Vietnam/Cambodia Land/river cruise money question

[hoosier2017]

Inquiring to see if anyone can shed some light on where credit cards were accepted vs. cash.  Did you convert cash to Dong at the airport or hotel? Our tour includes breakfast each day, but not other meals and incidentals so we are trying to determine what we might need.  Appreciate any info! 

[franski]

We had some Dong before we went, then hit up an ATM once we got to Hanoi.  There was an ATM quite close to our hotel (the people at the front desk can assist with that...). 

 

Credit cards are accepted at the hotels and restaurants we visited - but I used cash at the markets - and then at some of the stops once we were on the boat.  I ended up buying an umbrella while we were wandering around Hanoi - and "negotiated" the price down.  It is often expected that you will "discuss" price - and not pay what is initially asked.

 

For Cambodia - US money is accepted as easily as Cambodian money is --> so that is easy.  Again - restaurants will take cards.  And, we ate some meals at the hotel(s) we stayed at, so that was payable by card when you checked out.

 

You will need money for the bathrooms (if you are using them while on your own...). The tour guides would pay for us if we got off a bus (or on an excursion off the boat) but we needed cash for our time on our own in both countries before & after the trip our trip. We went to Hanoi 3 days before our trip (we went with Emerald) and then stopped in Bangkok for 3 nights on the way home.

 

Fran

[hoosier2017]

Thanks so much for your help! Can I ask what month you went? Any advice or things you wish you knew prior to going? We are scheduled to depart mid October.  

[franski]

On 7/19/2023 at 6:27 AM, hoosier2017 said:

Thanks so much for your help! Can I ask what month you went? Any advice or things you wish you knew prior to going? We are scheduled to depart mid October.  

We went in February this year...  I don't do well in extreme heat - so booked in one of the cooler months.  February was great - October should be good for you. 

 

Are you just doing the cruise?  Or, do you have time on land as well?  

 

One thing about using US cash in Cambodia -->  they really prefer crisp bills.  If the bills are crumpled or ripped, they may not take them.  Also - keep a bunch of ones handy there -  you will often be approached by locals if you get off a bus.  You can buy a bunch of bananas for $1 (US) - they are so sweet!!

 

Fran

[hoosier2017]

5 days pre cruise, 7 day cruise, three day post.  Arriving in Hanoi and departing from Ho Chi Minh City.  Thanks for all of your help!

[franski]

On 7/21/2023 at 10:37 PM, hoosier2017 said:

5 days pre cruise, 7 day cruise, three day post.  Arriving in Hanoi and departing from Ho Chi Minh City.  Thanks for all of your help!

Always glad to help...  Enjoy your trip!!

 

Fran