Country guide

    Vietnam essentials

    Visa & entry

    Vietnam offers visa exemption for selected nationalities, including a 45-day unilateral exemption for 12 countries and shorter bilateral exemptions for many others. Most other travelers can apply for an e-visa online; visa on arrival is not a general option and is only available in limited pre-approved cases.

    Visa exemption

    45 days
    12 countries
    Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia…
    30 days
    9 countries
    Belarus, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia…
    14 days
    2 countries
    Brunei, Myanmar
    15 days
    1 countries
    Chile
    90 days
    24 countries
    Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana…

    Main visa types

    E-Visa

    Apply online through the official Vietnam e-visa portal, upload required documents, pay the fee online, and print the approved e-visa for entry.

    Visa Issued by Embassy/Consulate

    Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, usually with a sponsor, invitation, or supporting documents depending on visa type.

    Visa Exemption Certificate

    Apply through the competent Vietnamese authority or overseas mission with supporting documents proving eligibility.
    Good to know. Visa exemption depends on nationality, passport type, and sometimes purpose of travel. The 45-day unilateral exemption for 12 countries is valid from 15/3/2025 to 14/3/2028. Some bilateral exemptions apply only to diplomatic, official, or service passports. Phu Quoc island has a separate visa-free regime for stays up to 30 days for eligible foreign passport holders. Always confirm the latest rules before travel, especially if you hold a special, diplomatic, or emergency passport.

    Customs

    Declare honestly on arrival. Cash, foreign currency, and high-value goods may need declaration; prohibited items can be seized and penalties may apply.

    Alcohol

    Up to 1.5 liters of liquor over 20% alcohol, or 2 liters of liquor up to 20%, or 3 liters of beer

    Tobacco

    200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

    Goods

    Goods for personal use with a total value up to VND 10,000,000 are generally duty-free

    Perfume

    Reasonable personal-use quantity

    Prohibited / restricted

    FoodDrugs & Prohibited SubstancesWeapons & Dangerous GoodsCounterfeit Goods
    Must declare. Cash Declaration · High-Value Items · Restricted Medications

    When to go

    Vietnam stretches from cool, misty northern highlands to tropical southern beaches, so weather varies a lot by region. In general, March to May is one of the best countrywide windows, while the north has its most pleasant weather in spring and autumn, central Vietnam is driest from roughly January to July, and southern Vietnam is hot year-round with rains mainly from May to November.

    Jan
    $ HighCrowd High
    Hanoi 14 → 20°C
    Feb
    $ HighCrowd High
    Hanoi 15 → 21°C
    Mar
    $ MediumCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 18 → 24°C
    Apr
    $ MediumCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 22 → 28°C
    May
    $ MediumCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 25 → 32°C
    Jun
    $ LowCrowd Low
    Hanoi 27 → 35°C
    Jul
    $ LowCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 27 → 35°C
    Aug
    $ LowCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 27 → 34°C
    Sep
    $ MediumCrowd Medium
    Hanoi 25 → 31°C
    Oct
    $ HighCrowd High
    Hanoi 22 → 29°C
    Nov
    $ HighCrowd High
    Hanoi 18 → 25°C
    Dec
    $ HighCrowd High
    Hanoi 15 → 22°C

    Currency & costs

    1 USD ≈ 26,350 VNDVietnamese Dong (VND) · 9 banknotes in circulation

    Daily budget

    Budget Traveler (Daily)

    800,000–1,200,000 VND (≈ $30–46)

    Mid-Range Traveler (Daily)

    1,500,000–2,500,000 VND (≈ $57–95)
    Payment. Cash is widely used, especially for street food, local markets, taxis, and small shops. Vietnamese dong is the standard currency, and ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. QR code payments (especially VietQR via local banking apps) are very popular in Vietnam and are accepted by many businesses, including some small vendors. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, but often with a surcharge. Keep smaller notes for everyday purchases, and check bills carefully because some denominations look similar.

    Language

    Vietnamese. English is commonly used in major tourist cities, but less so in rural areas. Vietnamese is a tonal language, so the same syllable can mean different things depending on tone. If your pronunciation is not perfect, most locals will still understand from context, especially if you speak slowly and use gestures or a translation app.

    Handy phrases

    Xin chàosin chowHello
    Cảm ơnkahm uhnThank you
    Không có gìkhom koh zeeYou're welcome
    Em ơiem oyExcuse me / get attention politely
    Bao nhiêu tiền?bow nyew tee-enHow much is it?
    KhôngkhomNo
    Vâng / Dạvung / yahYes
    Tôi không hiểutoy khom hee-ewI don't understand
    Bạn nói tiếng Anh không?bahn noy tee-eng anh khomDo you speak English?
    Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?nyah vay sin uh dowWhere is the toilet?
    Tôi muốn cái nàytoy woon kai nayI want this one
    Cho tôi xemcho toy xemPlease show me
    Giúp tôi vớizoop toy voyPlease help me
    Tôi bị lạctoy bee lakI am lost

    Power & plugs

    220V · 50 HzNationwide

    Plug types

    Type AType C
    Bring a compact Type A/C adapter, since many Vietnamese outlets accept both flat and round pins, but fit can vary and some sockets are loose. For any device that is not labeled 100–240V, use a voltage converter. A surge-protected power strip is useful for charging multiple devices safely.

