The currency of Vietnam, known as the "dong," is the official monetary unit of the country, designated by the ISO code VND. The State Bank of Vietnam is responsible for issuing and managing the currency. The Vietnamese dong exists in two forms: banknotes and coins, although banknotes are far more commonly used, with a wide range of denominations to meet daily transaction needs.

Banknotes: Vietnamese banknotes come in denominations ranging from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND. Lower denominations such as 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND, and 5,000 VND are made from polymer, making them durable, waterproof, and resistant to wear and tear. Higher denominations like 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 200,000 VND, and 500,000 VND each have distinctive sizes and colors for easy identification. The images on these banknotes primarily feature famous landmarks, scenic spots, and prominent historical figures of Vietnam, adding a unique cultural character to each note.

Coins: Previously, coins were circulated in denominations ranging from 200 VND to 5,000 VND. However, due to their low convenience and limited use, coins are no longer widely circulated and have gradually disappeared from everyday transactions.

Exchange Rate and International Use: With the Vietnamese dong having a relatively low exchange rate compared to international currencies like the USD or EUR, careful calculation is needed when exchanging money. The Vietnamese dong is not commonly used outside of Vietnam, so international travelers often exchange currency into VND upon arrival.

Tips for Foreigners: International visitors to Vietnam should consider exchanging some cash into VND for convenient shopping and payments. While many businesses in Vietnam now accept international cards, cash transactions are still preferred in rural areas and traditional markets.