Language
The official language is Vietnamese. Learning foreign languages, particularly English, is becoming popular among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang and other cities. Tourist guides are available for English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian speaking tourists.
Time Zone of Vietnam
Local time is GMT + 7 hours (ie: 5 hours ahead of South Africa).
Climate in Vietnam
Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different. North: Winter lasts from November to April, with temperatures averaging I0 - 16C, fog and drizzle in January - March. Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with an average temperature of 30C, heavy rainfall and the occasional violent typhoon. Center: Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, with heavy rainfalls between November and December and dry, hot summer months. South: Temperatures are fairly constant through the year; 25C - 30C. Seasons are determined by the rains - the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is March and April. Typhoons are quite common in coastal areas between July and November. Highland areas: In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500 m), Buon Me Thuot and Sapa, nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March, it can be distinctly chilly with temperatures falling to OC. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26C.
Vietnam Currency
The local currency is the Dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Approximately I US Dollar (USD) = 15,688.0 Vietnamese Dong (VND) (as at time of going to press).
Travelers cheques & cash, particularly U.S. Dollars, can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money- exchangers. It is advisable to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations. Credit cards are generally only accepted in major hotels, and in some up-market shops and restaurants in major cities. ATM facilities are readily available now in major cities.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping for service is expected and certainly appreciated. As a guideline, 5- 1 0% is quite acceptable. ($2-$3 per person for a guide or $1 to a cycle driver will be appreciated).
Health Requirements
There are currently no official vaccinations required. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B and Malaria. Yellow Fever is required if coming from/stopping over in an infected area. Visitors taking medicine for certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems should make sure that they carry these medications in their hand luggage at all times, in the unexpected event of main luggage being delayed.
Visas
Visas are required by South African passport holders. Entry visas must clearly state the intended entry and exit points. Passports are required to be valid for at least six (06) months beyond completion of stay.
The Vietnam government may change visa regulations at short notice, and it is therefore advisable to check with the embassy or consulate prior to departure.
Departure / Arrival Taxes
Airport departure tax for international flights is currently: US$ I4 from Hanoi / US$8 from Danang & U$D I4 from Ho Chi Minh City. The airport departure tax may be paid in local currency or in US Dollars.
Customs Regulations
All visitors to Vietnam are to complete a declaration form and show their luggage to customs officials on request. Visitors can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, all of which must be declared in detail on the customs forms. Commercial Video films and printed materials that are considered offensive are normally confiscated and sent to Ministry of Culture for inspection.
Goods prohibited to import: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, drugs, toxic chemicals, debauched and reactionary products, firecrackers of all kinds, toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety, cigarettes beyond the stipulated quantity, etc.
Goods prohibited to export: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, rare and precious animals and plants, documents related to the national security, etc
Safety & Security
No matter where you travel, it is always advisable to keep a note of your traveler's cheques & air ticket numbers and passport details, separate from the original documents. Having a record of these details saves time should you need to replace any of them. Always carry the original items on your person. We recommend that you lock valuables in a hotel safety deposit box and remind you to check the access times as these facilities often open at odd times which may not be convenient for you. Vietnam is a third world country and lavish displays of wealth may encourage petty theft. However, personal safety is in general a low risk in Vietnam.
Electricity
Electricity in Vietnam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Vietnam with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
Vietnam Travel Tips
Never drink tap water, no matter the category of hotel you are staying at. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels throughout Vietnam. Do not have any ice in your drinks as this is often made from water that has not been purified. Vietnam has abundant food supplies and an elaborate cuisine. Cooking is seen as an art and some Vietnamese dishes have achieved international fame. In addition to Vietnamese food, the larger hotels also serve a wide variety of Continental and Chinese cuisine. In the smaller cities, when the hotels only have one restaurant, ordering a-la-carte may involve a slight wait, consequently it is advised that you take advantage of the large and diverse buffets available at these hotels to minimize any delay.
Foreign visitors to Vietnam have the opportunity to buy souvenirs made of rattan, gold, silver and stone. Saigon is the best place to buy goods such as CD's and clothing. Tailors in Hoi An and Hanoi are renowned for their skill and speed.
Taxis are the easiest mode of transport in the major cities and are reasonably priced. Cyclo trips cost about the same, but are a more novel form of transport. On street corners, motorcyclists offer transport — this is called Honda Om; it's usually cheap and reliable, but negotiate the fare beforehand.
Vietnam has high international telephone charges. It is important to check the exact amount with the hotel before making a call, as hotel surcharges are often imposed. VOIP calls are now available, which help reduce call charges (for most of International calls from any destination within Vietnam and for domestic calls between the main cities of the country). Pre¬paid internet & mobile cards can be bought in the major cities.
Take light comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on women, but revealing clothes are frowned upon in this modest country. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit the wearing of shorts above the knee or bare arms. When dining at restaurants, smart/casual clothes are the norm.
Governmental agencies work Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 16h30 (excluding one-hour lunch) and are closed Saturday and Sunday.** Banks are open Monday to Friday from 07h30 / 08h00 to 1 I h30 and from 13h00 to I 6h00 and are closed Saturday and Sunday. **Private shops are open from 08h00 / 08h30 to 21 h00 / 23h00**
Special Attractions
Halong Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Cu Chi Tunnels (former stronghold of the Vietnamese army with 250 kms of tunnels), China Beach, the Imperial Citadel & Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, to mention but a few.
