Phu Quoc Currency & Money Guide

The Vietnamese Dong is the sole legal currency in Phu Quoc and across Vietnam. Exchange rates involve large numbers — at 25,000 VND per USD, a meal costing 150,000 VND is about USD 6. Getting comfortable with these numbers takes a day; most travellers quickly learn to mentally divide by 25,000.

ATMs are well-distributed in Duong Dong (the main town) and at Phu Quoc International Airport. Vietcombank, Agribank, and BIDV ATMs dispense VND and accept most foreign Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards. Fees are typically 50,000–88,000 VND (about USD 2–3) per transaction — lower than Thai ATM fees.

The airport exchange counters offer rates about 3–5% below mid-market rates. For large amounts, use a bank branch or licensed exchange counter in Duong Dong for better rates.

USD is the de facto secondary currency at Phu Quoc's international resorts (JW Marriott, InterContinental, Vinpearl) and some tourist-oriented restaurants. Prices may be quoted in USD, and payment accepted in USD at these establishments.

At street level — local restaurants, scooter rental shops, markets, and smaller guesthouses — VND is expected. Paying in USD at these places leads to poor conversion rates from the vendor. Always carry VND for daily expenses.

Bring a mix of USD (for large resort bills if convenient) and withdrawn VND for daily spending. Avoid changing money at the hotel front desk; rates are typically 5–8% below the bank rate.

Phu Quoc spans a huge price range. Budget travellers staying in guesthouses and eating pho, banh mi, and local seafood can manage USD 30–50 per day. A bowl of pho costs 50,000–80,000 VND; a local seafood dinner for two with beer is 300,000–500,000 VND.

Mid-range travellers at 3–4 star hotels, dining at tourist restaurants, and joining island hopping or kayaking tours spend USD 80–150 per day. A half-day island hopping tour to the An Thoi archipelago costs approximately 450,000–700,000 VND per person.

Luxury Phu Quoc — the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, InterContinental, or Kem Beach Resort — starts at USD 250–600+ per night, with fine dining, spa services, and private beach access. This is some of the best value luxury in Asia given the quality of facilities.

Tipping is not culturally mandated in Vietnam but is appreciated in tourist areas, particularly where staff earn minimum wages. At sit-down tourist restaurants, rounding up or leaving 10% is increasingly standard. Vietnamese locals generally do not tip.

Tour guides and drivers: 50,000–100,000 VND per person for a half-day tour is a respectful tip. Hotel housekeeping: 20,000–50,000 VND per day. For resort spa services, 10% is appropriate.

Many upscale restaurants add a 5–10% service charge to the bill — check before adding an additional tip. At local street-food eateries, no tip is expected.