One thing you can't avoid on a trip to Vietnam is exchanging money into the local currency, the dong.
Should you get it done at the airport, or hunt for an exchange counter in town? Where can you change money without losing out? If it's your first visit, these questions are bound to cross your mind at some point.
The truth is that rates vary widely depending on where you exchange, and even on a modest sum you can end up thousands of yen apart. To avoid wasting your travel budget, it pays to know the ropes. This article breaks down how to change money in Vietnam at the best value, from a practical, on-the-ground perspective.
Understanding the dong, Vietnam's currency
Vietnam's currency unit is the dong (VND).
The largest denomination is the 500,000 dong note, worth roughly 3,000 yen. With so many digits, it can be confusing at first. A quick way to estimate the yen value is to drop the last three zeros and multiply by 6. For example, 100,000 dong is about 600 yen, and 200,000 dong about 1,200 yen.
You'll also frequently see the shorthand "K" in Vietnam. It stands for "thousand," so a price marked 100K means 100,000 dong. It shows up constantly on restaurant menus and street-stall price lists, so it's handy to remember.
The rate fluctuates, but as of January 2026 it has hovered around 160 dong to the yen. Before exchanging, it's a good idea to check the market rate on a service such as Google or Wise.
Comparing rates and features by exchange location
How much dong you walk away with depends heavily on where you exchange.
Airport exchange counters
The appeal is convenience — you can exchange the moment you land — but the rates are worse than in town. Da Nang and Hanoi airports have 24-hour exchange counters that handle major currencies like USD, EUR, and JPY. Even so, a markup of roughly 3-5% over the market rate is typical. The smart move is to change only the bare minimum at the airport and do the rest in the city.
In-town exchange counters and jewelry shops
The best value in Vietnam comes from in-town exchange counters and jewelry shops. Jewelry shops in particular often exchange at only about a 1% margin over the market rate, giving them a decisive edge over the airport. Central Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi all have several government-licensed exchange counters. Always check that the shop displays a currency-exchange business license.
Exchanging at a bank
If you prioritize safety and reliability, exchanging at a bank is another option. There's no worry about counterfeit notes, so you can transact with peace of mind. The rate is slightly worse than at an exchange counter, though, and hours are limited. Because the Vietnamese dong is a minor currency, not every bank handles it.
Exchanging at your hotel
Upscale and chain hotels sometimes offer exchange service at the front desk. It's handy for late-night arrivals or emergencies, but the rate is set lower than at an exchange counter. Treat it strictly as a backup — for normal needs, an in-town exchange counter is more economical.
Sources Adapted from Gurutto Vietnam, "Exchanging Money in Da Nang! 10 Recommended Exchange Spots and the Best Places for Good Rates"(latest 2026 edition)
Top 5 recommended places to exchange money
So where should you actually exchange your money?
Here are some specific spots we recommend.
1. Vincom Plaza (central Da Nang)
On the ground floor of Vincom Plaza, a shopping mall in central Da Nang, there's a highly reliable exchange counter. The appeal is the convenience of stopping by while you shop, along with relatively favorable rates. It's easy for tourists to reach, so even first-time visitors to Vietnam can use it with confidence.
2. Jewelry shops around Han Market
Jewelry shops offering good rates are scattered around Da Nang's Han Market. Places like Soan Ha Gold Shop have a strong local reputation and are popular with tourists too. You can visit while sightseeing at the market, making it an efficient stop.
3. Exchange counters near My Khe Beach
If you're staying in the beach-resort area, Khai Hoan III gold shop near My Khe Beach is convenient. Despite being in a tourist zone, the rates are relatively good and it keeps long hours.
4. Lotte Mart Da Nang
You can also exchange money at the large supermarket Lotte Mart. The appeal is the efficiency of handling shopping and money exchange in one stop, which makes it popular with families.
5. ダナン国際空港内の両替所
夜間に両替が必要になった場合は、ダナン国際空港内の両替所が便利です。24時間営業しており、緊急時の選択肢として覚えておくと安心です。
Sources Adapted from Gurutto Vietnam, "Exchanging Money in Da Nang! 10 Recommended Exchange Spots and the Best Places for Good Rates"(latest 2026 edition)
Things to watch for and safety tips when exchanging money
It's not just about getting a good rate — safety matters too.
Always bring your passport
Exchanging money in Vietnam requires you to present your passport. Bring the original, not a copy. Without ID, you may be turned away.
Check the market rate in advance
Before you exchange, search "Japanese yen Vietnamese dong" on Google or Wise to check the current market rate. That way you can judge whether the rate you're offered is fair. As a rule, a margin of around 1% over the market rate is standard.
Choose a government-licensed exchange counter
There are illegal exchange counters and places that quote unfair rates. Always check that the shop displays a currency-exchange business license. Sticking to major chains and well-known jewelry shops keeps the risk to a minimum.
Always count your notes on the spot
After exchanging, count the number and total of the notes right there. The risk of counterfeit bills isn't zero, but at a government-licensed exchange counter it's almost nothing to worry about. Miscounts can happen, though, so make it a habit to always verify.
Exchanging larger amounts is better value
As a general rule, the larger the amount you exchange, the more favorable the rate can be. That said, exchange more than you need and you may be left with leftover dong when you head home. Exchange an appropriate amount based on your length of stay and budget.
How to convert leftover dong back to yen
What should you do with leftover dong before flying home?
The Vietnamese dong is a currency that's hard to exchange back in Japan. So the practical move is to convert it back to yen within Vietnam before you leave, or hold onto it until your next trip. Airport counters do offer conversion back to yen, but at an unfavorable rate. If possible, it's more economical to handle it in advance at an in-town exchange counter.
For small amounts, using it up at an airport duty-free shop or café is another approach. Since the dong converts poorly when changed back, we recommend spending it down deliberately.
Summary: How to change money in Vietnam at the best value
In Vietnam, choosing where to exchange is the key to coming out ahead.
By keeping airport exchange to a minimum and using government-licensed in-town exchange counters and jewelry shops, you can save on the order of thousands of yen. Check the market rate beforehand, bring your passport, and count the notes you receive on the spot. Follow these basics and you'll exchange money both safely and at good value.
Vietnam is a country whose charms differ from region to region. Put what you save on exchange toward delicious food and wonderful experiences. Prepare with the right knowledge, and your trip is sure to be all the richer.
So put these value-savvy exchange tips to work and enjoy your Vietnam trip to the fullest!
