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I know this is long so please be kind. I’m new here just trying to get some information on my upcoming trip. It probably doesn’t matter but I’m from the United States, Kansas to be specific. I will be flying to Ho Chi Minh City the first week in June for approximately a week stay. I’m going to be flying out of Las Vegas because I’m going there first for a week or so. I originally had planned on flying with a friend who’s been to VN many times but his scheduled just does not work for me. We were/are going to meet a third friend there. I have decided I’m going to go by myself to meet that friend. I checked the State Department website and I know Vietnam is a safe place for US citizens to visit so I’m not worried about that. What I am worried about is I do not speak the language I have no idea how to navigate or get things that I will need when I’m there. I’ve got several questions I’m hoping to get answered in this group.1st I know I need to take some cash with me and exchange it I just don’t know how much I should take or where the best places to exchange it or the easiest. I’ve been told not to exchange at the airport because the rates not very good. For things I’m not paying cash with can I pay with a credit card how does that work. I have been told PayPal operates in Vietnam and have a PayPal account with a PayPal debit card2nd I’ve also been told that getting through customs/screening can be a little bit tricky and I should have a few five or $10 bills to slip them which will make getting through easier, not sure if that info is correct or not. Other than the standard things you can’t get on a plane is there anything I shouldn’t take with me or I should take with me how do they view medication that you take mostly just vitamins, over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen and one or two prescription drugs. 3rd I’m sure at airport there are many people who speak English or can translate and help me navigate the language barrier and of course I’ll have a translation app on my phone with me. But once I get out of the airport it may get a little more difficult. Although it’s a safe place I’ve been told that the biggest threats are pickpockets and places that take advantage of tourists, so I want to get ahead of that from the start4th My friend I’m meeting may not be able to meet me at the airport I’m not sure on that yet so I will need to be sure I know how to get transportation to whatever hotel I pick. It will be late when I get in so I really don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to get to my hotel, I’m sure whatever motor transportation I pick will be plenty long enough as it is so don’t need to complicate it by not knowing what to do.5th I also don’t know much about how their power grid works over there I know things are different in Europe than the are the United States so the real question is will I be able to take my cell phone charger and will I be able to take my corded 120 volt razor with me. 6th. I know my phone won’t work over there and I need to do something to make the Internet work or make my phone work when I’m there so any help on what I need to do with that would be great to. I read someplace about purchasing a Sim card or something but need to make sure it’s going to be compatible with my phone before I get over there 7th I know there are services that help navigate the airport both for arrival and departure Fast Track is the one that was recommended to me I just want everyone’s opinion on it and the other ones like it. They sound like a good services and are worth the money but I would just like everyone’s opinion on them. I know this was a long post, but I really would appreciate any help and info I can get.
I know this is long so please be kind.
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Get your visa if you havent already. No adapter needed for US plugs
Do not bribe the airport staff to get out faster. Use fast track. You pay and someone will guide you through.
All good questions. Here’s an equally long answer! Safe travels!
Don’t slip anyone cash. It would be akin to a federal crime in the States or Canada. Sure, it often works but do you want to be the guy when it doesn’t work?
Check this section. Where most of your questions have already answered
2nd: if you slip a 10-dollar bill in your passport they’ll take it and stamp your passport. If you don’t, they’ll also stamp your passport. So don’t bribe anyone! Help eradicate the corruption! JUST DON’T DO IT!
1. Yes, bring cash. New unblemished 100s ideally. Your credit cards will generally work anywhere that accepts them so long as your bank doesn’t flag you. ATMs work with most bank cards from the US as well so long as your bank allows it your good
1) Cash – $100-$200 USD for exchange is good. There are exchange places, but honestly I exchange at the airport, so I can hit the ground running, so to speak.
1. Just bring $1000, more than enough for a week in HCMC. When arriving at the airport, just exchange $100 only due to low rate, which enough for u to spend first day in the city (taxi, etc..) then exchange more at near by Ben Thanh Market. Just google. Also down “Grab App” for getting around the city, similar to Uber. U can add your credit card which less hassle than paying cash. But it may costs more due to transaction fees and conversion from your bank. Use any travel card from BOA, Chase, Amex to avoid foreign transaction fee.
Please DO NOT PAY OR BRIBE ANYONE at the airport.