Where to exchange money in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

In Viet Nam, Visa Card and Mastercard Cards are becoming more accepted in many of the bigger hotels and restaurants, especially in the larger cities (Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang) with usually a surcharge of 3%. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using them in Vietnam. 

First, not all businesses accept debit card payments, so it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand as well. In Vietnam, people still used cash to settle most monetary transactions, sidewalk sales are everywhere in the country, and those never accept cards, so bringing cash with you is one of the simplest ways to access money in Vietnam.

Second, US dollars are widely accepted throughout Vietnam and can be easily exchanged for the local currency, the Vietnam Dong. The options for withdrawing money in Vietnam are as below:

Option 1: Withdraw money by Debit Card or Mastercard Card

This option for accessing cash in Vietnam is through the use of debit cards. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account and allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs or make point-of-sale purchases. Some banks may charge international transaction fees for using your debit card abroad. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using debit cards in Vietnam.

• To withdraw money from a Debit card, customers should note that Withdrawal at ATM will incur a foreign currency conversion fee.

Additionally, some ATMs in Vietnam may not accept foreign credit cards because Cash can only be withdrawn at the ATM system of the card-issuing bank or the one associated with the bank. So it’s always a good idea to have a backup method of accessing cash.

Option 2: Exchange Vietnamese dong.

Exchange money places in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh city Vietnam

You will find some Vietinbank and Eximbank currency exchange stalls after immigration and customs. However, these both usually apply an unfavorable exchange rate. Therefore, you should only exchange a small sum to cover your taxi and other necessities (taxi) and then head to town for a better rate.

Where to have the best exchange rate in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City

Ha Tam Jewelry Shop

( source: vietnam adventure cycling tour)

Ha Tam gold shop is located on the side of Ben Thanh market, which has always been famous for being the best place to exchange foreign currency at the best price in Saigon. You can exchange many foreign currencies from countries around the world such as USD, THB, and JPY.

(source: cycle tour in vietnam)

However, due to the good exchange rate this store has offered, this exchange store is always busy all day. You normally take about 15 minutes waiting in the line for your exchange money turn. 

• Address: 02 Nguyen An Ninh Street, District 1, HCMC

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Weekend)

• Telephone number: 028 3823 7243

Minh Thu Money Exchange – Saigon Ho Chi Minh city

(source: vietnam cycling tours)

As one of the large and long-standing stores in Saigon, it is a trusted address by many people to exchange USD, JPY, THB yen, and ERU, … This is also an exchange rate point issued by the Bank. Therefore, customers can rest assured that they will not encounter counterfeit money or be fined for illegal foreign currency exchange. In addition, the service staff at Minh Thu are very enthusiastic and attentive, and ready to answer all your questions.

• Address:22 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1, HCMC

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Daily

• Telephone number: 0908 242 482 – 0903 649 797

• Website: http://thudoingoaiteminhthu.com.vn/

Eximbank 59 Money Exchange – Saigon – Ho Chi Minh city

Located right in one the most expensive street of Saigon, if you live around Dong Khoi Street this exchange place can be a good place even though the rate here is lower compared to other places

This is one of the largest foreign currency exchange points in District 1 where you can exchange USD, GPB, Euro, CNY,…

• Address:135 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, HCMC

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Daily

• Telephone number: 028 3823 1316

• Website: https://eximbank.com.vn/tygiangoaitevagiavang

Kim Mai Gold Shop

Here, the exchange rate is often higher than in other places, so many customers choose Kim Mai as their destination. Especially at Kim Mai, customers can exchange a large amount of money, so it’s best to contact them in advance to negotiate the best price.

• Address:84C Cong Quynh Street, Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, HCMC

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Daily

• Telephone number: 028 3836 0412

Kim Hoan Sai Gon 

Customers can exchange USD here at a relatively good price compared to the market. However, only the dollar is the main currency that can be exchanged, and other currencies are rarely available.

• Address:222 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Daily

• Telephone number: 028 3825 8973

DOJI Jewelry Shop

In the shop of the DOJI jewelry brand, which has also been licensed for foreign currency trading activities with currencies of many countries in the world with suitable exchange rates, if customers have needs, they can go to the stores. belonging to the DOJI system to conduct foreign currency exchange.

• Address: 214 Phan Dang Luu Street, Ward 3, District Phu Nhuan, HCMC

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Daily

• Telephone number: 028 3995 3666

• Website: https://doji.vn/

Bank system in HCMC: 

How to do money exchange in the local Vietnam bank

Currency exchange at the bank is the safest and most reputable option. Banks such as Vietcombank, VP Bank, BIDV, Eximbank, Techcombank, Vietinbank, etc. are all foreign currency exchange transactions of many different countries. So, with rare coins, you can go to Ho Chi Minh bank to transact. However, to change foreign currency at the bank you have to make many transactions and the exchange rate is not good compared to the above private addresses. Additionally, it takes a longer time to get a transaction because you need to finish some information and present the required documents.

Author: Trang Le