Visa, Amex, JCB and Mastercard are accepted at some banks and most large hotels. You will seldom be able to shop or pay in restaurants with credit cards. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars, can be easily cashed at banks, hotels and some travel agents.

* Currency: - Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency. Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200.

- Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into VND at banks or foreign exchange agencies.

- Credit cards are popularly used, especially in cities and big tourist centers.