CURRENCY

Vietnam’s unit of currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND), represented by the ‘₫’ symbol. You can find notes in a range of denominations across the country.

Cash is still useful for smaller purchases, markets, and local food stalls, while cards are commonly accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and many shops.

TAXI SERVICES

Vietnam has modern, efficient taxi services to help you get around. To avoid scams and haggling, it is best to stick with reputable operators.

In many cities, you can also use ride-hailing apps such as Grab for both cars and motorbikes.

Always confirm the fare clearly or make sure the meter is running before the trip starts.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Public holidays in Vietnam can affect transport schedules, hotel rates, and crowd levels. Tet is the biggest holiday period of the year.

If you plan to travel during major holidays, book flights, trains, and accommodation as early as possible.

POWER PLUGS

The voltage supply in Vietnam is 220 volts. Many sockets accept two round prongs, though socket styles can vary by place.

Bring a universal travel adapter if you are visiting from abroad.

SIM CARDS & HELPFUL NUMBERS

Getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is fast and inexpensive. Major providers are easy to find at airports, phone shops, and convenience stores.

It is also worth saving the number of your hotel, driver, and emergency contacts before moving around.

INTERNET AND POSTAL SERVICES

Vietnam has strong mobile coverage in most cities and tourist areas. Wi-Fi is also easy to find in cafés, hotels, and restaurants.

Postal services are available in larger cities, although most travelers rely more on digital services than traditional mail.

HOSPITALS

Vietnam’s major cities have reliable hospitals and international clinics for common travel needs.

For more serious cases, choose larger private hospitals or international medical centers when possible.

EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES

Embassies and consulates of foreign countries in Vietnam can be found in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Save the address and contact details of your embassy before the trip, especially for passport or emergency situations.