Tips about Vietnam
1. safety
One of the strengths of Vietnam tourism is its political stability.
When you visit Vietnam, you don't have to worry about terrorism or demonstrations. Although things are getting more and more complicated these days, Vietnam is still a country with an impressively peaceful atmosphere.
However, you must take care of your possessions, as theft and fraud are quite common here too, especially in tourist areas.
2 What you need to know about cash payments and banking services in Vietnam
In Vietnam, banking services, bank cards and online payments are increasingly used, but cash payments remain widespread. Small shops and street vendors offering unique goods and services often do not accept credit cards. It is therefore advisable to carry cash with you at all times. Distinguishing banknote colours is important as some notes look similar with a considerable difference in value.
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), although US dollars are accepted in rare cases. However, the predominant method of payment is the local currency.
The Vietnamese dong comprises nine notes (1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000). There are also smaller units (100, 200 and 500), but these are rarely used.
The current exchange rate for Euro to Vietnamese Dong is 1 € = 26,049 VND, while $1 = 23,759 VND (as of 13/08/2023). This information is helpful to effectively manage your finances during your stay in Vietnam.
3. withdraw and change money
To withdraw money in Vietnam, it is best to take a Visa credit card or Mastercard with you on your trip. Normal debit cards do not work at many ATMs in Vietnam.
The ATMs/bank machines in Vietnam usually only give out 200,000 and 500,000 notes, which you should then change in a supermarket, as most sellers can't do anything with these "big" notes. As just mentioned, 500,000 is the equivalent of just under €20.
As you will most likely want to withdraw larger sums of 2,000,000 VND or more, you should also pay attention to the withdrawal limit. Many ATMs in Vietnam only pay out up to 3,000,000 dong per withdrawal. If you need more money, you will have to withdraw several times in a row. You should be careful here and not overdo it, as some banks could otherwise block your credit card.
Exchange offices are often signposted with Money Exchange. Otherwise you can also go to larger bank branches.
Of course, it is best to enquire about the current exchange rate beforehand. Then you can decide for yourself and choose the best exchange office or bank with the best exchange rate.
It is also important to mention that the exchange of EURO into VND is usually only possible in the major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang. If you are travelling with cash, we recommend that you take USD with you, as these can be exchanged for the local currency everywhere.
4. prices in Vietnam
Vietnam, like many other countries in Southeast Asia, is a very affordable holiday destination. You can easily get by here on a low budget. However, you can also spend a lot of money by staying in luxurious hotels or eating out in expensive restaurants, for example.
Here below a few price examples :
- Food in smaller restaurants: 40,000 - 60,000 VND (1.60 - 2.50 €)
- Sandwich at the street vendor (Bahn Mi): 12,000 - 20,000 VND (0.50 - 0.80 €)
- Overnight stay in a simple hotel: 180,000 - 300,000 (7 - 12 €)
- Overnight stay in a middle-class hotel: 500,000 - 1,200,000 (15 - 45 €)
- T-shirt at a local retailer: 100,000 VND (4 €)
So if you have to watch your budget a little, this is no problem at all with our tips about Vietnam. The price level is not much different to Thailand, for example, and you can eat out very cheaply. Compared to Germany, the countries in Southeast Asia are of course all very cheap. The prices mentioned above should only give you an idea.
5. tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Vietnam. Whether you tip depends largely on the customer service. For example, if you are very satisfied with the service, you can tip about 10% of the bill. An exception to this are employees in the tourism and hotel industry whose income depends largely on the tips they receive.
6. bargaining
Bargaining is a culture in Vietnam that not only helps the customer to buy the products or services at a lower price is not only one of the best tips about Vietnam, but also gives the seller and buyer the opportunity to communicate with each other. There is always room for negotiation and sellers often decide on the spur of the moment what prices to pay.
You can definitely influence prices with your appearance. For example, if you are visibly wearing expensive jewellery, you must expect the seller to ask for considerably more money than another customer. In principle, however, bargaining is always part of the purchase. This is particularly the case at markets. Always try to reduce the price quoted by around 40 per cent. You should put on a nice smile and be patient.
