When exchanging 11,750,000 VND in Ho Chi Minh City, which method was more advantageous by about ~$5: Travel Wallet or Ha Tam exchange at Ben Thanh Market?

According to the article, exchanging 500 USD to Vietnamese Dong twice at Ha Tam in Ben Thanh Market was about ~$5 more advantageous than using Travel Wallet. The author exchanged 500 USD at Ha Tam in Ben Thanh Market and received 11,750,000 VND.

When exchanging 500 USD at Ha Tam in Ben Thanh Market, what was the total amount of Vietnamese Dong received?

The author exchanged 500 USD at Ha Tam in Ben Thanh Market and received a total of 11,750,000 VND. This was an actual exchange transaction conducted after checking the USD to VND exchange rate.

Are there other places near Ben Thanh Market besides Ha Tam where I can exchange USD for Vietnamese Dong?

Yes, there is an exchange office called Mai Vân right next to Ha Tam in Ben Thanh Market. According to the author's experience, when exchanging 100 USD, the Vietnamese Dong exchange rates at Ha Tam and Mai Vân were the same, with only a slight difference for smaller denominations.

Ho Chi Minh Currency Exchange 2026: Travel Wallet vs. Ben…

Ho Chi Minh Currency Exchange: The Ultimate Comparison

For seasoned travelers to Ho Chi Minh City, currency exchange often feels like second nature. Yet, a question has lingered in my mind, especially with the rise of new financial tools: which method truly offers the best value?

Recently, a financial marvel known as Travel Wallet (along with its counterpart, Hana Travelog) has been a game-changer for international travelers. It boasts zero fees for converting foreign currency and no transaction fees when using it abroad. This makes it a popular choice for everything from daily spending to tipping.

However, there's a catch: for non-major currencies, the exchange rates might not be as favorable as traditional banks. This got me wondering: how does exchanging USD for Vietnamese Dong at a local Ho Chi Minh money changer compare to using a Travel Wallet?

Today, we're diving deep into that very question to uncover the answer.

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, my first stop for currency exchange is always Ha Tam at Ben Thanh Market. It’s a no-brainer for many, as it's consistently recommended for its reliable rates and straightforward process.

While Ha Tam is the most famous, there’s another reputable spot right next door, Mai Vân. Typically, both Mai Vân and Ha Tam offer very similar Vietnamese Dong exchange rates. In my experience, the rates for exchanging $100 bills were identical, with only minor differences for smaller denominations.

I've heard that recently, even larger denomination foreign currency bills (like the equivalent of a ~$35 bill) are getting competitive rates. Many travelers opt for this, but I still prefer the traditional method of bringing $100 bills. Since I don't usually carry much cash, I'd have to visit an ATM anyway. So, preparing $100 bills before my trip is simply more convenient for me.

Here's a look at the USD to Dong exchange rate I received. I exchanged $500 and received 11,750,000 VND.

Now, let's see how much USD would be needed through Travel Wallet to get the same amount of Vietnamese Dong.

To receive 11,750,000 VND via Travel Wallet, you would need approximately ~$445. For comparison, at the same time, exchanging for $500 with a 90% preferential rate at a bank would require approximately ~$443.

However, there's a crucial point to consider: the timing of the USD exchange. You typically exchange your home currency for USD before your trip, not at the exact moment of exchanging USD for VND in Vietnam. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so a 100% precise, real-time comparison is difficult, but we can certainly observe a general trend.

The images above show the rates captured before my departure. The right image shows my actual $500 exchange. The rate slightly increased in that short window.

Ultimately, to obtain the same amount of Vietnamese Dong, using Travel Wallet would cost approximately ~$445, while the double exchange (home currency to USD, then USD to VND) cost around ~$443. This resulted in a difference of roughly ~$5.

So, when it comes to Ho Chi Minh currency exchange, the Ben Thanh Market still seems to hold a slight edge.

To be honest, a ~$5 difference isn't a huge amount, but I've always been curious about this comparison, so it was satisfying to finally put it to the test. Keep in mind that the results can fluctuate significantly depending on the prevailing exchange rates between USD and Vietnamese Dong.

On the other hand, Travel Wallet offers incredible convenience. Since there are no additional fees, it makes traveling much smoother. Especially in Southeast Asia, you can link it to Grab. This means no more fumbling for cash or dealing with small change after every ride – just hop out, say "Thank you!", and you're good to go!

Plus, some local shops, especially those dealing in cash, might not always provide receipts. Paying with Travel Wallet leaves a digital record and often requires a signature, ensuring you get a receipt for your purchases.

In conclusion, both methods have their merits. The best approach is to use each strategically, depending on the situation. Whether you're chasing the absolute best rate or prioritizing convenience, knowing your options is key to a stress-free trip.

And there you have it – a deep dive into Ho Chi Minh currency exchange, perhaps more detail than you ever thought you needed!