Exchange services for new banknotes to be used as “lì xì” or lucky money during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday are booming ahead one month before the holiday.

An array of unique mice-shaped items have gone on sale ahead of the Lunar Year of the Rat, attracting plenty of customers who are keen to purchase them.

The tradition of giving “Li xi”, known in English as “lucky money”, in envelopes is one of the most anticipated Tet customs, especially among children. 

 VietNamNet Bridge – Every year when Tet, or the Lunar New Year festival, begins I fondly remember my childhood.

 VietNamNet Bridge – It is a long-standing Tet (Lunar New Year) tradition to give out li xi (lucky money) to children and others, wishing them greater prosperity in the coming year.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Online services for exchanging old notes for new ones mushroom in the days prior to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, although the activity is illegal and charges fees ranging from eight to 120 per cent in some cases.

VietNamNet Bridge – Currency changers are taking advantage of the Tet occasion to charge exorbitant fees for crisp, newly minted notes, despite the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV)'s warning that it is a violation of law,

 VietNamNet Bridge – In addition to well wishes, the Vietnamese have a long tradition of giving lucky money to children during the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet.

The popular trend of donating small change to temples and pagodas by many Vietnamese people during traditional events has created a boom in unregulated exchange services around Ha Noi.