Currency exchange in Vietnam In 2026: Why panic is unjustified
In February 2026, Vietnam will introduce mandatory licensing for all currency exchange businesses. Violations will result in a warning (for amounts under $1000) or a fine (for amounts over $1000). This has sparked a wave of fear online: tourists are panicking and searching for illegal money changers, fearing that their transactions will become impossible.
But in reality, it's just putting the rules in order.
What's really going on
Vietnam already has relatively liberal currency exchange regulations—lower than most tourist destinations. The new regulations simply bring them into line with the standards of Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, and other popular destinations.
The idea is simple: exchanges will only be made at licensed exchange offices, not on the black market with the first money changer you come across. This is standard practice in the global financial system—to combat money laundering and illegal flows.
Comparison with other countries
Thailand: licensed currency exchange offices, no problems with tourists. People exchange dollars, manage accounts, and live for years.
Turkey: strict controls, licensed points, works perfectly.
Egypt: similar rules, foreigners exchange currency without any worries.
Russia: Things are much tougher—withdrawing your own money from the bank in foreign currency is becoming increasingly difficult. Market exchange is out of the question.
What should tourists and expats do?
Exchange currency at licensed exchange offices. There are plenty of them in any tourist city—in the city center, near hotels, and in shopping malls. The quality of service will even improve because they are regulated.
Withdraw from ATMs. The fee is 1–2%, it's convenient and secure. Most cards (except those subject to sanctions) work without any issues.
Don't look for illegal money changers. Telegram channels offering "profitable exchanges" are a risk of being scammed.
Open local bank accounts. If you're staying in Vietnam for a long time, open an account with Vietcombank, BIDV, or another major bank. It's more convenient and secure than constantly exchanging currency.
Сonclusion
This isn't a disaster, it's simply a regularization of the market. Life will become even easier for tourists—they won't have to search for the right exchange office, count counterfeit money, or negotiate with money changers. Everything will be like in a normal tourist destination.
Vietnam remains one of the best countries for currency exchange —it's just that now it will happen through official channels, not the black market. And that's a good thing.