    Essential apps

    G
    Grab
    Vietnam's most useful super app for solo travelers: book motorbike taxis, cars, food delivery, and parcel delivery with upfront pricing in most cities.
    X
    Xanh SM
    Vietnam's electric ride-hailing service operated by an all-electric vehicle fleet. A popular alternative to Grab and Be for taxis and motorbike rides in major cities across Vietnam.
    G
    Google Maps
    Best all-around navigation app for Vietnam. Use offline maps for cities and rural areas, and save locations before heading out.
    W
    Wise
    Popular international money transfer and multi-currency wallet app for travelers and digital nomads. Supports holding and spending multiple currencies with competitive exchange rates and an international debit card in supported countries.
    M
    MoMo
    A leading Vietnamese e-wallet used for bill payments, transfers, top-ups, and many merchant payments. Useful if you open a local account or travel with a resident contact.
    K
    Klook
    Handy for booking attractions, airport transfers, SIM/eSIM options, and tours in Vietnam, often with discounts compared to walk-up pricing.
    T
    Trip.com
    Useful for booking flights, hotels, trains, airport transfers, and attractions across Asia, often offering competitive prices and multilingual customer support.
    Z
    Zalo
    Vietnam's dominant messaging app. Many hotels, guesthouses, drivers, and local businesses prefer Zalo for chat and quick coordination.
    W
    WhatsApp
    Useful backup messaging app for international contacts and some tour operators, though Zalo is more commonly used locally in Vietnam.
    G
    Google Translate
    Best all-around option for Vietnamese text, camera translation, and basic voice conversation. Download offline Vietnamese before arrival for backup.
    C
    ChatGPT
    AI-powered translation with support for natural conversations, context-aware phrasing, voice input, image translation, and explanations beyond simple word-for-word translation.

    Getting around

    Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab / Be / XanhSM)

    The most convenient city transport option. App fares are upfront, and booking through official apps is usually safer and easier than hailing street taxis, especially for solo travelers at night.

    Metro / Urban Rail (Hanoi Metro / Ho Chi Minh City Metro)

    Best for avoiding traffic in major cities. Hanoi’s metro system now includes Line 2A Cat Linh–Ha Dong and Line 3 Nhon–Hanoi Station elevated section, with modern ticketing that supports QR, NFC, EMV bank cards, chip ID, and VNeID-based verification on some services.

    Train (Vietnam Railways / Reunification Express)

    A good choice for overnight travel and scenic routes such as the Hai Van Pass. Slower than flying, but often more comfortable for solo travelers who want to save on a hotel night.

    Sleeper Bus / Intercity Coach

    Usually the cheapest way to move between cities and provinces. Good for budget solo travelers, but choose reputable operators and book through trusted platforms to avoid scams or poor seat assignments.

    Domestic Flights

    Fastest option for long distances such as Hanoi - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City. Major airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Useful when time matters more than cost.

    Motorbike Rental

    Popular for independent travel in places like Ha Giang, Da Lat, and coastal routes. Best for experienced riders only because traffic can be chaotic and road conditions vary.

    Public Bus

    The cheapest city transport option, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Slower and less intuitive than ride-hailing, but useful for short hops and airport connections.

    Airport Transfers / Taxis

    Useful for late arrivals or heavy luggage. Prefer metered taxis or app-booked cars over street offers to avoid overcharging.

    Safety & health

    Use Caution · Level

    Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but solo visitors should stay alert for petty theft, chaotic traffic, air pollution in major cities, and food- and mosquito-borne illness risks.

    Crime & Security

    30/100

    Health & Medical

    45/100

    Natural Disasters & Environment

    35/100

    Traffic & Transportation

    80/100

    Emergency contacts

    Police (Security)
    113
    Fire & Rescue
    114
    Medical Emergency
    115
    National Emergency Hotline
    112

    Practical hacks

    Free WiFi

    Highlands Coffee, Phuc Long, Circle K, many cafes. Ask for the Wi‑Fi password at the counter; it is often printed on the receipt or shared by staff.

    Best Connectivity Hack

    Buy a tourist eSIM or SIM from Viettel/MobiFone/VinaPhone. Official Viettel eSIM can be activated online or at airport kiosks and stores; check device eSIM support before buying.

    Cashless Payments

    QR payments are widely used in cities. Still carry small cash for street stalls, markets, and rural areas.

    Cheapest Safe Transport

    Grab, Be, Xanh SM. Use app rides instead of hailing random taxis to avoid overcharging.