Vietnam Travel FAQ - 1
By Jan Dodd, Author of The Rough Guide to Vietnam
Answers to many of your questions on Vietnam travel. This Vietnam Travel FAQ covers climate, time difference, language, money, visas and many more frequently asked questions regarding travel to Vietnam.
What is the climate like in Vietnam?
What is the time difference?
Where can I find current dong exchange rates?
What do I need to know regarding visas to enter Vietnam?
Are there any other entry formalities?
What medical precautions do I need to take?
How safe is Vietnam?
Is language a problem, or can I get by in English?
Should I take my money in cash or travellers' cheques?
Where can I change money?
Is it better to use dollars or dong for daily
expenses?
How widely accepted are credit cards?
Can I get cash on my credit card?
Continue on to Vietnam Travel FAQ Part 2
What is the climate like in Vietnam?
Vietnam has a particularly complicated climate and, like elsewhere in the world, weather patterns have been changing over recent years. The situation described below is therefore only an indication of the type of weather you can expect.Northern Vietnam Climate
Starting in the north, autumn (September to December) is undoubtedly the most pleasant season. At this time of year it's generally warm (average temps above 20°C), dry and sunny in the delta, though you'll need warm clothes up in the mountains and on the waters of Ha Long Bay. Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly bitter as cold air sweeps south from China bringing fine, persistent mists and temperatures as low as 10°C. Things begin to warm up again in March, which ushers in a period of good, spring weather before the summer heat begins in earnest in May, closely followed by the rainy season in June. This combination makes for hot, sticky weather which takes many people by surprise. Temperatures, which can occasionally reach 40°C, average 30°C, while humidity hovers around 70-75%. The rain comes in heavy downpours, causing frequent flooding in Hanoi and the delta. By mid September, however, the rains are petering out, and from October onwards it's perfect sightseeing weather.
Central Coast Vietnam Climate
The coastal region from Hanoi south to Hué lies in the typhoon
belt. Around Hué, typhoons seem most prevalent in April and May, while
further north the season generally lasts from July to November. However, typhoons
are incredibly difficult to predict and it really is a matter of luck - or
bad luck, rather - if you are caught. Flights are usually only disrupted for
a matter of hours, but in recent years the main road and rail routes heading
south have been cut by floods at least once during the typhoon season. The
good news is that they usually get everything moving again incredibly quickly
- within four or five days, depending on the severity of the damage.
The central region of Vietnam has a notoriously wet climate, particularly
around Hué, where the annual average rainfall is a generous 3m. The
so-called "dry" season lasts from February to May, though you'll need an umbrella
even then. After this it gets wetter and hotter (av temps 30°C) until
the rainy season begins in earnest in September, gradually easing off from
November through January. Winter temperatures average a pleasant 20°C
or above.
Southern Vietnam Climate
Southern Vietnam is blessed with a more equitable - and predictable - climate. Here the dry season lasts from December to late April/May, and the rains from May through November. Most of the rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, so you can still get out and about, though flooding can be a problem in the delta. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C, occasionally reaching 40°C in the hottest months (March to May). Once the rains start, humidity climbs to an enervating 80%.
Central Highland of Vietnam Climate
The central highlands follow roughly the same weather pattern as the southern
delta. In the rainy season (May-November) roads are regularly washed out,
but it can also be very beautiful at this time, with tumbling rivers, waterfalls
and misty landscapes. You just have to build a bit more flexibility into your
schedule.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Vietnam Weather Forecasts - Current and projected
weather reports online for Vietnam.
What is the time difference in Vietnam?
Vietnam is fifteen hours ahead of Los Angeles, twelve hours ahead of New
York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours
behind Sydney (give or take an hour during daylight saving time).
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Vietnam Time
Where can I find current exchange rates for Vietnamese money?
Current dong exchange rates are available on the internet. Please try one of the links on the page given below. Note: You can not buy or exchange dong outside Vietnam.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Vietnamese Money
What do I need to know regarding visas to enter Vietnam?
The most important thing is to make sure your Vietnam visa is stamped with the correct dates and the correct entry and exit points. The standard tourist visa is valid for a period of up to 30 days. If you're going for less than 30 days you can either specify the exact dates, but it is probably best to ask for the maximum period to give yourself more flexibility. Processing normally takes between a week and ten days (some embassies offer an express service for an extra fee), but longer for overseas Vietnamese. To be on the safe side, allow several weeks as mistakes are common and inexplicable delays often occur.
