Traveling to Vietnam

[Anne232]

Hi - wanted to know if anyone has been to Vietnam on holiday and specifically how you pay for things in terms of cash versus credit cards, and also plugging things in. So for the first question - can I pay in most places by credit card? and for the electrical question I see it is 220V but we are 230V in the UK so can I use my electricals there or not? I have this Propress steamer I want to take but don't want to risk putting the wrong voltage through it, advise appreciated, thanks

Few places accept credit cards because cash is king in Vietnam so bring your currency to exchange for VND (Vietnamese dong) at the airport or gold shops (Clean and big notes for better rates) as well as use ATMs to withdraw money in Vietnam.
XE app/ site for doing some search on exchange rates.

Cash is still used widely so you will need it though hotels and modern bars/restaurants etc you can usually pay on your card. For traditional places, street stalls, grab bikes and taxis, small eateries ie most places, cash is essential. You can easily withdraw cash from the hole in the wall with your bank card just watch the charges (on the card more so than the banks in Vn). We use gold shops too. You’ll need a converter to plug in for electrics but ours have always been fine.

Hotel, upscale restaurants - credit cards

Everywhere else - cash, Vietnam dong and you can bring some USD if you have some lying around

Is it true you can use EU or North American 2-pin plugs, for phone chargers not hair straighteners etc ?

Also, is it like Thailand where you can pay by card but get a cash discount in some hotels ?