
100 SGD to VND: What 100 Singapore Dollars Buys in Vietnam
Anyone who’s planning a trip from Singapore to Vietnam already knows the first question isn’t about hotels or itineraries — it’s about how far your dollars will stretch. At the current mid-market rate, 100 Singapore dollars converts to roughly 2,049,000 Vietnamese đồng — a figure that sounds massive until you realize a bowl of pho costs about 40,000 VND.
1 SGD to VND (mid-market rate): 20,492.68 VND · 100 SGD to VND (mid-market): 2,049,268 VND · 30-day high for 1 SGD: 20,644.40 VND · 30-day low for 1 SGD: 20,392.70 VND · Typical daily budget for a budget traveler in Vietnam: $20–$30 USD
Quick snapshot
- 100 SGD ≈ 2,050,670 VND at Wise mid-market rate (Wise (money transfer platform))
- 100 SGD ≈ 2,061,940 VND at You.co rate on 2026-05-25 (You.co (currency analysis))
- Exact rate you’ll get depends on your exchange method and timing (XE (currency data provider))
- Bank and ATM fees vary significantly by Singaporean card issuer (Myfxbook (forex community))
- SGD/VND rate fluctuates daily; Instarem quote changed within same month (Instarem (money transfer))
- 30-day range spans about 250 VND per SGD (Wise (live rate))
- Check live rate just before exchanging – OFX page confirms rate is time-sensitive (OFX (live converter))
- Compare Wise, Instarem, Revolut and bank rates before transferring (Revolut (digital banking))
Here’s a quick reference for the most important rates and costs:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 SGD = | 20,492 VND (mid-market) (XE) |
| 100 SGD = | 2,049,268 VND (XE) |
| Bowl of pho | 30,000–50,000 VND (~$1.30–$2.20) (Wise context) |
| Hotel night (budget) | 460,000–920,000 VND (~$20–$40) (You.co budget context) |
| Average daily budget (budget traveler) | $20–$30 USD (about 460,000–690,000 VND) (OFX travel cost reference) |
Is $100 a lot of money in Vietnam today?
Daily cost of living for a tourist
A budget traveler in Vietnam spends roughly $30–$40 per day, covering a hostel dorm bed, three street-food meals, and local transport. At 100 SGD (2.05 million VND), that buys you about 5–7 days of low-cost travel. Mid-range travelers, who opt for 3-star hotels and sit-down restaurants, spend $70–$100 a day — 100 SGD then covers roughly 2 days.
What $100 can buy: accommodation, food, transport
- Accommodation: A clean double room in a budget hotel in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City costs 460,000–690,000 VND ($20–$30). 100 SGD can pay for 3–4 nights.
- Food: A bowl of pho costs 40,000 VND; 100 SGD buys about 50 bowls. A banh mi sandwich runs 20,000 VND — that’s 100 sandwiches.
- Transport: A day rental of a motorbike in Hoi An is about 150,000 VND ($6.50). A Grab car ride across Saigon is 50,000–80,000 VND.
Budget vs mid-range comparisons
The gap between budget and mid-range styles is stark. Budget travelers can stretch 100 SGD for nearly a week; mid-range travelers burn through it in two days. The difference boils down to accommodation choice and dining style.
Wise’s takeA Singaporean traveler who sticks to street food and hostels can make 100 SGD last 5–7 days. The same money evaporates in 2 days if you upgrade to mid-range hotels and air-conditioned restaurants. Know your travel style before you exchange.
The pattern: 100 SGD buys genuine affordability for budget travelers, but it’s not “a lot” for anyone wanting comfort. Plan accordingly.
How much is $1 SGD in Vietnam dong?
Understanding exchange rates
The mid-market rate is the baseline — what banks use when trading among themselves. As of the latest data, 1 Singapore dollar buys between 20,392 and 20,644 VND, depending on the day and provider. XE (currency data provider) shows 20,492.68 VND as the mid-point.
Where to check live SGD to VND rates
- Instarem – timestamped rates for transparency (tier2).
- XE – widely used for rate checking (tier2).
- OFX – shows live chart with rate fluctuations (tier2).
- Revolut – consumer rate shown (tier2).
- Myfxbook – forex community converter (tier2).
Why rates vary between banks and money changers
Banks and airport kiosks add a markup of 3–5% to the mid-market rate. That means 100 SGD might only fetch 1.95 million VND at a bank counter, versus 2.05 million on Wise. You.co (currency analysis) notes that the spread can be especially wide for VND because it’s a less traded currency.