When applying for a Vietnam visa, in general you have to fill in two application
forms and provide two passport photos. One of these forms, with photo attached,
will be returned to you with your visa. For some odd reason many people throw
this form away. Don't, because you'll be asked to hand it in at immigration
on arrival. If you don't have it with you, blank copies are available at immigration.
If you've got a spare photo, all well and good. If not, you'll have to engage
the services of a handy airport photographer for the princely sum of $2-5.
If you need to extend your stay for any reason, it is relatively easy to apply
for a visa renewal at present. Again this is handled by tour agents/travellers'cafés.
The first renewal costs around $25-30 (including a handling fee) and takes
three working days to process (please note that government offices are only
open Monday to Friday). The maximum period you can ask for is 30 days and
it costs the same whether you ask for 1 day or 30 days. A second 10-day extension
is possible at a cost of around $35-40. For this second extension you will
be asked to show an air ticket dated after the expiry of your visa.
Visas for those entering or exiting Vietnam other than the airport
The standard entry and exit point is "Noi Bai/Tan Son Nhat", ie. you can
enter and depart via either Hanoi or HCMC airports. If you plan to enter via
one of the land border crossings, then you should specify the name of the
crossing when you apply for your visa. Check what you eventually get because
some Vietnamese embassies seem reluctant to issue anything other than the
standard entry/exit points. If you can't persuade the embassy to give you
the entry point you need, you could try getting it changed in the neighbouring
country. If that fails and you turn up at the border with the wrong entry
point, you'll either get sent back, or - more likely - asked to pay a "fine"
of maybe $40-50.
The same applies for exit points, though this is less of a problem as it's
fairly easily to get them changed in Hanoi or HCMC. Most registered travel
agents, including the popular "travellers' cafés", can handle this
for you - you can't go to the immigration police in person. Rates vary (US$15-25),
so shop around. It should take three or four days to process.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Entry Visa's for Vietnam
Are there any other entry formalities for Vietnam?
On the plane you'll be given an Arrival/Departure Card and a Baggage Declaration
form.
Hand in the completed Arrival/Departure Card with your passport and duplicate
visa application form at immigration in Vietnam. The Departure Card will be
returned to you. Keep this safely. You usually have to show it when checking
into hotels and will be asked for it in when you finally leave Vietnam.
You should list all valuable items on the Baggage Declaration form, such as
video cameras, portable computers and expensive jewellery. The duty-free allowance
is 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of alcohol plus perfume and jewellery for personal
use. You can take up to US $7000 into Vietnam in cash or travellers' cheques;
anything in excess of this sum has to be declared.
Hand the completed Baggage Declaration form to the customs official checking
your baggage, who will give you the yellow duplicate - again, keep this carefully
as it is required on final departure. (NB. You have to show your baggage check
when reclaiming your luggage at the airport on arrival; the stub should be
attached to either your airline ticket or boarding pass.)
Finally, it's a good idea to make photocopies of your Departure Card and Baggage
Declaration form at your hotel and keep them separately, just in case you
lose the originals. They won't be accepted in place of the real thing, but
may make things slightly easier.
What medical precautions do I need to take when traveling to Vietnam?
It is important to visit a doctor or specialist travel clinic as early as
possible (preferably two months) before departure to allow time for the recommended
courses of vaccinations. This is particularly important if you suffer from
any medical condition and/or are travelling with young children.
At the time of writing, no vaccinations are required for Vietnam (with the
exception of yellow fever if you are travelling directly from an area
where the disease is endemic). However, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations
are normally recommended, and it's worth checking that you are up to date
with boosters for tetanus, polio etc. Other injections to consider, depending
on the season and risk of exposure, are hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis,
meningitis and rabies. It is best to discuss these with your doctor.
There is obviously a lot that you can do to protect yourself by taking a few
common-sense precautions. In tropical climates it's easy to get run down,
so one of the keys is to keep your resistance high by getting plenty of rest
and allowing time to acclimatise to the heat, humidity and unfamiliar diet.
It's important to eat well, especially peeled fresh fruits, and to keep up
the intake of liquids - bottled water is readily available and hot tea is
offered at the drop of a hat.
Personal hygiene is also crucial. Wash your hands frequently, especially before
eating, and clean all cuts, scratches and bites carefully. Note that tapwater
may be infected, especially during floods, so use an antiseptic spray on open
wounds after washing.
