Money & Currency Exchange in Đà Lạt — Complete Guide for Travelers
Navigating money matters in Đà Lạt doesn't have to be confusing! As Vietnam's mountain retreat, this charming city has plenty of options for getting Vietnamese dong (VND) — but knowing where to go and what to watch out for can save you both money and headaches.
Understanding Vietnamese Currency (VND)
First things first: 1 USD ≈ 25,000-26,000 VND (rates fluctuate daily). Vietnamese notes range from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND, but here's a crucial tip that'll save you embarrassment: the 500K note (blue-green) looks suspiciously similar to the 20K note (also blue)!
Quick mental math trick: Drop 4 zeros from any VND amount, then divide by 2.5 to get rough USD value. So 100,000 VND becomes 10, divided by 2.5 = $4.
Best Places to Exchange Money in Đà Lạt
Banks (Recommended)
Since February 2026, Decree 340/2025 made gold shop currency exchange illegal — you could face fines up to 100 million VND! Stick to official banks:
- Vietcombank (33 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 1) — Generally offers the best exchange rates among banks
- BIDV (25 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 10) — Reliable alternative
- Agribank (21D Tran Phu, Ward 3) — Central location near Da Lat Market
Bank hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Plan accordingly!
Pro tip from locals
Bring crisp, new USD bills for better rates. Banks are picky about damaged or old notes.
ATM Strategy in Đà Lạt
ATMs are everywhere in central Đà Lạt, but fees vary wildly:
| Bank | Location | Fee | Withdrawal Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPBank | 37 Phan Boi Chau | FREE! | 3M VND | Best deal for foreign cards |
| Agribank | Multiple locations | 22K VND | 5M VND | Cheapest fee |
| Vietcombank | Various | 50K VND | 5M VND | Most reliable network |
All major ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and UnionPay. The VPBank ATM on Phan Boi Chau is a game-changer — zero withdrawal fees for foreign cards!
Credit Cards in Đà Lạt
Most hotels, mid-range restaurants, and tourist attractions accept cards, but expect a 3-4% surcharge. Street food vendors, local markets, and xe om (motorbike taxis) are strictly cash-only.
Reality check: Even some "fancy" cafes in Đà Lạt's Old Quarter prefer cash, so always carry VND.
Mobile Payments (For Long-term Visitors)
MoMo and ZaloPay dominate Vietnam's mobile payment scene, but both require a Vietnamese bank account. Tourists should stick to the cash + cards combo.
Common Money Scams to Avoid
The Denomination Mix-up
That 500K vs 20K confusion isn't accidental. Always double-check bills before accepting change.
The "No Change" Trick
Vendors claim they can't break large bills, hoping you'll overpay. Carry smaller denominations (10K, 20K, 50K notes).
Shortchanging
Count your change carefully, especially at busy markets like Đà Lạt Night Market.
Budget Planning for Đà Lạt
- Street food meal: 30-50K VND ($1.20-2)
- Mid-range restaurant: 150-300K VND ($6-12)
- Coffee at local café: 25-40K VND ($1-1.60)
- Motorbike taxi across town: 20-40K VND ($0.80-1.60)
- Hotel room (budget): 400-800K VND ($16-32)
Final Money Tips for Đà Lạt
- Always negotiate xe om fares beforehand — agree on price in VND
- Keep small bills for street food — vendors rarely have change for 500K notes
- ATMs run out of cash during Vietnamese holidays — stock up beforehand
- Hotel exchange rates are terrible — use banks or ATMs instead
Sources
Need more Đà Lạt travel tips? Check out dalat.app for up-to-date guides on everything from the best bánh mì spots to hidden waterfall trails!