People have obviously broken loose from their old ideological moorings to embrace capitalist ways as an indulgent government in this one-party state looks the other way. Don't bother to change your foreign currency into the local dong if you want to pick up some excellent lacquer paintings, curio boxes or something else at bargain prices.
Dollar is just fine.
In fact, it is welcomed, whether in big shops or small, though in blatant violation of the country's foreign exchange rules. The persistent seller doesn't leave you. The drama is not over though. She gestures you to wait and calls out to another woman, who comes with a hip bag stuffed with notes and the transaction is completed in quick time. That will be decided by the people.