Travel consultant Charlotte Bower has done her fair share of globetrotting, including countless trips to Vietnam. With her go-to guide to all those practical matters, you’ll be boarding that plane in no time.
Visas
Visa requirements for Vietnam depend on your nationality. If you hold a UK, French, German, Spanish or Italian passport and are in Vietnam for 15 days or less, you can enter under a waiver, meaning you don’t need a visa; this is slated to last until 30th June 2021.
If you’re in Vietnam for more than 15 days or hold a different nationality passport, you’ll need to get a visa prior to arrival. An e-visa is the easiest way to do this, and can be arranged on the official website.
If you enter Vietnam more than once (e.g. exiting to Cambodia and returning), you’ll need a multi entry visa. This can’t be done as an e-visa or a waiver and needs to be done through the embassy or pre-authorised for an on-arrival visa.
Weather
As a long thin country, Vietnam has a variety of weather patterns, and rainy seasons depending on where you are. There are recommended seasons for special interests eg. trekking, cruising or including time on the beach.
Currency
The official Vietnamese currency is the dong (VND). While US dollars are also accepted in areas that receive a lot of tourists, most transactions are conducted in dong.
The highest denomination note is 500,000 VND, but be careful – it looks very much like the 20,000 VND note! Other notes are: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 VND.
As of May 2019, the following are guideline conversion rates:
GBP 1 = 30,300 VND
USD 1 = 23,200 VND
EUR 1 = 26,100 VND
AUD 1 = 16,600 VND
In places where dollars are accepted, you’ll often find you pay a higher price than you would do in dong; the vendor decides the rate of exchange, and usually rounds the price up to the nearest dollar.
You can exchange cash in Vietnam at many hotels, banks and bureau de change. US dollars are by far the most widely accepted foreign currency to exchange in Vietnam, followed (very distantly) by the Euro. British pounds, Canadian dollars and Australian dollars are not widely accepted, and where they are, the exchange rate is usually terrible.
Vietnam remains predominantly cash-based, so most restaurants and shops – with the exception of large international chains – will not accept plastic. Instead, it’s best to carry enough cash for everyday transactions. Despite the lack of card facilities, ATMs are common throughout the country.
Travel Health
One of the questions I get asked most is about vaccinations – which ones, when and how many. Exact requirements depend on your final route as well as existing health conditions, so get the final word from your doctor; this blog on vaccinations will steer you in the right direction.
Etiquette
Visiting a new country can be a minefield of cultural faux pas. Sometimes usual behaviour here can cause offence on the other side of the world; for more information, check out this blog.
Public Holidays
Public holidays in a foreign country can be fun but some, like Tet (Vietnamese New Year) can have quite an impact on your trip. Spread over a week, this lunar festival doesn’t have fixed dates, but usually occurs in the last two weeks of January / first two weeks of February.
Much like Christmas in the West, Vietnam shuts down for this family-focused celebration, meaning all those tasty family-run restaurants won’t be open, colourful market stalls shut up shop, temples are packed, guides and drivers will be taking a well-earned rest and domestic airports will be busy with people visiting family across the country.
If you need to travel at this time of year, stay at a beach resort to avoid your trip being negatively impacted. Alternatively, visit one of Vietnam’s neighbouring countries such as Cambodia or Laos, where the New Year is in April.
Aside from Tet, Vietnam has other wonderful festivals you might find interesting, such as the biannual Hue arts festival, or the lantern festival in Hoi An.
Is it safe?
In a word, yes. Vietnam is a safe and friendly country to travel in and tourism is well established in many areas. Saying this, do follow the latest travel advice of your government: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information can be found here; country-specific information can be found for US, Canadian and Australian citizens too. Take the usual precautions with regards to personal safety and valuables when travelling as you would at home.
Power & Plugs
Vietnam uses 220v with two round-pin plugs (type C or F – European). Most sockets also accept 2 flat-pin plugs (type A – American). Plug adaptors are often available at hotels but do bring them with you – they are readily available in electronic stores at international airports worldwide.
Internet Access
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is available in almost all international standard hotels in Vietnam should you wish to bring laptops/tablets. There’s usually no access on boats or in remote homestays and lodge accommodation.
Whether you still have questions, or are just about ready to book your Vietnam trip, drop our team of Southeast Asia experts a line. After some inspiration? Check out our Small Group Tours and Fully Tailored Journeys.
