Master currency exchange in Vietnam and Laos with our expert guide! Discover best rates, ATM tips, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours, plus flexible booking with Legend Travel Group for Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel. Book now and keep peace of mind!
Exchange with respect—support Laos’ spiritual traditions (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. By Legend Travel Group.
Vietnam and Laos, two of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations, welcome millions of international travelers each year to explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, Luang Prabang’s golden temples, and Vientiane’s laid-back riverside charm. Whether embarking on immersive Vietnam Tours or serene Laos Tours, understanding local currency exchange is key to a smooth, stress-free journey. This guide equips you with insider tips on getting the best exchange rates, avoiding hidden fees, and managing cash flow across borders—ensuring your focus remains on culture, cuisine, and adventure.
At Legend Travel Group, we believe travel should be joyful and worry-free. That’s why we offer Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel packages with a flexible booking policy: deposit just 10% and pay the balance up to 30 days before departure. Keep peace of mind and explore with confidence.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND); Laos uses the Lao Kip (LAK). Both countries accept USD widely, especially in tourist areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities but scarce in rural regions. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants but not universally. Always carry small-denomination local currency for markets, street food, and transportation. Legend Travel Group handles all currency logistics on guided Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours, so you can focus on the experience.
Smart withdrawals = more Vietnam Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Denominations: 10,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 500,000 VND
Symbol: ₫
Exchange Rate (Approximate): 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND | 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND
Key Insight: VND has no coins—only polymer banknotes. The 500,000 VND note is the highest denomination and widely used for larger purchases.
Denominations: 1,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 LAK
Symbol: ₭
Exchange Rate (Approximate): 1 USD ≈ 22,000 LAK | 1 EUR ≈ 24,000 LAK
Key Insight: LAK is less commonly used outside Laos. USD and THB are widely accepted in tourist hubs like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
USD is King: Both countries prefer crisp, undamaged USD bills (post-2006 series). Avoid torn or marked notes.
No Direct VND ↔ LAK Exchange: Convert VND to USD first, then to LAK (or vice versa) to avoid poor rates.
Border Crossings: ATMs may be unavailable at remote borders (e.g., Nam Phao–Cau Treo). Pre-withdraw local currency in major cities.
Banks (Best Rates)
Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank
Open: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sat 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Bring passport; no commission fees
Authorized Money Changers
Gold shops in Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town
Competitive rates; count cash carefully
Airports (Convenient but Higher Rates)
Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang
Exchange only $50–$100 for immediate needs
Banks (Recommended)
BCEL, Lao Development Bank
Open: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Passport required; best rates in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Licensed Exchange Booths
Near Talat Sao Morning Market (Vientiane), Night Market (Luang Prabang)
Open until 8:00 PM; slightly lower rates than banks
Hotels & Guesthouses
Convenient but 5–10% worse rates
Pro Tip: On Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours with Legend Travel Group, your guide assists with safe, fair exchanges—no stress, no scams.
Haggle like a local on your Vietnam Tours (Source: Internet)Best Banks: Vietcombank, HSBC, ANZ (lowest fees)
Withdrawal Limit: 2–10 million VND per transaction
Fees: 30,000–100,000 VND + home bank charge
Daily Limit: Often 20 million VND
Best Banks: BCEL (widespread), Banque Pour Le Commerce
Withdrawal Limit: 1–2 million LAK per transaction
Fees: 20,000–50,000 LAK + home bank charge
Daily Limit: 5–7 million LAK
Smart Move: Withdraw maximum allowed per transaction to minimize fees. Notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
|
Method |
Vietnam |
Laos |
|---|---|---|
|
Visa/Mastercard |
Widely accepted in cities |
Limited outside Luang Prabang/Vientiane |
|
Mobile Payments |
Momo, ZaloPay |
Rare |
|
Cash Preference |
High (markets, street food) |
Very High |
Recommendation: Use cards for hotels and large purchases; carry cash for daily expenses. Legend Travel Group includes card-friendly accommodations on all Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel itineraries.
USD opens doors across Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel (Source: Internet)Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving money, use both hands as a sign of respect.
Avoid Stepping on Money: Dropped notes? Pick them up—stepping on currency is highly disrespectful.
Quiet Transactions: Bargaining is common, but keep voices low and smiles ready.
Tipping Culture: Not expected but appreciated (10,000 VND / 20,000 LAK for guides, drivers).
Guest Quote: “Our Legend Travel Group guide taught us to wai when tipping in Laos—it made every exchange feel meaningful.”
10% Deposit Only: Secure your spot with minimal upfront payment.
Pay Balance 30 Days Before Departure: Travel with zero financial stress.
Local Currency Support: Guides assist with exchanges at fair rates.
No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing on all Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours.
Vietnam & Laos Highlights (12 Days)
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Luang Prabang → Vientiane
Includes all transfers, entries, and daily spending money guidance.
Mekong Discovery (8 Days)
Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho → Phnom Penh → Siem Reap
Cross-border currency tips included.
Northern Vietnam & Laos Adventure (10 Days)
Sapa → Hanoi → Luang Prabang
Rural market bargaining workshops with local guides.
Book Now: Visit legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84 825 862 222.
Savor every bite—10% deposit, 100% flavor (Source: Internet)|
Category |
Vietnam (VND) |
Laos (LAK) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Street Food |
30,000–80,000 |
20,000–50,000 |
$1–$3 |
|
Local Transport |
10,000–50,000 |
10,000–30,000 |
$0.50–$2 |
|
Mid-Range Meal |
150,000–300,000 |
80,000–150,000 |
$6–$12 |
|
Temple Entry |
20,000–100,000 |
10,000–50,000 |
$1–$4 |
|
Souvenirs |
50,000–500,000 |
50,000–300,000 |
$2–$20 |
Total Daily Budget:
Budget: $25–$40
Mid-Range: $50–$80
Luxury: $100+
Legend Travel Group Packages: All-inclusive from $69/day—covers accommodation, meals, guides, and entries.
Pre-Departure: Order USD from your bank (crisp bills). Download offline currency converter apps.
On Arrival: Exchange $50–$100 at airport banks for immediate needs.
Daily Carry: 500,000 VND or 500,000 LAK in small notes.
Border Crossings: Withdraw local currency in the departure city (e.g., VND in Hanoi before heading to Laos).
Safety: Use hotel safes; split cash across bags; avoid flashing large sums.
Eco-Friendly: Say no to plastic bags at markets; support fair-trade artisan shops.
Can I use USD everywhere? Yes in tourist areas, but local currency is preferred for markets and transport.
Are ATMs safe? Yes at major banks; cover keypad when entering PIN.
Should I exchange money at hotels? Only in emergencies—rates are 5–15% worse.
What if I have leftover currency? Re-exchange at banks before departure (keep receipts).
Do Legend Travel Group tours include currency assistance? Yes—guides help with fair exchanges and bargaining.
Mastering Vietnam and Laos Currency Exchange transforms your journey from stressful to seamless. With smart planning, respectful etiquette, and the support of Legend Travel Group’s expert-led Vietnam Tours and Laos Tours, you’ll navigate markets, temples, and street food stalls with confidence. Book your adventure today with just a 10% deposit—pay the rest 30 days before departure and travel with complete peace of mind.
Ready to explore? Discover curated Vietnam Travel and Laos Travel experiences at legendtravelgroup.com.
By Legend Travel Group
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