Vietnamese Currency: A Traveler’s Guide
Discover everything about Vietnamese currency. Learn denominations, tips for handling money, and essential phrases for transactions.
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam, issued exclusively by the State Bank of Vietnam. Represented by the national symbol “₫” and the international code “VND” it is the only legal tender for unrestricted payments throughout the country.
Banknotes are available in polymer form with denominations of 500,000VND, 200,000VND, 100,000VND, 50,000VND, 20,000VND, and 10,000VND, while older cotton banknotes are still in circulation. Coins, although rarely used, include denominations of 5,000VND, 2,000VND, 1,000VND, 500VND, and 200VND.
To ensure quality and combat counterfeiting, the State Bank of Vietnam has implemented advanced printing technologies. Learning about Vietnamese currency not only helps travelers understand denominations and secure transactions but also enhances their overall experience in Vietnam. Familiarize yourself with key money-handling tips and essential phrases for smooth and stress-free transactions.
500,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: December 17, 2003
- Dimensions: 152mm x 65mm
- Material: Polymer
- Overall Color: Dark violet-blue
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 500,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of President Ho Chi Minh's house in Kim Lien - Denomination of 500,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
200,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: August 30, 2006
- Dimensions: 148mm x 65mm
- Material: Polymer
- Overall Color: Brown-red
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 200,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of Ha Long Bay - Denomination of 200,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
100,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote (New Version Printed on Polymer)
- Issue Date: September 1, 2004
- Dimensions: 144mm x 65mm
- Material: High-durability polymer paper, environmentally friendly, with special security features such as a transparent window, hidden or embossed images in the window.
- Overall Color: Overall design and content on both the front and back are dark green.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 100,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of the Temple of Literature and the National University - Denomination of 100,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
50,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote (New Version Printed on Polymer)
- Issue Date: December 17, 2003
- Dimensions: 140mm x 65mm
- Material: Polymer
- Overall Color: Brown-purple
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 50,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of Hue - Denomination of 50,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
20,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote (New Version Printed on Polymer)
- Issue Date: May 17, 2006
- Dimensions: 136mm x 65mm
- Material: Polymer
- Overall Color: Dark sky blue.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 20,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of the Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau) in Hoi An, Quang Nam - Denomination of 20,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
10,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: August 30, 2006
- Dimensions: 132mm x 60mm
- Material: Polymer
- Overall Color: Dark brown on a greenish-yellow background.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 50,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of Hue - Denomination of 50,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
5,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: January 15, 1993
- Dimensions: 134mm x 64mm
- Material: Cotton
- Overall Color: Dark blue.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 5,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of the Tri An Hydroelectric Plant - Denomination of 5,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
2,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: October 20, 1989
- Dimensions: 134mm x 65mm
- Material: Cotton
- Overall Color: Dark brown.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 2,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Textile factory - Denomination of 2,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
1,000 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: October 20, 1989
- Dimensions: 134mm x 65mm
- Material: Cotton
- Overall Color: Purple.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 1,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scene of timber extraction - Denomination of 1,000 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
500 Vietnamese Dong Banknote
- Issue Date: August 15, 1989
- Dimensions: 130mm x 65mm
- Material: Cotton
- Overall Color: Pinkish-red.
- Pronunciation:
Front Side
Back Side
Front Design: The text "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" - National Emblem - Portrait of President Ho Chi Minh - Denomination of 500 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Back Design: The text "State Bank of Vietnam" - Scenic view of Hai Phong Port - Denomination of 500 dong in both words and numbers - Traditional ethnic patterns and modern grid motifs.
Vietnamese Currency Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
In this test, you will listen to sounds related to banknotes, and your task is to select the image of the corresponding banknote.
Travel Tips for Using Vietnamese Currency: Understanding Money and Prices
Master the art of handling Vietnamese money with our travel tips. Learn the shortcuts locals use for writing prices, such as 50K for 50,000 VND, and get guidance on understanding menus and price tags. Ensure you're prepared to navigate transactions confidently during your travels.
Examples for Menu Items: Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Món Cơm
- Cơm sườn = 65,000 VND
- Cơm sườn bì = 75,000 VND
- Cơm sườn trứng = 75,000 VND
- Cơm sườn bì trứng = 80,000 VND
- Cơm bì = 39,000 VND
- Cơm trứng = 39,000 VND
- Cơm chả = 39,000 VND
Món Thêm
- Sườn = 35,000 VND
- Canh = 25,000 VND
- Trứng = 10,000 VND
- Chả = 10,000 VND
- Bì = 10,000 VND
- Cơm = 10,000 VND
- Tóp mỡ = 5,000 VND
Giải Khát
- Trà đá = 2,000 VND
- Sting = 15,000 VND
- Pepsi = 15,000 VND
- Trà tắc = 15,000 VND
- Nước suối = 10,000 VND
- Khăn lạnh = 2,000 VND
Currency Conversion (USD to VND)
To convert US dollars (USD) to Vietnamese Dong (VND), you can use the current exchange rate. As exchange rates fluctuate, it’s essential to check the latest rates for accurate conversions.
For example, if the exchange rate is 1 USD = 23,000 VND, then:
- 10 USD = 230,000 VND
- 50 USD = 1,150,000 VND
- 100 USD = 2,300,000 VND
Vietnamese Language Learning Topics: Grammar, Vocabulary, Communication, and Culture
Explore a comprehensive range of Vietnamese language learning topics, including grammar, vocabulary, daily communication, and insights into Vietnamese culture. Whether you're a beginner or have a solid foundation, these topics will help you improve your Vietnamese skills in various contexts. Start your language journey today and discover more about the language and people of Vietnam!
Numbers in Vietnamese
Currency in Vietnamese
