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BEFORE TRAVELING TO VIETNAM: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

If you are about to travel to Vietnam but you don't 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 a minimum of 6 months after return.

- It is better to have copies of your passport in your pocket (in case of security)

2.VISA

- For French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, Irish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian, Belarusian, South Korean, Japanese foreign nationals, the visa is exempt if their stay does not exceed 15 days on site (applied until as of March 14, 2025)

- Other nationals must obtain a visa, you can do so at the Embassy of your country or request an e-visa on the site: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (25USD)

3, IMMUNIZATION

- No vaccine is required for foreign visitors

- It is recommended to be up to date for the following vaccinations: universal vaccinations (poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever) and covid-19

4, CURRENCY

- The currency used in Vietnam is the DONG (VND). (1 EUR = 23,500 VND for example).

- Euros, dollars, you can convert in exchange offices, banks, jewelry stores.

- Credit cards are accepted more often in hotels, restaurants, department stores.

5, SUITCASES, LUGGAGE

- Clothes: If you go to Vietnam between November and March in the North, warm clothes are recommended. In the South, light clothing is worn all year round.

- Mini medical box: bring necessary medicines like doliprane, … and first aid kit with bandages.

- Provide mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, a raincoat and a small extra bag to be able to carry a few things in case you have to leave your large suitcases at the hotel for a few days.

- Nevertheless, the weight of your luggage must not exceed 23 – 30 kg depending on the airline.

6, TRAVEL INSURANCE

Your trip may be canceled or 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 for the children, and even soap, shampoo from the local hotel for the villagers...

8, WATER AND ELECTRICITY

- Tap water is not drinkable!

- It is recommended to drink bottled water

- The current is generally 220 volts and the sockets are identical to the French sockets, except in the South where there are American sockets and European sockets. For safety, provide an adapter.

9, USEFUL ADDRESSES

11, HOLIDAYS

In Vietnam:

- May 1st: International Labor Day

- September 2: National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

- Tet Festival (Lunar New Year): often in mid-January or early February.

12, TIPS

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

Detail: 10-20 usd/group/day for the guide. When your group consists of several participants, (6 or more), each traveler can give 3-4 usd per person per day, 1.5 -2 usd/person/day for the driver

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

In France, tips are included in the prices, except in Vietnam, this is not the case, it is customary to give them separately, this improves 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 tip them, it will give them a sanction.

13, PICTURES

In general, Vietnamese 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, MOVEMENTS

- 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 motorcycle.

- Domestic flights: you have many choices. However, it is better to fly with Vietnamairlines (economy class). You have 10 kg in the cabin and 23 kg in the hold.