The Vietnamese dong has become stronger while the U.S. dollar fell to an 18‑month low. This shift matters for anyone who buys foreign currency for travel, study abroad, or debt, and for those who keep dollars or receive remittances.

Vietcombank cut its selling rate by 1 % to VND 25,990 per dollar, the lowest level since April 2025. At the same time, the unofficial black‑market price dropped 1.64 % to VND 25,780.

Overall, bank exchange rates are now about 1.5 % lower than they were at the start of the year, showing that the dong has appreciated against the dollar over the past ten months. This trend makes the local currency stronger compared with the greenback.

Because the dollar is cheaper, people who need foreign currency for travel, overseas study or to pay dollar‑denominated debt will spend less Vietnamese đồng. However, anyone who holds dollars or receives remittances in dollars may receive fewer đồng when they convert.

Analysts at MB Securities say the pressure on exchange rates is likely to continue, and they expect the dollar to strengthen again in the last months of the year. They also note that high oil prices are adding inflationary pressure and supporting expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep interest rates high.

In short, the current dong appreciation lowers the cost of buying foreign currency now, but it also reduces the value of existing dollar holdings and future remittances. Consumers should watch the market, as the dollar could rise again later this year.