1. Where to Shop
-
Markets (Bến Thành, Đồng Xuân, Hội An Night Market): Good for souvenirs, clothes, food.
-
Shopping streets: Fashion boutiques, handicrafts, silk, art.
-
Malls & supermarkets: Vincom, AEON, Lotte—fixed prices, air-conditioned.
-
Local specialty shops: Coffee, tea, handicrafts, lacquerware, spices.
2. Bargaining Tips
-
Bargaining is common in markets and street stalls, but not in malls or convenience stores.
-
Start by offering about half the asking price, then work up to a fair middle ground.
-
Always smile and stay polite—bargaining is part of the fun!
3. Money Matters
-
Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND); cash is king in local markets.
-
Carry small notes for convenience.
-
Some shops accept credit cards, but often charge a small fee.
-
Mobile payments (like Momo, ZaloPay, or VNPay) are growing, but foreigners may find them tricky.
4. What to Buy
-
Coffee (robusta & arabica beans, drip coffee filters)
-
Silk products & tailor-made clothes (Hoi An is famous)
-
Handicrafts, lacquerware, ceramics, bamboo items
-
Spices, dried fruits, tea
-
Conical hats (nón lá)
-
Local snacks (dried squid, coconut candy, rice paper rolls)
5. Shopping Etiquette
-
Always check the product quality before paying.
-
Ask politely: “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?).
-
Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right—often the seller will call you back.
-
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets.
6. Tax Refunds
-
Vietnam has a VAT refund system at international airports for purchases made at certain stores. Keep your receipts if you plan to claim.