Use sparingly. Transaction fees can be brutal.

A Note on Safety: While banks are safest, always remain vigilant. Count your money immediately after any transaction. This small habit saved me from a potentially nasty situation once. Street smarts are still crucial, even in seemingly safe locations. You just never know.

Remember that exchange rates fluctuate constantly. There’s nothing I can do about that!

What is the best way to travel around Vietnam?

Flying’s the best, hands down. Seriously, Vietnam’s HUGE. Buses? Trains? Forget it. I tried the train from Hue to Nha Trang once – total nightmare. Eight hours of my life I’ll never get back. And the roads? Don’t even get me started. Pot holes the size of my head. So many near-death experiences.

Internal flights are cheap, relatively speaking. Vietnam Airlines is alright. Budget carriers like VietJet Air… eh, you get what you pay for. But speed wins. I’m talking less travel time, more actual vacation time.

Need to see Ha Long Bay? Fly to Hai Phong. Then a short boat trip. Sapa? Fly into Hanoi. Hoi An? Da Nang airport. Done. Easy peasy.

Those long-distance bus journeys? They’re romantic in travel blogs, but in reality? A complete waste of precious vacation time. I’m telling you. Trust me on this one. I’ve been. Many times.

Consider this:

• Flights: Fastest, most efficient, especially for limited time.
• Buses: Uncomfortable, slow, potentially dangerous.
• Trains: Better than buses, but still slow. Plus, not all routes are well-connected.

My last trip? I flew everywhere. Saigon to Hanoi, Hanoi to Hue, Hue to Da Nang… so much better than being stuck on a bumpy bus for hours. I even managed to squeeze in a visit to Phu Quoc. Crazy, right? Worth it.

Note: Prices fluctuate. Check flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights for the best deals in 2024.

What is the easiest transportation in Vietnam?

Motorbikes? Vietnam’s unofficial national animal! Ubiquitous and easiest? Hmm, like saying that eating chili peppers is the easiest way to cool down on a hot day.

Affordable and maneuverable, yes, like a caffeinated squirrel. But “easy”? Only if you’re born with a sixth sense for dodging rogue buses. Rental motorbikes exist, so true.

Grab is clutch! A modern chariot, arriving like a knight in shining armor (or a guy in a helmet). Door-to-door, bless them! Less adrenaline, less near-death experiences.

Honestly, easiest depends. Motorbikes? Freedom on two wheels, but you’re basically a human pinball. Grab? Sanity preservation! Choose your fighter, I would!

Beyond Motorbikes & Grab:

• Buses: Vietnam’s bus system is extensive and cheap as chips. Prepare for cramped conditions and questionable AC (or lack thereof).
• Trains: Scenic route? Hell yes. Punctual? Uh… maybe next century. Still, a chill way to see the country if you are good!
• Cyclo: Tourist trap? Debatable. Photo op? Absolutely. Leg day for your driver? Guaranteed. Saw one, was amazed.
• Taxis: More legit, but do negotiate. Always use reputable taxi companies.
• Flying: A big cheat! For long distances, domestic flights are now quite affordable and saves a lot of time, frankly.

PS: Don’t forget to haggle. Everything is negotiable! I got my “genuine” Rolex for five bucks.