Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[84] (24) 3850-5000; US Embassy in Hanoi, 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi, Vietnam; ACShanoi@state.gov; https://vn.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
84
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 05; Fire: 08; Police: 03
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)
Currency (Code)
Dong (VND)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C
Major Languages
Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Khmer, mountain-area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
Major Religions
Buddhist 7.9%, Catholic 6.6%, Hoa Hao 1.7%, Cao Dai 0.9%, Protestant 0.9%, Muslim 0.1%, none 81.8%
Time Difference
UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ha Long Bay; Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon); Hue (includes Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda); Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park; Hoi An; Sapa Countryside; My Son
Major Sports
Soccer, vovinam (Vietnamese martial art)
Cultural Practices
Standing with your hands on your hips or crossing your arms on your chest are seen as impolite body language.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 5-10% of the bill, if a service charge is not added, is polite at restaurants. At the bar, leave loose change or round up the bill. Bellhops expect $1 (USD) per bag for a gratuity. Good housekeeping service deserves $1-2 (USD) per day. Taxis do not expect a tip, but drivers appreciate hearing "keep the change."
Souvenirs
Conical hats, ao dai tunics, leather goods, handmade jewelry, scarves and silk-embroidered items, clay miniatures, sand paintings
Traditional Cuisine
Pho — rice noodles in beef or chicken broth seasoned with cumin, coriander powder, black cardamom, roasted onion powder, roasted ginger powder, fennel, and cloves; sometimes beef slices and/or vegetable sprouts are added
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