So don't be surprised why Vietnamese people negotiate all the time.
7. medical care - health
Medical care is very good, especially in the larger and touristically relevant cities such as Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi. There are many doctors who speak English and provide treatment to an international standard. However, you must bear in mind that treatments must be paid for immediately. You should keep the invoice and then submit it to your health insurance company or international health insurance provider. Medical care is not quite as good outside the major cities. If in doubt, you should ask for a doctor at your hotel.
In addition to the typical standard vaccinations, you should find out whether you need additional travel vaccinations before travelling to Vietnam. Depending on your state of health, this may include the following: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis. In any case, you should remember to take sufficient mosquito repellent.
8. vietnamese food
The best tip about Vietnam is the noodle soup Pho also known as Vietnamese national dish. Vietnamese food is characterised above all by freshness. The Vietnamese eat this soup at any time of day or night, and if you get the chance, you should try it.
The Vietnamese like to eat healthily - and the prices are very affordable by our standards. Rice is the main ingredient on the menu. It is accompanied by lots of vegetables and is often seasoned with fish sauce.
Seafood in particular is plentiful in Vietnam. The short distance to the sea is the reason why you can enjoy plenty of fresh fish here. We recommend the Vietnamese spring roll, which is usually filled with salad, shrimps, rice noodles, carrots, pork and fresh herbs.
Vietnamese coffee has a particularly strong flavour and a malty note. The Vietnamese drink it with lots of sugar and condensed milk - often iced.
9. what should and should not be done when travelling in Vietnam?
Vietnam is completely different to us - which makes it fascinating and puzzling at the same time. While travelling, I sometimes saw or experienced things that I couldn't explain through my Western "glasses", as they say.
Please:
- Take off your shoes before entering private houses and temples (if required).
- Money, credit cards or business cards are always handed over with two hands in Vietnam.
- Treat older people with special respect.
- Ask permission before taking photos of locals
- Stay calm and be patient, things often take a little longer here
Please don't:
- Do not touch people on the head, as it is considered the most important part of the body and the seat of the soul
- Do not point the soles of your feet at others, as feet are considered dirty and therefore disrespectful.
- So it's best not to cross your legs
- When visiting temples, pagodas and holy places, do not wear sleeveless shirts and tops and if you wear shorts or skirts, make sure that your knees are covered.
- If you are too scantily clad, you may be refused entry
- Do not show strong emotional outbursts or exchange displays of affection in public
10. vietnamese traffic
By European standards, Vietnamese traffic is very chaotic and takes a lot of getting used to. Although there are traffic rules, they are almost incomprehensible to tourists.
Even crossing a road in Vietnam can be a challenge. If you wait for a clear road, you will be waiting a long time. You can learn from the locals here. It is customary to cross the road, stop when motorbikes approach and then simply continue walking slowly. Motorbikes drive around pedestrians, so you should not change your walking speed if possible, otherwise accidents can occur.
Bear in mind that the roads are usually in poor condition on all excursions and tours. This is why journeys by bus and taxi always take a little longer. Build in a sufficient time buffer and approach such journeys as relaxed as possible.
These tips about Vietnam are expressly not legally binding information and are subject to change at any time.
11 Travelling safely and comfortably
Despite the availability of public transport, you may feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Especially if you are travelling in small groups or with your family, including children, a Private car transfer the ideal choice in Vietnam.
Discover charming destinations such as Sapa, Ninh Binh, the Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang and the Mekong Delta with our reliable private transfer service. Enjoy a comfortable and safe journey to these fascinating places without having to worry about public transportation.
- You can stop at any time and visit places that interest you without having to keep to the schedule of other travelers.
- You are taken directly to your destination and do not have to change trains. This saves you time and allows you to concentrate on other things.
- You don't have to worry about your luggage either, as it is stored safely in the vehicle.
