Practical Vietnam Travel Tips

Currency & Exchange

Vietnam's official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD equals approximately 25,000 VND. Prices in Vietnam use large denominations — a cup of coffee might cost 30,000 VND (about $1.20). Carry small bills, as many shops and street stalls don't accept large denominations.

Exchange tip: Gold shops (Tiệm Vàng) offer the best rates; airport rates are poor. Gold shops are plentiful near Bùi Viện Street in Ho Chi Minh City and the Old Quarter in Hanoi. ATM withdrawals are also convenient in major cities (Vietcombank or BIDV recommended). Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at malls and chain stores, but cash is king at small shops and street stalls.

Getting Around

Vietnam offers plenty of domestic transport options. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) is the top choice for city travel — transparent pricing with no haggling. For long distances, choose domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air (Hanoi ⇄ Ho Chi Minh is about 2 hours), or experience the famous Reunification Express train journey.

Motorcycles dominate city traffic. With an international driving license, you can rent a motorbike to explore the city (about $3-5/day), but always wear a helmet and stay alert. Crossing the street tip: walk at a steady pace — don't suddenly stop or speed up — and the motorbikes will flow around you.

SIM Cards & Internet

Pick up a local SIM card at the airport arrivals hall. The three major carriers are Viettel (widest coverage), Mobifone, and Vinaphone. A 30-day unlimited 4G tourist SIM card costs about $2-4. You can also purchase an eSIM in advance and activate it upon arrival — even more convenient. WiFi is available at virtually every hotel, café, and restaurant.

Weather & Clothing

Vietnam stretches long and narrow from north to south, creating significant climate variation. The north (Hanoi, Sa Pa) has four distinct seasons, with winter temperatures (December–February) dropping below 10°C; the south (Ho Chi Minh City) is hot year-round, split into rainy season (May–November) and dry season (December–April); central Vietnam (Đà Nẵng, Hội An) experiences typhoon season from September to November.

Clothing advice: Light, breathable clothing as your base, plus a thin jacket for air-conditioned interiors. A rain jacket or compact umbrella is essential during rainy season. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Pack warm layers for northern winters. Sunscreen and insect repellent are year-round essentials.