VISA & entry

Up to now (April 2024), Vietnam offers visa exemptions for citizens from 26 countries & territories, allowing entry and stay for a certain period of time. Check your nationality by click here

Besides, according to new regulations applied from August 15, 2023, E-Visa will be issued to citizens of all countries and territories. The E-Visa will be valid for a maximum of 90 days, allowing entry to Vietnam one or multiple entry. Check information here

It’s important to note that visa exemption details including duration of stay can change, so be sure to check for the latest information before your trip on the website of the Consular Department or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam

climate & season

❄ The North: The climate is divided into 4 distinct seasons. Spring starts from February to April and the weather is cool and pleasant. Summer includes the months of May, June, and July, when temperatures rise and heavy rain occasionally occurs. Cool autumn, suitable for most tourist activities, August – October. And finally, winter lasts from November to January, temperatures drop, and some mountainous areas experience snowfall.
❄ Central Region: The Central region’s climate is generally divided into two distinct seasons. The dry season starts from April – August (in which the hottest period focuses on the months of June – July – August). The rainy season lasts from September to March of the following year (in which, from September to November, some central provinces are affected by natural disasters such as storms and floods). From November to April the temperature begins to cool and become more comfortable
❄ The South: The Southern climate is relatively milder than the other two regions. This area has a tropical monsoon climate with two typical seasons. In the dry season (December – April), the temperature fluctuates between 25 – 30 degrees Celsius, suitable for most tourist activities. Rainy season (May – November), rain often occurs at certain times of the day, the natural landscape is lush.

DESTINATIONS

Vietnam’s natural landscape and destinations’ cultures vary from North to South and from East to West due to its vast territory that spans multiple latitudes. All have blended together to create Vietnam’s unique and alluring beauty. 

Click for more information: https://sakima-travel.com/destinations/

MONEY

⚖ Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

⚖ Exchange Rate: 1 USD ~ 24,770 VND (04/2024)

⚖ Currency Exchange: For the most secure and favorable exchange rates, consider exchanging currency at your bank beforehand (though it might involve extra steps). If you need to exchange money upon arrival, choose a trustworthy airport kiosk or currency exchange counter and compare their rates before committing. It’s also wise to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, while credit cards are widely accepted by most shops and restaurants.

⚖ ATM: Vietnam’s ATM system is quite popular in cities, tourist areas and gradually limited in rural areas. ATMs operate 24/7 with limited withdrawals. Besides, need to check if your bank card is approved in Vietnam? and refer to transaction fees when using international ATMs

⚖ Bank Office Hour: Monday to Friday 7:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:00

SIM card & wifi

You need a SIM card to stay connected when traveling in Vietnam, even if WIFI is available practically everywhere. At the airport or SIM kiosks, you may purchase a SIM card with various data plans for an average price of $5 to $30 upon arrival.  Viettel has the greatest 4G/5G network in Vietnam, thus I suggest using them. If you bought your locked phone straight from the carrier, the SIM card might not work. You can visit a Viettel store to request installation. Additionally, remember to check your international roaming because using it abroad might get expensive.

High-speed WiFi is readily available at airports, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, bars, and roadside stores. However, in isolated or mountainous locations, WiFi will be more scarce. You can get portable wifi if you must have internet access throughout the day.

SHOPPING

Exploring Vietnamese markets and shops is a must-do for any visitor, but a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience

✔ Bargaining: This is common in shopping locations. Be confident in bidding to get the best price. However, always remain polite and respectful to the seller

✔ Compare prices: Before making a purchase, compare costs across a number of sites to prevent being duped. Visitors should exercise caution while handling things that do not have prices labeled.

✔ Bring change: Some small stores may not accept card payments or large denominations of cash.

✔ Be careful with your assets: Be careful of pickpockets and scammers, especially in crowded places.

✔ Communication: Learn some basic Vietnamese sentences to communicate with sellers at traditional markets, while at shopping centers, most sellers communicate relatively well in English.

✔ Contact for support: When tourists are harassed in Vietnam, tourists can contact the following agencies to report: Hotlines of Provincial Tourism Departments, affiliated tourist support centers Department of Tourism or local police