Malaria is present in Vietnam. However, at the time of writing both Hanoi
and HCMC have very low incidences, while the northern delta and coastal regions
of the south and centre are also considered relatively safe. The main danger
areas are the highlands and the rural areas, where Plasmodium falciparum,
the most dangerous strain of malaria, is prevalent. Your doctor will advise
on which, if any, anti-malaria tablets you should take.
Again you can help yourself considerably by not getting bitten in the first
place. (Other mosquito-borne diseases include dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.)
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, when you should wear long sleeves,
trousers and socks, avoid dark colours and perfumes (which apparently attract
mosquitoes), and apply repellent to any exposed skin. Sprays or lotions containing
around 40% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are the most effective, but it is toxic
- keep it away from the eyes and open wounds - and not recommended for young
children. Other, less worrying alternatives are Mosi-Guard Natural, X-Gnat
or Gurkha repellents. Most hotels provide mosquito nets where necessary; make
sure you tuck the edges in well and check for holes in the mesh. Air conditioning
and fans also help keep the little blighters at bay.
When it comes to eating, the most important thing is to choose places that
are busy and look well-scrubbed, and to stick to fresh, thoroughly cooked
foods. Despite appearances, often the small local restaurants with a high
turnover of just one or two dishes are safer than expensive, Western-style
places. Restaurants where the food is cooked in front of you - for example,
steaming bowls of pho soup at a street stall - are usually a good bet, as
well as being lots of fun. However, steer clear of shellfish, peeled fruit,
salads and raw vegetables. On the other hand, yoghurt and ice cream from reputable
outlets in the main cities shouldn't cause problems.
Bottled and canned drinks, such as Coke, 7UP, Fanta and beer, are widely available
even in the countryside. Bottled water is also plentiful and very cheap, though
check the seal before you buy and if the water looks at all cloudy, give it
a miss. It's not a good idea to have ice in your drinks and never drink water
from the tap.
If you do fall ill, pharmacies in Hanoi and HCMC stock a decent range of imported
medicines (check they are not past their "use-by" date). Both these cities
also now have good, international-class medical facilities. Elsewhere, local
hospitals will be able to treat minor ailments, but for anything more serious
head back to Hanoi or HCMC.
Finally, don't get paranoid! By coming prepared and taking a few simple precautions,
you're unlikely to come down with anything worse than a cold or a quick dose
of travellers'diarrhea.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Health Information for Vietnam Travelers
How safe is Vietnam?
Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit. As a woman, I have travelled
extensively in Vietnam on my own with absolutely no problems. Despite people's
fears, there is almost no animosity towards Americans.
That said, there are increasing instances of theft, especially in HCMC where
pickpockets and snatch thieves on motorbikes are the worst menace. The best
tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft
fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, glasses, etc.)
at home, and don't even wear flash costume jewellery. Make sure you have a
firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything
you value lying around unattended. I would also not advise taking cyclos late
at night, especially in HCMC or as a female on her own.
The other problem area is on the trains, especially the night trains from
Hanoi to Lao Cai. Again, make sure all your luggage is safely locked, preferably
stowed out of sight or attached to an immovable object, and don't leave things
near open windows. It's also wise not to accept food or drink from people
you don't know (there are reports of one or two people being drugged and robbed
this way).
You might also have read warnings about unexploded shells, mines and other
ordnance lying around. This is still the case in the DMZ, around My Son and
certain border areas, particularly along the Chinese border. It is advisable
to visit such areas only with an experienced local guide and never stray off
well-trodden footpaths anywhere in Vietnam.
Finally, there's the traffic. Trying to cross the street in Hanoi or HCMC
is an adventure in itself! You'll be faced with a tightly-packed stream of
scooters, bikes and cyclos which looks completely chaotic at first. But don't
give up! Either walk till you find some traffic lights or just go for it.
The key is to walk slowly and steadily out into the traffic. As long as you
keep a steady pace and make your movements clear, the traffic will flow round
you. Problems arise if you stop or move too quickly and the drivers/riders
can't anticipate your progress.
Unfortunately, driving standards are pretty poor. Vehicles are badly maintained
and the roads are becoming ever more crowded, especially Highway 1. As a result
the number of serious accidents on the highways is on the increase.
But don't get paranoid! Thousands of people visit Vietnam each year without
experiencing any problems whatsoever. It's also worth bearing in mind that
the situation in Vietnam is certainly no worse than many big European and
American cities. Just take the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar
place, and you should be fine.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Essential Government Agencies - State
Department Advisories
Is language a problem in Vietnam, or can I get by in English?
