Where to exchange USD to Vietnamese dong in Ho Chi Minh City — airport or city exchange offices?

In late September 2026 a participant called dollars the best currency to bring, since they can be exchanged everywhere. In his experience it is better to change at least $100 at a time, as smaller amounts get a worse rate, though you will not lose much anywhere.

The reverse exchange works too: in September 2026 a traveler changed dong back into dollars at Ho Chi Minh City airport before departure without any problems. The rate, he said, was not ideal but not a rip-off either. Banks, he wrote, would not do this exchange for foreigners.

Participants' general advice in September 2026: the airport rate is not the best, so change a small amount there for the trip into town, for example about $20 for a taxi, and exchange the rest at city exchange offices. They also advise counting and recounting the cash and checking the rate when exchanging.

In Vietnam, cash US dollars and euros are accepted for exchange, but bills must be intact: no marks, wear, tears, stamps or writing. A participant wrote in September 2026 that such bills are either refused or exchanged at a very low rate. The difference between new and old $100 bills is about 1-2%.

On 20 August 2026 a traveler changed dollars at the airport at about VND 25,820 per USD, and then at a gold shop at about VND 25,900. The gap was under one percent. He noted himself that the difference might have been specific to that day.

For those flying in from Thailand, a traveler in August 2026 suggested buying dollars with baht at a good rate beforehand, for example at Central Festival, and then exchanging the dollars for dong in Vietnam. By his estimate, this beats changing baht directly into dong by more than 2%.