Ha Giang
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Long
Sapa
Mekong Delta
Da Nang
Hue
Hoi An
Ninh Binh
Da Lat
Nha Trang
Phan Thiet
Phu Quoc
Quang Binh
Quy Nhon
Vung Tau
Thai Nguyen
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.
Tiếng Việt
한국어
中文 (中国)
日本語
ไทย
Deutsch
Español
Destinations
Instagram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Threads
Tiktok
Net connection: you can get online a esim.
Make sure to bring new bills. They don’t like bills that are heavily creased or torn at all. We had some bills refused for exchange.
Get a little bit of VND before you arrive and sort a bank card to get cash out at atms Get fast track if you think you may need help when you arrive and arrange a hotel pick up
Have a look at esims we used airilo but there are loads of companies, we set it all up before going. Credit card wise we used a travel card such as starling (uk based). For taxis we used grab app on our phone and attached the travel card to it. You can see exactly who picks you up x
I found Vietnam very easy for traveling without knowledge of their language. Learn a few phrases, learn a few words and you’ll be fine. Book fast track at Ho Chi Minh City airport to get through customs. Make sure you have applied for your visa in advance and make sure all the information on your visa is correct. If you’re nervous about getting out of the airport to your hotel, I would encourage you to book a company called “Welcome pickups”. They will meet you at luggage pick up with your name on a sign and drive you to your hotel. You could also ask your hotel to arrange pick up. ATMs work fine in Vietnam. Expect to pay a small percentage surcharge if you use a credit card at some places. Vietnamese people are friendly and helpful. If you’re nervous about getting out and about on your own book tours through Viator or GetYourGuide. Download the grab app so that you’re able to book transportation using a grab scooter or a car. The benefit is you’ll know your price ahead of time. The food is great. Drink bottled water.
Holy long posts! Why on earth would you put money in your passport? Please don’t do that. Your 110v razor will go up in smoke, and just google the rest or just ask one or 2 questions at a time instead of posting a novel.
Hi Bill Whitbeck!
Vietnam is wonderful. Be aware of a few things before going. Ho Chi Minh will be very hot and humid when you go, fyi. heck with your doctor for recommended vaccines if you haven’t done so. We got Hep A/B and Typhoid vaccines. There’s a sequence for Hepatitis, with 3rd shot taken after you return. Go to official government site for getting evisa. Double check for accuracy. Since.going for just a week, input your travel dates as a couple days before actual plan and a few days after, in case your flights change.
. Download Google Translate app, you will be fine, use the app when needed
Take cash but only to have. I usualy bring 400 usd in big bills. Do not enchange…..use ATM card and withdrawal. If u can get a Charles schwab card. They reimburse all international atm fees. I have a 2nd phone that i get esim for and use it as my 24/7 hot spot because i need my local usa number to be answered. So i then keep my primary phone on airplane mode the whole time. If u use t mobile it will work in Vientam