Know before visiting Hanoi
Getting ready to go to Hanoi, Vietnam - Incredible city in Southest Asia!!!
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should ensue your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following travel advisory before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. Hanoi travel tips.
Passports & 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, Laos.. see more details here.
Tourist visa can be obtained in Vietnamese embassies, consulates abroad or On-Arrival visa. To apply for a visa at Vietnamese Consulates, the requirements are as follows:
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.
Two photos
Original passport
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).
We can help to apply for Vietnam On-arrival visa, contact us for details.
Trip preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills.
Customs regulations
Passengers are required to fulfill entry and customs form when entering Vietnam. A new form 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:
Camera, recorder and other electric equipment not for personal use;
Jewelry (especially gold) and precious stones not for personal use;
Foreign currency (cash, coin and tourist cheques): over US$ 3,000 or other foreign currency of the same value, or over VND5 million in cash;
Video-tapes will be checked and returned in several days;
Gold (over 300g): If more than 300g, you are required to deposit and re-export the surplus;
Other commodities out of duty-free luggage.
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 and 1,000 VND.
Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies
Major credit cards are now popularly accepted in most tourist destinations and many banks can organise cash advances for Visa and MasterCard. 24-hr ATM’s, dispensing Dong only, are available at: ANZ Bank, Vietcombank – Most branches nationwide.
Before leave Vietnam, Vietnamese Dong can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport
Cell phones & prepaid cards
You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling overseas. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. Vietnam service is dominated by the GSM technology standard. With GSM, you can often choose to have your phone unlocked and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. It’s easy and cheap to buy data SIM card, 4G LTE speed or rent pocket wifi on the go as you travel Vietnam, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally.
When making a call to a country abroad, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel’s reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges.
Making a phone call from one country to another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country’s Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
Wireless Internet Access
Passengers traveling with WiFi enabled devices (such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player) may be able to connect to the internet via a wireless network access point (or hotspot). WiFi access in hotels, public areas often involves a fee which, in some cases, can be very expensive. Passengers requiring internet access can often locate free WiFi hotspots such as libraries or coffee shops. Hotspots can often be located and planned in advance via an online search. Planning ahead may help avoid unnecessary fees.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal health-care provider for their recommendations.
There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
◾ Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
◾ Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
◾ If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
◾ Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
◾ Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
◾ You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like anti-diarrhea or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
Climate & 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.
Southern Vietnam has two seasons, the wet season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Northern regions also have four seasons with cold and damp conditions from November to April and generally hot, dry conditions from May through October. Bring appropriate clothing depending on the season during which you are traveling. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops)
Getting around
Generally it’s safe to explore Hanoi on foot, and serious crimes against tourists are extremely rare, but it’s pertinent to exercise some caution.
While it’s safe to walk around the streets of the Old Quarter at night, it’s best to avoid the darker lanes after around 10pm. Take a metered taxi with a reputable company when travelling across the city at night.
Watch out for pickpockets around market areas and in crowded transport terminals – particularly when boarding night trains.
Shopping in Hanoi:
You should bargain when you shop at the local markets to get a good deal. It is not recommend to buy anything from the street venders. However in some shop they show the prices on items then it would be hard to deal.
Scams
The taxi and minibus scams at the airport shuttle unwitting tourists to the wrong hotel. Invariably, the hotel has copied the name of another popular property and will then attempt to appropriate as much of your money as possible. Taxi swindles are also becoming increasingly common. Try to avoid the taxis loitering at Hanoi’s bus stations; many have superfast meters.
When you use cyclo (pedicab or bicycle rickshaw), remember to negotiate the price first, and stick to the agreed price.
Airport taxi scams, see more info here
Traffic
The city’s traffic is so dense and unrelenting that simply crossing the street can be a real headache, and weaving a path through a tide of motorbikes can be a hairy experience. Our advice is to walk slowly and at a constant pace, allowing motorcyclists sufficient time to judge your position and avoid you. Don’t try to move quickly as you’ll just confuse them. Keep your wits about you as you explore the Old Quarter, as motorbikes come from all directions.
