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Vietnam price guide

Prices in Vietnam in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 53% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 19 verified and 10 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Vietnam: ₫341,000 or ₫1,025,000

About $13 or $39 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.0× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: ₫450,000, or 44% of the tourist-trap day.

+₫684,000 (about $26) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (₫) Trap (₫)
Street food meal 50,000 140,000
Restaurant meal 165,000 450,000
Coffee (espresso) 37,500 105,000
Water 1.5 L 12,000 25,000
Local beer 32,500 140,000
Public transit ticket 2 rides 19,000 60,000
Short taxi ride about 1 km 25,000 105,000
Total 341,000 1,025,000
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is ₫30,000 –⁠ ₫200,000 (about $1.20 –⁠ $7.70).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Vietnam

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Fridge magnet Fair ₫10,000 – ₫30,000 Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
  2. 2 Painkillers (paracetamol) Fair ₫10,000 – ₫30,000 Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
  3. 3 Local handcraft Fair ₫100,000 – ₫300,000 Trap ₫500,000 – ₫1,500,000 Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $3.90

Tourist-trap price

Fair ₫15,000 – ₫35,000 Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000

₫100,000 is 4.0× the middle of the fair range (₫15,000 –⁠ ₫35,000).

Tourists often get charged ₫60,000 –⁠ ₫150,000. From ₫60,000 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Vietnam, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, and Hạ Long Bay.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 4.7×

Restaurant meal: fair is ₫80,000 –⁠ ₫250,000. From ₫300,000 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.7× the fair price
    Fair ₫5,000 – ₫10,000 ≈ $0.19 – $0.39
    Trap ₫20,000 – ₫50,000 ≈ $0.77 – $1.90

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair ₫15,000 – ₫60,000 ≈ $0.58 – $2.30
    Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $2.30 – $5.80

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫5,000 – ₫60,000 ≈ $0.19 – $2.30
    Trap ₫80,000 – ₫200,000 ≈ $3.10 – $7.70

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair ₫80,000 – ₫250,000 ≈ $3.10 – $9.60
    Trap ₫300,000 – ₫600,000 ≈ $12 – $23

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair ₫20,000 – ₫80,000 ≈ $0.77 – $3.10
    Trap ₫80,000 – ₫200,000 ≈ $3.10 – $7.70

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫80,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $3.10 – $5.80
    Trap ₫250,000 – ₫500,000 ≈ $10 – $19

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair ₫150,000 – ₫350,000 ≈ $6 – $13
    Trap ₫600,000 – ₫1,500,000 ≈ $23 – $58

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair ₫10,000 – ₫50,000 ≈ $0.39 – $1.90
    Trap ₫50,000 – ₫80,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.10
Transport 4 prices, up to 4.2×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is ₫250,000 –⁠ ₫400,000. At ₫500,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair ₫250,000 – ₫400,000 ≈ $10 – $15
    Trap ₫500,000 – ₫1,200,000 ≈ $19 – $46

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair ₫15,000 – ₫35,000 ≈ $0.58 – $1.30
    Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $2.30 – $5.80

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price
    Fair ₫7,000 – ₫12,000 ≈ $0.27 – $0.46
    Trap ₫20,000 – ₫40,000 ≈ $0.77 – $1.50

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair ₫50,000 – ₫100,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.90
    Trap ₫180,000 – ₫350,000 ≈ $7 – $13
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 5.3×

Fridge magnet: fair is ₫10,000 –⁠ ₫30,000. From ₫60,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫10,000 – ₫30,000 ≈ $0.39 – $1.20
    Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $2.30 – $5.80

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair ₫80,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $3.10 – $5.80
    Trap ₫200,000 – ₫500,000 ≈ $8 – $19

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
    Fair ₫100,000 – ₫300,000 ≈ $4 – $12
    Trap ₫500,000 – ₫1,500,000 ≈ $19 – $58
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 5.3×

Tourist SIM: fair is ₫150,000 –⁠ ₫300,000. From ₫350,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair ₫150,000 – ₫300,000 ≈ $6 – $12
    Trap ₫350,000 – ₫600,000 ≈ $13 – $23

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair ₫130,000 – ₫200,000 ≈ $5 – $7.70
    Trap ₫250,000 – ₫400,000 ≈ $10 – $15

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair ₫9,000 – ₫15,000 ≈ $0.35 – $0.58
    Trap ₫20,000 – ₫30,000 ≈ $0.77 – $1.20

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair ₫25,000 – ₫40,000 ≈ $0.96 – $1.50
    Trap ₫50,000 – ₫70,000 ≈ $1.90 – $2.70

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫10,000 – ₫30,000 ≈ $0.39 – $1.20
    Trap ₫60,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $2.30 – $5.80

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair price
    Fair ₫30,000 – ₫80,000 ≈ $1.20 – $3.10
    Trap ₫120,000 – ₫250,000 ≈ $4.60 – $9.60
Services 4 prices, up to 3.7×

One-hour massage: fair is ₫150,000 –⁠ ₫300,000. From ₫500,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.7× the fair price
    Fair ₫30,000 – ₫70,000 ≈ $1.20 – $2.70
    Trap ₫120,000 – ₫250,000 ≈ $4.60 – $9.60

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair price
    Fair ₫15,000 – ₫50,000 ≈ $0.58 – $1.90
    Trap ₫80,000 – ₫150,000 ≈ $3.10 – $5.80

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫150,000 – ₫300,000 ≈ $6 – $12
    Trap ₫500,000 – ₫1,000,000 ≈ $19 – $39

