Master currency exchange across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos with our expert guide! Discover best rates, ATM tips, cultural etiquette, and book flexible Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Laos Tours with Legend Travel Group—only 10% deposit until 30 days before departure for peace of mind.
Phnom Penh Local Market - Bargain confidently on your Cambodia Tours (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. All information is curated by Legend Travel Group to ensure accuracy and reliability. By Legend Travel Group.
Traveling through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and serene landscapes—from Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter to Angkor Wat’s majestic ruins and Luang Prabang’s tranquil Mekong riverside. Efficient currency management ensures a seamless journey, whether you're bargaining at Dong Xuan Market in Vietnam, exploring Psar Thmei in Cambodia, or shopping at Talat Sao in Laos. With Legend Travel Group’s Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, or Laos Tours, you travel with peace of mind—only a 10% deposit required until 30 days before departure.
This guide equips you with expert currency exchange strategies, cultural spending etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, and Laos Travel tips to maximize value and minimize stress across these three captivating nations.
Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – non-convertible outside Vietnam; USD widely accepted in tourist areas.
Cambodia: Cambodian Riel (KHR) + USD; USD is the de facto currency in most transactions.
Laos: Lao Kip (LAK) – limited international acceptance; USD and THB commonly used.
ATMs are widespread in cities; carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for rural areas.
Legend Travel Group handles all major expenses in local currency—focus on enjoying your journey.
Witness alms-giving on serene Laos Travel (Source: Internet)Symbol: ₫
Denominations: 10,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 500,000 VND
Exchange Rate: ~25,000 VND = 1 USD (fluctuates slightly)
USD Acceptance: Widely used in hotels, tours, and upscale venues; small vendors prefer VND.
Pro Tip: Withdraw 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND per transaction to minimize ATM fees.
Symbol: ៛ (Riel)
Denominations: 100 | 500 | 1,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 KHR
Exchange Rate: ~4,000 KHR = 1 USD
USD Dominance: 90% of transactions use USD; change under $1 given in KHR.
Pro Tip: Always carry crisp, new USD bills—no tears, marks, or pre-2006 series.
Symbol: ₭
Denominations: 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 LAK
Exchange Rate: ~22,000 LAK = 1 USD
USD & THB Acceptance: Common in tourist areas; THB preferred near Thai border.
Pro Tip: ATMs dispense LAK; carry USD for remote areas like Muang Ngoi.
Vietnam: Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank – lowest fees (~30,000–50,000 VND per withdrawal).
Cambodia: Canadia Bank, Acleda Bank – fee-free for many international cards.
Laos: BCEL, Lao Development Bank – ~20,000–50,000 LAK fee.
Tip: Use debit cards with no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Wise, Revolut); withdraw max limit (5–10 million VND/LAK, $200–$300 USD in Cambodia) to reduce fees.
Vietnam: Gold shops in Hanoi (Hang Bac St.), HCMC (Ben Thanh area) – best rates.
Cambodia: Phnom Penh (Central Market jewelers), Siem Reap (Old Market) – competitive rates.
Laos: Luang Prabang (near Night Market), Vientiane (Talat Sao) – reliable exchangers.
Red Flag: Avoid black market changers; count money before leaving counter.
Carry $300–$500 in small bills ($1, $5, $10).
Accepted everywhere; ideal for visas-on-arrival (if applicable), taxis, and tips.
Never exchange at airports or hotels – worst rates.
Vietnam: ZaloPay, Momo widely used; international cards accepted in cities.
Cambodia: Wing, Pi Pay in urban areas; cash still king.
Laos: Limited; LOCA app emerging in Vientiane.
Tip: Link Wise or Revolut for low-fee transfers.
Stress-free currency tips with Vietnam Tours (Source: Internet)Vietnam: Use both hands when giving/receiving money; avoid tossing cash.
Cambodia: Never step over money on the ground (considered disrespectful).
