Dông (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.

The US Dollar is the most favoured 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.

An 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.

These are widely accepted in hotels and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1130 and 1300-1600.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	₫31,654.22
$1.00=	₫16,023.50
Eur;1.00=	₫21,401.44

The following items may be freely imported into Vietnam by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes.
• 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• 1.5l of liquor at 22% and above, and 2l of liquor below this amount, and 3l of all other alcoholic beverages.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings.

Note: Foreign currency has to be declared on arrival.

The importation of non-prescribed drugs, firearms, anti-government literature and pornography is prohibited.