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About the Vietnamese Dong (VND)

What Is the Vietnamese Dong (VND)?

The Vietnamese Dong (VND), the official currency of Vietnam, is an example of a fiat currency in Southeast Asia. Represented by the ISO code VND and symbolized as ₫, the Dong has a rich history and plays a crucial role in Vietnam's economy. The Vietnamese Dong is the sole legal tender in Vietnam, and it is used for all transactions within the country.

The Vietnamese Dong is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. The State Bank of Vietnam is the central bank of the country and is responsible for the issuance and regulation of the Vietnamese currency, along with overseeing monetary policies, maintaining stability in the financial system, and managing Vietnam's foreign exchange reserves.

What Is the History of VND?

The Dong was introduced by the North Vietnam government in 1946, replacing the French Indochinese piastre. This change marked a significant shift in Vietnam's economic history. The currency underwent revaluations in 1951 and 1959, reflecting the country's tumultuous economic conditions. Following the unification of Vietnam in 1975, the Dong was also unified, setting the stage for its current form. The revaluation in 1985 was a pivotal moment, as it led to a period of persistent inflation, deeply impacting the Vietnamese economy.

Notes and Coins of VND

Previously, Vietnam had issued coins in several denominations, including 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 VND. However, due to inflation and the move towards digital payments, coins have become less common in circulation.

Vietnam transitioned from cotton notes to plastic polymer notes in 2003, a move aimed at reducing printing costs. These notes feature various denominations of 100 VND, 200 VND, 500 VND, 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND, 5,000 VND, 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 200,000 VND, and 500,000 VND.

Economic Impact and Inflation

The Vietnamese Dong has been significantly affected by inflation, a common challenge for many fiat currencies. This inflationary trend has led to the Dong being one of the lowest-valued currency units in the world. As of January 2024, one United States dollar was equivalent to approximately 24,400 Dong. The State Bank of Vietnam, responsible for issuing the Dong, plays a vital role in regulating inflation and stabilizing the currency.

Is VND Pegged to USD?

The Vietnamese Dong is not pegged to the United States Dollar. Vietnam operates under a managed floating exchange rate regime. In this system, the value of the Dong is not fixed to the USD but is instead managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, which may intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the Dong's value or to meet other economic objectives.

Why Does VND Have So Many Zeroes?

The Vietnamese Dong features a high number of zeros due to its history of chronic inflation, a common phenomenon in various economies transitioning from a centrally-planned system to a market-oriented one. After the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, the country faced significant economic challenges, including hyperinflation, especially during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This inflation necessitated the issuance of banknotes with higher denominations to maintain practical transactional value. As a result, over time, the currency experienced devaluation, leading to the presence of banknotes with large numerical values. This situation reflects the cumulative impact of prolonged inflationary pressures on the currency's value, a common trait in economies undergoing rapid and significant economic transformations.