Master currency exchange across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand with our expert guide. Discover best rates, safest ATMs, USD strategy, and how to save money while enjoying worry-free Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours, and Thailand Tours with Legend Travel Group.
Written by Tony Bùi – Founder & Director of Legend Travel Group since 2008, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 international travellers across Southeast Asia. All insights are drawn from real guest experiences and daily operations of Legend Travel Group.
When to use Kip on your Laos Travel adventure (Source: Internet)Smart money management is the secret to stress-free travel in Southeast Asia. Knowing where to exchange, which ATMs give the best rates, and how much cash to carry can save you hundreds of dollars and countless hours. Whether you’re crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia, exploring Laos, or island-hopping in Thailand, this guide – created exclusively by Legend Travel Group – ensures you always get the best value while keeping peace of mind.
With Legend Travel Group, you only need to deposit 10% to secure your dream Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, Laos Travel, or Thailand Travel itinerary – final payment is due just 30 days before departure.
Change money in Siem Reap (Source: Internet)|
Country |
Official Currency |
Code |
Reality on the Ground |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vietnam |
Vietnamese Dong |
VND |
USD widely accepted in tourist areas |
|
Cambodia |
Cambodian Riel |
KHR |
USD is the de-facto currency (95% of transactions) |
|
Laos |
Lao Kip |
LAK |
USD accepted in tourist hubs; ATM withdrawals in LAK |
|
Thailand |
Thai Baht |
THB |
Only THB accepted outside major hotels |
Pro Tip from Legend Travel Group: Carry clean, undamaged USD bills (issued after 2006, no tears or marks) – they are treated like gold throughout the region.
Bring crisp USD from home (best rates worldwide)
Use USD directly in Cambodia & tourist areas of Vietnam/Laos
Withdraw local currency only when needed from fee-friendly ATMs
Never exchange at airports or hotels (worst rates)
Best tourist rates in Thailand – recommended by Legend Travel Group (Source: Internet)USD accepted at hotels, Vietnam Tours operators, restaurants & shops in Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City
Best ATM networks: Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank (lowest fees, highest limits)
Withdrawal limit: 4–10 million VND per transaction
Change leftover VND back to USD before leaving – easiest at gold shops in Hanoi Old Quarter or Ben Thanh Market
95% of transactions are in USD – even street food vendors prefer dollars
Receive small change in KHR (4,000 KHR ≈ 1 USD)
Best ATMs: Canadia Bank, Acleda Bank, ANZ Royal (no fees or very low)
No need to exchange USD → KHR unless visiting very rural areas
USD widely accepted in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane
Use Kip for local buses, markets, and street food
Best ATMs: BCEL, Lao Development Bank (lowest fees)
Exchange USD → LAK at gold shops or banks for better rates than ATMs
Only THB accepted outside international hotels
Best ATMs: AEON Bank, Krungsri (yellow), Bangkok Bank – waive fees for many foreign cards
SuperRich (orange logo) and VASU Exchange give the best tourist rates in Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
Perfect small change system in Cambodia (Source: Internet)|
Duration |
Recommended USD to Bring |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
7–10 days |
$400–$600 |
Covers meals, transport, souvenirs |
|
11–21 days |
$700–$1,000 |
Includes internal flights & extra activities |
|
Multi-country |
$800–$1,200 |
USD works across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos |
All Legend Travel Group Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours, and Thailand Tours include private transfers – no need to carry large cash amounts daily.
Arrive relaxed – no ATM stress with Thailand Tours (Source: Internet)|
Bank/Network |
Withdrawal Fee |
Foreign Card Fee |
Daily Limit |
Legend Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Canadia Bank (Cambodia) |
Free |
None |
$1,000 |
★★★★★ |
|
AEON Bank (Thailand) |
Free |
None |
30,000 THB |
★★★★★ |
|
Vietcombank (Vietnam) |
30–60k VND |
1–3% |
10 million VND |
★★★★ |
|
BCEL (Laos) |
20–50k LAK |
1.5–3% |
3 million LAK |
★★★★ |
Pro Tip: Always choose “WITHOUT conversion” when the ATM asks – lets your home bank give better rates.
Airports (worst rates – up to 20% loss)
Hotels (convenient but expensive)
Street money changers (high risk of counterfeit)
Black market (illegal and dangerous)
Best place to change leftover Dong (Source: Internet)When you book your Vietnam Travel, Cambodia Travel, Laos Travel, or Thailand Travel with us:
Only 10% deposit required – keep your money in your pocket longer
Free airport pickup with private car – no ATM rush on arrival
Expert local guides share real-time best exchange spots
All major expenses pre-paid – you only need pocket money for meals & souvenirs
24/7 emergency cash support across 4 countries
Split cash across multiple places (money belt + hotel safe + wallet)
Photograph your cards (front & back) and store in cloud
Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
Use Wise or Revolut cards for near-perfect exchange rates
Keep $50–$100 in small USD bills for taxis & tips
Let Legend Travel Group handle everything from currency tips to private transfers across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
Secure your dream multi-country adventure with just 10% deposit today – final payment only 30 days before departure.
Contact us now at Legend Travel Group – Your trusted partner for authentic Vietnam Tours, Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours, and Thailand Tours since 2008.
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