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I’m sorry if this gets asked all the time . I’m doing my first solo trip to Vietnam for 3 weeks . I’m from the UK, I’ve managed to save a good wadv of cash (all hotels paid for and some trips) . How do I go about exchanging it ? Am I better off putting it on some kind of card ? Take money out of their ATM . I understand they like cash. I need step by step advice please as I’m a bit slow and have no clue.Also Where’s best to get to a sim please 🫣😁Many thanks
I’m sorry if this gets asked all the time .
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New law now will not let shops like jewelry to exchange money
Cash is definitely king in Vietnam! Be careful with using a Wise card in Vietnam. I travel a lot to many different countries, but had major problems in Vietnam with the Wise card (I use it in other countries no problem). The majority of ATM’s wouldn’t accept it. I will be taking a second card next time (Revolut, Monzo, Chase). I suggest exchanging a few pounds before you go to have in your pocket when you arrive, but you can bring the bulk of the money and exchange at a gold shop when you arrive. If you do have a travel bank card, you can have Vietnamese Dong on it. Also download the Grab taxi app and like the card to your card. That way you’re not worrying about paying cash to taxis. It’s a very safe and cheap way to travel around!
I got an airolo e-sim on my last trip, would recommend. Just have to download the app, select the plan that suits you. Just before landing all you have to do is turn off your SIM provider and turn on the airolo e-sim, and you’re good too go.
Been doing ATM for years. Last time at Cua Dai Beach the ATM had gone. Just make a purchase with cc and get 2 million added to the bill which they give you as cash. No problem.
Tourist sim will be sold at hotel or travel agent. Pls do not buy a normal sim at the airport as you’ll have to buy expensive package for data.
I have just ordered some cash online at HSBC .delivered to the house fresh crisp new notes. Hopefully it’s fine.
We have done Airalo, very easy set up in Uk before leaving. Then get a revolt. I would recommend do a bit of both card and cash. Cards seem to charge 3%
If you are taking your GBP money to change at a gold shop, remember that the bills have to be new and not creased, marked or stained. Also they prefer to change large bills.
The law changed this yr so changing at the gold shops is harder now. If you have a bank account you can use your debit card in most places in the ATM rather than a credit if you don’t have one. I would not recommend a pre-paid card, if you lose it you have then lost all that money. Get an e-Sim like Saily rather than a physical one, you can buy your first credit at home and it will activate on arrival
We are 2 people and very happily spending 500vd per day (£14.28)… breakfast at the hotel: Bahn mi (baguette) 30-50vd often cut in 2 because they are big or Pho 40vd….and supper about 110-150 with beers 35 each….coffees allow between 60-100/120vd. It depends largely where you go…if you want westernised food in modern restaurant you will pay a lot more….we look where’s full with locals…and are mainly veggie which maybe cheaper.