MONEY & COSTS

Where and when should I change it?

Despite the perceived complexities of changing and handling money in Asia, the solution is actually relatively straight-forward and there is very little you need to do different to any other holiday. In fact, there is often no need to make any arrangements in advance of your departure.

At the other end of your holiday, be sure to change any local money back into your currency before departing the country as with the likes of Vietnam dong, Laos kip, Cambodian riel and Myanmar kyat, you cannot change it outside of the country. Not all airports have exchange counters therefore it is best to do this at your final hotel.

Where will I find cash machines (ATM)?

ATMs (automatic teller machines) are available in varying quantities throughout Asia, a density that is constantly increasing. They accept most international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro, etc). Your local bank’s withdrawal card may not be accepted however, and it is advisable to check before your departure if you are at all unsure.

In our experience withdrawing money in this way offers the same if not better exchange rates than through a traditional money exchange outlet, and is the most convenient way to access your money abroad. Try to keep the number of withdrawals to a minimum as there is usually a fixed charge applied to each transaction applied by your bank.

Vietnam

Until recently you could not obtain the Dong outside of Vietnam. In reality this has had little impact on our advice for visitors as ATM machines, dispensing Dong, are widely available across Vietnam and at all major airports. 

It is essential to arrive with some US$ if you are obtaining your pre-arranged visa-on-arrival entry stamp, when you must have US$ cash. ATM machines usually offer as good, if not better, rates of exchange than any currency exchange bureau or hotel. Whilst you can use US$ at times in Vietnam, Dong is the primary currency. Traveler cheques are no longer accepted in Vietnam.

Cambodia

You cannot obtain Riel outside of Cambodia, however both US$ and Riel are widely accepted.  It is essential to arrive with some US$ if you are obtaining your entry visa upon arrival, when you must pay in US$ cash. It can also be beneficial to have some on arrival for immediate use until you locate an ATM. ATM machines are available in Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh and usually offer as good, if not better, rates of exchange than any currency exchange bureau or hotel. ATMs only dispense US$ cash. When purchasing items using US$ it is quite normal to be given your change in Riel.

Laos

You cannot obtain Kip outside of Laos, however both US$ and Kip are widely accepted.  It is essential to arrive with some US$ in order to obtain your entry visa upon arrival, when you must pay in US$ cash. Bank notes need to be in good condition. It can also be beneficial to have some on arrival for immediate use until you locate an ATM. ATM machines are available in Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vientiane and usually offer as good, if not better, rates of exchange than any currency exchange bureau or hotel. ATMs only dispense Kip.