Dive right into the heart of Southeast Asian adventure, using Ho Chi Minh City as your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
1️⃣ Visa Essentials: Navigating the Entry Process
Vietnam offers three primary visa options, each with its unique advantages:
1. **Visa on Arrival**
Arrive at the airport armed with an approval letter, which you’ll swap for a physical visa. Don’t forget to bring along two passport-sized photos, $25 in cash, and a completed visa on arrival application form. Pro tip: Secure your approval letter well in advance and have it printed and ready.
2. **E-Visa**
Streamline your entry by applying for an e-visa online before your trip. This digital visa will be exchanged for a paper version upon arrival, allowing you to breeze through customs.
3. **Separate Paper Visa**
For those who prefer a hassle-free arrival, apply for a traditional paper visa (often a red document) from your home country. This process typically takes about a week, ensuring a smooth transition through immigration once you land.
For a seamless experience, I highly recommend opting for the separate paper visa. It’s the most straightforward option, especially if you’re planning to use the VIP lane, where additional tips can make your journey even smoother.
2️⃣ Currency Exchange: Maximizing Your Dong
When traveling abroad, one of the first things to consider is currency exchange. The Vietnamese Dong (VND) isn’t typically available at domestic banks, and it’s also not commonly found at departure airports.
1. **Guangzhou Airport Experience**
During my recent flight from Guangzhou to Vietnam, I discovered that the airport does offer VND, but the exchange rate was a disappointing 1:3000, plus an additional handling fee. It’s not the best deal, so I’d advise against it.
2. **Ho Chi Minh City Airport**
Upon landing in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find currency exchange counters on both sides after customs. After collecting your luggage, you’ll see around a dozen “Currency Exchange” windows. Shop around for the best rates, which usually range from 1:3000 to 1:3500. A word of caution: Always double-check the amount you receive, as the large denominations of the VND can be confusing.
3. **ATM Convenience**
BIDV bank ATMs are widely available and accept most UnionPay cards. The exchange rate here is generally more favorable, hovering around 1:3400. With a little local currency, you’ll feel like a millionaire in no time!
3️⃣ Getting Around: Ride-Hailing and More
Vietnam is a motorcycle paradise, and these two-wheeled wonders dominate the streets. While locals zip around on motorcycles, visitors often opt for buses, taxis, or even motorcycles for their travels. I highly recommend the ride-hailing app Grab, which combines the convenience of Didi and Ele.me, offering both rides and food delivery. One of the coolest features is the ability to hop on a motorcycle, giving you a true taste of local life.
4️⃣ Communication Issues
1. Activate international roaming and purchase data packages in advance to ensure you stay connected as soon as you land.
2. Rent a portable Wi-Fi device, book it ahead of time on a trusted platform, and conveniently pick it up at the airport upon arrival.
3. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cost-effective and reliable communication during your trip.
5️⃣ Other Useful Apps (Refer to Figure 9)
– Translation apps: Tencent Translation and Google Translate are indispensable tools for navigating language barriers.
– Navigation apps: Google Maps is the go-to app for accurate and user-friendly directions.
– Food apps: Trip Advisor, similar to Dianping in China, helps you discover the best local eateries and read reviews from fellow travelers.
– Hotel booking apps: Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodations with detailed reviews and competitive prices.
This summary is based on my personal travel experiences. Feel free to use it as a reference, and don’t hesitate to leave a message if you have any questions or need further advice. If there are any areas that could be improved, I welcome your suggestions and contributions.
@Traveling Potato @Xiaohongshu Creation Assistant @Xiaohongshu Growth Notes @Xiaohongshu REDesign
Vietnam sounds amazing! I didn’t know there were so many visa options – good to know about the arrival visa. Can’t wait to explore Ho Chi Minh City and dive into all the adventures!