VN Dong: Is it really, really real?

The State Bank of VietNam has just updated the status of forged Polymer Bank Notes. Since Foreign Guests tend to have more higher value notes/bills they might be interested:

Counterfeit polymer banknotes tend to decrease (30/11/2011)
According to statistics of the State Bank of VietNam, the amount of counterfeit Vietnamese banknotes collected through the banking system and the State Treasury is on a downward trend. Up to now, the counterfeit polymer banknotes can be easily detected by eyes or by hand in checking security features.

The total amount of counterfeit banknotes collected through the banking system and the State Treasury in the first 9 months of 2011 decreased by 12.38% as compared to the corresponding period of 2010, and by 54.24% as compared to the corresponding period  of 2009.

In order to combat counterfeit polymer banknotes, consumers should be aware of the security features of real money and carefully check  banknotes in all cash transactions.

Up to now, the counterfeit polymer banknotes can be easily detected by eyes or by hand  in checking security features such as shadowed image, security stripe, offset printing, ink colour change or by slightly stroking either side of the banknotes  because counterfeit money made of plastic is easily stretched or torn.

TIPS
1. If you pay a bill with VND200,000, or larger, make a note of the last four digits of the serial number either on a meal bill or a place mat (or your hand) and let the waiter or clerk see you.

On occasion they will say, "Sorry this money is no good" and give you a bad note back, a note other than the one you gave them.

2. If you get polymer money in bad condition (ink flaking off, etc.)(especially VD20,000) the VietComBank cashiers will exchange it for you (if it's not a forgery).

3. There are more forged notes in the North, that is to say nearer China, than in the South.

4. Taxi drivers often say, "No change" hoping you will leave and they can keep your change. VN law requires that vendors make change and if they don't have change, they lose the deal. Mien Phi is VN for Free and if you say it after they say no change, they will find change!

There is a coffee shop on Bui Vien in Pham Ngu Lau Ward (HCMC backpacker area) that asks for VAT on top of coffee! (VAT rate is 10%) They don't have a VAT licence, so they can't collect tax.

If this happens to you, ask them to write their tax number on a piece of paper!

5. Hotel room rates have to be displayed on the Reception Desk. They have to be signed by the hotel director and stamped with hotel seal. Hotels cannot charge more than these rates - which have been registered with the tourism ministry.

Always get a receipt when you pay your hotel bill!!!

BY LAW, ALL INVOICES MUST BE GIVEN IN VN DONG AND ALL BILLS, INCLUDING VISA FEES, CAN BE PAID IN VN DONG.

Happy shopping!