Laos: Smile and say “khob chai” (thank you) when paying; bargaining is polite.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated:
Guides: $5–$10/day (Vietnam/Cambodia), $3–$5/day (Laos)
Drivers: $3–$5/day
Hotel staff: 20,000 VND / 4,000 KHR / 10,000 LAK per bag
Pro Tip: Round up restaurant bills or leave small change—locals appreciate kindness.
General Tips:
Language: Learn “cảm ơn” (VN), “arkun” (KH), “khob chai” (LA) for gratitude.
Respect: Never point feet at money or Buddha images; remove shoes in homes/temples.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable bags at markets; support fair-trade artisan shops.
Route: Hanoi → Halong → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh → Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Luang Prabang
Duration: 14–21 days
Cost: From $1,299/person (includes flights, hotels, transfers)
Currency Tip: Pre-load Wise card; withdraw local currency at each stop.
Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta
Inclusions: All meals, English-speaking guide, 4–5★ hotels
Cost: $999–$1,499/person
Book Now: Only 10% deposit – pay balance 30 days before departure!
Highlights: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat
Inclusions: Sunrise at Angkor, Apsara dance show, floating village
Cost: $799–$1,299/person
Book Now: Flexible payment – travel stress-free!
Highlights: Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Vientiane, Vang Vieng
Inclusions: Alms-giving ceremony, Mekong cruise, local homestay
Cost: $899–$1,399/person
Book Now: Secure your spot with just 10% today!
Modern banking for Laos Tours explorers (Source: Internet)Only 10% Deposit – Pay balance 30 days before departure.
Flexible Cancellation – Full refund up to 45 days prior.
24/7 Local Support – English-speaking guides in every destination.
Sustainable Travel – Carbon-offset flights, eco-lodges, community projects.
Price Match Guarantee – Best value or we match it.
Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Ideal for Vietnam (North & Central), Cambodia, Laos.
Shoulder Season (May, Oct): Fewer crowds, lower rates.
Avoid: Sep (peak rain in Laos/Vietnam South).
Support locals with ethical Vietnam Travel (Source: Internet)Before Departure:
Order $200 in small USD bills from your bank.
Download Wise/Revolut; link to debit card.
Notify bank of travel dates.
On Arrival:
Withdraw local currency at airport ATM (backup only).
Exchange $50 at authorized changer for immediate needs.
Daily Spending:
Breakfast: 50,000 VND / 5,000 KHR / 30,000 LAK
Lunch: 100,000 VND / 5 USD / 50,000 LAK
Transport: 50,000 VND / 2 USD / 20,000 LAK
End of Trip: Spend leftover LAK/KHR; convert VND to USD only at major banks.
Can I use USD everywhere? Yes in Cambodia; widely in Vietnam/Laos tourist areas.
Are ATMs safe? Yes in banks; cover keypad, avoid standalone machines.
Should I exchange at airports? Only for emergencies—worst rates.
What if I run out of cash? Legend Travel Group guides assist with ATMs/exchanges.
How much cash to carry? $300–$500 USD + local currency from ATMs.
Halong Bay Cruise - you can pay by cash or card (Source: Internet)Indochina Odyssey (16 Days): Vietnam → Cambodia → Laos – $2,199/person
Mekong Explorer (12 Days): Ho Chi Minh → Phnom Penh → Siem Reap – $1,599/person
Golden Triangle (10 Days): Hanoi → Luang Prabang → Chiang Rai – $1,799/person
Book Now: Only 10% deposit – www.legendtravelgroup.com
Mastering Currency Exchange in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos with cultural respect and smart planning unlocks a seamless, enriching journey across Indochina. From Hanoi’s pho stalls to Angkor’s sunrise and Luang Prabang’s alms-giving, travel with confidence and sustainability. Let Legend Travel Group handle the details—book your Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, or Laos Travel today with just a 10% deposit, payable in full 30 days before departure. Your adventure awaits—stress-free and unforgettable.
By Legend Travel Group
Website: www.legendtravelgroup.com
Contact: sales@legendtravelgroup.com | WhatsApp: +84825862222
