What to expect

LANGUAGE

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English is also spoken by many people, especially in tourist areas, and is often used as a second language in business and education.

ELECTRICITY

In Vietnam the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.

CURRENCY

The Vietnamese dong is the official currency of Vietnam. 1 USD equals 23,000 dongs (as of 2023), as the currency has been devalued a total of five times in an effort to ensure its stability. In terms of foreign currency, USD and Euros are the most widely and easily exchanged, as it is in the majority of Asia. Many shops and hotel will take foreign currency, and credit cards can be used almost everywhere, including ATMs. It’s recommended to exchange some currency upon arrival to ensure you have enough dong for daily expenses.

SAFETY

As we mentioned before, Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia. Serious crimes are extremely rare, although it is pertinent to exercise some caution, scams and hassles do exist, particularly in Hanoi.

CLIMATE

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity, however, and thanks to its varied landscapes the temperature and seasons will vary across the different regions. Summers are hot and rainy, and winters are cold and sunny. In general, the best time to visit would be from December through February, when temperatures are milders and rain is almost nonexistent. 

Visa Policy

Vietnam has a visa policy that requires most foreign visitors to obtain a visa before entering the country. However, there are a few countries that are exempt from this requirement and can enter Vietnam for a limited amount of time without a visa. Here are some details regarding Vietnam’s visa policy:

1. Visa Exemptions: Citizens of the following countries can visit Vietnam without a visa for a specified period:

• ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand (up to 30 days)
• Belarus (up to 15 days)
• Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Sweden (up to 15 days)
• France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom (up to 15 days)

2. Visa on Arrival: Visitors from countries not included in the visa exemption list can apply for a visa on arrival at any of Vietnam’s international airports. The visa on arrival is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days and requires an approval letter from the Immigration Department.
3. E-visa: Vietnam also offers an electronic visa option for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries. The e-visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days and requires an online application and payment.
4. Visa from Vietnamese Embassy: Visitors who prefer to obtain a visa before traveling can apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country.

It’s important to note that the visa policy can change at any time, so it’s best to check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate before making travel plans.