Information

Guidelines To Travelling In Vietnam

CLIMATE
The climate in November in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively cool, just like Darwin weather in the dry. Expect temperatures around the 32c mark and a little discomfort at times.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
It can be slow or quick going through immigration depending on the time of your flight and the number of agents on duty. Like any country Vietnam has its laws. Of course there is no need to mention drugs. Get caught you get shot. If you have prescribed medication I suggest you get a letter from your doctor but I have never been pulled up and I have taken 12 months supply of mine into Vietnam. That is say you won’t get pulled up.

Liquor and cigarettes are the same as Oz but can be cheaper to buy in Vietnam. I buy Johnny Walker Red Label 700ml for AUD $13.50 at the local market.

Departure tax from Vietnam is included in the cost of your ticket.

VISAS
You will be required to obtain a single visa to enter Vietnam or a multiple visa if you are going out of Vietnam and returning before returning home. You can download an application from this web site.

CURRENCY
At the moment the exchange rate between Australia and Vietnam is approximately $1AUD equals 14000 VND (Dong). $1USD will buy approximately 15900 VND (Dong). Unless you have to I wouldn’t buy dong at the airport. Best places are your hotel, banks, Currency exchange shops or jeweller shops. Don’t buy off the streets as you will get ripped off. We will have envelopes on the coach from the airport to your hotel and you can exchange AU$100 into the dong equivalent.

I suggest you only require Australian dollars in Vietnam as they can be changed at most places. If you have American currency, no problems. ATMs are everywhere today and most large shops have facilities. Traveller’s cheques are a little more cumbersome but can be changed for a fee at most banks.

CLOTHING
As mentioned if you feel the cold bring a light cardigan or jumper. Light weight clothing is the best for Vietnam preferably the non wrinkle kind. Casual, comfortable clothing is best. Joggers or sandals are the best footwear or comfortable shoes. Hats are a real necessity as the sun can be very powerful just like in Australia. If you go into some pagodas or the mausoleum you will require your shoulders to be covered.

ACCOMMODATION
The staff in hotels are usually very accommodating and will do most requests immediately. Some may forget and need a gentle reminder. The hotels chosen for you are very comfortable and vary from 2 to 4 stars. As you are aware that sometimes for unknown reasons some hotels decide to do renovations immediately but we hope we have solved all of those problems for you.

PEOPLE
The 84,000,000 people of Vietnam are mostly very friendly and always seem to be smiling. It’s the people that make the country no matter how poor they are. There are 57 minority groups mainly in the highlands and most of them do not speak Vietnamese. Before taking close up photos always ask, some will want money others will be too shy but the children always love their photos being taken especially if you have a digital camera and you can show them straight away. The basic wage in Vietnam is about USD$30 per month and about 80% of the population are on this amount and are mainly farmers. Those in the cities earn more depending on who they work for and their type of job. USD$100 to $150 is considered good. Foreigners pay more than the locals for staff. You will come to understand some of the way of life of the Vietnamese people but you really won’t in the time you have. I have lived there for 5 years and I still didn’t fully understand the people.

MEDICAL
In the unlikelihood of you requiring medical attention there are many foreign hospitals and medical centres in Vietnam. Most are in the large cities. Your guide will be able to help with any problems. I don’t need to remind you that you should have travel insurance.

Ensure you check with your medical practitioner re any inoculations you might require and make sure your Tetanus is up to date.

PRECAUTIONS
As in most countries Vietnam has its fare share of pick pockets and robbers. If you are aware and careful of your belongings you should have no problems at all. I also suggest you go out in twos just to be sure.

There are still a lot of sit upon toilets in Vietnam but we seem to be able to get around without having to use too many of them.

Some footpaths and roads are uneven so watch where you walk. Motorbikes litter the paths and so you have to walk on the roads.

The Foreign Affairs department still has a terrorist warning for Vietnam.

Australians in Vietnam should exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. As you would in Australia, use common sense and be alert to suspicious activities. Be aware of concern about the security environment because of a risk of criminal activity. You should be vigilant and watch the media for information about possible new safety or security threats.

THINGS TO TAKE
I always found a packet of moist wipes handy for cleaning hands etc.
Tissues can come in handy at toilets, just in case.
Swimmers
Australian currency
Credit Cards
Medication you require
Sunglasses
Hat for the sun
Camera. Film and developing is available all over Vietnam and is cheap.
Little nick knacks are great to give away especially OZ pins and pens for the kids.
I always wear something Australian so they know you are not American. Australians are very popular in Vietnam.