Job Discussion Forums

malamono · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Where is a good place to buy a cell phone? Can't seem to find any sites online about it in Saigon.

thanks

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

Your best bet is Nguyen Kim. Which is a big electronics dealer in Saigon. They do business almost western style and will accept returns and some staff actually speak English! You might pay 30,000 Dong more than some other place but the quality of service and trust of product are worth it. They are located at

63 - 65 - 67 Trần Hưng Đạo District 1 Right outside of the backpacker area. Huge shop kind of like Best Buy or Circuit City.

Also a good place for TVs, Laptops, Computer related items, and appliances!
Here is their website!

http://www.nguyenkim.com/

malamono · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

thanks a lot! another side question, where is a good place to exchange to Dong and should I exchange at all or just keep Dollars?
I'm guessing most places like that take credit cards...

thanks!

Phinaes Gage · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 39

Nguyen Kim does not accept credit cards, and I believe will accept only VND.

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

Most places do not accept credit cards in Vietnam and I would keep as much Dong as you need handy and then keep the rest in dollars. You should never spend dollars directly anywhere. You will always get a lower exchange rate. You can exchange your money at most banks, or small currency exchange centers (which may give you a slightly better rate than banks) but you'll get a better exchange rate at gold shops, but don't go there unless you know what you are doing. There was a currency exchange center on De Tham and another one downtown on Le Lai across from the opera house that I used to frequent. There are also banks all around town. I feel like lonely planet! You just got to go out and do it; read up and learn the ropes. I found the best places from Vietnamese friends and just driving around on my motorbike.

malamono · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

I see. I'm guessing the airport gives you a pretty weak rate. Well its good to know that the dollar is as useless as it is here... (j/k)

shanewarne · Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 146

I use a gold shop accross from Ben Thanh market. They always give a good rate and are very friendly too.

thomas123 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 26

I agree with Shanewarne, the jewelry/gold shops around Ban Thanh market are the best for exchanging USD to Dong. Go to ones that are well lit and have a visible security guard. Always ask the exchange rate before showing your cash. You can always check exchange rates online before you go to make sure you are getting a fair rate. I would never use a credit card in Vn, can't trust anyone there with your cc info.