How to Legally and Securely Purchase Vietnamese Dong in the U.S.

Thinking about buying Vietnamese Dong? If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, looking to diversify your currency collection, or just curious about how to get your hands on foreign currency, you’re definitely not the only one. The Vietnamese Dong is a popular choice – but knowing how to buy it legally and safely in the U.S. can make all the difference.

Let’s walk through the basics of what you need to know so you can feel confident, avoid scams, and make smart choices when buying the Dong.

Table of Contents

1. Is It Legal to Buy Vietnamese Dong in the U.S.?

Yes – absolutely. There are no U.S. laws that prevent individuals from buying or owning Vietnamese Dong. In fact, many currency exchanges openly offer it, and it’s fairly easy to purchase online or in person.

That said, the Dong is considered a “restricted currency” in Vietnam, which means that you can’t freely take large amounts of it into or out of the country. But that restriction applies mainly to Vietnamese citizens or when crossing borders with large sums – not to Americans legally buying Dong within the U.S.

So go ahead – you can legally purchase Vietnamese Dong as long as you do it through a registered and reputable money service provider.

2. Where Can I Buy It?

You’ve got a few solid options:

Online Currency Exchange Services – This is the most popular method. Trusted companies like US First Exchange, Travelex, or Xchange of America offer Vietnamese Dong for sale, and they’ll ship the currency directly to your home – often with insured and trackable delivery.
Your Local Bank or Credit Union – Some banks offer foreign currency ordering services, though availability may vary depending on your location and their partners.
Airport Exchange Counters – Convenient, yes – but often pricey. Exchange rates at airports tend to be worse, and fees can be higher. If you’re planning ahead, this should be your backup—not your first stop.

Before you purchase, always double-check that the company or bank is registered with the U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) as a licensed money service business (MSB). You can verify their registration online in just a few clicks.

3. How Much Vietnamese Dong Can I Buy?

There’s no official cap in the U.S. on how much Dong you can buy – but some sellers may set limits, especially for online orders. These limits are usually in place for anti-money laundering compliance, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to verify your identity or limit your purchase to a certain dollar amount per day.

Also, keep in mind the exchange rate. As of 2025, one U.S. dollar is worth roughly 25,900 Vietnamese Dong. That means even a small purchase gets you a big pile of notes – which is part of the fun! But it also means storing or transporting large amounts of currency may require a little planning.

4. Can I Carry It into Vietnam?

Yes, but with limits. If you’re travelling to Vietnam, you can bring in up to 15 million VND (about $600 USD) without declaring it at customs. Any amount over that must be declared when you arrive.

That’s why many travellers prefer to bring U.S. dollars and exchange a portion once they land in Vietnam – especially since Vietnam’s local exchange counters often offer better rates than U.S.-based ones. Still, having a small amount of Dong on hand when you arrive (for taxis, tips, or a quick coffee) is super handy.

5. What About Buying for Investment?

Some people buy the Vietnamese Dong hoping it will increase in value over time, especially because its exchange rate is low compared to major global currencies.

It’s true that Vietnam has seen steady economic growth in recent years, and its currency has remained relatively stable. But like any foreign currency, the Dong is not a guaranteed investment – and the Vietnamese government tightly manages its value. Big “revaluations” are extremely rare, and no one can accurately predict if or when it will happen.

If you’re buying Dong as a long-term investment, do your research, avoid hype, and think of it more as a diversification move – not a quick win.

6. Tips for Buying Securely

Buying Vietnamese Dong is straightforward, but it’s worth taking a few precautions to ensure your transaction is safe, legal, and stress-free.

Here’s what to look out for:

1. Confirm the seller is registered with FinCEN

Legitimate currency exchanges must be registered as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. You can verify this easily using FinCEN’s online MSB registry.

2. Research the company’s reputation

Don’t rely solely on the company’s website. Look up reviews from independent sources such as Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Check that they’re transparent about exchange rates, shipping policies, and any fees.

3. Choose insured and trackable shipping

If you’re buying physical banknotes, make sure the shipment is insured and traceable. Reputable services will use trusted carriers like UPS or FedEx and offer delivery within a few days.

4. Avoid hype and unrealistic claims

If a site promises “special access” to a revaluation or guaranteed profits, walk away. Currency values are regulated and influenced by economic factors – not internet rumours or secret insider deals.

5. Store your currency safely

Once your Dong arrives, store it in a secure place, especially if you’ve purchased a large amount. Keeping your receipt and delivery records is also wise for future reference or resale.

By following these steps, you can confidently purchase Vietnamese Dong and avoid the common pitfalls that catch less-informed buyers.

Buy Smart, Travel Easy

The Vietnamese Dong is easy to buy, fun to collect, and super useful if you’re heading to Southeast Asia. So, if you’re planning a trip, expanding your currency collection, or simply want a few colorful bills in your drawer, it’s absolutely legal and safe to purchase in the U.S. – as long as you do it right.

However, always take a few minutes to verify the exchange service, understand the customs rules, and know your purpose for buying. With that, you’re good to go – and maybe even one step closer to your next big adventure.