BEFORE TRAVELING TO VIETNAM: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

If you are about to travel to Vietnam, you do not have enough necessary information, this article will show you the latest updates which are very useful for your pocket tips before making this trip.

1, PASSPORT

  • Valid for at least 6 months after return.
  • It is better to have copies of your passport in your pocket (in case of security)

2, VISA

  • For foreign nationals of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, South Korea, Japan, the visa is exempt if their stay does not exceed 15 days on site (applied until March 14, 2025)
  • Other nationals must obtain a visa, you can do it at the Embassy of your country or apply for an e-visa on the site : https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (25USD)

3, VACCINATION

  • No vaccinations are required for foreign visitors
  • It is recommended to be up to date with the following vaccinations: universal vaccinations (polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever) and covid-19

4, CURRENCY

  • The currency used in Vietnam is DONG (VND). (1 EUR = 27,000 VND for example).
  • Euros, dollars, you can convert them in exchange offices, banks, jewelers.
  • Credit cards are accepted more often in hotels, restaurants, department stores but you often have to pay the bank fees related to the payment.

5, SUITCASES, LUGGAGE

  • Clothing: If you go to Vietnam between November and March in the North, warm clothing is recommended. In the South, light clothing is worn all year round.
  • Mini medical box: bring necessary medications such as doliprane, etc. and a first aid kit with bandages.
  • Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, a raincoat and a small spare bag to carry a few things in case you have to leave your big suitcases at the hotel for a few days.
  • However, the weight of your luggage must not exceed 23 – 30 kg depending on the airline.

6, INSURANCE TRAVEL

Your trip may be cancelled, interrupted due to many events, travel insurance is essential, it will cover all risks.

7, GIFTS TO VILLAGE CHILDREN

You can bring pens, pencils, notebooks to the children, and even soap, shampoo from the local hotel for the villagers…

8, WATER AND ELECTRICITY

  • The tap water is not drinkable!
  • It is recommended to drink bottled water
  • The current is generally 220 volts and the sockets are identical to French sockets, except in the South where you will find American and European sockets. For safety, bring an adapter.

9, USEFUL ADDRESSES

  • Vietnamese Embassy: 62-66, rue Boileau, 75016 Paris; Tel: 01 44 14 64 00.
  • French Embassy in Hanoi: 57, Tran Hung Dao Street; Tel: 09 03 42 43 73.
  • French Consulate in HCM City: 27, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, 1st Arrondissement; Tel.: 09 03 72 19 78.

10, TIME DIFFERENCE

  • In winter: 6 hours compared to France
  • In other seasons: 5 hours compared to France

11, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

In Vietnam:

  • April 30:Reunification Day of the country.
  • May 1:International Workers’ Day
  • September 2: National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  • Tet (Lunar New Year) Holiday: often in mid-January or early February.

12, TIPS

Tipping is not mandatory (but welcome) in Vietnam. If you are satisfied with the services of your guide, driver, etc. You can leave tips:

Detail: 10-20 EURO/group/day for the guide. When your group consists of several participants, (6 or more), each traveler can give 5 euro per person per day, 2.5-3 EURO/person/day for the driver

It is advisable not to give too small tips. It is better to give nothing than to give too small an amount.

In France, tips are included in the prices, but in Vietnam, this is not the case, it is customary to give them separately, this helps to improve the quality of services.

On the other hand, if the services leave something to be desired and they do not make an effort, do not give them a tip, this will be a sanction for them.

13, PHOTOS

You have to ask before taking the photo. In general, Vietnamese people like to be photographed, sometimes, because of their shyness, they will refuse to take the photo.

To thank someone, you can either shake hands or speak in Vietnamese CAM ON!

14, TRAVEL

  • In Vietnam, it is not allowed for a foreign visitor to rent a car without a driver. On the other hand, it is quite possible to rent or buy a motorbike.
  • Domestic flights: you have many choices. However, it is better to take the flight of Vietnam Airlines (economy class). You have 10kg in the cabin and 23kg in the hold. Otherwise, you can study for other companies like Bamboo Airway and VietJet Air.