Banknotes from countries across the globe are sought after to be given as lucky money in Viet Nam during the forthcoming Lunar New Year at prices that are up to 16 times higher than the official exchange rates.

Bills with animals on them are particularly favoured, as local people believe the notes will bring good luck, especially those with the image of the goat, for the next lunar year is the Year of the Goat.

Today is the 18^th day of the final month of the lunar year.

A stack of Ugandan banknotes

A 1,000 shilling banknote is sold for 40,000 VND (1.86 USD), six times higher than the 7,700 VND official exchange rate, whereas a 50 rupee note costs 70,000 VND (3.26USD), compared to 10,400 VND.

As per Vietnamese custom, a group of four animals called the Four Holy Beasts, including the dragon, qilin, turtle, and phoenix, are astronomical and cultural symbols for luck and many good things.

Traders have managed to collect notes from Bhutan, Myanmar, and Brazil to make a complete set of Four Holy Beasts banknotes.

They charge 200,000 VND (9.32 USD) for a set, 11 times higher than the total exchange value.

Traders have also introduced 1USD banknotes that are “particularly made for the Year of the Goat,” which are priced at 350,000 VND (16.31USD) per bill, or 16 times higher than the official exchange rate.

Prices are even higher for 2USD notes that were produced in special years such as 1976, 1963, or 1953.