The Vietnamese Dong (symbol: ₫; currency code: VND) is the official currency of Vietnam, issued and regulated by the State Bank of Vietnam. It is subdivided into 100 hào, though hào coins are no longer in circulation. Coins are no longer in use; only banknotes are circulated. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 dong. Introduced in 1978, the dong replaced the earlier currency, the hao. The term "dong" is derived from the Vietnamese word for copper, reflecting the early days of the currency when coins were made of copper. Today, travelers often monitor the AUD→VND rate when planning visits to places like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Ha Long Bay—and balance cash and digital payments for local experiences.