Vietnam
The S-shaped country — rich history, stunning landscapes, and pho
Currency
₫
VND
Vietnamese Dong
VND
Quick Conversion
Live exchange rates are not available for VND. Please use a currency converter like xe.com for the latest rates.
Cashless Payments
4 / 10
Cash-heavy destination
Vietnam is still heavily cash-dependent, especially outside major cities. Mobile payments (MoMo, ZaloPay) are growing rapidly among locals but require a Vietnamese bank account or phone number. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. Street food, markets, and most local shops are cash-only. Always carry Vietnamese Dong.
Cash Advice
Vietnam uses bills only — no coins in practical circulation. Denominations range from ₫1,000 to ₫500,000. The large numbers can be confusing at first (₫100,000 ≈ $4 USD). Cash is essential for most transactions outside major hotels and malls. No coin compartment needed.
Daily Budget Guide
Meals & Transportation only — excludes accommodation · Prices in VND
₫200,000–₫375,000
≈ $8–$15 USD
Street food and local restaurants (₫30,000–₫60,000 per meal — pho, banh mi, com tam). GrabBike rides (₫15,000–₫30,000 per trip).
₫500,000–₫1,000,000
≈ $20–$40 USD
Casual restaurants and cafes (₫100,000–₫250,000 per meal). Mix of GrabBike and GrabCar rides.
₫1,500,000+
≈ $60+ USD
Fine dining and international restaurants (₫500,000–₫1,500,000+ per meal). Private car transfers and domestic flights.
Tipping Guide
Restaurants
Tipping is not traditionally expected but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas. Leaving ₫20,000–₫50,000 or 5–10% at sit-down restaurants is a nice gesture.
Hotels
Tip bellboys ₫20,000–₫50,000 per bag. Housekeeping ₫20,000–₫50,000 per day. Not mandatory.
Taxis / Drivers
Rounding up the fare is appreciated for taxis. Tour guides typically receive $5–$10 USD per day.
Visa Requirements
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
Official Links
🔒Always verify you are on official government domains (.gov). Be cautious of third-party sites charging fees for free government services.
- 🔗E-Visa Application
Official Vietnam e-visa application portal by the Immigration Department
- 🔗Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Official tourism authority with travel guides and destination information
- 🔗Immigration Department
Official immigration authority — entry requirements and visa information
- 🔗Customs & Prohibited Items
Vietnam Customs — what you can and cannot bring into Vietnam
Rules & Restrictions
⚠️ 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 laws are extremely strict. Trafficking of more than 600g of heroin or 2.5kg of methamphetamine carries a mandatory death sentence. Zero tolerance policy.
- 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
- Remove shoes before 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.
Apps & Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate Vietnamese streets — Grab motorbike (GrabBike) is the fastest way to get around cities. Public buses exist in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but can be confusing for tourists. The Reunification Express train connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (30+ hours) with scenic stops. Domestic flights (VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways) are affordable and connect major cities. Sleeper buses are popular for intercity travel. In cities, walking can be challenging due to traffic — cross streets slowly and steadily.
Transport
- GrabTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
The dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam. Works for cars and motorbikes (GrabBike). Accepts international cards.
- Be (be.vn)Transport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Vietnamese ride-hailing app — alternative to Grab. Sometimes cheaper. Available in major cities.
Food
- ShopeeFoodFood⚠️ Locals mainlyRequires local SIM
Vietnam's popular food delivery app. Requires a Vietnamese phone number to register.
Navigation
- Google MapsNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Works well in Vietnam for navigation and finding restaurants. Download offline maps for areas with spotty coverage.
- Xe Buyt (Bus Map)Navigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Real-time bus tracking for Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Useful for budget travelers using public buses.
Public Holidays 2026
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Power & Plugs
Type
Type A
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Type
Type C
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
SIM Card Guide
Typical price range
₫100,000–₫200,000 (approx. USD $4–$8) for a 7–30 day data SIM
Viettel
Vietnam's largest network with the best nationwide coverage, including rural areas. Tourist SIMs at airports and Viettel stores.
Mobifone
Good coverage in cities and tourist areas. Tourist SIM packages available at airports.
Vinaphone
State-owned carrier with decent coverage. Available at airports and post offices.
Suggested Attractions
Ha Long Bay Cruise
UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of limestone karsts. Day trips or overnight cruises available.
Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)
Historic underground tunnel network from the Vietnam War. Guided tours available.
Hoi An Ancient Town
UNESCO World Heritage town with lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and excellent food. Entry ticket covers 5 heritage sites.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Home to the world's largest cave (Son Doong). Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are more accessible options.
Sapa Rice Terraces
Stunning terraced rice paddies in the northern mountains. Trekking tours with local Hmong guides.
War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City)
Powerful museum documenting the Vietnam War. One of the most visited museums in Vietnam.