Money Exchange and SIM Cards in Hanoi: One Stop in the Old Quarter
Change money and get a tourist SIM card set up in one visit at AmGo Travel, 61 Hang Ga, Hanoi Old Quarter. What to bring, how Vietnamese money works and scams to avoid.
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The first two things you need in Vietnam are local cash and mobile data. At AmGo Travel, 61 Hang Ga Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter, you can change money and get a tourist SIM card set up in one visit. This guide explains how Vietnamese money works, what to bring and how to avoid the most common traps.
Where to find us
AmGo Travel – 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. We are in the heart of the Old Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the hotels and hostels of the area. Open in Google Maps.
At our shop you can:
- Change US dollars, euros and other major currencies into Vietnamese dong.
- Buy a tourist SIM card with data, and have it installed and tested on your phone before you leave.
- Ask our team about tours, transfers and travel tips while you wait.
WhatsApp us before you come: +84 981 286 066.
Vietnam's currency at a glance
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND). Notes run from 1,000 to 500,000 dong, and coins are not in everyday use. Prices are almost always shown in dong, so think in thousands: "50k" means 50,000 VND.
Two pairs of notes are easy to confuse. The 10,000 and 100,000 notes look alike at a glance, and so do the 20,000 and 500,000 notes. Keep large notes in a separate pocket and count your change.
Changing money: what to bring
- Clean, undamaged notes. Torn, marked or heavily folded bills are often refused or get a lower rate.
- Large notes. USD 50 and 100 bills usually get a better rate than small ones.
- Pay in dong afterwards. Prices quoted in USD usually work out more expensive than paying in dong.
If you land late at night, change just enough at the airport for your taxi or Grab. Then come to the Old Quarter for the rest.
A note on ATMs and cards
ATMs in Vietnam charge a fee of around 20,000–50,000 VND per withdrawal, on top of your own bank's fee. If an ATM or card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, always choose VND; the machine's conversion is usually worse.
Hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, sometimes with a 2–3% surcharge. Street food, markets and small shops are cash only, so carry dong every day.
Getting a SIM card in Hanoi
A local SIM gives you cheap, fast data for Grab, Google Maps and messaging. Tourist plans include a large daily data allowance and usually last 15–30 days.
Bring your original passport. Vietnam requires every SIM card to be registered to its owner. We scan your passport and register the SIM in your name; photocopies or photos of your passport are not accepted by law.
Tell us your route. Coverage differs between networks in the mountains. If you are heading to Sapa, Ha Giang or Mai Chau, we will help you choose the network that works best there.
Avoid street sellers who offer SIM cards without a passport. These SIMs are registered to someone else and can be cut off without warning.
Wi-Fi in Vietnam
Free Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, cafes and restaurants, and on most Ha Long Bay cruises. Speeds on boats can be slow far out in the bay, so download maps and tickets before you board.
Your first-day checklist
- Change a small amount at the airport only if you need it for the ride into town.
- Come to AmGo Travel at 61 Hang Ga with your passport.
- Change your money and get your SIM set up in one visit.
- Install Grab for taxis and food delivery.
- Keep 500,000 notes separate from 20,000 notes.
FAQ
Where can I change money in Hanoi Old Quarter? At AmGo Travel, 61 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem. We change major currencies into Vietnamese dong.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Vietnam? Yes. Every SIM must be registered with the buyer's original passport.
Can I pay in US dollars in Vietnam? Some hotels quote in USD, but everyday payments are in dong. Paying in dong is cheaper.
Can I book tours at the same time? Yes. Our team can arrange Ha Long Bay cruises, Sapa treks, Ninh Binh day trips and transfers while you are in the shop.
Popular tours from our Old Quarter shop
Visit AmGo Travel in the Old Quarter
Drop by 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi for money exchange, SIM cards and trip planning in one place. Browse our Hanoi tours and Ha Long Bay cruises, or contact us on WhatsApp.
