Essentials · 6 min read
Money, Cards, SIM Cards and Internet in Vietnam
Practical tips for paying, staying connected and avoiding avoidable fees.
Reviewed 2026-11-04 · General travel guidance
Cash and cards
Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted at many hotels and larger businesses, while cash remains useful for markets, small cafés and rural areas.
Use bank ATMs, check displayed fees, and decline dynamic currency conversion when your own bank offers a better rate. Count change carefully because banknotes can look similar.
SIM and eSIM
An eSIM may be convenient if your phone supports it. Physical SIMs are also common. Compare coverage in the areas you will visit, not just the advertised data allowance.
Purchase from a reputable operator or authorized seller and confirm activation before leaving the shop. Keep access to your primary number for banking authentication if needed.
Internet and navigation
Download offline maps, translate key addresses into Vietnamese and save accommodation contact details before long journeys.
Public Wi-Fi is useful, but avoid sensitive transactions on untrusted networks unless you have appropriate protections.