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Landing in Hanoi next month and trying to figure out the money situation. I read that the airport counters give terrible rates, is that still true?
Some people say the gold shops on Ha Trung street give the best rate for USD, others say just use a bank. We are a retired couple traveling for 3 weeks so even a small difference adds up. Also, is it better to bring USD or EUR these days?
And one more thing, do most hotels and restaurants in Hanoi take cards now, or should we plan on carrying cash most days? Thanks in advance.
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I mostly used ATMs with a no foreign fee card and the rate was fine. VPBank machines let me take out larger amounts per withdrawal which kept the fees down. Whatever you do, always decline the ATM’s conversion offer and let your own bank do it, the difference is not small.
Replying to Anna Schmid
Second the VPBank tip. Just avoid the little standalone ATMs on Bui Vien, ours ate a card once and the fee was silly. The bank branch ones are fine.
The gold jewelry shops on Ha Trung street in the Old Quarter gave me a noticeably better rate than the airport or my hotel. Bring clean, crisp US dollar bills, they get picky about torn or marked notes. I changed a few hundred at a time as needed rather than all at once.
Replying to Pierluigi Nucci
Good to know, thanks Pierluigi. Are those gold shops okay for a larger amount, like a few hundred dollars? My husband is nervous about no receipt situations.