Where To Exchange Money In Hanoi: Best Places For Competitive Rates

Finding a reliable place to exchange money in Hanoi is an important step to help travelers manage their spending and avoid unnecessary risks. With various options such as banks, currency exchange stalls in local markets, and airport counters, understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make informed decisions. This article from GTrip offers practical information to help you exchange money safely, transparently, and efficiently. We provide guidance on securing favorable exchange rates, minimising unnecessary fees, and selecting reliable exchange points so that you can manage your finances in Hanoi with confidence.

Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport offers several convenient money exchange options for travelers who have just landed in Hanoi. While the rates may not be the most competitive, these services provide immediate access to Vietnamese Dong (VND) for your initial expenses in the city.

Terminal locations and operating hours

Both terminals at Noi Bai Airport provide currency exchange services with slightly different options:

Terminal T1 (Domestic):

• Exchange counters: Vietinbank and ACB (located near the main entrance)
• ATMs available: Vietinbank, Techcombank, Agribank, Sacombank, and HSBC
• Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
• Transaction time: Usually 3 - 5 minutes per exchange

Terminal T2 (International):

• West Wing: BIDV and Maritime Bank counters (1st floor)
• East Wing: Vietinbank and Techcombank counters (1st floor)
• Arrivals Hall: Additional counters after immigration
• Operating hours: 24/7 service at most locations
• Maximum exchange: No strict limits, but large amounts may require ID

Noi Bai Airport offers convenient currency exchange at both terminals, with major banks operating daily and available 24/7

Exchange rates and considerations

The exchange rates at Noi Bai Airport typically include a convenience premium compared to city locations:

Strategy for smart exchanges

When using the airport exchange services, consider these practical tips:

• Exchange minimally: Convert just enough for immediate needs (taxi, food, etc.)
• Use ATMs when possible: Generally offer better rates than exchange counters
• Bring clean bills: USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD are widely accepted (avoid damaged notes)
• Keep receipts: Required for converting VND back to foreign currency when leaving
• Compare rates: Check different counters, as they might have slightly different offers
• Withdraw in larger amounts: ATM fees are often fixed, so larger withdrawals minimize fees

While airport exchange services offer convenience, experienced travelers usually exchange only a small amount, typically around $50 to $100, at Noi Bai Airport. They reserve larger transactions for gold shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, particularly along Ha Trung Street, where rates are generally more favorable.

Exchange currency at a bank

For travelers seeking reliable currency exchange options in Hanoi, local banks offer competitive rates with secure transactions and official receipts. Major Vietnamese banks offer standardized currency exchange services, but only during business hours and usually with an ID required.

Vietinbank on Ly Thuong Kiet

• Address: 25 Ly Thuong Kiet, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi
• Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Located in the bustling business district near Hoan Kiem Lake, Vietinbank's Ly Thuong Kiet branch offers comprehensive currency exchange services for major international currencies. This branch maintains a professional atmosphere with multilingual staff capable of assisting foreign visitors. The bank implements current market rates with reasonable fees and provides currency authentication verification for added security. Due to its central location, this branch frequently handles international transactions, making it a reliable option for exchanging larger amounts of currency

Vietinbank Ly Thuong Kiet offers reliable, professional currency exchange near Hoan Kiem Lake, ideal for larger transactions

Vietcombank in Cau Go

• Address: 110 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
• Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Situated in the heart of the Old Quarter, Vietcombank's Cau Go branch offers a strategic location for tourists exploring Hanoi's historic sites. This branch maintains a reputation for providing some of the most favorable exchange rates in the city, particularly for USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY. The spacious banking hall features dedicated foreign exchange counters with minimal waiting times even during peak tourist seasons. The branch's proximity to major hotels and attractions makes it especially convenient for travelers needing quick currency exchange services.

Vietcombank Cau Go offers competitive exchange rates and fast service in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Techcombank on Bat Dan

• Address: 34 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
• Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Techcombank's Bat Dan branch provides a more intimate banking experience in a quieter section of the Old Quarter. This location is known for its efficient service and shorter queues compared to larger bank branches in more touristy areas. The branch handles multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, SGD, and more, making it versatile for international travelers from various regions. Their customer service representatives are particularly attentive to first-time visitors to Vietnam, taking time to explain exchange rates and fee structures.

Techcombank Bat Dan offers quick, attentive currency exchange in a quieter Old Quarter spot, ideal for first-time visitors

Vietnam International Bank (VIB) on Dinh Tien Hoang

• Address: 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi
• Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

VIB's Dinh Tien Hoang branch offers a premium banking experience with its modern facilities and customer-centric approach. Located opposite the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, this branch caters effectively to international clientele with specialized foreign exchange services. Their digital queue management system reduces waiting times, while their currency exchange counters provide competitive rates for major global currencies. The branch's strategic location means you can combine your banking errands with sightseeing around the lake area, making efficient use of your time in Hanoi.

VIB Dinh Tien Hoang delivers efficient, tourist-friendly currency exchange with lakefront convenience and modern service

Tips for money exchange

When exchanging money in Hanoi, following these expert tips will help you secure better rates and avoid common pitfalls:

• Compare rates before exchanging: Check multiple locations as rates can vary by 2 - 3% between providers, which adds up significantly on larger exchanges
• Avoid airport and hotel exchanges when possible: They typically offer rates 5 - 10% worse than city center options
• Count your money carefully before leaving the counter: Vietnamese dong has many zeros, and denominations can be confusing for first-timers
• Bring clean, undamaged USD bills: Notes with tears, marks, or excessive wear may be rejected or exchanged at poorer rates
• Prioritize 50 and 100 USD denominations: Larger bills typically receive better exchange rates (0.5 - 1% higher) than smaller denominations
• Keep exchange receipts: These may be required when converting dong back to foreign currency before departing Vietnam
• Use a currency conversion app: XE Currency or Wise (TransferWise) helps calculate fair rates on the spot
• Exchange in smaller amounts if staying longer: The dong occasionally fluctuates, so avoid converting all your money at once
• Negotiate politely at gold shops: Many are willing to improve their initial rate by 1 - 2% if asked respectfully
• Be wary of street money changers: While sometimes offering competitive rates, they may use sleight - of - hand tricks or provide counterfeit notes
• Check notes for authenticity: Learn basic security features of the Vietnamese dong (watermarks, security threads) to verify legitimate currency

Follow these expert tips to get better rates, avoid hidden fees, and exchange money safely during your stay in Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi is a thrilling adventure, and knowing where to exchange money makes your journey smoother and more rewarding. By understanding your options, you can dive into the vibrant energy of this bustling city with ease and confidence. If it's wandering through historic streets or savoring local delicacies, having the right currency in hand enhances each moment. As you continue planning your adventure with GTrip, keep these insights handy so you're always prepared for any financial needs that arise. There's so much more to discover about traveling smart in Vietnam and many other destinations, so let this guide be just the start of a well-planned journey full of unforgettable experiences.