FAQs

What is visa requirement for Vietnam?
Visitors must obtain visa approval prior to entry. A tourist visa for Vietnam can be obtained from any Vietnam Embassy or consulate office worldwide. Visas are valid for 30 days and can be extended on the ground. All visitors must complete an Entry/exit Card. This should be submitted together with passport and visa to the Immigration Department officials at the point of entry. The Exit portion will be torn off and returned to the visitor, who should retain this for presentation upon departure. It is a good idea to staple this into your passport on the page that has your visa stamp.
Notes: At this time of writing, Vietnam exempts visa for Asean Citizens, Scandanive citizens as well as Japanese, South Korean tourists.

Can I get visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Visitors can obtain a visa upon arrival in Vietnam by applying for visa approval letter. We can apply the visa approval letter for you to get a visa upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, at Danang International airport, Da Nang or Noi Bai international airport, Hanoi.

Where can I find current exchange rates for Vietnamese currency?
You can check Dong exchange rates on this website www.xe.com Note: You cannot buy or exchange Dong outside Vietnam. On another note, The US dollar, preferably crisp clean bills, is also widely accepted among major shops and restaurants.

Where can I exchange money?
You can change cash and travellers' cheques at exchange desks in big hotels and at authorised foreign exchange banks in the main cities. Our guide can also assist you with this.

What is the weather like in Vietnam?
Since Vietnam is a long country and covers several climatic zones, the weather can change significantly traveling north to south. The chart below provides average daily minimum/maximum temperatures in degrees Celsius and average rainfall in millimeters.

- NORTHERN VIETNAM (HANOI, HALONG BAY, SAPA)

The north is defined by four seasons with a cold winter and hot summer. The temperature can range from 5˚C (41˚F) in winter up to 35˚C (95˚F) in the summer. From April to October, it is generally warm and humid with average temperature around 31˚C (90 ˚F) and heaviest rainfall between July and August. The average temperature during the cold season (December to February) is 20˚C (68˚F). However, in the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero (32˚F). The loveliest time of the year to visit is from September to December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity.

- CENTRAL VIETNAM (HUE, DANANG, HOI AN)

The average high temperature in the central region is 30˚C (86˚F). Heavy storms and highest amount of rainfall occurs from October to December and is prone to flooding. The best time to enjoy the beach weather and cultural sightseeing is between February to August.

- SOUTHERN VIETNAM (HO CHI MINH CITY, MEKONG DELTA, DALAT)

The south has a dry and rainy season. The highest amount of rainfall is from June to October with 80% average humidity. The average high temperature year round is 32˚C (90˚F). The central highland town of Dalat has a year-round temperate of 18˚C to 21˚C (64˚F to 70˚F) earning it the epithet “City of Eternal Spring”.

Beach destinations such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phan Thiet (July to November); and Phu Quoc (June to September).

Can I get cash on my credit card?
Cash advances on credit cards are available at the central Vietcombank in Hanoi, HCMC and other major cities, for which you will be charged around 4%. Hanoi and HCMC also has a lot of ATMs where you can withdraw cash on MasterCard, Visa and some other cards.

When should I give tip?
Tipping is not commonly expected in Vietnam, but will be greatly appreciated especially in tourism industry. Some high-end hotels and restaurants add a 10-15% service charge (which should be indicated on the bill) but elsewhere it is really up to you. In most cases, a small of tip of a few thousand dong will be sufficient.  It's a good idea to tip guides, drivers and anyone else who has provided good service. Usually one or two dollars will be enough.