Travel Facts

VISA

Any foreigner or overseas Vietnamese who wishing to visit Vietnam must fill out one 1 entry visa application form. Overseas Vietnamese born in Vietnam must enclose two 4cm by 6cm (2"x2") photographs; all other foreigners must enclose one photograph. Enclose all forms and photographs with the passport and the visa fee.

The pictures should be of the head and shoulders only, taken without a hat. These pictures have to be no older than a year before the date of filing application.

The paper works must be sent to a Vietnamese diplomatic representative office (the embassies), or consulate general of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the most convenient country.

* This rule may not be applied for citizens of countries with which Vietnam has bilateral agreements for visa exemption. (Please contact the Embassy of Vietnam for more information)

Customs 

 

TRAVEL TIP

Electric power: Electric current in Vietnam is 220 Volts.

Water supply: Tap water in urban areas in Vietnam is chlorinated, but it is recommended that it should be boiled before drinking.

Money: The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND) which is used throughout the country. Bank notes in denominations of 200d to 100,000d are presently in circulation. The exchange rate is approximately 16 ,000d = US$1 ( updated on 15 / Apr / 2006 ). At present certain travelers' cheques such as American Express and credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in all most cities and major tourism regions.

Language: Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. Foreign language learning, particularly English, is currently in vogue among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and other cities. Tourist guides can speak English, French, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

Postal service: A regular international post service is available. In addition, there are some new, special services: Express Mail Service (EMS). The domestic EMS ensures that letters and small parcels are delivered within 24-48 hours. International EMS has relations with almost countries world-wide, with a delivery time ranging from 2 to 10 days. Air mail and small parcels must however be subject to additional charges. Express money transfer is also available.

Telecommunications: Long-distance and international direct-dial calling is available throughout the country. Fax machines are quickly proliferating in Vietnam; public and registered fax machines are available in hotels, business and public offices. Internet access is available at all hotels and Internet cafes in larger cities.

Television and Radio: Vietnam TV broadcasts three channels throughout the country; satellite channels such as CNN are available in most hotels catering to foreigners. Voice of Vietnam Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities have their own radio stations as well.

All visitors entry Vietnam should fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to Customs officials on request.

Luggage, personal possessions and goods brought to Vietnam in amounts sufficient for personal use only, and not listed among noncommercial goods not to be imported, are exempt from tax.

Travelers' luggage as declared at Customs offices on arrival must be shown again at Customs when leaving Vietnam, except for articles which have been consumed or given as gifts.

Visitors to Vietnam can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on their customs forms. Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese dong (VND) at the banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country. Foreign currency must be changed into Vietnamese dong for shopping.

Travelers can take with them unlimited amounts of souvenirs bought with receipts.

Useful times and dates 

Tourism seasons 

Vietnam is a country where tourists can visit in all four seasons. The country's tourism service offers a range of programs convenient to your circumstances.

In the North, the best tourist season lasts from November to April the next year. Spring time is especially pleasant because of the cooler, drier climate. Also at this time there are a lot of ritual ceremonies and folk festivals of many diverse forms; such as: Festivals to commemorate national heroes and heroines, folk cultural festivals, spring festivals, as well as prayer ceremonies for good crops, to cite just a few.

The most interesting one is the Lunar New Year Festival.

Visiting Vietnam in that season, you are recommended to bring along warm clothes. The temperature in Winter is around 10-15 degree Celsius. It becomes warmer in March and April.

Meanwhile in the South, the average temperature throughout the year is about 27 degree Celsius, so you just need thin garments, sun glasses and may be a hat or two .

All visitors entry Vietnam should fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to Customs officials on request.

Luggage, personal possessions and goods brought to Vietnam in amounts sufficient for personal use only, and not listed among noncommercial goods not to be imported, are exempt from tax.

Travelers' luggage as declared at Customs offices on arrival must be shown again at Customs when leaving Vietnam, except for articles which have been consumed or given as gifts.

Visitors to Vietnam can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on their customs forms. Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese dong (VND) at the banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country. Foreign currency must be changed into Vietnamese dong for shopping.

Travelers can take with them unlimited amounts of souvenirs bought with receipts.