Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Vietnam. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (₫)
Best SIM Provider
Viettel
Main Ride App
Grab
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
General medications
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Reasonable quantities for personal use are generally acceptable.
Controlled substances
Strong painkillers and some psychiatric medications may require documentation. Check with Vietnamese embassy if unsure.
Essential Apps
GrabThe super-app for Vietnam
Xanh SMElectric vehicle rides (VinFast)
BELocal alternative
Notes for Visitors
- ShopeeFood requires Vietnamese phone number - not practical for short stays
- Grab works with international cards and phone numbers - most important app
- Zalo is very useful if you need to contact local businesses
- Many e-commerce apps (Shopee, Lazada) require local phone for verification
SIM Cards & Internet
Definitely get a local SIM - incredibly cheap and easy. Viettel has best coverage. Available at airports with tourist packages. $5-10 for plenty of data.
- SIM registration with passport at airport takes 5 minutes
- Tourist SIMs come with generous data packages
- Some services require Vietnamese phone number for verification
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Vietnam is very cash-heavy. Cards only accepted at hotels, malls, and some tourist restaurants. Cash essential for street food, local shops, markets, and most daily activities.
ATM Tips
ATMs are common but many have low limits (2-5 million VND). Agribank ATMs often have higher limits. Fees vary by bank - Vietcombank usually has lowest fees. Always have backup cash.
Tipping Culture
Not traditionally expected but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas. Leave small amounts (20,000-50,000 VND) for good service. Tour guides: $3-5/day. Hotels: 20,000 VND per bag.
- VND has many zeros - 1 million VND ≈ $40 USD. Double-check the zeros on bills.
- Many ATMs dispense 500,000 VND notes - can be hard to break at small vendors
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
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Getting Around
From the Airport
Most reliable and fairly priced. Use designated pickup areas.
Buy ticket at airport booth. Fixed prices by zone.
Route 86 to Old Quarter. Clean and air-conditioned.
Route 109 to city center
Local Transport
Most convenient for getting around cities quickly. Cheap and avoids traffic.
More comfortable, good for groups or with luggage
Traditional option, negotiate price first
Cheap but can be confusing for visitors
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Vietnam requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Min rental age
18
Detailed road rules aren't available for Vietnam yet — check with your rental agency on arrival.
Renting a car in Vietnam
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 18, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Vietnam across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Vietnam is generally safe for solo female travelers
- Be cautious of motorbike bag snatchers - carry bags on the opposite side from traffic
- Use Grab for safe, reliable transportation
- Trust your instincts in crowded tourist areas
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Vietnam is relatively tolerant but conservative. Same-sex relationships are not recognized legally. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are more accepting. PDA discretion is advised everywhere.
- Ho Chi Minh City has a small but growing LGBTQ+ scene
- Vietnam is generally 'don't ask, don't tell' rather than hostile
- Rural areas are more conservative than cities
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Vietnam is very challenging for wheelchair users. Sidewalks are often blocked by motorbikes and vendors. Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions are not accessible. Major international hotels may have some accessibility.
- International chain hotels usually have accessible rooms
- Sidewalks are extremely difficult to navigate
- Historic sites like temples have many stairs
- Consider hiring a private guide who can assist with accessibility needs
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Xe Om Overcharging
Motorcycle taxi drivers quote prices 5-10x normal rates to tourists.
Prevention: Use Grab for fixed pricing. If negotiating, know typical prices (10,000-30,000 VND for short trips).
Currency Confusion
VND has many zeros. Scammers take advantage - 500,000 looks like 50,000.
Prevention: Take time to count money carefully. Know the difference between bill colors.
Shoe Shine Scam
Someone 'fixes' your shoe unsolicited then demands outrageous payment.
Prevention: Firmly say no. Never let anyone touch your belongings without agreement.
Fake Taxi Apps
Drivers claim app isn't working and demand cash at inflated prices.
Prevention: Only get in the car when the app confirms the driver. Check license plates.
Motorbike Damage Scam
Rental company claims you caused damage and demands large payment.
Prevention: Take photos/video before renting. Only rent from reputable companies.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Vietnam's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
18-26°C (64-79°F)
Low rainfall
Tet (New Year) season
Mar – May
23-31°C (73-88°F)
Medium rainfall
Warming up
Jun – Aug
26-34°C (79-93°F)
High rainfall
Monsoon continues
Sep – Nov
23-29°C (73-84°F)
High rainfall
Flooding risk central
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
A, C, G
Most outlets accept US and European plugs. Universal adapters recommended as socket types vary.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
Good English in tourist areas and among young people. Very limited in rural areas.
Essential Phrases
Xin chào
Hello
sin CHOW
Cảm ơn
Thank you
kahm UHN
Bao nhiêu?
How much?
bow nyew
Không
No
khom
Ngon quá
Very delicious
ngon wah
Tính tiền
Check please
tin tee-EN
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Surprisingly good with Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and fresh produce. Pho and banh mi can be made vegan. Say 'toi an chay' (I eat vegetarian). Watch for fish sauce in everything.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are everywhere and very affordable. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant. Ask for 'com chay' (vegetarian rice). Egg options widely available.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice-based cuisine is naturally GF. Pho and rice dishes are safe. Watch for soy sauce and wheat noodles. Street food is often naturally GF. Bring translation cards.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires pre-clearance tracking, localized clinical validation, and advanced government import licenses.
Timeline
30-45 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
Medium if permit missing
Regulatory Framework
Advance Government No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Import Permit.
Key Constraints
Banned from commercial flight cabin spaces on specific airlines. Supplementary vaccine sets required.
Pet Culture
Highly structured or fragmented urban terrain. Best within dedicated expat pockets and private developments.
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Cultural Tips
Crossing the road: commit and move steadily. Don't stop, don't run, don't hesitate — traffic reads your trajectory and flows around you.
Haggling is expected at markets but keep it friendly. Start at 50%, smile, and meet in the middle. Getting angry kills the deal instantly.
Never raise your voice or show frustration publicly. Vietnamese culture prizes 'saving face' — losing your temper embarrasses everyone, including you.
Shoes off at the door. If you see a pile of shoes outside a home or shop, follow the cue without being asked.
Try saying 'cảm ơn' (thank you) — Vietnamese is tonal and you'll probably butcher it, but the attempt always gets a genuine smile.
Tipping isn't traditional, but it's increasingly appreciated. 10% at nicer restaurants, rounding up for street food and cabs.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) isn't a drink, it's a lifestyle. You'll have three a day and wonder how you lived without it.
Motorbike traffic looks like total chaos but operates on an invisible logic — locals transport refrigerators, entire families, and livestock on a single scooter
Karaoke is the national pastime. You will be invited to a private karaoke room. You will sing. Resistance is futile.
'Xin chào' (hello) is your universal greeting — say it at any shop, any time, and watch people light up
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting angry when things don't go as planned - flexibility is essential
Not negotiating prices at markets - you're expected to bargain
Only drinking iced drinks - ask for 'không đá' (no ice) if concerned about water
Underestimating distances - Vietnam is longer than you think. Fly between regions.
Skipping street food out of fear - it's often cleaner than restaurants (watch for busy stalls)
Not carrying cash - ATMs can be unreliable, always have backup
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Vietnam
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Want help on the ground?
Skip the guesswork and connect with a trusted local who can help you navigate Vietnam from the moment you arrive.
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