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Hi all. I have a USD $100 note for the Vietnam visa on arrival stamping fee. It costs USD $25. Does anybody remember if they give change USD? Cheers.

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1

I got change for a $50 bill in Hanoi airport 2 days ago. It shouldn't be a problem, everyone is paying in Dollars.

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2

Not everyone ; EU citizens can pay in Euros ! He should ask for the change in dongs so that I have some for the transfer to Old Hanoi + diner etc.

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3

I think if you get your change in Dong that you may get a poor exchange rate. There are many places to change dollars at the arrivals point!

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4
In response to #3

Exactly right! And, if you pay in Euro don't expect a great exchange rate either. The stamping fee is stated in U$D and they will always accept VND any other currency will either be refused or exchanged at a poor rate.

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5

All international airports have a bureau de change. I don't know where you are flying from but you could easily have your large note broken down into smaller ones FOC before you board and save yourself any hassle when you land.


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6

Thanks for the speedy replies everyone. I think it is correct that other currencies will come with poor exchange rates, so I would prefer to do it in USD, even though I have some dong leftover. @friendly_checkingirl that's a good idea doing it before I fly. I had thought of doing on it arrivals but I just want to get out when I arrive. @samnewcastle Good to hear about some very recent experience

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7

They process a massive amount of visas each day paid in USD, so they have tens of thousands of USD there to give you change. I don't think they would try to rip you off by giving you change in Dong.
In worst case you could just ask three fellow traveller to help you out by paying with your 100 dollar bill,
but I'm quite sure they will just give you change in USD if you pay with a 100 dollar bill, so no need to even worry about this.

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8

Just as a follow up to this. I went and it was no problem to get change for my $100 bill. They had wads of US dollars and the guy got me the change before I'd even handed over my note. Also, I asked a couple money exchange places at Sydney airport before I left and they both said they we not allowed to break up a note for me. I suppose it's not in their interest, plus they might get scammed that way.

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9

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