Vietnam is a bargain hunter’s paradise and the streets are awash with little shops selling all manner of items. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is particularly excellent for visitors with shops selling clothes, gold, embroidered tablecloths and handbags. Markets are always great places to enjoy the local flavor and buy souvenirs. Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan market in Hanoi are worth a visit. Local specialties include lacquer painting, reed mats, embroidery, tailor-made
ao dais (female national costume) and mother-of-pearl inlay on ornaments and furniture, not to mention
the ubiquitous conical hat. The hill tribes of the Central Highlands and the north of the country now sell colorful woven bags and clothing. Good souvenirs are marble figurines and vases, ceramics from Bat Trang village, silk paintings and hand-painted greetings cards. VAT is included on most items sold, but at the moment there is no system for foreign visitors to be able to claim this back.
Bargaining is expected in markets and many souvenir shops.
Shopping hours: Daily 0800/0830-2100/2200.
Currency Information:CurrencyDông (VND; symbol ₫). Notes are in denominations of ₫500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of ₫5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.
Currency ExchangeThe US Dollar is the most favored foreign currency. Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean and Thai currency, as well as the Euro, can usually be changed in the larger cities; great difficulty may be encountered in trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a commission charge for changing money in banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAn increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main towns and cities, it is wise to carry cash. There are ATMs in many major towns, but not everywhere.
Traveller's ChequesThese are widely accepted in hotels and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0730/0800-1130 and 1300-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ₫31,654.22 |
| $1.00= | ₫16,023.50 |
| €1.00= | ₫21,401.44 |
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