The black market is Vielnam's unofficial banking system that is almost everywhere and operates quite openly. Private individuals and some shops and restaurants will exchange US dollars for dong and vice versa. While the practice is technically illegal, law enforcement is virtually nonexistent. Ironically, black market exchange rates arc usually worse than the official exchange rates, so the only advantage is the convenience of changing money when and where you like.

If people approach you on the street with offers to change money al rates better than the official one, you can rest assured that you are being up for a rip-off. Don't even think about trying it! Remember, if an offer seems too good to he true, thal's becait probably is.