Essential Vietnam tips for first-time travellers

Visa essentials

• E-visa: most Europeans can apply online through the official government portal. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
• Processing time: usually 3 to 5 working days. Apply at least two weeks before you travel.
• Passport validity: at least six months beyond the end of your stay.
• Critical detail: your application must match your passport exactly, including any middle names. Discrepancies can lead to denied entry.

Airport and arrival

• Immigration queues can be long, and security can take over an hour when you fly out, so arrive early. Look for the separate lines for foreigners and Vietnamese citizens.
• Local SIM card: buy one at the airport (around 10 euros for unlimited data) or at an official store.
• To the city: many taxis at the airport offer a fixed price to the centre; take one if the price seems fair, or try the public buses.

Money and payments

• Exchange rate: roughly 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND. Remove four zeros for quick maths: 100,000 VND ≈ €3.70. Check the current rate at Vietcombank.
• Cash still matters for street food (20,000 to 50,000 VND), market purchases and small guesthouses.
• Cards: European cards work in most ATMs; Vietcombank and Techcombank usually have the lowest fees. Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid blocks. Revolut and N26 offer good exchange rates.

Getting around

Between cities

• Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer European-standard service; book directly with the airline. VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines are cheaper, but delays can be long.
• Trains: sleeper cabins are available; book a “soft sleeper” for the most comfort. The Thống Nhất Express follows a scenic coastal route.

Within cities

• Grab is Southeast Asia's Uber; set it up with your European card before you arrive.
• Cyclo rides cost around €3 to €5 per hour (agree the price first), and motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are handy for short hops.
• Scooters are a great way to explore if you are used to busy traffic; otherwise we do not recommend them.
• Crossing the road: walk at a steady pace and do not stop; the traffic will flow around you.

Food and drink

• Try everything: phở, bánh mì and bún chả are musts. Street food is safe when the stall is busy and the food freshly cooked; watch how it is handled.
• Coffee culture: iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) is a local favourite; also try egg coffee, salt coffee and coconut coffee. Vietnamese coffee is mostly robusta, stronger and bolder than the arabica common in Europe.