Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming to Hanoi

I am Vietnamese. End of discussion.

- Eddie

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming to Hanoi

That's interesting because last time I was staying in Dalat and Sapa - in 2013 mind you - the owners of both of the guesthouses I was staying in specified a preference for dollars as soon as they saw them in my wallet. Same goes for many of the restaurant owners in both of those towns. Vietnam is notorious for devaluing their currency and misguided Vietnamese are under the impression that the dollar is stable. Please get a clue before leaving another comment.

- Eddie

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming to Hanoi

Dollars are not needed but they are generally the preferred currency in Sapa. Prices are quoted in dong because it is, as you said, the only currency that can legally be accepted. You would do well to take a reading comprehension course.
- Eddie

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming to Hanoi

There is a currency exchange on the border in Lao Cai but they will give you terrible rates. There are plenty of ATMS in Sapa and a standard debit or credit card should work. You won't need more than 50.000 dong per person for the ride up to Sapa although the drivers might try to overcharge you.

Some of the businesses in Lao Cai accept dollars and RMB although there is no guarantee. The dollar seems to be the preferred currency in Sapa so you'll be fine up there. Please note that the accepted exchange rate between dollars and dong is 20.000 dong to the dollar.

Hope this helps,

Eddie

Forums > Living in Kunming > Some VPN other than WiTopia

Astrill VPN is fantastic.

- Eddie