Everyone in Vietnam seems to be learning English. Standards are relatively high considering the country has only been open for just over a decade. Most young people and many of those working in the tourist industry speak sufficient English to communicate at a basic level. You'll find more and better English-speakers in the south - a legacy of the American presence - but even here don't expect to find English spoken at small restaurants, in markets or anywhere off the tourist trail. For such situations it will help to have a basic phrasebook.
People over 60 years old, especially in the north, speak wonderfully old-fashioned
French. Other northerners might speak Russian or German, depending where they
were sent to be educated or as "guest workers".
If you're having real difficulties communicating, it sometimes helps to write
things down in English. As a last resort, someone will probably go and find
an English speaker to help sort things out.
Though you will certainly be able to get by in English, it's worth learning
a few Vietnamese phrases before you go. The pronunciation is a bit tricky,
but otherwise Vietnamese is not a particularly complicated language. A few
standard phrases (such as hello, thank you, how much is it? and goodbye) always
go down well. It will also help if you learn the numbers, though this can
be circumvented by asking people to write down prices, times etc.
Vietnamese Language Books & Tapes
Should I take my money to Vietnam in cash or travellers' cheques?
Vietnam's official currency is the dong, which can not be purchased outside
Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC can handle a fairly broad range
of currencies nowadays, but the dollar is still the most widely accepted.
I therefore recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$ travellers'
cheques, with the bulk in travellers' cheques for safety. American Express,
Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognised brands.
It's a good idea to arrive with at least some small denomination dollar bills
($1s, $5s and $10s) to get you from the airport into town and to a bank. Even
if they're open, the airport exchange desks offer unfavourable rates. If you
do bring dollars cash into Vietnam, make sure they are not badly tattered
as they may be refused.
Where can I change Vietnamese money?
You can change cash and travellers' cheques at exchange desks in big hotels
and at authorised foreign exchange banks in the main cities. Among the banks,
Vietcombank usually offers the best exchange rates and charges the lowest
commission (around 1-2%). Note that commission rates are slightly lower if
changing travellers' cheques into dong rather than dollars. Vietcombank does
not levy commission when changing dollars cash into dong, though some other
banks do. It's worth bearing in mind that you get a slightly better exchange
rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller denominations. When cashing travellers'
cheques you may be asked for your passport, though this practice seems to
be dying out.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorised foreign exchange banks
are few and far between. So if you're heading off the beaten path, stock up
with enough cash (dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are, you'll
always find someone willing to change dollars cash into dong, though rates
will vary.
When receiving dong, you'll be presented with a huge pile of notes. The largest
bill is only 50,000d (roughly $4), so bear this in mind when changing $100!
Refuse any badly torn notes (you'll find it hard to get rid of them - the
same goes for dollars) and ask for a mix of denominations so that you always
have a few low-value notes in hand.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Vietnamese Money
Is it better to use American dollars or Vietnamese dong for daily expenses in Vietnam?
Despite government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US$ still acts as
an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with the
dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants,
are still quoted in $, though you can pay in dong if you'd rather - just check
what exchange rate they're using.
For everyday expenses, I recommend carrying a mix of US$ cash and dong. For
larger items (hotel bills, train tickets, etc.) or when the exchange rate
works in your favour, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small
purchases, it's best to use dong. In either case, make sure you always have
a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
How widely accepted are credit cards in Vietnam?
Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, JCB, MasterCard) are gradually becoming more widely accepted in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and HCMC. All top level and many mid-level hotels accept them, as do a growing number of restaurants and upmarket shops catering to the tourist trade. But watch out for the extra taxes they wap on when using a credit card - these can amount to an additional 5 percent. Outside the major cities you will have to rely on cash and travellers' cheques.
Can I get cash on my credit card in Vietnam?
Cash advances on credit cards are available at the central Vietcombank in
Hanoi, HCMC and other major cities, for which you will be charged around 4%.
Hanoi and HCMC also boast 24hr ATMs where you can withdraw cash on MasterCard,
Visa and other cards in the Cirrus/Plus networks. In Hanoi, go to the ANZ
Bank beside Hoan Kiem Lake; in HCMC both ANZ Bank and HKSB have ATMs.
Adopt Vietnam Resources:
Vietnamese Money
Read Vietnam Travel FAQ Part 2
©Jan Dodd 1999, Updated Allison Martin 2007
Jan Dodd is the author of The Rough Guide to Vietnam, as well as guides to Japan and Tokyo, and a contributer to the guide on France. She writes for various newspapers and journals, including the Independent on Sunday and National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Visit Jan Dodd's website.
Back to: Vietnam Travel
