The exchange rate at Hanoi airport is worse than in the city - this is not a rumor but a rule of exchange offices
Exchange offices in international airports operate in a local monopoly: the passenger has arrived, needs cash immediately, and has no alternative. That is exactly why airport currency exchange points - in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and everywhere in the world - set a wider spread than city ones. Exchanging euros for dong at the airport is convenient, but it costs more.
The best options for exchanging EUR in Vietnam after arrival:
- ATMs in the city: withdraw dong at your bank's rate with EUR conversion. Often better than airport exchange, though the bank charges a transaction fee.
- Exchange offices in the city center: in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City the rate is noticeably better than at the airport.
- Goldsmith shops in major cities: in Vietnam this is a traditional and often favorable exchange channel - but not all currencies are accepted.
A reasonable tactic: exchange the minimum at the airport for initial expenses (taxi, food on arrival day), do the main exchange once in the city.
Euros are accepted in Vietnam, but with a caveat: why dollars are preferred
The Vietnamese dong is the only legal currency for settlements within the country. Vietnamese merchants are not required to accept foreign currency directly - and most do not. Exception: major hotels, travel agencies, and some restaurants in tourist areas. They accept USD and, much less often, EUR.
The US dollar has historically been more popular in Vietnam than the euro: USD has been used for decades as a parallel currency, banks and exchange offices know its rate, and the conversion fee to dong is minimal. The euro is accepted less frequently, and the conversion rate for tourists is often worse than the dollar rate.
Practical conclusion: if you are going to Vietnam with euros, it makes sense to either exchange them for dollars before the trip, or convert them to dong in advance - via ATM24 before departure rather than at Hanoi airport. Bringing in or taking out cash VND exceeding 15 million VND requires a customs declaration.
When to exchange euros for dong: three moments with different outcomes
The timing of the EUR/VND exchange affects the final amount. Three options give different results.
Before the trip, through an online service. At ATM24 you can exchange euros in advance, agreeing the rate before payment via WhatsApp or Telegram. Convenient when you have a clear idea of the amount needed.
At the airport on arrival. The most convenient option, but not the most favorable - airport exchange offices work with a wider spread. Suitable for small amounts for the first few hours.
In a Vietnamese city. The rate is better than at the airport. For this you need to get to the city with enough money on your card or with a minimum of cash exchanged at the airport.
The optimal scheme for most people: exchange a small amount at the airport for the first day, and the main funds at a city exchange office or in advance through ATM24.