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should ensue your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following travel advisory before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. Hanoi travel tips.
Passports & 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, Laos.. see more details here.
Tourist visa can be obtained in Vietnamese embassies, consulates abroad or On-Arrival visa. To apply for a visa at Vietnamese Consulates, the requirements are as follows:
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.
Two photos
Original passport
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).
We can help to apply for Vietnam On-arrival visa, contact us for details.
Trip preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills.
Customs regulations
Passengers are required to fulfill entry and customs form when entering Vietnam. A new form 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:
Camera, recorder and other electric equipment not for personal use;
Jewelry (especially gold) and precious stones not for personal use;
Foreign currency (cash, coin and tourist cheques): over US$ 3,000 or other foreign currency of the same value, or over VND5 million in cash;
Video-tapes will be checked and returned in several days;
Gold (over 300g): If more than 300g, you are required to deposit and re-export the surplus;
Other commodities out of duty-free luggage.
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 and 1,000 VND.
Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies
Major credit cards are now popularly accepted in most tourist destinations and many banks can organise cash advances for Visa and MasterCard. 24-hr ATM’s, dispensing Dong only, are available at: ANZ Bank, Vietcombank – Most branches nationwide.
Before leave Vietnam, Vietnamese Dong can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport
Cell phones & prepaid cards
You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling overseas. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. Vietnam service is dominated by the GSM technology standard. With GSM, you can often choose to have your phone unlocked and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. It’s easy and cheap to buy data SIM card, 4G LTE speed or rent pocket wifi on the go as you travel Vietnam, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally.
When making a call to a country abroad, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel’s reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges.
Making a phone call from one country to another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country’s Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
Wireless Internet Access
Passengers traveling with WiFi enabled devices (such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player) may be able to connect to the internet via a wireless network access point (or hotspot). WiFi access in hotels, public areas often involves a fee which, in some cases, can be very expensive. Passengers requiring internet access can often locate free WiFi hotspots such as libraries or coffee shops. Hotspots can often be located and planned in advance via an online search. Planning ahead may help avoid unnecessary fees.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal health-care provider for their recommendations.
There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
◾ Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
◾ Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
◾ If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
◾ Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
◾ Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
◾ You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like anti-diarrhea or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
Climate & 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.
Southern Vietnam has two seasons, the wet season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Northern regions also have four seasons with cold and damp conditions from November to April and generally hot, dry conditions from May through October. Bring appropriate clothing depending on the season during which you are traveling. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops)
Getting around
Generally it’s safe to explore Hanoi on foot, and serious crimes against tourists are extremely rare, but it’s pertinent to exercise some caution.
While it’s safe to walk around the streets of the Old Quarter at night, it’s best to avoid the darker lanes after around 10pm. Take a metered taxi with a reputable company when travelling across the city at night.
Watch out for pickpockets around market areas and in crowded transport terminals – particularly when boarding night trains.
Shopping in Hanoi:
You should bargain when you shop at the local markets to get a good deal. It is not recommend to buy anything from the street venders. However in some shop they show the prices on items then it would be hard to deal.
Scams
The taxi and minibus scams at the airport shuttle unwitting tourists to the wrong hotel. Invariably, the hotel has copied the name of another popular property and will then attempt to appropriate as much of your money as possible. Taxi swindles are also becoming increasingly common. Try to avoid the taxis loitering at Hanoi’s bus stations; many have superfast meters.
When you use cyclo (pedicab or bicycle rickshaw), remember to negotiate the price first, and stick to the agreed price.
Airport taxi scams, see more info here
Traffic
The city’s traffic is so dense and unrelenting that simply crossing the street can be a real headache, and weaving a path through a tide of motorbikes can be a hairy experience. Our advice is to walk slowly and at a constant pace, allowing motorcyclists sufficient time to judge your position and avoid you. Don’t try to move quickly as you’ll just confuse them. Keep your wits about you as you explore the Old Quarter, as motorbikes come from all directions.