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫100,000 – ₫250,000 ≈ $3.90 – $9.60
    Trap ₫300,000 – ₫500,000 ≈ $12 – $19
Attractions 4 prices, up to 3.3×

Top museum or attraction: fair is ₫30,000 –⁠ ₫200,000. Above ₫200,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair ₫30,000 – ₫200,000 ≈ $1.20 – $7.70
    Trap ₫200,000 – ₫300,000 ≈ $8 – $12

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair ₫600,000 – ₫1,000,000 ≈ $23 – $39
    Trap ₫1,500,000 – ₫2,500,000 ≈ $58 – $96

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair ₫500,000 – ₫1,000,000 ≈ $19 – $39
    Trap ₫1,500,000 – ₫3,500,000 ≈ $58 – $135

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair ₫400,000 – ₫800,000 ≈ $15 – $31
    Trap ₫1,200,000 – ₫2,500,000 ≈ $46 – $96

Converted at 1 USD = 25,954 VND, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Vietnam

Currency

Vietnamese dong (VND)

  • 1 USD = 25,954 VND

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, VND to USD

$19

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose VND. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping is not obligatory but increasingly expected in tourist areas, leave 20,000-50,000 VND at restaurants. Motorbike taxi (xe om) and cyclo drivers appreciate rounding up the fare.

Bargaining in Vietnam

Bargaining is expected at markets and street vendors, start at 50% of the asking price and walk away if needed. Grab and taxi apps show fixed prices; always use them to avoid tourist pricing.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline ₫26,490 / liter ≈ $1
  • Diesel ₫30,235 / liter ≈ $1.20

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Vietnam

No scam or safety notes in English for this country yet. I add them as soon as they are checked.

Emergency numbers in Vietnam

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 113 Police

Vietnam has no single universal emergency number. Dial 113 for police, 115 for ambulance, 114 for fire. Operators usually speak only Vietnamese.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $30 –⁠ $80 ≈ ₫779,000 –⁠ ₫2,080,000
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $50 –⁠ $300 ≈ ₫1,300,000 –⁠ ₫7,790,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $40 –⁠ $300 ≈ ₫1,040,000 –⁠ ₫7,790,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $20 –⁠ $100 ≈ ₫519,000 –⁠ ₫2,600,000

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Crossed fingers & shoes off

Never cross your fingers in Vietnam, it's considered an extremely obscene gesture. Don't touch someone's head, as it's disrespectful. Always remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Vietnamese coffee & lacquerware

Vietnamese coffee, strong robusta with a phin filter, is a must-buy. Pick up whole beans and a traditional phin (drip filter) for the complete experience. Lacquerware from Hanoi is exquisite: trays, boxes, and chopstick sets in red, black, and gold. Silk from Hoi An's tailors is custom-made and affordable. Phở spice kits, conical nón lá hats, and áo dài (traditional dress) fabric are other popular Vietnamese gifts.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Vietnam's motorbike market remains vibrant, with sales of gasoline-powered models from VAMM members growing by 8.3% in Q1 2026. While electric vehicle adoption is accelerating, traditional gasoline bikes remain essential for many due to their convenience and independence from charging infrastructure.
  • Pho is traditionally a breakfast dish in Vietnam. Locals slurp their noodle soup early in the morning at sidewalk stalls.
  • Ha Long Bay contains nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, many of them hollow with enormous caves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cities these prices cover 5 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Hanoi Hà Nội
  • Ho Chi Minh City Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
  • Hội An
  • Đà Nẵng
  • Hạ Long Bay Vịnh Hạ Long

How Vietnam compares

The TruePrice Index for Vietnam, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Laos 36 Prices about 23% lower than in Vietnam
  2. Vietnam 47 This page
  3. Philippines 47 About the same as in Vietnam
  4. Indonesia 53 Prices about 13% higher than in Vietnam
  5. Myanmar 55 Prices about 17% higher than in Vietnam
  6. Cambodia 61 Prices about 30% higher than in Vietnam
  7. Thailand 70 Prices about 49% higher than in Vietnam

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Vietnam.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Vietnam

Is Vietnam expensive to visit?

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 53% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Vietnam scores 47, the 6th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Vietnam cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly ₫341,000 (about $13) a day at fair prices, or ₫1,025,000 (about $39) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (₫30,000 –⁠ ₫200,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Vietnam, and how much?

Tipping is not obligatory but increasingly expected in tourist areas, leave 20,000-50,000 VND at restaurants. Motorbike taxi (xe om) and cyclo drivers appreciate rounding up the fare.

What currency does Vietnam use?

The Vietnamese dong (VND). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 25,954 VND. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in VND.

How much is a meal and a beer in Vietnam?

A restaurant main course is ₫80,000 –⁠ ₫250,000 (about $3.10 –⁠ $9.60) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge ₫300,000 –⁠ ₫600,000. A street food meal runs ₫20,000 –⁠ ₫80,000. A local beer is ₫5,000 –⁠ ₫60,000 (about $0.19 –⁠ $2.30), or ₫80,000 –⁠ ₫200,000 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Vietnam?

Budget roughly ₫341,000 (about $13) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about ₫1,025,000 (about $39) at tourist prices. Add ₫30,000 –⁠ ₫200,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Vietnam?

If you are not sure who you need, call 113, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 115, fire brigade 114.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 19 verified and 10 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 25,954 VND,
Fuel prices
Cities
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, and Hạ Long Bay
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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