Simple little things.

Headed your way in eight days. I arrive at 10 o’clock at night. Should I exchange some currency at the airport or use American dollars or my card at the hotel and deal with exchanging for the next day. It is better to utilize the local currency versus US dollars correct? And when I do exchange currency, how much US should I change into dong? Is there a good starting amount? I obviously don’t want to carry too much around!
- @kevinodprobate

Check out this link and scroll down to my detailed recommendations for US Citizens.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE USA, make sure you have an ATM/DEBIT card that meets these 4 requirements:

1. rebates or refunds all of your ATM charges and

2. doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee and also

3. gives you the actual market exchange rate for US Dollars to Việt Nam đồng

4. without any additional foreign exchange fee

If you get off the plane with a card like that (follow the link to read my full post) then you won't have any problems.

ATMs in the airport (or just outside the main terminal) will all work the same for you AS LONG AS YOU ALWAYS REJECT THE BANK'S OFFER OF A SPECIAL CURRENCY CONVERSION RATE.

I personally recommend MB (Military Bank) but ANY ATM should work for you.

ALWAYS INSIST on prices in VNĐ for EVERYTHING. You NEVER get a better deal paying in USD.

We have ZERO idea about your spending plans so you'd need to give us much more personal details about your plans.

But in general, probably somewhere between ₫5 million VNĐ & ₫10 million VNĐ should be sufficient for a week or two.

ASAP, go into a quick market (Circle K, 7/11, Winmart/"W") and buy a few snacks & pay with a $500,000 VNĐ note.

It's the easiest way to break down your bills into smaller notes.

Some drivers will tell you they don't have change when you pay with a bill bigger than the fare, so be prepared to have exact change.

Also, NEVER just open your wallet and allow them to pick the right denomination.

Good luck.

Hopefully you will come here prepared with the best type of ATM/DEBIT card.

That’s an excellent reply. Waiting on my Schwab card which covers all your requirements. Thanks!!!!