I'm going to Da Nang next month, so I've been searching daily for how to exchange currency, and it's really confusing. When I search for blog posts on Naver, there are many articles saying, "Go to the gold shops in Han Market, the exchange rate is really good." Even articles posted in March 2026 say that, and some even specifically recommend a gold shop called "Soan Ha."
However, when I look at separate announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or news, the atmosphere is completely different. "Crackdown on unauthorized currency exchange strengthened from February 2026. Fines + cash confiscation upon detection." Huh? Wait. So, I don't know "whether it's okay or not to exchange currency at the Han Market gold shops."
It's the same year 2026, but the information is completely contradictory, so I decided I needed to properly organize this before I go. I'm sharing this because I think everyone planning to go to Da Nang will be just as confused.
Why is the information so contradictory?
The reason is simple. Some blog posts haven't yet reflected the implementation of the decree. The Vietnamese government enacted Decree 340/2025/ND-CP on February 9, 2026. Simply put, it's a law that officially cracks down on unauthorized currency exchange. However, travel blogs, unaware of this, are still copying and re-uploading old recommendation posts. That's why articles posted in March 2026, after the decree took effect, still recommend "Han Market gold shops."
On the other hand, the Korean Consulate General in Da Nang, the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Korean media outlets in Vietnam (Inside Vina) have been clearly warning since February 2026. They advise, "Gold shops, souvenir shops, and individual currency exchange by guides/restaurant/hotel staff are subject to crackdown, so only exchange at places with official foreign exchange licenses."
This information discrepancy was the confusing point for me, and for many Koreans going to Da Nang. Almost all of the first page of search results showed old information.
What is Decree 340/2025/ND-CP?
I'll skip the complicated legal talk and just summarize what travelers planning a trip to Vietnam absolutely need to know.
Targets of enforcement: Gold shops without official foreign exchange licenses, souvenir shops, individual currency exchange by guides/restaurant/hotel staff, and street money changers. So, Han Market gold shops are precisely targets of enforcement.
Punishment standards:
- Less than 1,000 USD: First warning
- 1,000-10,000 USD: Fine of 10-20 million VND (approx. 500,000-1,000,000 KRW) + full cash confiscation
- 10,000-100,000 USD: Fine of 20-30 million VND + full cash confiscation
The amount typically exchanged by ordinary travelers (usually 500-1,500 USD) falls right around the 1,000 USD mark, putting them in the risk zone. The loss is too great if you get a 500,000-1,000,000 KRW fine and have your cash confiscated just to get a slightly better exchange rate.
Important point: The targets of enforcement include not only the currency exchange operators but also the travelers who exchange currency. "They'll let tourists off the hook" won't work, so extreme caution seems necessary.
So, what happened to the Han Market gold shops?
Indeed, after the crackdown began, some gold shops in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City have started posting notices that they are no longer accepting dollars. It seems that even places popular among Koreans are gradually stopping foreign currency transactions. They don't want to take the risk.
So, if you go to a gold shop with a yellow sign in Han Market, they might say, "We don't accept foreign currency," or even if they do, you could be subject to punishment for the transaction itself. Neither option is a good choice.
Da Nang: Where should I exchange currency?
Before my trip to Da Nang, I researched the latest information and compiled a list of legal, safe places with reasonable exchange rates.
1. Korean commercial banks (before departure). Getting an 80-90% exchange rate discount is quite good. It's convenient to apply for mobile currency exchange and pick it up at the airport. However, in Korea, the direct exchange rate from 50,000 won notes to VND is not great, so it's generally accepted that it's better to exchange to dollars first and then to VND in Da Nang.
2. Da Nang Airport exchange offices. The exchange rate isn't good, but it's safe. Only use it to exchange enough for a taxi immediately after arrival. About 50 USD should be enough.
3. Local Vietnamese banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, ACB). They have official foreign exchange licenses. The exchange rate is almost similar to or slightly lower than gold shops. However, their business hours are short (weekdays 8:00-16:30), you need your passport, and you have to wait in line. Recommended for exchanging large amounts.
4. Government-authorized exchange offices (Authorized Exchange). Look for signs that say "Authorized Foreign Exchange Agent" or "Money Exchange." They must display a license number. There are a few in Da Nang city. The exchange rate is slightly better than banks, and business hours are longer.
5. Travel Wallet/Travel Log ATM withdrawals. This method involves withdrawing VND directly from a local ATM in Vietnam. The exchange rate is almost exactly the standard market rate, making it the best. Many people say that Travel Wallet even covers Vietnamese ATM fees, making it almost free.
However, the amount you can withdraw at once from an ATM is limited by each Vietnamese bank, typically to 2-5 million VND (about 110,000-280,000 KRW).
This is how I plan to go to Da Nang this time.
I've put together my own plan based on various sources. I'm sharing it for those going to Da Nang.
Exchange 50% in advance in Korea. I'll prepare some VND directly from a Korean commercial bank, and some in new 100-dollar bills. I'll have enough VND for taxi fare and the first day's meals immediately upon arrival.
ATM withdrawal with Travel Wallet upon arrival in Da Nang (main method). This is the main method because the exchange rate is the best and there are no fees. I'll withdraw 1-2 million VND as needed. I found that using Vietnamese ATMs is similar to Japanese Aeon ATMs.
If I need a large amount, I'll go to a government-authorized exchange office or Vietcombank. Only when the ATM limit is insufficient or I need a large amount at once. I'll check for a license number and definitely get a receipt.
I will not go to Han Market gold shops. It's not worth the risk of a 500,000-1,000,000 KRW fine + cash confiscation just for a slightly better exchange rate. Also, more gold shops are already refusing foreign currency, so there's a chance of a wasted trip.
Absolutely no private currency exchange with guides or hotel staff. This is clearly defined as a violation in the decree.
Conclusion
The real reason for conflicting Da Nang currency exchange information is the timing. The environment completely changed on February 9, 2026. Before that, "Han Market recommendations" were correct, but now that's old information. When you search, those old recommendation posts overwhelmingly appear, causing confusion.
For those going now, a combination of Travel Wallet ATM withdrawals + some advance exchange in Korea + government-authorized exchange offices is the safest and most cost-effective option. There's no need to risk fines + cash confiscation for an extra 1-2% exchange rate.
I'll go to Da Nang next month and then write another article summarizing my experience with ATM withdrawals and which exchange offices were good. I'll give you a vivid review! I think a direct experience will provide a more accurate guide. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, keep this in mind!