Dông (VND). Notes are in denominations of VND500,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of VND5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200.

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 charge for changing money in banks.

An increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main centres, it is wise to carry cash.

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 or Euros.

Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Import and export of foreign currency over US$3000 is subject to declaration. Proof of all expenses should be kept.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	VND29,126.23
$1.00=	VND16,002.00

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

The following items may be freely imported into Vietnam by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes; 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; up to 5kg of tea and up to 3kg of coffee; 1.5l of liquor at 22 per cent and above, and 2l of liquor below this amount, and 3l of all other alcoholic beverages; a reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings; other goods not exceeding VND5 million.

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