Vietnam: The official currency is Dong. The Dong is non-convertible and at the time of writing trades at approximately15,580 to USD1. The US dollar, preferably crisp clean bills, is widely accepted among major shops and restaurants. Travelers checks can be cashed at authorized foreign exchange outlets and banks and require presentation of passport. There is normally a 2 to 5 percent transaction fee for cashing Travelers checks. Visa and Master card are becoming more accepted in many of the bigger hotels and restaurants, especially in the larger cities. Make sure that the Vietnamese notes you receive are not torn, this because many shops and restaurants will not accept them. Also try not to change too much money at one time, as you will end up with a large wad of notes. The largest denomination is currently 500,000 dong (approx. US$ 33). The government introduced new 500,000 and 50,000 notes made from plastic (like Australian dollars), rather than the regular paper notes. In 2004 Vietnam introduced coins for smaller transactions. These are in the form of 200; 1,000 and 5,000 Dong. Other paper denominations include 5,000; 10,000 and 20,000, 50,000, 100000, 200000.Most are clearly identifiable by color. There are a number of international banks operating in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with 24hour cash withdrawal facilities, including ANZ Bank in Hanoi and the HSBC in Ho Chi Minh City.Here cash can be withdrawn on Visa and Master cards as well as other cards such as Cirrus.

Cambodia: The official Cambodian currency is known as the Riel.  American dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and even preferred in larger stores and supermarkets. However, the riel is more practical and economical to use for smaller, day to day items such as buying fruits and vegetables and paying moto drivers, etc.There are several ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, we advise that you do not rely solely on this ATM being operational.  Bring travelers cheques or US dollars with you when you visit Cambodia for the rural areas. Banks change all major currencies with relatively little hassle. Tourists with traveller cheques are advised to cash them at the bank as few shops and other outlets have facilities to change them and those that do may charge a high commission.  Several banks offer cash advances on major credit cards.  Heading to the country side it is recommended that you carry cash with you (in small notes as people may have difficulty in getting change) as banks are not always available. Carry your money in a way that you will feel most comfortable with e.g. money belt, wallet etc.  You may want to carry a combination of travelers’ checks, credit/debit cards, cash or all three.  It’s always a good precaution to split your money about your person and/or wallet. Make sure to keep some cash in small denominations for last minute purchases, as well as airport taxes (see below). Most hotels offer safe-keeping for your valuables if you so wish. 

We can book pre tour accommodation at the departure hotel for you if you provide us with your arrival details. You will need to pay for your room upon arrival. Post tour accommodation can be booked en-route with the help of your crew.