Default reflects approximate market rate. Adjust as needed.
Converted Amount:
function updateLabels() {
var direction = document.getElementById('conversionDirection').value;
var label = document.getElementById('amountLabel');
if (direction === 'usd_to_vnd') {
label.innerText = "Amount in USD ($)";
} else {
label.innerText = "Amount in VND (₫)";
}
}
function calculateExchange() {
var direction = document.getElementById('conversionDirection').value;
var amount = parseFloat(document.getElementById('amountInput').value);
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('exchangeRate').value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById('resultBox');
var finalResult = document.getElementById('finalResult');
var summary = document.getElementById('exchangeSummary');
// Validation
if (isNaN(amount) || amount < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive amount.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(rate) || rate <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid exchange rate.");
return;
}
var convertedValue = 0;
var currencySymbol = "";
var formatLocale = "";
if (direction === 'usd_to_vnd') {
// USD to VND Logic
convertedValue = amount * rate;
// VND formatting (Vietnamese usually use dots for thousands, no decimals for Dong)
finalResult.innerText = convertedValue.toLocaleString('vi-VN') + ' ₫';
summary.innerText = '$' + amount.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2}) + ' USD at rate ' + rate.toLocaleString('vi-VN');
} else {
// VND to USD Logic
convertedValue = amount / rate;
// USD formatting
finalResult.innerText = '$' + convertedValue.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
summary.innerText = amount.toLocaleString('vi-VN') + ' ₫ at rate ' + rate.toLocaleString('vi-VN');
}
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}
Understanding the Vietnamese Exchange Rate
Navigating currency exchange in Vietnam can be confusing for first-time visitors due to the high nominal value of the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Unlike currencies like the Dollar or Euro, the Dong operates in thousands and millions. This Vietnamese Exchange Rate Calculator helps you quickly convert between USD and VND to ensure you are getting a fair deal whether you are shopping in Ben Thanh Market or paying for a hotel in Hanoi.
How to Read Vietnamese Currency
The Vietnamese Dong comes in polymer notes with multiple zeros. A common point of confusion is the scale of the numbers. Here is a quick reference guide based on a standard exchange rate (approx. 25,000 VND = $1 USD):
25,000 VND ≈ $1.00 USD
50,000 VND ≈ $2.00 USD
100,000 VND ≈ $4.00 USD
500,000 VND ≈ $20.00 USD (This is the largest bill)
The "K" Notation
In cafes, restaurants, and street shops, prices are often abbreviated using "k" to represent three zeros (thousands). For example:
If a menu says "35k", it means 35,000 VND (approx $1.40).
If a taxi meter reads "50.0", it usually means 50,000 VND.
Traveler's Tip: Be careful with the 20,000 VND (blue) and 500,000 VND (cyan/blue) notes. In low light, they can look somewhat similar, but their value is drastically different ($0.80 vs $20.00). Always double-check the zeros before handing over cash.
Where to Get the Best Exchange Rate
While banks offer official rates, many travelers find that jewelry shops (specifically gold shops) in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi often offer slightly better rates for exchanging USD cash into VND. However, ensure your USD bills are crisp, clean, and unmarkered (specifically $50 and $100 bills), as damaged or old bills may be rejected or exchanged at a lower rate.
Using this Calculator
To use the calculator above, simply select whether you are converting from Dollars to Dong or Dong to Dollars. Input the amount you have and the current exchange rate (we have provided a standard default, but rates fluctuate daily). The tool will handle the large multiplication or division required to give you an accurate conversion.