Vietnam money: cash vs card, and what a day actually costs

Cash is still king, cards are close behind

Street food, markets, buses and small guesthouses are cash (VND). Hotels, restaurants, and Grab accept cards/QR. The Vietnamese QR-payment ecosystem is huge for locals but usually not usable for foreign cards — carry cash as backup. Decline 'pay in your home currency?' at card terminals; always choose VND.

ATM and note hygiene

Use bank-attached ATMs; withdrawals cap around 2–3 million VND per transaction with ~50–70k VND in fees, so fewer, larger withdrawals win. Learn the 500,000 and 200,000 notes by color — both are blue-ish and the classic overpayment mistake is handing the wrong one.

What a day costs (independent, mid-range)

Bands by place are on each place page (Hanoi US$25–70, Hoi An US$25–70, Ninh Binh US$20–55, for example): a private room and good food anchor the low end; tours, diving, cocktails and tailoring push the top. Budget travelers sleep in dorms and eat street food for less; the ceiling is open-ended.

FAQ

Should I exchange cash or use ATMs in Vietnam?

ATMs are the practical default; exchange rates at banks/gold shops are marginally better if you carry USD/EUR cash, but the difference rarely justifies hauling cash. Airport exchange desks are fine for a first day's cash.

Is haggling expected?

In markets yes, cheerfully and without anger; in restaurants and shops with prices, no. A fair rule: counter at about 60–70% and settle around 75–85% of the first quote for market goods.