10 things you need to know when traveling in Vietnam

1. Visa:

To go to work or travel in Vietnam, you need a visa by the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in the country undertakes part of the customer level. The citizens of the Asia-Pacific countries may be exempted from visa to enter Vietnam (from 15 to 30 days), please check this information with the Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are in.

2. Currency:

Official money to circulate as money throughout the territory of Vietnam by the National Bank of Vietnam issued. The banknotes are: 100 VND, 200 VND, 500 VND, 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND, 5,000 VND, 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000VND, 200,000VND and 500,000 VND.

Traveler’s checks and credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master Card) can be converted into cash in the bank. Credit cards can be used in the travel agents, hotels and restaurants. Money exchanged U.S. dollar in the bank, foreign currency exchange counters, hotels and jewelry shops.

Vietnam dong can be converted into U.S. dollars in foreign currency exchange counters at the airport.

From 2011 Vietnam government not allow to use foreign currency in the transactions in Vietnam so, the the seller may tell you in USD equivalent VND, then even you pay in USD or VND they still give you the receipt on that written that you have paid in VND.

3. Language

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. The study of foreign languages, especially English, is prevalent in young people in major cities.

Typically, employees and people in tourist destinations can use English. However, it would be advantageous if you equip yourself with some simple phrases in your native language.

4. Climate:

Vietnam's climate is tropical, greatly influenced by the monsoon, there is much sunshine, average annual rainfall is very large and high humidity. But the climate in Vietnam is also very diverse due to the long and the difference in latitude and altitude. The North has four distinct seasons, winter on the very cold mountains northwest. The South has only two seasons, rain or shine, and hot and humid temperatures, only the plateau are a cool climate all year round.

 

5.  working hours and holiday

All the state agencies are working from 7:30 am to 16:30 pm, from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are days off.

Banks open from 8am to 7:30 or 15:30 pm, closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

The private stores served from 8.30am to 8am or 21h or 22h.

Holidays (There are 8 days off in 1 year)

1/1: 01 day New Year holiday

Traditional New Year: Stay 04 days; usually takes place before or early February of the calendar

30/4: Liberation of Saigon (stay 01 days)

1/5: International Labor Day (holiday 01 days)

2/9: National Day of Socialist Republic of Vietnam (01 days holiday)

6. Apparel

Since Vietnam hot year round so visitors should dress for summer with thin fabrics, easy to draw sweat and bright. In December and January, the North Vietnam often become cold, visitors should wear warm clothing to prevent the sudden change of weather when traveling. Wear athletic shoes. Dress neat and consistent when visiting local house, pagodas and temples

7. Health

The doctor has advised that people who have heart disease, blood pressure, respiratory failure and become pregnant should not climb. The day before climbing, you should to eat enough nutritious, full of vitamin C, drink enough water, limit alcohol, tobacco and getting enough sleep from 7h per day is important . For those who are taking long-term therapy, do not forget to take medication during the trip.

8. Food

Vietnam is home to many delicious dishes, from the rustic addition to street food in fancy restaurants and hotels will bring a unique flavor. Each region has different dishes and has a separate meaning, reflect the cultural traditions and characteristics of each resident in each area.

You make the dishes taste in your journey, enjoy lunch at the restaurant or Vietnam noodle beef or chicken in a sidewalk, for example, you will feel the distinctive cuisine of Vietnam

9. Internet

ADSL / WIFI always ready to serve guests at the hotel, Internet Cafe and the access point rental Internet. You also access internet from you smart phone with a mobiphone, Vinaphone, Viettel simcard. SIM card could easy buy at hand phone shop or at post office, the price is 150.000vnd average.

10. Shopping

Vietnam is a shopping paradise, the travelers found the best shopping in Vietnam is a long dress, silk, handicrafts and souvenirs made of stone ceramics, marble, Clock old, silver jewelry and paintings. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is the two largest shopping center in the country, gathered all the items most sophisticated and varied from different regions. In Saigon you can go to Dong Khoi street, Vinpeal shopping center, Diamond plaza, Tax center, Windsor plaza, Saigon center, Parson shopping center...You will get VAT tax return at the airport when you leave Vietnam.

 

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