You must have your airline ticket and passport with your visas readily available during airport check-in for your international flight and immigration departure. We strongly suggest that you photocopy the first 2 pages of your passport and your visas in case it is lost or stolen. You should keep a copy with you in a separate and safe area as well as leaving a copy at home so that in the event it is lost of stolen, a replacement can be issued at the U.S. Embassy with as little complications as possible. We also recommend that you carry with you at least one extra passport-sized photo.

Although Viet Nam’s official currency is the dong, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. New, clean, unmarked, untorn U.S. dollar bills no more than 10 years old are preferred. We recommend exchanging only a small amount of U.S. dollars into dong at a single time because Vietnamese banknotes are extremely low in denominations which means you will have a large pile of money with you at any time. On average, most travelers tell us that on a 2-week trip, they will spend approximately $500, but of course, this depends somewhat on what you are looking to purchase as souvenirs, incidentals, meals, and drinks. We advise that you use the safety deposit boxes at the hotels, where available, to store important documents and money. VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are now accepted in most hotels and selected stores in major cities (HCMC, Da Nang, Hue, and Ha Noi). While traveler’s cheques are also accepted at banks for exchange, getting them exchanged for dong can be quite inconvenient. The exchange rate as of 09 August 2004 is USD$1 = 15,600 Vietnamese dong.

Lightweight packing is generally the best policy. Try carrying your packed luggage around the block; how tired did you get? Should you consider repacking? Lightweight packing will not only be more convenient for you, but you will be charged for luggage over the weight limit of 44 lbs (20 kg)/person at the airport for domestic flights within Viet Nam. Most basic toiletries can be obtained through your hotel. However, some hotels may or may not provide hair dryers, so you might want to bring your own. In that case, you will also want to bring a converter and multiple prongs as shapes of outlets will vary, even within the same city. The electricity generally is 110/220 volts AC, 50Hz, and the adapter most often used has 2 round prongs. Laundry and dry cleaning service is excellent and available at most hotels at a reasonable rate. Other sundries to consider bringing include camera, film, batteries, flashlight, money pouch, hats/caps, sunscreen, handiwipes, powder, and insect repellent. We recommend that you dress comfortably and casually with easy to launder cotton clothing, and wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove. If you run out of cloths or your shoes get worn out, you can always purchase these items in-country.

Government officials will be on the lookout for pornographic materials, anti-government literature or videos, illegal drugs, an excess of imported cigarettes, poisons, explosives, and weapons. If you have any goods to declare, pack them within easy reach so that you will not have to unnecessarily unload your entire luggage for customs officials. We recommend that you empty your purse/wallet of unnecessary items and leave them at home.

Viet Nam being over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) in length and consisting of both a long coastline and in-land mountains has may varied climatic regions. Southern Viet Nam is generally warm and tropical year round. The rainy season is from late May to September and consists mainly of tropical type late afternoon thundershowers. The summer months are the hottest with daytime temperatures in the 90s (32+ Celsius) and high humidity. The winter months are more comfortable and the spring and fall can also be quite pleasant, though warm.

Most common in many cities, including HCMC and Ha Noi, is petty theft. Travelers are advised to use a money belt to carry valuables and to use a safety box in the hotel if one exists. Be alert to potential purse and wallet snatching, particularly in tourist areas. We advise caution in crossing the streets in HCMC and Ha Noi due to an increased rate of traffic accidents. It is not advisable to travel by cyclos after dark. Violence against foreign visitors is rare. Use common sense!

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has a wide range of specialties including popular dishes such as spring rolls, pho, and rice dishes. Food is readily available from food stalls in the streets to fine restaurants. For hygiene purposes, it is strongly recommended that you wipe your bowls and utensils with a tissue or napkin prior to eating. We also recommend that you peel fruits prior to eating and that vegetables be fully cooked. DO NOT drink the water or brush your teeth from the faucet. Bottled water or boiled water is readily available throughout Viet Nam.

Tipping for service is becoming more commonplace; a 10% gratuity of the total bill for restaurant service is appropriate. However, some restaurants often automatically include a 10-15% service charge. Bellboys should be tipped 7,000-14,000 dong (approximately USD$0.50-USD$1) while drivers and guides on tours are usually given 14,000-70,000 dong per day (approximately USD$1-USD$5).

Cyclos (pedicabs), bicycles, taxi cabs, motorcycles, and automobiles with a driver can be arranged. Please remember to agree on the total price before you start your journey.