* Passport and visa
Travelers from most countries require a visa to visit Vietnam. Visa is easily obtained from Vietnamese embassies around the world, usually in three working days. A completed visa form and one passport sized photo is required.
* Customs and formalities
Upon arrival in Vietnam, all visitors must fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to customs officials on request. There are no limits to amounts of foreign currency which can be imported but visitors must declare these in detail on the customs form. Objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold are also required to be declared.
* International flights
Vietnam has three international airports: Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, Da Nang airport in Danang and Tan San Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
* Airport tax
Domestic & International airport tax is now included in the airfare paid on domestic air tickets except tickets issue from other country any flight in & out of Vietnam.
* Border crossings
Travellers may also enter Vietnam by land from China/Hekou (Kunming), Dong Dang (Nanning); from Laos/Laobao (Dasavanh), Namphao (Laksao) and from Cambodia/Bavet (Svay Riaeng). Visas must be obtained from Vietnamese embassies prior to arrival at these crossing points.
* Normal Business hours:
Morning: 08:00 – 11:30
Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:30
Except Saturday and Sunday
* Time Zone: GMT + 7 hours
* Currency
The approximate currency exchange rate is 17,500 Vietnamese Dong to one US Dollar. Credit cards are generally only accepted in major cities. Money can be changed at ATMs, banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country. Any payment made by Credit card normal charge 3% bank fees.
* Health requirements
No vaccinations are presently required. If traveling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against Typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus, malarial, Japanese encephalitis and other possible infectious diseases.
* Climate
The North: Winter lasts from November to April with temperatures averaging 160C but with little rainfall. Summer begins in May and lasts until October with temperatures up to 300 C and heavy rainfall with the occasional typhoon.
The South: Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 250 C – 300 C, Seasons is determined by the rain – the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April, before the rains have arrived. Typhoons are common in coastal areas between July and November.
The Highland Areas: In the hill resorts of Delta (1,500m) , Buon Ma Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year and in the winter months from October to March it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to 40 C.
* Language
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam but there are various dialects spoken by hill tribe people in remote areas. Learning foreign languages, particularly English and French, is currently in vogue among young people, especially in the major cities.
* Public holidays
International New Years Day January 1
Liberation Day April 30
Labor Day May 1
National Day September 2
* Tipping
Wide accepted. For service staff in hotels and restaurants a small tip is expected in spite of service charges already added to your bill. Tipping instruction as bellow suggestion
Porters: 10,000 per bag
Tour guide: US$5 per person/day, driver US$3/ per person/day (For Small group up to 6 persons). Larger group size tipping for guide should be US$3/per person/day and US$1.5 for driver and his assistance if there is.
+ Things to remember when you are in Vietnam
- It's in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding!
- Avoid cyclo ride after dark.
- Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.
- Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.
- When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly!
- Do not offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.
- Try at least once the delicious, local street food.
- Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.
JEWEL TOURS VIETNAM – 24 HOURS CONTACT
TEL: (84) 4 39746373 (This is office phone number will divert after 3 rings)
HOT LINES: (84) 913216684 ; (84) 982842807
Hospital contact: * Hanoi
Vietnam - France Hospital
Add: 1 Phuong Mai St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi
Tel: (84-4) 3577 1100
Fax: (84-4) 3576 4443
* Ho Chi Minh city
Vietnam - France Hospital in HCM City
Add: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., Tan Phu Ward, Dist. 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-8) 3411 3333
