TRAVEL TIPS
VIETNAM ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS
Vietnam is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a truly unique and unforgettable journey. In addition to its food, Vietnam is home to a fascinating history and culture, with ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant markets waiting to be explored.
From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the breathtaking view of Halong Bay, each city and region has its own charm and character, offering visitors a glimpse into the soul of this vibrant and welcoming destination.
For the latest authoritative advice please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Passport
Passport Requirement
Your passport must be current and valid. The passport must maintain its validity for a minimum of six months beyond your return date, with 2 blank visa stamp pages.
If you are not an Australian citizen, the rules might be different. Therefore, it is important to check with the nearest embassy of the country you intend to visit.
If you renew your passport after you have booked with us, it is important that you advise us of the new details as soon as possible. You may also be required to take your old passport with you to maintain the validity of the trip.
Visa Requirement
If you don't hold an Australian passport and your country is not on the Visa-Free list above
Applying Online
The process simple. It takes around 2-4 business days and costs approximately $40 AUD per person.
Applying In Person
You can also apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa at a Vietnamese embassy near you. Just google "Vietnam Embassy near me".
Safety & Wellbeing
Local emergency contact
Emergency rescue: 112
Police: 113
Fire brigade: 114
Ambulance: 115
Other emergency contacts
Australian embassy (Ho Chi Minh City): +84 28 3521 8100
Australian embassy (Hanoi): +84 24 3774 0100
Mystical Asia Tours 24/7 support: +61 410 441 996
Other Travel Tips
Money and currency
As of the year 2024, $1 Australian Dollar is roughly 17,000 Vietnamese Dong, also abbreviated as 'đ' or 'Đ'. AUD, USD, and other major currencies can be exchanged locally at the airport or at specialty currency exchange shops, which are quite popular in city centers. Cash is still a very popular payment method in Vietnam, especially among street vendors. Therefore, we believe it is best to bring a combination of cash and a travel card while you are on holiday. WISE Travel Card is one of the easiest and most convenient travel card in Vietnam for Australian travellers. This card allows you to convert your currencies on the go with low fees.
Time zone
Vietnam only has one time zone. It is either 3 or 4 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time, depending on whether Australia is observing daylight saving hours.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Vietnam?
No. Bottled water is cheap and readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants across the country. Always check that the seal on the bottle cap is intact. Typically, a 1L bottle water in Vietnam only cost around $1 - $2 AUD.
Electrical power plugs in Vietnam
The standard electrical plug used in Vietnam is Type A and type C. Type A has two flat parallel pins and Type C has two round pins. It's a good idea to carry a universal adapter if your devices have different plug types. See images below for reference.
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