Language: The official language is Vietnamese. Some Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in parts.
Currency: The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, hotels and on the black market. Visa,
MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly in
Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travelers
cheques in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travelers cheques outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more widespread.
Time: GMT +7.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are either the two flat-pin or the two round-pin type. Three rectangular blade plugs can be found in some of the newer hotels.
Communications: The international country code is +84. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the
United States or
Canada). City/area codes are in use, e.g. Hanoi is (0)4 and Ho Chi Minh City is (0)8. GSM 900 mobile networks cover the major urban areas. Internet cafes are available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Internet access is often available at post offices in rural areas.
Duty Free: Travelers to
Vietnam over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500g tobacco; 1.5 liters alcohol with alcohol content higher than 22% and 2 liters below 22%; up to 5kg tea and 3kg coffee; perfume and items for personal consumption within reasonable amounts; other goods to the value of five million Vietnamese dong.
Getting Around: In August and September 2008, Northern and Central Vietnam experienced torrential rain resulting in severe flooding. This caused considerable damage to local infrastructure, including road and rail links. If you are planning to visit Northern or Central Vietnam, check with your tour operator before traveling to the effected areas.
Tourist OfficeVietnam
Tourist Office: +84 (0)4 942 3998 (Hanoi) or www.vietnamtourism.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 13 (Police); 15 (Ambulance)
Embassies
Embassy of Vietnam,
Washington DC, United States: +1 202 861 0737.
Embassy of Vietnam,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 1912.
Embassy of Vietnam,
Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0772.
Embassy of Vietnam,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 1549.
Embassy of Vietnam,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 8119.
Embassy of Vietnam,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5912.
United States Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 831 4590.
British Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 936 0500.
Canadian Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 734 5000.
Australian Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 831 7755.
South
African Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 936 2000.
Irish Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 974 3291.
New
Zealand Embassy, Hanoi: +84 (0)4 824 1481.
