How Does Money-Saving Tips Work in Vietnam?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Vietnam is extremely affordable — eat at com binh dan rice stalls, drink bia hoi, take sleeper buses between cities, and use Grab for all transport.
2What You Need to Know
A daily budget of $20–30 USD is very comfortable for a backpacker in Vietnam. Com binh dan (local rice plate restaurants) serve full meals with protein, rice, and vegetables for 30,000–50,000 VND. Bia hoi corners (especially in Hanoi's Old Quarter) offer draught beer for as little as 5,000–10,000 VND per glass. Sleeper buses between cities cost a fraction of flights and save a night's accommodation. Book day tours locally at the destination rather than through pre-departure agencies or hotel desks — prices are 30–50% lower.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Use Grab for all transport to avoid tourist pricing — the upfront fare eliminates all negotiation and overcharging completely.
- 2Eat breakfast at a local pho or banh mi stall rather than your hotel — a full bowl of pho costs 30,000–50,000 VND and is far better quality.
- 3Buy a local SIM with data on arrival rather than relying on hotel Wi-Fi or international roaming — it costs under $10 USD for a month and enables Grab, maps, and translation everywhere.
How does this compare?
Money-Saving Tips rules in nearby and similar countries:
Eat at convenience stores and lunch sets, travel by overnight bus, and use a Wise card to avoid foreign exchange fees.
Thailand is already very affordable, but eating street food, using shared songthaews, shopping at 7-Eleven, and basing yourself in Chiang Mai instead of Bangkok or the islands can cut costs dramatically.
Eat at hawker centres, use the MRT for all transport, and take advantage of Singapore's impressive range of free world-class attractions.
Traveling to Vietnam?
You might also need:
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Send and spend money abroad using real mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees.
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for travelers worldwide. Covers emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation.
More About Vietnam
Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam but is appreciated in tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Grab (motorbike or car) dominates city transport, while cheap buses, the scenic Reunification Express train, and budget airlines connect cities.
Updated 2025-06
Travel insurance is critical — private hospitals like FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) and Vinmec (Hanoi) provide quality care but are expensive without coverage.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam enforces extremely strict drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking, and any criticism of the Communist Party government is illegal.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 113; Ambulance: 115; Fire: 114; Tourist support hotline: 1800 599 920 (free).
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or pagodas; everywhere else dress is casual and beach towns are very relaxed.
Updated 2025-06
🪙 See Money-Saving Tips rules in all countries
Compare all countries →