XE’s warningThe quote you see on a currency converter is rarely what you actually get. Bank fees and dynamic conversion at ATMs can shave off 50,000–100,000 VND per 100 SGD. OFX (currency exchange) warns that rates are live and time-sensitive — check seconds before you transact.
The catch: the mid-market rate is your best-case scenario. The actual rate in your pocket depends entirely on where and how you exchange.
What can you buy with 20,000 dong in Vietnam?
Snacks and drinks
- A bottle of mineral water: 5,000–10,000 VND
- A fresh coconut from a street vendor: 15,000–20,000 VND
- Chewing gum or a small pack of biscuits: 5,000–10,000 VND
Street food items
- A banh mi sandwich: 15,000–30,000 VND (20,000 VND covers a basic one)
- Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): 15,000–25,000 VND
- One serving of bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls): 20,000–30,000 VND
Small necessities
20,000 VND equals about $0.88 USD. It’s enough for a single bus ride within a city, a SIM card top-up of 20,000 VND (basic data), or a pack of tissues. It won’t buy a meal at a sit-down restaurant, but it works for small street purchases.
When you hear 100 SGD = 2 million VND, it’s easy to feel rich. But Vietnam is not a place where 20,000 VND buys much beyond the basics. The real purchasing power of 100 SGD emerges when you stack medium-cost items: 50 bowls of pho, 4 nights of budget accommodation, or 13 Grab rides across the city.
The trade-off: 20,000 dong is pocket change — but it’s enough for a coffee or a bus ride. For bigger purchases, you’ll need the 100-SGD order of magnitude.
Is SGD accepted in Vietnam?
Where you can use SGD directly
Singapore dollars are rarely accepted in Vietnam outside a handful of high-end hotels, some tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City, and duty-free shops. Even then, the exchange rate offered is typically unfavorable — often 5–10% below the mid-market rate. Instarem (money transfer) advises against relying on foreign cash acceptance.
Conversion fees and exchange rate traps
Using SGD directly or withdrawing from ATMs with dynamic currency conversion (DCC) can cost you. DCC lets you see the amount in SGD but at a poor rate. Banks in Vietnam also charge a fee of 22,000–33,000 VND per ATM transaction for foreign cards. Plus, your Singapore bank may add a 1–3% foreign transaction fee.
Recommended payment methods
- Exchange SGD to VND at a money changer in Singapore (e.g., The Arcade or Lucky Plaza) before departure for competitive rates.
- Use a multi-currency travel card like Wise or Revolut to spend at mid-market rates with low fees.
- Withdraw VND from ATMs in Vietnam using a card that reimburses ATM fees (e.g., some Singaporean digital banks).
Revolut’s catchUsing SGD directly in Vietnam is a bad deal. You’ll lose 5–10% on the rate. Withdraw local currency from a reputable ATM using a fee-free card, or exchange in Singapore before you fly. Revolut (digital banking) shows its own retail rate can be lower than the mid-market, so compare providers.
The implication: SGD is not a practical currency in Vietnam. Plan to use VND for almost everything.
Is $1000 enough for 2 weeks in Vietnam?
Sample 14-day budget breakdown
A budget traveler spending $40/day will use $560 for two weeks. A mid-range traveler at $80/day will spend $1,120. So $1,000 falls right in between — enough for comfort if you’re careful, but tight if you want nicer hotels and private tours.
Here’s a rough daily breakdown by style:
| Category | Budget ($30–$40/day) | Mid-range ($70–$100/day) | Luxury ($150+/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–$20 (hostel/budget hotel) | $35–$60 (3–4 star hotel) | $80–$150 (5-star resort) |
| Food | $5–$10 (street food) | $15–$25 (local restaurants) | $40+ (fine dining) |
| Transport | $3–$8 (bus, motorbike, Grab) | $10–$20 (private car, flights) | $30+ (domestic flights, drivers) |
| Activities & misc | $5–$10 | $15–$30 | $30+ |
Cost-saving tips
- Eat street food for most meals – it’s cheaper and often better.
- Use trains and buses for long distances instead of flying.
- Book accommodation in advance through platforms that show reviews in Vietnamese — often cheaper.
- Carry a reusable water bottle; many hotels and cafes refill for free.
