Bringing Money to Vietnam
Cash
Every country has restrictions on the amount of cash that can be brought out of its borders. If you plan to bring more than $10,000 USD in cash or the equivalent value, be prepared for customs declaration when you leave or enter a country. Additionally, carrying large sums of cash while traveling is not the safest or most convenient method. It is advisable to keep a few hundred dollars in small denominations to cover expenses until you locate a bank or ATM. At airports, train stations, and tourist areas, there are plenty of currency exchange booths available. It is essential to avoid engaging with black market currency dealers, even if they offer competitive rates. 
Photo: qctime.com
Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores within major cities. Expect a fee of about 3% on most credit transactions. Cash advances can be requested at banks such as Vietcombank and Citibank in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, subject to similar charges. 
Photo: visa.com.vn
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are relatively easy to keep safe but are not as widely used as in the past. If you choose this option, ensure that the currency on your checks is in US dollars, as this will simplify the process of redeeming them at authorized foreign exchange banks. Most banks will charge between 0.5% and 2% when you purchase the checks, and there may be an additional fee of 0.5% to 1% when cashing them.
Photo: nashaplanate.net.
ATM Machines
ATMs are widely available in most cities and provide a quick way to access cash. Withdrawal fees vary by bank but typically do not exceed $2 per transaction. ANZ allows for a maximum withdrawal of 4,000,000 VND (approximately $170 USD), while most other banks limit withdrawals to 2,000,000 VND (around $85 USD) or less. All withdrawals are dispensed in Vietnamese Dong. For larger cash advances, arrangements can usually be made during bank office hours with staff assistance.
Photo: topbank.com
Budget Tip: Never Pay Full Price
If you are a foreign tourist, you would surely encounter one of the most problematic issues of global tourism – two tiers of pricing.
Budget Tip: Try Local Drinks
When it comes to drinking, Vietnamese coffee rules, in terms of both taste and price! It is strongly recommended that you try Vietnamese coffee, which costs less than $1 in most places.
Budget Tip: Eat Street Food
This tip is great for those possessing a quality stomach and wanting to save extra bucks.
