#10 Passport Control - This might sound strange, but it's customary (required), for hotels to ask for your passport to hold onto, upon arrival. DO NOT comply. Your passport should never leave your control. Tell them you can allow them to take a photocopy or photo of it, instead. They will relent and copy it if you show concern or push back. You will need at least 6 months before your passport expiration date to get a visa and at least a couple of empty pages for them to apply the visa. You will need your Passport to exchange money at the bank, rent a car, get a phone plan, but that's about it. In case
of any troubles, or loss of passport, you can contact the US Embassy HERE.
#9 Visa Information - A visa IS needed for most western visitors. You need to apply for a visa which can take a few days to a week or so. Upon approval, you will receive a certificate that you can present to the customs officials when you land in Vietnam. They will then create a visa on the spot to affix into your passport., The whole process takes 15-45 minutes at the airport, THEN you can get into line to clear customs. You apply directly through the Vietnam government website HERE, or you can use a paid service such as...
Single entry Visa means you can only enter Vietnam once. For example: If you plan on taking a trip outside of the country such as flying form Vietnam to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wot, then back to Vietnam before you fly back home, you will want to get a 'multiple entry' Visa.
Here is a list of countries by continent that need a Visa to enter Vietnam, as well as countries that are exempt.
#8 Inoculation Shots - When it comes to your health, we suggest you do your own research and get the shots you think you might need. Hepatitis A&B as well as Dengue Fever, Malaria, Typhoid, and Tuberculosis shots are discussed online amongst travelers. In my experience, mosquitos are barely noticeable in the large cities. If you plan on visiting smaller villages or the countryside, you have much more risk of catching a bug. This is a good website for inoculation information - Click HERE.
#7 The Water & Food - Because I'm a local, I eat everything that looks good, regardless of the apparent cleanliness of the restaurant, and not too many people eat more food around Veitnam than I do. I haven't had food poisoning for years, which means it's NOT THE FOOD. My advice is to avoid the local water sources, wherever you are in Vietnam. That includes fresh vegtables that have been washed in local water, brushing your teeth using tap water, and even avoiding the ice in some areas. Bottled water is extremely cheap and easy to find in Vietnam, so as long as you can remember to be careful with your water intake, you really should be fine. If you have a weak stomach, you can try to stick to boiled, fried, or cooked foods.
#6 Traffic Police - If you rent a bike or car and drive out of the city, there is a small chance that you could get pulled over for a minor traffic violation and then be asked for 'coffee money'. This is fairly rare, but it does happen from time to time, especially in touristy areas. If you are simply renting a scooter in the city, you do not have to worry about being pulled over if you have your helmet on and you aren't doing anything too stupid. International drivers licenses are not recognized in Vietnam, but you could be asked for one none the less.
#5 Travel Insurance & Healthcare - During covid, the government made it mandatory that visitors and tourists purchase travel insurance to cover the costs of a possible hospital visit. I believe it was $10,000 minimum coverage. Normally, travel insurance is not required, or even needed. There are 'western hospitals' in Vietnam that have great doctors and provide great healthcare for a fraction of the cost of American hospitals. If you would feel more comfortable getting insurance, Allianz & Safety Wing are two good options. You must purchase your insurance BEFORE you leave home. And they are both offer plans specific to the duration of your visits. One las tthing... Make sure you just ask for a quote for HEALTH insurance. Otherwise, they will try to quote you for a more comprehensive plan that covers flight cancellations, lost luggage, etc...
#4 Getting Around - Traveling inside Vietnam is very easy and inexpensive. Flying inside the country is less than $100 between the major cities. Buses and trains are also options for longer haul trips. Trains are the most comfortable way to travel. You can purchase a bed on a sleeping car that rooms 4 beds. We've done it 20 times at least and have decided that getting a bottom bed is the best option as if you book the top, you are more likely to get a family on the bottom two beds.
** Bus drivers can be aggressive which might be scary if you're inexperienced with Vietnames traffic. Don't get a seat near the front. Buses can also get overbooked and uncomfortable at times.
#3 Comfort Check - Most westerners put comfort near the top of their list of things that are important when visiting a new country or continent. There are some things about Vietnam that are 'different', than in the west. This is our short list of tips to avoid being uncomfortable when you travel the country.
Check bed & pillow comfort at hotels / homestays
Book rooms at least 3 floors above ground level to avoid street noise
Fly if you can / Private Car if you can't (private vehicle is likely affordable)
Buy Wet Wipes as soon as you can, always keep them on you
Request bamboo 'take-out' chopsticks to eat with, at local restaurants
#2 Safety - Vietnam is extremely safe. As a westerner, we associate poor with crime. Vietnam may be poor, but it is much more safe than the USA as a whole. There aren't any bad neighborhoods in any of the big cities. So you don't have to worry where your hotel is located before you book. In the bigger cities, it has been suggested that Phone theft is a problem, but I haven't ever heard of anyone actually having any problems. Most hotel rooms have a safe in the room where you can keep your passports, computers and valuables. again, we've never had one single issue at any hotel, Air BNB, or homestay, and we've stayed at hundreds of places over the past 5 years. I still find it funny to see someone trying to be extra cautious by wearing an obvious money belt.
#1 Scams - Like anywhere elese, there are some scams to be avoided in Vietnam. Some street vendors, pedal taxi drivers, and small shop owners may try to charge you more than you should pay for a service or item, if you're a foreigner. If you're shocked about the cost of something, that's a sure sign to go look elsewhere. Best practice is to study up on the local cost of some of the items that you know that you may purchase before you leave home. Places like Circle K, Winmart, and other mini-marts have priced items, whereas you might find it difficult to find pricing on items in most local stores and shops. In general, the Vietnamese workers and citizens are very honest and appreciative of your support. Be kind, smile and enjoy the experience.. There's no place like it!
I hope that helps a little bit.. Thanks for reading! :)
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