Vietnam is a captivating destination that offers travelers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a rapidly evolving economy. As you plan your trip to this vibrant country, it’s essential to understand the local currency, payment methods, and financial customs. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to navigate the world of currency and payments in Vietnam seamlessly.
Vietnam’s Currency: The Dong
Le official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Banknotes are available in denominations of 500,000 ; 200,000 ; 100,000 ; 50,000 ; 20,000 ; 10,000 ; 5,000 ; 2,000 ; 1,000 ; 500 and 200 VND
Currency Design and Features
Vietnamese banknotes feature portraits of prominent historical figures, such as President Ho Chi Minh, and depict scenes of Vietnamese culture and landmarks. The notes are colorful and feature intricate designs, making them visually appealing.
In recent years, the State Bank of Vietnam has introduced new series of banknotes with enhanced security features, including watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink, to combat counterfeiting.
Currency Value and Exchange Rates
The value of the Vietnamese Dong fluctuates against major currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, and Japanese Yen. As of August 2024, the exchange rate stands at approximately 25,000 VND for 1 USD.
It’s advisable to check the latest exchange rates before your trip or use a currency conversion app while in Vietnam to ensure you’re getting a fair rate when exchanging money.
Using Cash in Vietnam
Obtaining Vietnamese Dong
You can obtain Vietnamese Dong in several ways:
- Exchange your home currency for VND at banks, hotels, or authorized money exchange counters in Vietnam.
- Withdraw VND from ATMs using your debit or credit card (be aware of potential fees from your bank).
- Many hotels and travel agencies offer currency exchange services, but the rates may be less favorable than banks or dedicated exchange counters.
Cash Transactions
Cash is widely accepted throughout Vietnam, especially in smaller towns, markets, and family-run businesses. It’s advisable to carry a reasonable amount of cash for daily expenses, such as meals, transportation, and souvenirs.
Here are some tips for using cash in Vietnam:
- Break larger banknotes into smaller denominations for convenience.
- Carry a small amount of cash with you and store the rest in a secure location, like a hotel safe.
- Counterfeit notes are relatively uncommon, but it’s still wise to inspect banknotes for authenticity before accepting them.
- When making large purchases, consider paying in the currency that offers the best exchange rate.
Currency Exchange in Vietnam
Banks and Money Exchange Counters
Banks and authorized money exchange counters are the safest and most reliable places to exchange currency in Vietnam. Major banks, such as Vietcombank, BIDV, and Agribank, offer competitive exchange rates and are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Money exchange counters, often found in airports, hotels, and shopping malls, provide a convenient option for currency exchange. However, their rates may not be as favorable as banks, so it’s best to shop around for the best rates.
Exchange Rates and Fees
When exchanging currency, be aware of the following:
- Exchange rates can vary between banks, money exchange counters, and even different branches of the same bank. Compare rates to get the best deal.
- Some exchange counters may charge a commission or service fee, which can add to the overall cost of the transaction.
- Avoid exchanging money on the street or with unauthorized individuals, as this can be risky and potentially illegal.
Traveler’s Cheques
While traveler’s cheques were once a popular option for carrying funds, their use has declined significantly with the widespread acceptance of debit and credit cards. Most banks and exchange counters in Vietnam still accept traveler’s cheques, but the exchange rates and fees may be less favorable than cash or card transactions.
Paying by Credit Card in Vietnam
Credit cards are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in major cities, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. However, it’s important to note that cash is still the preferred method of payment in many smaller establishments and local markets.
Accepted Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards in Vietnam are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Other lesser-known cards may not be as widely accepted, so it’s best to carry one of the major credit card brands.
Credit Card Surcharges
Some businesses in Vietnam may impose a surcharge (typically 3-5%) for credit card transactions. This fee is often added to cover the merchant’s processing costs. Be aware of this potential surcharge and consider using cash or a debit card to avoid additional charges.
Dynamic Currency Conversion
When making credit card payments in Vietnam, you may be offered the option of paying in your home currency through a process called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). While this can provide convenience, the exchange rates used by DCC are often less favorable than those offered by your bank or credit card issuer. It’s generally recommended to decline DCC and pay in Vietnamese Dong to get the best exchange rate.
Mobile Payments in Vietnam
Mobile payments have gained significant traction in Vietnam, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the convenience they offer. Several mobile payment platforms are available, making cashless transactions more accessible and secure.
Popular Mobile Payment Apps
Some of the most popular mobile payment apps in Vietnam include:
- MoMo: A widely used e-wallet app that allows you to transfer money, pay bills, and make purchases at participating merchants.
- ZaloPay: Integrated into the popular Zalo messaging app, ZaloPay enables peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and online purchases.
- ViettelPay: Developed by the telecommunications giant Viettel, this app offers mobile payment solutions for various services, including utilities and online shopping.
- AirPay: A mobile payment platform focused on facilitating cashless transactions at restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.
Using Mobile Payments
To use mobile payment apps in Vietnam, you’ll typically need to:
- Download the app and create an account.
- Link your bank account or credit/debit card to the app.
- Top up your e-wallet balance using various methods, such as bank transfers or cash deposits at authorized agents.