When you need more than $1000
If you plan to stay in 4-star or above hotels, take domestic flights between cities, and go on organized tours (Ha Long Bay cruise, Mekong Delta tours), you’ll need $1,200–$1,500 for two weeks. $1,000 is enough for a comfortable independent trip, but not for a package-style holiday.
$1,000 works for two weeks if you mix budget and mid-range choices. But the margin is thin. Singaporean travelers used to a higher cost of living may find $1,000 feels restrictive after a week. The safe buffer is $1,200–$1,500 for a worry-free trip.
The pattern: $1,000 is the floor for a comfortable two-week trip, not the ceiling.
Pros & cons of exchanging SGD to VND
Upsides
- SGD is strong against VND – your money goes far.
- Vietnam is cheap for a Singaporean traveler – budget stretch is real.
- Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) give near-mid-market rates.
- Cash is king in Vietnam – no reliance on card networks.
Downsides
- Exchange rates vary widely – check multiple providers before committing.
- Bank and ATM fees can erode 3–7% of your money.
- Airport kiosks in both countries offer poor rates – avoid them.
- SGD is not accepted widely – you must have VND on arrival.
The trade-off: exchanging SGD to VND has clear upsides for budget travelers but downsides for those seeking convenience.
How to exchange SGD to VND – step by step
- Step 1: Check the live mid-market rate – Use XE (currency data provider) or a reliable converter to see the real rate.
- Step 2: Choose an exchange method – Money changers in Singapore (The Arcade, Lucky Plaza) offer competitive cash rates for VND. Digital cards (Wise, Revolut) allow on-demand conversion. ATMs in Vietnam are convenient but charge fees.
- Step 3: Avoid dynamic currency conversion – When using an ATM or card in Vietnam, always choose to be charged in VND, not SGD. DCC typically adds 4–6%.
- Step 4: Time your exchange – Set rate alerts; aim to exchange when 1 SGD exceeds 20,500 VND. Avoid weekends when spreads widen.
- Step 5: Carry a mix of cash and card – Keep VND cash for street vendors and small purchases; use card for hotels and tours to minimize conversion risks.
Exchange about $100 worth of VND in Singapore for immediate expenses upon arrival. Then use an ATM for the rest — that way you’re not stuck with a poor airport rate and you get the day’s live rate.
The pattern: a mix of cash and card, combined with timing, maximizes your exchange.
To see how those figures compare to the most current market data, you can check the live SGD to VND rate at any time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to exchange SGD for VND?
Rates fluctuate daily. Use rate alerts on Wise or Revolut and exchange when 1 SGD exceeds 20,500 VND. Avoid weekends when spreads widen.
Should I exchange money in Singapore or Vietnam?
Exchanging in Singapore at a reputable money changer (like The Arcade) often yields a better rate than Vietnamese airport counters. For small amounts, it’s similar. For large sums, compare both.
Can I use my Singapore credit card in Vietnam?
Yes, but you’ll pay a foreign transaction fee of 1–3% plus a potentially poor conversion rate if the merchant uses DCC. Cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and larger restaurants but not at street stalls.
Is it better to bring USD or SGD to Vietnam?
USD is more widely accepted for exchange in Vietnam than SGD. But it’s still better to bring VND directly or use a multi-currency card. If you bring USD, bring crisp, new bills for the best exchange rates.
How much cash should I carry in Vietnam?
For a week, carry about 3 million VND in cash ($150 SGD equivalent) for daily expenses – street food, transport, small purchases. Use card for larger payments.
Are ATM fees high in Vietnam for foreign cards?
Vietnamese ATMs typically charge 22,000–33,000 VND (about $1–1.50) per withdrawal. Your Singapore bank may add another fee. Use a card that reimburses ATM fees to avoid this.
What is the typical fee for currency conversion at a Vietnamese bank?
Vietnamese banks charge around 2–4% above the mid-market rate for cash exchanges. Digital alternatives like Wise charge a small percentage fee (around 0.5%) but offer the mid-market rate.
For a Singaporean traveler, the math is straightforward: 100 SGD gives you about 2 million VND, which buys a few days of budget travel or a single day of comfort. The key is to avoid conversion traps – don’t use SGD directly, don’t accept DCC, and compare rates before exchanging. Your travel style dictates whether 100 SGD is a feast or a snack. For the budget-conscious, it’s a feast; for anyone seeking comfort, it’s a starter.
Also see: 1000 SGD to Won: Live Rate & What It Buys in Korea and Singapore Dollar in India: Live Rate, Salary & Gold Guide for more currency comparisons.