Vietnam Travel Essentials
Visa rules, ATM strategy, transport cheat sheets, SIM cards, safety tips, packing lists, and the cultural etiquette that turns a good trip into a great one.
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I've made every mistake in this guide at least once — from running out of cash in a remote village to getting on the wrong bus in Hanoi. After 20+ trips, I've figured out the practical side of Vietnamese travel so you don't have to learn the hard way. This is the cheat sheet I wish someone had handed me in 2003.
— Scott
Visa & Entry Requirements
5 tips45-Day Visa-Free
Citizens of 13 countries (including USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea) can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket.
E-Visa for Everyone Else
Citizens of all countries can apply for a 90-day single-entry e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Costs $25 USD, takes 3 business days. Print the approval letter before your flight. You can also get a visa on arrival with a pre-arranged approval letter, but e-visa is simpler.
Documents to Carry
Always lock your passport in your hotel safe when you're out exploring — carry a photocopy on your phone or on paper instead. Hotels will ask for your passport at check-in for registration, but after that it should stay locked up. Carry your passport on travel days between cities.
Customs Declaration
Fill out the customs and health declaration form on the plane or at the immigration kiosk. It takes about 5 minutes. Vietnam immigration is generally fast and efficient at major airports like Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Da Nang.
Global Entry / SENTRI
If you're a US citizen, get Global Entry before your trip — it's about $120 for five years and worth every penny. The real payoff is coming home through any US international airport. After 15+ hours of travel, multiple jumbo jets land at the same time and the immigration line is massive. Global Entry gets you through in minutes instead of an hour-plus. It pays for itself after two trips.
Money & ATMs
6 tipsATM Strategy
Use bank ATMs from Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank, or Techcombank for the best rates and lowest fees. Most ATMs dispense up to 3,000,000–5,000,000 VND per transaction. Withdrawal fees range from 22,000–55,000 VND ($1–2 USD). Store extra cash in your hotel safe. Some US banks reimburse ATM fees — I use a Fidelity Cash Management card exclusively over there and never pay a fee.
Split Your Cards
ALWAYS bring two or three ATM cards and credit cards on your trip. Only carry one of each when you go out — keep the backups locked in your hotel safe. Vietnam is very safe, but things fall out of pockets, bags get left behind, and if you lose your only card, your trip is over. I learned this the hard way.
Cash Is King
Outside Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and major tourist hubs, many restaurants, motorbike taxis, markets, and guesthouses are cash-only. Always carry enough dong to cover 2–3 days of expenses, especially in rural areas and smaller towns.
Digital Payments
Vietnam is rapidly going cashless in cities. Many shops and restaurants accept bank transfers via QR code. MoMo and ZaloPay are the dominant mobile wallets, but they require a Vietnamese bank account to fully use. Visa and Mastercard work at most hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist businesses.
Daily Budget Ranges
Backpacker: 500,000–800,000 VND/day ($20–32 USD) — hostels, street food, public transport. Mid-range: 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND/day ($60–120 USD) — hotels, restaurants, private tours. Luxury: 5,000,000+ VND/day ($200+ USD) — resorts, fine dining, private cars.
Exchange Tips
Change money at licensed gold shops (tiem vang) or banks for the best rates — gold shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter and HCMC's District 1 typically offer better rates than banks. Airport exchange counters have poor rates. US dollars get the best exchange rates. Never exchange money with street changers.
Getting Around
6 tipsDomestic Flights
VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways connect Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to 20+ domestic airports. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best prices. One-way flights start at 500,000–1,500,000 VND ($20–60 USD). VietJet often has flash sales with fares under $10.
Reunification Express Train
Vietnam's iconic railway runs 1,726 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and other cities. Soft sleeper berths cost 800,000–1,200,000 VND ($32–48 USD) for the full journey. Book at the station or through 12Go Asia. The Hai Van Pass stretch between Hue and Da Nang is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia.
Sleeper Buses
Long-distance sleeper buses connect major cities for 200,000–500,000 VND ($8–20 USD). Operators like The Sinh Tourist, Futa Bus, and Hoang Long run comfortable reclining-bed buses with AC and blankets. Overnight routes save a hotel night. Book through your hotel or at bus company offices — avoid touts at bus stations.
Grab & Ride-Hailing
Download the Grab app before your trip and add your international credit card when you land. Grab works well in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and most major cities — metered fares, no haggling, air-conditioned cars. GrabBike (motorcycle taxi) is cheaper and faster in traffic. Be and Xanh SM are local alternatives. Not available in smaller towns.
Motorbike Rental
Available everywhere for 100,000–200,000 VND/day ($4–8 USD) for semi-automatic scooters. An international driving permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement is technically required. Helmets are mandatory. Traffic in Hanoi and HCMC is intense — only ride if you're experienced. In smaller towns like Hoi An, Da Lat, and Phong Nha, renting a motorbike is the best way to explore. Important: rental shops may ask to hold your passport as a deposit — never hand it over. Offer a photocopy instead and walk away if they insist.
