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TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIETNAM
Airport Taxes
The departure tax for international passengers is US$10 collected at
the airport at time of departure. Domestic fees range from US$ 1.00 -
1.50.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
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Climate
and Clothing
Vietnam has diversified weather and
climate due to its long shape. Vietnam is located in both a
tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon
influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of
rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the
mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. The annual
average temperature ranges from 22ºC to 27ºC. In Hanoi, the average
temperature is 23ºC, in Ho Chi Minh City it is 26ºC, and in Hue it is
25ºC.
There are two distinguishable seasons. The cold season occurs from
November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference
in temperature between the two seasons in southern Vietnam is almost
unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in
the northern provinces where differences of 12ºC have been observed.
There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in
the northern provinces.
Clothing requirements will depend on the time of the year you're
traveling and to which Vietnam destination.
Communications
Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and
it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although be
warned these services are expensive. Away from the
major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls.
Cyber cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam.
Currency
The currency of Vietnam
is the dong (VND). Notes are available in paper denominations of
500,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100
VND, and also in metal denomination of 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 d.
Throughout the country, American dollars are widely accepted. However,
the bills must be relatively new with no markings or tears. Several big
cities are used Euro currency.
Major credit cards are now accepted in most tourist destinations and
many banks can organise cash advances for Visa and MasterCard, usually
at a rate of 3% commission. Some travelers cafes provide this service at
higher rates, but they operate daily. Banks are usually closed on weekends.
24-hr ATM's, dispensing Dong only, are available at: ANZ Bank,
Vietcombank - Most branches nationwide.
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Customs Regulations
Passengers are required to fulfill entry and
customs form when entering Vietnam. A new form (CHY2000) is currently
used for entry and exit procedure. In cases of re-entry or re-exit
without any must-be-declared items, you simply submit the copy of your
entry and customs form (yellow paper) or make a new one. Cross (x) and
fill the first up to the sixteenth boxes in the form. You must submit
this form to customs and immigration officers.
To save your time, in the entry and customs
form, you should clearly note down:
1. Camera, recorder and other electric equipment not for personal use;
2. Jewelry (especially gold) and precious stones not for personal use;
3. Foreign currency (cash, coin and tourist cheques): over US$ 3,000 or
other foreign currency of the same value, or over VND 5 million in
cash;
4. Video-tapes will be checked and returned in several days;
5. Gold (over 300 g): If more than 300 g, you are required to deposit
and re-export the surplus;
6. Other commodities out of duty-free luggage.
Electricity
Electrical appliances will require an adapter
that can change the shape of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical
voltage converter that will allow a normal 110-volt American appliance
to take 220 Volt Vietnamese current. Throughout Vietnam 220 volt is used,
although 4 & 5-star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt electrical
appliances. Most hotels have a hair-dryer in each room.
Food and
Water
Breakfasts are included in our tours to Vietnam.
Running water is available in cities. Water from wells are common in the
countryside. For drinking, bottle water is highly recommended. Ice at
international hotels is safe.
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Heath
Matters
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for
travelers
arriving from
infected areas.
A
cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to
Vietnam. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and
precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before
deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as
medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
Vaccination
against typhoid is advised.
Malaria risk exists,
predominantly in the falciparum form, throughout the year
everywhere except urban areas, the Red River delta and the coastal
plains of Central Vietnam. The risk is highest in the three central
highlands provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, as well as the
southern provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Tay Ninh. The malignant
falciparum form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine
and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The recommended prophylaxis is
mefloquine.
Bilharzia
(schistosomiasis) is
present in the delta of the Mekong River. Avoid swimming and paddling in
fresh water; swimming pools which are chlorinated and well maintained
are safe. Japanese encephalitis is a risk in Hanoi and in rural
areas. A vaccine is available and travelers are advised to consult their
doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis A, B and E
occur; precautions should be taken. Dengue fever can be epidemic
and filariasis is endemic in some rural areas. Typhoid fever,
amoebic and bacillary dysentry can occur. Trachoma
and plague occur rarely. Diagnoses of avian influenza have
once again increased since December 2004, although the number infected
is still minimal. All visitors are advised against close contact, and
under-cooked consumption of, poultry.
Holidays
New New Year's Day - Jan 1st
Vietnam Traditional Lunar New Year Festival - Tet Nguyen Dan (4 days) -
Jan/Feb
Saigon Liberation Day - Apr 30th
International Labour Day - May 1st
Ho Chi Minh's birthday - May 19th
National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - Sep 2nd
Passports and Visas
Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. Visas are
exempted for the citizens of the countries with a
bilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, including Thailand,
Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Laos.
Tourist visa can only be obtained in Vietnamese embassies, consulates
abroad. To apply for a visa, the requirements are as follows:
1. Entry permit form (which can vary from one Vietnamese embassies or
consulate abroad to another) - There are two categories of this form:
for foreigners and for Vietnamese overseas.
2. Two photos
3. Original passport
4. Visa fee.
You should send your application and photos to a Vietnamese embassy or
consulate abroad, which is most convenient to you. Your visa approval
and passport will be returned to you by post (you must provide stamped envelopes
with your name and address).
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Time Difference
Standard Time in
Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12 hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but is
appreciated. A 5-10% tip for a meal in a good restaurant may equal a
day's wages.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person per day is customary.
Transportation
Arrangements for domestic air and ground transportation are included and
handled by the ground operator. All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide. Taxis are available from major hotels.
Vietnam has a wide land
transport system. Transportation network of national and provincial
highways as well as local roads connect the provinces, cities and towns
in the country. There are inter-province and inner-province bus stations
in each province with convenient passenger services, which are being
improved everyday. There are taxi services in many big cities and
provinces. Taxi rate (starting meter is $0.50 USD; $0.20 USD per
additional km) is declining due to competitions. In addition to public transport services, using motorbikes, cyclos, bicycles and other vehicles is common in Vietnam.
What to Pack?
Climate is generally warm, humid and wet in
Southern Vietnam. Light
cotton clothing is highly recommended and be sure to pack a light
waterproof jacket. North Vietnam has Southern Mediterranean type
climate; temperatures vary depending on the time of
year of travel and destination.
Other essential
items include: Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
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