HELPFUL INFORMATION

 

With a plethora of destinations along the coast and several reliable transportation networks in place, travel within Vietnam is relatively easy, provided you plan ahead. By making a few simple preparations and knowing what to expect once you arrive, travellers can ensure that their journey is a memorable one from start to finish.

VISAS

Foreign visitors to Vietnam are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival. These visas can be requested in 30- or 90-day increments and allow either single or multiple entries into the country. Applications for tourist visas can be made through your local embassy or consulate, or via the government’s official e-visa system.

Passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK are granted a 15-day visa exemption to enter the country until June 2017. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, and Norway are also granted a 15-day visa-free stay, while Filipino citizens are permitted to visit the country for up to 21 days without a valid visa. Passport holders from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption.

For those visiting only Phu Quoc, the Vietnamese government also offers a 30-day visa exemption, provided travellers do not visit any other destinations in Vietnam.

WEATHER

Vietnam has a tropical climate which experiences two seasons, rainy and dry. In the southern region, rainy season runs from May to October. During this time, the island experiences occasional heavy rains around mid- to late afternoon. Dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by hotter temperatures and clear skies.

CURRENCY

Vietnam’s national currency is the Dong (VND). Most businesses throughout the country rely on cash payments, however a growing number of high-end venues now accept credit cards. Currency exchange points are readily available throughout the country, both at local banks and independent businesses.

INTERNET AND ELECTRICITY

Vietnam is located in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), GMT+6 in the summer or GMT + 7 in the winter due to daylight savings. The country operates on a 220-volt electricity supply and typically uses either round or flat two-pronged plugs.

Wireless internet is widely available in cafes, restaurants, and hotels throughout Vietnam. The country also has one of the lowest telephone rates in the world, with local SIM cards available for as low as VND100,000 (US$4.40).