Vietnam Currency Exchange Guide: Stop Going to Banks! Locals Prefer to Exchange Money at "Gold Shops" (Recommended List for North, Central, and South)

When traveling to Vietnam, one of the most common questions everyone has is: "Where can I get the best exchange rate for Vietnamese Dong (VND)?" Many people's first instinct is to go to a bank, but in Vietnam, "gold shops (Tiệm Vàng)" are the kings of currency exchange! Not only are their rates usually better than banks, but you also don't need to show your passport or fill out tedious forms, making the process quick and convenient.

It is recommended to exchange a small amount of money at the airport first ~ then go to various gold shops for better rates.

This article compiles the best "currency exchange sanctuaries" in the three major cities of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, recognized by locals and seasoned travelers for their excellent rates. Save this for your next trip!

Why Choose Gold Shops for Currency Exchange?

1. Rate Advantage: The rates at gold shops are usually close to black market prices, better than the official rates at banks.
2. Simplified Process: No need to show your passport or fill out forms; it's a straightforward cash-for-cash exchange.
3. Long Business Hours: Many gold shops operate in the evening and on holidays, making them much more convenient than banks.

📍 Recommended Currency Exchange Locations in Vietnam

1. Hanoi | Hà Trung Street

The best exchange rates in Hanoi are concentrated in the "36 Old Streets" area, where Hà Trung Street is lined with gold shops, known as the Wall Street of currency exchange in Hanoi. The following three shops are very close to each other and are the most reputable options:

1. Recommendation 1: Quốc Trinh (國貞)
2. Address: 27 Hà Trung, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm
3. Features: The most famous one in Hanoi, frequented by both tourists and locals.

(Tested on 2025/12/19: The exchange rate is quite good, but the attitude of the staff can be indifferent. If you don't mind the attitude and care about the rate, you can go here.)

1. Recommendation 2: Thịnh Quang (盛光)
2. Address: 33 Hà Trung, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm
3. Features: Located right next to Quốc Trinh, this well-established shop is a great alternative if you want to avoid the lines.
4. Recommendation 3: Chính Quang (正光)
5. Address: 30 Hà Trung, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm
6. Features: Located across the street; if the two shops across are crowded, this one is also an excellent choice.

💡 Helpful Reminder: The competition on Hà Trung Street is fierce, and exchange rates change daily (even hourly). While all three shops have a good reputation, the rates they offer can vary slightly. Since you're already there, it's advisable to take a few minutes to check all three shops and see which one offers the best rate!

2. Ho Chi Minh City | Near Ben Thanh Market

The top currency exchange area in Ho Chi Minh City is right across from the "Ben Thanh Market" at the west gate, where gold shops are known for offering good rates for Taiwanese dollars.

1. Recommendation 1: Hà Tâm (河心)
2. Address: 2 Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1
3. Features: The shop is marked by its bright yellow sign and is a popular spot with over ten thousand Google reviews, usually setting the local rate standard.
4. Recommendation 2: Mai Vân (梅雲)
5. Address: 1 Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1
6. Features: Located right next to Hà Tâm, this large shop usually has similar rates. If there’s a long line at Hà Tâm, this is a good alternative.
7. Recommendation 3: Kim Mai (金梅)
8. Address: 84C Cống Quỳnh, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
9. Features: If you are staying near Phạm Ngũ Lão Street (backpacker street) and don’t want to go to Ben Thanh Market, this shop is also a well-rated option.

💡 Helpful Reminder: Hà Tâm and Mai Vân are right next to each other, so it’s highly recommended to ask both. Sometimes, Shop A has a better rate for USD, while Shop B has a better rate for TWD, so it’s definitely worth checking.

3. Da Nang | Han Market

The currency exchange points in Da Nang are mainly around the "Han Market" in the city center, where these gold shops are very friendly to tourists and easy to find.

1. Recommendation 1: Soạn Hà (蘇河)
2. Address: 121 Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu
3. Features: Directly across from Han Market, it has the best location and is the most recommended shop by Taiwanese tourists.
4. Recommendation 2: Kim Yến (金燕)
5. Address: 107 Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu
6. Features: Not far from Soạn Hà, also near Han Market, with very competitive rates.
7. Recommendation 3: Hiệu vàng Tín Thành
8. Address: 210 Hùng Vương, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu
9. Features: Located between the Big C (GO!) supermarket and the market near Han Market, it is also a popular gold shop among locals.

💡 Helpful Reminder: The exchange rate differences at gold shops in Da Nang can sometimes be slightly larger than in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is advisable to use Soạn Hà as a benchmark; if other nearby shops offer significantly lower rates, it’s best not to exchange there. Remember to count the amount clearly before leaving!

💡 4 Important Reminders Before Exchanging Currency

While exchanging currency at gold shops is convenient, to protect your rights, here are a few "rules of thumb" you must know:

1. USD Must Be "New" and "Large Denomination"

1. Vietnam has very strict requirements for USD. Bills must not have creases, stains, markings, or damage, or the shop may refuse to accept them, or the exchange rate may worsen.
2. 100-dollar bills have the best exchange rates! Smaller denominations like 50 or 20 dollars usually have worse rates. It is recommended to request "brand new hundred-dollar bills" when exchanging in Taiwan.

2. You Can Also Bring TWD to Exchange

1. In the popular gold shops mentioned above in major cities (especially Hà Tâm in Ho Chi Minh City), Taiwanese thousand-dollar bills are also well-circulated and have decent rates. If you prefer not to exchange twice (TWD to USD, then USD to VND), bringing Taiwanese thousand-dollar bills is also an option.

3. Count Clearly in Person, Don't Leave the Counter Without Checking

1. Gold shops are busy; after receiving Vietnamese Dong, please make sure to count the amount clearly in front of the counter. The denominations of Vietnamese Dong are large (often in the millions or tens of millions), making it easy to miscount. Confirm the amount is correct before leaving.

4. Compare Rates at Three Shops

1. Although the shops mentioned above are well-known, exchange rates fluctuate at any time. If you are exchanging a large amount, it is advisable to check a couple of nearby gold shops for comparison.