Southeast Asia
Vietnam
The tiny plastic stools that spill onto Vietnam's sidewalks catch you off guard at first, but settling into one to people-watch turns out to be one of the most quintessentially Vietnamese things you can do. Street food is everywhere and it's where locals actually eat, though I'll admit I gravitated toward the cooler comfort of cafes and sit-down restaurants when the heat won. Two things to order: the coffee - strong enough that it turned me into a coffee drinker, and best taken iced - and the peach iced tea, which is the drink that resets you after a long, sweaty afternoon of walking. Carry cash; it's still the default for most of the small vendors you'll want to try.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
₫
Vietnamese Dong
VND
Cash Tip
Vietnam uses bills only, with no coins in practical circulation.
Denominations range from ₫1,000 to ₫500,000 (₫100,000 ≈ $4 USD).
Cash is essential for most transactions outside major hotels and shopping malls.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
4 / 10.0
Commerce is predominantly cash-based outside major urban centers. Domestic mobile wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay require a local bank account or phone number. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, shopping centers, and upscale restaurants.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
₫200,000–₫375,000
Street food and local restaurants (₫30,000–₫60,000 per meal - pho, banh mi, com tam). GrabBike rides (₫15,000–₫30,000 per trip).
≈ $8–$15
Meals & Transit
₫200,000–₫375,000
≈ $8–$15
Street food and local restaurants (₫30,000–₫60,000 per meal - pho, banh mi, com tam). GrabBike rides (₫15,000–₫30,000 per trip).
Accommodation
₫150,000–₫300,000
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $6–$12
Accommodation
₫150,000–₫300,000
≈ $6–$12
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
₫500,000–₫1,000,000
Casual restaurants and cafes (₫100,000–₫250,000 per meal). Mix of GrabBike and GrabCar rides.
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type A220V50Hz
Type C220V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
₫100,000–₫200,000
≈ $4–$8 USD
Validity: 7–30 day data SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- GrabForeigner-friendly
The common ride-hailing app in Vietnam. Works for cars and motorbikes (GrabBike). Accepts international cards.
- Be (be.vn)Foreigner-friendly
Vietnamese ride-hailing app - alternative to Grab. Sometimes cheaper. Available in major cities.
Food
- ShopeeFoodLocals mainlyRequires local SIM
Vietnam's popular food delivery app. Requires a Vietnamese phone number to register.
Navigation
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Functions in Vietnam for navigation and finding restaurants. Download offline maps for areas with spotty coverage.
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Vaping and e-cigarettes are illegal. Vietnam banned the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Bringing vape devices into the country is not permitted.
- Drug legislation is strictly enforced. Trafficking of more than 600g of heroin or 2.5kg of methamphetamine carries a mandatory death sentence.
- Photographing military installations, border areas, and government buildings is prohibited.
- Drone use requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Flying drones without permission can result in confiscation and fines.
Cultural
- Removal of shoes is customary prior to entering homes and temples. Dress modestly at religious sites - cover shoulders and knees.
- Bargaining is expected at markets and with street vendors. Start at about 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
- Avoid public displays of anger or confrontation. Vietnamese culture values saving face - stay calm and polite in disputes.
Health
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Drink bottled or boiled water. Ice in reputable restaurants is usually made from purified water.
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