Hanoi Travel Money Guide

Hanoi is one of the cheapest capitals in Asia, and almost all of the good stuff — the bun cha counters, the egg-coffee cafés, the Old Quarter markets — runs on cash. Carry a tidy float of dong and you'll eat and explore like a local for very little.

How much cash to bring to Hanoi

A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — ₫150,000–350,000/day (a famous bowl of bun cha is ₫40,000–60,000)
• Local transport — ₫50,000–150,000/day on Grab bikes and short rides
• Sights & nightlife — ₫100,000–300,000/day (museums, bia hoi, a water-puppet show)

Paying your way around Hanoi

• Use Grab, not street taxis — Grab bikes and cars are cheap and metered in-app, which sidesteps the overcharging that catches tourists in unmarked cabs.
• The Old Quarter is walkable — much of what you want is within a few blocks of Hoan Kiem Lake, so you'll spend less on transport than you'd think.
• Cash for everything small — street food, motorbike taxis, market stalls and most family shops don't take cards.
• Cards at hotels and bigger restaurants — fine for the splurges, useless at the noodle stand.

Neighbourhood cash notes

• Old Quarter — a maze of cash-only food stalls and shops; keep small notes handy.
• Dong Xuan Market — bargaining is expected; start low and keep it friendly.
• Hoan Kiem & the Weekend Night Market — street performers, snacks and stalls, all cash.
• Train Street & cafés — the famous trackside coffees are cash; trendier cafés may take cards.

One Hanoi habit

• Carry a wad of small notes — ₫10,000–50,000 notes for street food, parking and Grab tips. Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up for a great bowl of pho is always welcome.