Capital: Hanoi Language: Vietnamese
Population: 91.5 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours
Currency: dong (VND) Electricity: 220V/50Hz
INTERESTING FACTS
Extending from the mountainous north to the verdant flood plains of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam boasts a rich and fascinating culture, striking beauty, and tantalizing cuisine. A palpable energy buzzes throughout the country, arousing your curiosity and elevating your senses. City streets set the stage for a symphony of zipping motorbikes. Bustling local markets paint a picture of daily life. The breathtaking highlands around Sapa and the golden beaches of Hoi An provide perfect serenity. And remarkable geological formations—like stunning Ha Long Bay—present panoramas you’ll never forget. While reminders of the war remain, it is firmly in the country’s past. The people of Vietnam are eager to welcome you and share their country, stories, and gracious smiles.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Vietnam is 84. When calling to Vietnam from overseas, dial your international access code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone numbers in Vietnam are 6-10 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 84 ### ### ###.
CURRENCY
The local currency is Vietnamese Dong
As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have
difficulties with your preferred method of payment.
Cash
US dollars are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and major shops throughout Vietnam. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also exchange US dollars into the local currency, the Vietnamese Dong.
When paying with US dollars it is important to note that change may be given in the local currency. For initial convenience we recommend you bring some US dollars with you from home. It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition as some merchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old.
ATMs are the most convenient way to obtain money in Vietnam as they are readily available in cities throughout the country,
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted but some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase amount when using them (so they are not appropriate for incidentals such as ice creams, snacks, etc.). You might consider bringing more than one card, as some outlets may not accept all types. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (i.e. your passport or driver's license) when making a transaction with your credit card.
If you use a credit card for your purchase, most transactions will be debited in the local currency, and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit.
Traveler's checks
Although a secure means of carrying money, traveler's checks unfortunately are becoming very hard to use. Due to this we recommend you plan on using cash and credit cards only.
Bank Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4pm
Sat. - Sun. Closed
ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Voltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Some, but not all, hotels feature multi-region outlets that accept different types of plugs. Due to this, for dual voltage electronics, we still recommend you bring an adapter. If you have single voltage electronics (110V) a converter is also required. Bathroom outlets are usually for razors only.
The outlets look like:
TEMPERATURES
In general, Vietnam is warm/hot year round with varying levels of humidity. The tropical south is hot year-round. From December to March, North Vietnam has cool weather.
April brings sunny skies until the monsoon rains arrive in June. Central Vietnam has lots of sunshine most of the year, but November and December can be wet and overcast. Southern Vietnam is always warm, and temperatures soar mid-year. You can expect daily downpours
from June to August.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.
Shopping
Prices are as marked in department stores, though in Asia it is customary to barter. Start negotiating with an offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price.
Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges are hardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country.
TIPPING
Tipping is is greatly appreciated in Vietnam. We recommend tipping table staff at local
restaurants the equivalent of 10% of your bill.
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Food Specialties
The national dish of Vietnam is Pho or noodle soup. You will see locals eating this at every meal. It is generally made with beef, chicken, or shrimp and vegetables including green onion and bean sprouts. This is served in a mild broth and you can add spice to your liking with chilies and chili sauce.
Street food tips
Drinking Water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink. For sightseeing and excursions, bottled water may be included, otherwise we recommend you bring bottled water with you from your hotel Bottled water is also common in restaurants.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
The Vietnamese people are generally very easy going and friendly. There are, however a few things that are best to avoid:
VIETNAMESE POPULAR PHRASES
Pronunciations can vary significantly within Vietnam, especially northern vs. southern.
(English - Vietnamese - Phonetic Pronunciation)