Vietnamese Dong: a practical currency guide
How currency works for international dental tourism patients in Vietnam. Exchange rates, payment methods at partner clinics, deposit structure, ATM access, and daily cost benchmarks.
Vietnam's currency is the Dong (VND). At May 2026 rates: 1 USD is approximately 25,000 VND; 1 AUD is approximately 16,500 VND; 1 NZD is approximately 14,500 VND; 1 GBP is approximately 31,500 VND; 1 CAD is approximately 18,000 VND. Vietnamese Dong is not internationally convertible: there is no point buying VND before you fly. All SmileJet partner clinics accept international Visa and Mastercard for treatment payment; USD cash is universally accepted as an alternative for smaller cases. For larger cases (All-on-4, full mouth), bank wire transfer is available and often 1 to 3% cheaper than card because it bypasses card processing fees. Most treatment cases follow a deposit-and-balance structure: 20 to 40% deposit at treatment start, remainder on completion. ATMs are widely available across all five SmileJet cities; plan for per-withdrawal limits of US$80 to 200 and a home-bank foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3%.
Exchange rates at a glance
VND rates are indicative at May 2026 and fluctuate daily. Use a live converter before travel to get the current rate.
| Home currency | Approx VND rate | Best payment method | Card tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD (Australia) | 1 AUD = 16,500 VND | Visa / Mastercard | Wise or ING for zero FX fee |
| NZD (New Zealand) | 1 NZD = 14,500 VND | Visa / Mastercard | Wise for zero FX fee; Kiwibank charges 2.5% |
| USD (United States) | 1 USD = 25,000 VND | USD cash or card | Charles Schwab debit refunds ATM fees globally |
| GBP (United Kingdom) | 1 GBP = 31,500 VND | Visa / Mastercard | Monzo or Starling for zero FX fee |
| CAD (Canada) | 1 CAD = 18,000 VND | Visa / Mastercard | Wise or Scotiabank no-fee card |
| SGD (Singapore) | 1 SGD = 18,500 VND | Visa / Mastercard | DBS Altitude or UOB YOLO for no FX fee |
| Rates are indicative at May 2026. Verify at a live converter before travel. | |||
Paying for treatment
SmileJet partner clinics accept multiple payment methods. Here is what is available and when to use each.
International credit or debit card (most common)
Visa, Mastercard, and JCB accepted at all partner clinics. AMEX accepted at some. Most clinics absorb the card processing fee (no surcharge to patient); a few charge 1 to 3% on premium cards. Confirm with your clinic when booking.
USD cash
Universally accepted at Vietnamese partner clinics. Convenient for smaller cases. For larger cases (over US$3,000), card or wire is more practical than carrying cash.
Bank wire transfer
Available for larger cases (full mouth, both-arch All-on-4). Often 1 to 3% cheaper than card payment because the clinic avoids card processing fees. Setup takes 2 to 3 business days; confirm wire details directly with the clinic.
Vietnamese Dong cash
Accepted but uncommon for international patients. Usable only if you have already converted at an ATM. USD or card is more practical for treatment payments.
How the deposit-and-balance system works
Most cases follow a three-stage payment structure. Specifics vary by partner clinic and are confirmed in your written treatment plan.
Some clinics require a small deposit (US$50 to 150) at booking. This is refundable against the treatment cost, or refundable in full if you walk away after the initial consultation.
Roughly 20 to 40% of the total case value. This locks your materials, lab time, and clinical schedule. Paid at the start of active treatment, not on the day you arrive.
The remaining 60 to 80% of the case value, paid at the final appointment. For multi-trip cases, the deposit and balance structure resets per trip: each trip has its own deposit-on-arrival and balance-on-departure.
ATM access and daily spending benchmarks
Meals
Street pho or banh mi: VND 40,000 to 80,000 (US$1.50 to 3). Sit-down restaurant: VND 150,000 to 400,000 (US$6 to 16). Western cafe in HCMC District 1 or Da Nang My Khe: VND 200,000 to 500,000 (US$8 to 20). Budget US$20 to 50 per day for meals depending on dining style.
Ground transport
Grab taxi for a typical clinic run: VND 50,000 to 150,000 (US$2 to 6). Grab Bike for short trips: VND 20,000 to 50,000. Hoi An bicycle rental: VND 50,000 to 100,000 per day. Budget US$5 to 15 per day for ground transport.
Accommodation
Budget guesthouse: US$20 to 40 per night. Mid-range hotel: US$50 to 120 per night. Boutique hotel near the clinic: US$80 to 180 per night. Phu Quoc resort: US$100 to 300 per night. Most patients in HCMC and Hanoi budget US$70 to 120 per night for comfortable mid-range.
ATM mechanics
Per-transaction limits typically 2 to 5 million VND (US$80 to 200). Multiple withdrawals may be needed for larger amounts. ATM fees from your home bank: typically US$3 to 7 per withdrawal plus 1 to 3% foreign transaction fee. Pay treatment by card or wire; use ATMs only for daily VND cash needs.
Currency exchange pitfalls to avoid
Airport exchange counters
Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) and Noi Bai (Hanoi) airport exchange counters typically offer rates 3 to 5% below the bank rate: the single most expensive place to exchange currency in Vietnam. Use the bank branch in the arrivals hall if one is available, or wait to exchange in the city.
Hotel exchange desks
Most mid-range and above hotels offer currency exchange. Rates are typically 1 to 3% below the bank rate: better than the airport, worse than a Vietcombank branch. Convenient for small amounts; not recommended for large cash conversions.
Counting your cash
Vietnamese Dong notes come in high denominations that look similar to unfamiliar eyes (100,000 VND notes are maroon; 200,000 VND notes are red; 500,000 VND notes are blue-green). Count carefully before accepting a cash exchange. Official bank branches almost never have errors; street-level exchange points occasionally do.
Using Wise for large transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most cost-effective method for patients sending large deposits internationally. The mid-market rate applies; the fee is typically 0.35 to 0.65% for AUD-to-USD transfers. On a A$5,000 deposit, Wise saves A$80 to 160 compared to a standard bank international wire. Setup requires identity verification (passport upload), which can be done in advance of travel.
Currency FAQ
Should I pay for dental treatment in USD or AUD at Vietnamese clinics?
Is it cheaper to pay by bank wire than by credit card?
How do I handle payments across a two-trip implant case?
Should I worry about Vietnamese Dong exchange rates for day-to-day spending?
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