Job Discussion Forums

[Paul John]

Mr W is right. However, bearing in mind that you lose a small percentage everytime you exchange currency, you might be better off, say, bringing in just a couple of hundred in dollars and the rest in Yen. Later, you can shop around for the best exchange rates to change Yen into dong.

One more point: while dollars are readily accepted, it's rarely at a good rate. It's best to do all your transactions in VND.

Bargaining hint: if you are quoted a price in US dollars, turn around and walk away. You are being offered the tourist price, which is likely to be around four times the going rate.

[dtomchek]

Hello:

Now that was a great tip...I will probably try to pick up some $$$ in Thailand for the Vietnam part of it...if not, sounds like that ATM at Ton Son Nhut is a good alternative option...am I to understand that either Dong or Dollars are used as a medium of exchange???

Dave

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

As Paul said, you're best off using VND wherever possible. Nothing screams "TOURIST!!!" like a wallet full of $$$. Might be a bit short notice but it really does help if you learn numbers in Vietnamese! You're much less likely to get overcharged.

[Paul John]

Once you get away from the tourist areas, dollars aren't often used. Except for some banking business, I haven't used anything but dong for years.

One advantage with greenbacks is that when travelling you can carry more money in a smaller wad. However, with the new larger denominations available (VND500,000!) even this is less of an advantage.

Learning the numbers: good idea! If you can find the Lonely Planet Vietnamese Phrasebook, that will get you started. However, you'll need to spend a little time with a local getting the pron right.

Bargaining hint #2: It's easier to bargain if you know the going price. Of course, this is much easier said than done. I have a foolproof way of finding out the best price for almost anything. I buy the item I want at what I think is a fair price and almost invariably find it days later selling for a lot less.

[dtomchek]

Hey everyone:
Thanks for the great advice...here in Fukuoka, I just changed some Yen into Greenbacks and I have one really strange ?...did the dollar change in style over the past year...some of it just does not look right and I would hate to use forged bills in a communist country which does not forgive...thanks a bunch
Dave

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

Paul/Dave:
Even if you can't learn the numbers, I find that just the simple use of "xin chao" can save you a few VND!

[dtomchek]

Hey;

Actually, I was asking about American money...apparantley, there was some sort of change with the $20 bills over the summer and that is why they look different...its a load off my mind in any event...

Dave