Boats & Cruises
Ha Long Bay overnight cruises range from 1,500,000–5,000,000 VND ($60–200 USD) per person. Mekong Delta day trips from Can Tho or HCMC cost 300,000–800,000 VND ($12–32 USD). Speedboats to islands like Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, and the Con Dao islands run on fixed schedules — book through your hotel or at the port.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
4 tipsYou Probably Don't Need a Local SIM
Most US carriers now include free data and texting in Vietnam — T-Mobile, Google Fi, and AT&T International Day Pass all work. Calls are usually $0.20/minute, but don't call anyone unless it's an emergency. Install WhatsApp and Zalo before your trip — Zalo is how Vietnamese people communicate and how you'll message hotels, tour operators, and drivers.
eSIM & Local SIMs
Most newer phones are eSIM only, so you can't pop in a physical SIM anyway. If your carrier doesn't cover Vietnam, grab a Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone eSIM through their app or buy a tourist SIM at Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, or Da Nang airport for 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–8 USD) with 10–30 GB of data. SIM registration requires your passport.
Data Coverage
4G/LTE works in most cities and tourist areas. 5G is expanding in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Viettel has the widest coverage nationwide, including rural areas; Mobifone and Vinaphone are strong in cities. Top up via convenience stores (Circle K, Ministop) or the carrier's app — packages run 50,000–200,000 VND ($2–8 USD) for 3–30 GB.
WiFi Reliability
Hotel and cafe WiFi is generally excellent in cities and major tourist areas (10–50 Mbps). Vietnam has some of the best cafe WiFi in Southeast Asia. Remote mountain towns and islands can be slow or unavailable. Your mobile data is the backup plan — and the reason I always make sure my US carrier coverage is sorted before I land.
Safety & Health
6 tipsTravel Insurance
Non-negotiable. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation — the best hospitals are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and a medevac flight from a remote area can cost $10,000+. I use SafetyWing for every trip — it's affordable, covers nomads and short-trippers alike, and you can sign up even after you've left home. I've thankfully never had to file a claim, but having it is peace of mind every time I board that plane.
Tap Water
Don't drink tap water anywhere in Vietnam. Bottled water costs 5,000–10,000 VND ($0.20–0.40 USD) and is available everywhere. Ice in restaurants and cafes is almost always purified (tubular or hollow ice is safe; irregular chunks may not be). Vietnamese iced coffee is safe at any established cafe.
Hospitals & Clinics
Major cities have quality private hospitals: Vinmec International Hospital and Family Medical Practice (Hanoi and HCMC), FV Hospital (HCMC), and Da Nang Family Hospital (Da Nang). Smaller towns and remote areas may only have basic clinics — another reason for medevac insurance.
Dengue & Mosquitoes
Dengue is present year-round, especially during rainy season (May–Nov). Use mosquito repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves at dusk, and choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning. No vaccine is widely recommended for travelers.
Rainy Season & Weather
Vietnam's weather varies by region. The north (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) has a cool winter from November to March. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) gets heaviest rain in October–December. The south (HCMC, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) has rainy season from May to November. Monitor weather via nchmf.gov.vn and airline alerts. Always have buffer days in your itinerary.
General Safety
Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Use common sense: avoid flashing expensive items, be careful crossing streets (traffic is intense), and keep valuables in a hotel safe. Bag-snatching by motorbike is the main risk in HCMC — carry bags on the building side of the sidewalk, not the street side.
Packing Essentials
11 tipsReef-Safe Sunscreen
Many marine sanctuaries now require reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone or octinoxate). Bring your own — it's expensive and hard to find locally. I use this reef-safe SPF 50+; you will burn faster than you expect near the equator.
Mosquito Repellent
Bring DEET-based repellent (40% concentration or higher). Local brands like OFF! are available but international brands with higher concentrations work better. Essential for evenings and island stays.
Waterproof Dry Bag
An Osprey ultralight dry bag (10–20L) protects your phone, wallet, and camera during island-hopping, boat rides, and sudden downpours. You'll use this every single day.
Power & Voltage Warning
Vietnam uses Type A, Type C, and Type F plugs at 220V — NOT 110V like the US. Your phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage and will work fine. Do NOT bring any appliances — I plugged in a Keurig and it popped the circuit breaker instantly. Hair dryers, curling irons, and anything with a heating element will fry unless it's rated 110–240V. Bring a travel power strip with USB ports and a universal adapter.
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Even in dry season, afternoon showers happen. A lightweight packable rain jacket beats an umbrella for island-hopping and hiking. During wet season (Jun–Nov), rain is a daily certainty.
Footwear
Skip the flip-flops for walking around town — sidewalks can be uneven and one stubbed toe can ruin your day. Closed-toe Crocs or Keen Newport sandals are what I wear daily. Save the flip-flops for the beach and hotel. For waterfall hikes, rocky shores, and wet boat landings, strapped sandals work well. Closed-toe hiking shoes for volcano treks and mountain trails.
