top of page
Vietnam Travel FAQ:
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Below you will find travel, and of course eating advice based off of our local experiences & observations.
Submit your question HERE if you can't find what you're looking for below.
BEFORE YOU GO
ARRIVING IN HANOI
WHY VISIT HANOI
WHEN TO VISIT HANOI
WHAT TO SEE IN HANOI
FOOD & EATING
BOOKING & ACCOMMODATIONS
ALL ABOUT MONEY
GETTING AROUND
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
WORD & PHRASES TO KNOW
PARTNER RECOMMENDATIONS
A. POSSIBLY. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. Vietnam currently offers e-visas valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options. Some nationalities may also qualify for visa-free entry. Visa rules can change, so always check the official Vietnam Immigration Department website before traveling. - Official Vietnam E-Visa Portal There are several different kinds of visa's for different lengths of stays and at different costs.There are also several different ways to get a visa online with some offering expedited services, even overnight.VN LIFE HACK: You can continually apply for visa's if you want to spend more time in Vietnam than 3 months. All you need to do is keep reapplying and jumping out of the country when needed. There is not a way to extend or get a NEW VISA when you are in the country. You MUST LEAVE VIETNAM and come back in on a NEW VISA.If your visa runs out, you will need to cross the border and re-apply to come back into Vietnam. The is a variety of border crossings that will allow you to cross over into Laos, and Cambodia on foot. But, the easiest way to renew your visa may be to fly to Bangkok and return on the same day. Do not overstay your visa, the local government doesn't mess around with this stuff.Keep in mind that all of this advice is from personal experience. Visa requirements and regulations often change. Please refer to the official government website for the most updated Visa information.
A. You do NOT need travel insurance to visit Vietnam. That being said, it is never a bad idea to purchase coverage in case something unexpectedly happens.
There are all kinds of travel insurance, everything from trip insurance in case your plans are interrupted, to healthcare coverage, to emergency private air recovery to get back to your home country.
A. NO, you no longer need to present any vaccination documentation of any kind to get on the plane, or enter the country.
A. IT DEPENDS. Vietnam recognizes International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, together with a valid national driver's license. Not all countries issue this type of IDP, so check whether your home country's permit is recognized in Vietnam. You must also be properly licensed for the type of vehicle you are driving or riding. Do not assume that simply carrying any International Driving Permit makes you legal to drive in Vietnam.
A. PROBABLY, but check with your mobile provider before traveling. International roaming costs and coverage vary by carrier and plan. Many travelers choose a local Vietnamese SIM or eSIM because mobile data is widely available and relatively inexpensive. If you are not using your home carrier's international data plan, turn off data roaming to avoid unexpected charges.PHONE SERVICES/DATA TIPS:1. **MAKE SURE TO TURN OFF DATA ROMING WHEN YOU LAND IN VIETNAM**2. Various phone providers like Viettel can fix you up with a local SIM card for use while you are traveling Vietnam. It's VERY inexpensive to get a Data plan in Vietnam. Viettel can be found in every city in Vietnam. 3. You may also purchase SIM cards at convenience stores and also online with an E-SIM.
A. The wifi is GREAT in Vietnam. You can duck into any coffee shop in the country to pick up wifi if you get stuck somewhere. Just make sure to order a drink to support the shop owner.
Various phone providers like Viettel can fix you up with a local SIM card for use while you are traveling Vietnam. It's VERY inexpensive to get a Data plan in Vietnam. Viettel can be found in every city in Vietna.
You may also purchase SIM cards at convenience stores and also online with an E-SIM.
A. Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but petty theft and phone snatching can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas and larger cities. I have generally noticed that even petty theft has declined in recent years. That being said, it's always a great idea to be cautious with your belongings. There are often lock-boxes in hotel rooms to secure your valuable items. And you will want to keep your purse zipped up when out seeing the sites. Finally, phone theft seems to be a concern in Saigon. So keep that in mind if you are going south.
A. YES. Hotels, hostels, homestays, and other accommodation providers in Vietnam generally need your passport information to register your stay with local authorities. Some properties may only need to scan, photograph, or copy your passport, while procedures can vary by accommodation. Ask when your original passport will be returned if they need to hold it temporarily.
bottom of page