Money and SIM: Sort These Before You Fly
Arriving with no dong and no data starts a trip stressed, so sort both first.
Take a small amount of dong and set up data before you fly, then top up on arrival. That way you can pay for a ride and open your maps the moment you land. For everything else, comparing the options calmly beats a rushed decision at the airport.
What is the currency, and what will you handle?
Vietnam’s currency is the dong, ISO code VND1. The notes in frequent use are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong2. The long strings of zeros are confusing at first, so practise reading them before you land.
How do you read the exchange rate?
Bank Negara Malaysia’s exchange rate page showed MYR 0.0158 per 100 VND on 15 October 20263. That works out to roughly 6,300 dong for one ringgit3, a figure that moves daily. Use the central bank page as your yardstick, then judge a counter’s offer against it.
The rate was listed at that level when we checked; confirm the current rate before you go.
Home or arrival: which is better?
| Question | Prepare at home | Do it on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Dong | A small amount for the first ride and meal | Exchange or withdraw the rest |
| Mobile data | eSIM set up before the flight | Physical SIM at the airport or a shop |
| Stress level | Lower on landing | Higher after a long day |
| Choice | Fewer options, more planning | More options, less time |
Vietnam Airlines advises exchanging money at the airport, local banks or authorised counters4. Use authorised counters only.
What should you check before you leave?
- Your phone is unlocked and supports an eSIM, if you plan to use one.
- Your telco’s roaming charges, so you can compare them with a local plan.
- Your bank card works abroad, and you have told the bank your dates.
- A second payment method and a little cash, kept separately.
- A power adaptor. Most Vietnamese households use sockets accepting plug types A and C5, so Malaysian plugs may need one.
- Offline copies of your hotel address, bookings and pickup details.
How does this fit your plan?
Put your money and data costs into the Vietnam cost worksheet in ringgit and the trip budget builder. Your arrival night is easier when these are settled, so read our first night guide. Then see the travel insurance questions and the Flying from Malaysia hub.
Tell us how long you will stay and which city you land in, and we can suggest how much cash and what kind of data suits your trip.
Common questions
Should I change ringgit to dong before I leave?
A small amount helps you pay for a ride and a first meal. Changing everything at home is not needed, because you can exchange on arrival. Compare a counter's offer with the central bank rate and avoid exchanging more than you need at once.
Is an eSIM easier than a physical SIM?
An eSIM can be set up before you fly if your phone supports it and is unlocked, so you land with data. A physical SIM works on any unlocked phone but needs a queue or a shop. Check your phone's compatibility before you buy either.
Can I just use my Malaysian roaming plan?
You can, but ask your telco what it charges per day or per megabyte, and whether it covers Vietnam. Roaming is the easiest option and sometimes the most expensive. Compare it with a local SIM before you decide.
Do I need a power adaptor?
Probably. Most Vietnamese households use sockets that take plug types A and C, while Malaysia mostly uses type G, so bring an adaptor or ask your hotel. Check that your charger accepts the local voltage.
What if my card or phone stops working abroad?
Tell your bank your travel dates and carry a second payment option. Keep a small amount of cash for emergencies, and save your bank's overseas number. For the phone, carry a power bank and screenshot your bookings in case you lose signal.
Sources
- Vietnam's currency is the dong, ISO code VND, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. Wikipedia
- Banknotes in frequent use are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Wikipedia
- Bank Negara Malaysia's exchange rate page showed MYR 0.0158 per 100 VND on 15 October 2026. Bank Negara Malaysia. Rate moves daily; it was 0.0157 to 0.0158 across 1 to 15 Oct 2026. Implies roughly 1 MYR = 6,300 VND (derived from a rounded rate).
- Vietnam Airlines advises exchanging for VND at the airport, local banks or authorised exchange counters. Vietnam Airlines
- Most Vietnamese households use unearthed hybrid sockets accepting types A and C plugs. Wikipedia. Malaysian type G plugs need an adaptor (inference, not stated).
Keep planning
Tell us how long you will stay and which city you land in, and we can suggest how much cash and what kind of data suits your trip.