First Aid & Hydration
Pack a small first aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, Imodium, and pain relievers. Bring electrolyte tablets for dehydration — the heat and humidity will drain you faster than you think. I always keep a bottle of Gatorade in the hotel fridge. You can buy Gatorade and Pocari Sweat at any 7-Eleven or convenience store across the country.
Clothing & Sun Protection
Pack lightweight UV-rated rashguards and a cooling UV hat — the equatorial sun is no joke and you'll be outside all day. Cargo shorts are a must. My cargo short system is battle-tested: loose dongs in front right pocket, large bills in right cargo pocket, one credit card in front left, phone in left cargo. You don't want to be pulling out a money clip to buy a dollar beer.
Swim & Snorkel Gear
Bring 2–3 swim trunks with pockets so they can dry between days — nothing worse than putting on a wet suit in the morning. Grab a water wallet for cash and your room key, and keep your phone dry in a waterproof phone pouch. Bring your own mask and snorkel — the rental masks at most places are scratched and leak. I use the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution mask and Cressi Supernova dry snorkel . You can rent fins anywhere. Pack water shoes for snorkeling and rocky beaches.
Plane Outfit & Layers
Wear a tracksuit or sweatsuit on the plane — the flight is 15+ hours and the cabin gets cold. It also doubles as your cool-weather layer for mountain destinations like Sapa, Da Lat, and Ha Giang where temps drop into the 50s–60s°F at night. Bring a Cabeau travel pillow for the flight — worth every penny on a Hanoi red-eye.
Packing & Day Bag
Use packing cubes to organize your bag — one for clean clothes, one for dirty, one for swim gear. You'll be living out of your suitcase and moving between islands constantly. For daily exploring, a crossbody sling bag keeps your essentials accessible and secure — phone, cash, sunscreen, and water bottle all within reach without a bulky backpack.
Language & Cultural Etiquette
6 tipsBasic Vietnamese
"Cam on" (thank you), "Xin chao" (hello), "Bao nhieu?" (how much?), "Ngon qua!" (delicious!), "Bia" (beer), "Nuoc" (water), "Nha ve sinh" (restroom), "Khong" (no). Even a few words earn massive goodwill and genuine smiles.
Addressing People Respectfully
Vietnamese culture has a built-in respect system through pronouns. Call older men "Anh" (older brother) and older women "Chi" (older sister). Adding "cam on" (thank you) to interactions goes a long way. It's one of the most important cultural signals in Vietnam — local friends drilled this into me from day one.
Tipping Norms
Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated. 10% at restaurants if no service charge is added (check the bill). 20,000–50,000 VND for hotel staff, 100,000–200,000 VND for tour guides, round up for Grab drivers. Vietnamese people remember generous tippers.
Temple & Pagoda Dress Codes
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas — Vietnam is predominantly Buddhist and these are active places of worship. Remove shoes before entering any temple or home. Some historical sites also require modest dress.
Vietnamese Hospitality
Vietnamese people are famously warm and welcoming. Don't be surprised if strangers invite you to share a meal, offer directions, or go out of their way to help. Accepting food or invitations (even briefly) is polite and builds genuine connections.
Language
Vietnamese is the national language and uses the Latin alphabet with tonal marks. English is increasingly spoken in cities and tourist areas, especially by younger people. In rural areas, a translation app and pointing will get you through most situations.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I personally use on my Vietnam trips. Full disclosure.
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Start Planning →Frequently Asked Questions
Citizens of 13 countries (including USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea) can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Everyone else can apply for a 90-day e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn for $25 USD. Bring a return or onward ticket — immigration may ask for proof of departure.
Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Bag-snatching by motorbike is the main risk in Ho Chi Minh City — carry bags on the building side of the sidewalk. Use common sense: don't flash expensive items, use Grab for transport, and be careful crossing streets (traffic is intense but predictable once you learn the flow). Tourist areas are well-policed.
Budget travelers: 500,000-800,000 VND/day ($20-32 USD) covers hostels, street food, and public transport. Mid-range: 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/day ($60-120 USD) for hotels, restaurants, and activities. Luxury: 5,000,000+ VND/day ($200+ USD) for resorts and private tours. Withdraw dong from ATMs (Vietcombank, BIDV have the best rates). Notify your bank before traveling. Cash is essential in smaller towns.
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants in major cities. However, most local restaurants, markets, street food stalls, and small businesses are cash-only. Always carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND in cash. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted where cards work; Amex is less common. ATM withdrawal limits are typically 3,000,000-5,000,000 VND per transaction.
Between cities: domestic flights (VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways) or the Reunification Express train. Within cities: Grab (ride-hailing app) and GrabBike for beating traffic. Between nearby cities: sleeper buses (The Sinh Tourist, Futa Bus). Renting a motorbike costs 100,000-200,000 VND/day and is the best way to explore smaller towns like Hoi An, Da Lat, and Phong Nha.
If your US carrier covers Vietnam (T-Mobile, Google Fi, AT&T International Day Pass), you may not need one. Otherwise, buy a Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone SIM at the airport for 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-8 USD) with 10-30 GB of data. 4G is widespread in tourist areas. Remote mountain areas may have spotty coverage — Viettel has the widest reach.