- Scan QR codes or enter merchant details to make payments at participating businesses.
Mobile payments offer convenience and security, as you don’t need to carry cash or expose your credit card information during transactions.
Online Payments in Vietnam
Le Vietnam a un secteur de commerce électronique florissant, et les paiements en ligne sont devenus de plus en plus populaires. Divers méthodes de paiement sont disponibles pour les achats en ligne, allant des options traditionnelles comme les cartes de crédit et les transferts bancaires à des solutions plus modernes comme les portefeuilles électroniques et les plateformes de paiement numériques.
Paiements de carte de crédit
De nombreuses plateformes de commerce électronique vietnamiennes acceptent les paiements de cartes de crédit de principaux fournisseurs comme Visa, MasterCard et American Express. Lorsque vous effectuez des achats en ligne, vous devrez généralement saisir les détails de votre carte de crédit, y compris le numéro de carte, la date d'expiration et le code de sécurité.
Transferts de banque
Bank transfers are another common method for online payments in Vietnam. To make a bank transfer, you’ll need to obtain the merchant’s bank account details, initiate a transfer from your bank account, and provide proof of payment to the seller.
E-Wallets and Digital Payment Platforms
E-wallets and digital payment platforms like MoMo, ZaloPay, and ViettelPay have gained significant popularity for online payments in Vietnam. These platforms offer a secure and convenient way to make online purchases without exposing sensitive financial information.
To use these services for online payments, you’ll need to link your bank account or credit/debit card to your e-wallet account and follow the payment instructions provided by the merchant.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping Customs au Vietnam sont différents des pays occidentaux, et la compréhension des pratiques locales peut vous aider à éviter des situations maladroites ou trop.
Basculement dans les restaurants et les hôtels
Bien que le basculement ne soit pas obligatoire au Vietnam, il devient plus courant, en particulier dans les restaurants et les hôtels haut de gamme qui s'adressent aux touristes internationaux. Une astuce de 5 à 10% de la facture totale est généralement appréciée pour un bon service.
Cependant, dans les restaurants locaux et les stands de nourriture de rue, le basculement n'est pas attendu et peut même être refusé par le personnel.
Guides touristiques et conducteurs de basculement
Il est habituel de pour donner un pourboire des guides touristiques et des conducteurs qui fournissent un service exceptionnel lors de vos voyages au Vietnam. Un conseil suggéré pour un guide touristique d'une journée est d'environ 100 000 à 200 000 Vnd par personne, tandis que les conducteurs peuvent recevoir 50 000 à 100 000 Vnd par personne.
Porters et cloches pour basculement
Le basculement des porteurs et des cloches dans les hôtels est une pratique courante. Une pointe de 10 000 à 20 000 VND par sac est généralement approuvée pour transporter des bagages dans votre chambre.
Taxes sur la monnaie et les paiements au Vietnam
Comprendre les implications fiscales de la change et des paiements de devises au Vietnam est essentiel pour la budgétisation et le respect des réglementations locales. Voici quelques points clés à considérer:
Taxe à valeur ajoutée (TVA)
Le Vietnam impose une taxe à valeur ajoutée (TVA) aux biens et services, y compris certaines transactions financières. Le taux de TVA standard au Vietnam est de 10%, mais il y a des exemptions et des taux réduits pour des éléments spécifiques. Lorsque vous effectuez des achats ou des paiements au Vietnam, sachez que la TVA peut être incluse dans le prix final.
Règlements de change
La bourse de devises étrangères au Vietnam est soumise aux réglementations établies par la Banque d'État du Vietnam. Les voyageurs doivent échanger des devises dans des banques autorisées, des compteurs d'échange ou des distributeurs automatiques de billets pour garantir la conformité à ces règlements. Il est important de conserver les reçus de change et la documentation pour toutes les transactions en devises étrangères.
Impôt sur le revenu
Les revenus gagnés au Vietnam, y compris le salaire, le revenu de l'entreprise et les gains en capital, peuvent être soumis à l'impôt sur le revenu des particuliers. Les taux d'imposition varient en fonction du type de revenu et du statut de résidence. Les étrangers travaillant ou menant des activités au Vietnam devraient consulter un conseiller fiscal pour comprendre leurs obligations fiscales et leurs déductions potentielles.
Retenue à la retenue
Certains paiements effectués aux non-résidents du Vietnam, tels que les dividendes, les intérêts, les redevances et les frais de service, sont soumis à la retenue à la retenue. Les taux d'imposition et les exigences de la retenue sont décrits dans les lois fiscales vietnamiennes et les accords de double fiscalité avec d'autres pays. Les entreprises effectuant des paiements à des entités étrangères devraient retenir l'impôt applicable et remplir les obligations de déclaration des autorités fiscales.
Conclusion
Navigating currency and payment options in Vietnam requires an understanding of the local practices, regulations, and preferences. While cash remains king in many transactions, credit cards, mobile payments, and online platforms offer convenient alternatives for both residents and travelers.
By familiarizing yourself with the nuances of using cash, exchanging currency, making payments, and tipping in Vietnam, you can enhance your financial experiences and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, dining at local eateries, or shopping online, being informed about currency matters will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation.