VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE: Your Comprehensive Companion

Beyond Vietnam
May 18, 2024
1 min read

Updated: May 22, 2024

Planning an upcoming trip to Vietnam? You've come to the right place! This blog is your ultimate resource to ensure your trip is not only delightful and hassle-free, but also packed with insider tips for an enriching and memorable experience. Get ready to discover insightful tips for an enriching trip to Vietnam.

SIM cards & Connectivity

Top Pick SIM: Viettel offers a stable connection and services with reasonable rates, making it the best Vietnam SIM Card for your trip. Consider Vinaphone if Viettel isn't available. Avoid Mobifone and Vietnamobile.
Physical SIM: If you're buying a physical SIM, it's important to be aware of potential scams and make sure you register with your passport. Physical SIMs are available at every airport in Vietnam, but please note that there is no official Viettel store at the airport. Upon arrival, you can access the free WiFi at the airport to book a grab/taxi to go to the city and request a stop at a Viettel store or The gioi di dong (Thế giới di động) store.
E-SIM: Purchasing an eSIM is a convenient alternative that offers ease of purchase and use, saving time traditionally spent searching for a store or plugin. Check Airalo for E-SIM options.
Free-wifi: Most airports, restaurants, cafes and hotels in Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi access. Simply ask the staff for the password, as this is a common practice in Vietnam, so don't hesitate to ask. Occasionally, the password is printed and displayed on the wall or on the bill. On the road, however, 4G-5G connectivity would be essential for most of your connectivity needs.

Viettel 4G SIM card - Best Vietnam SIM card for your Vietnam trip — Viettel 4G SIM card

Handy Apps:

For transportation: Grab, Be, and Xanh SM (electric taxi) are excellent for taxi services, and Google Maps provides reliable navigation support.
Communication: Google Translate makes it easy to bridge language barriers and improve communication.

Xanh SM - Electric taxi brand of Vietnam

Safety Measures:

Emergency Contacts: Write down important numbers such as ll3 for police, ll5 for ambulance, and ll4 for fire.
Food: When it comes to food safety, make sure soup dishes like Pho are served piping hot. Eat only cooked food and avoid raw meat, and be especially careful with raw vegetables. Use discretion and caution when eating fruit.
Water: Do not drink tap water and only drink bottled water. Ice can be made from polluted water, but many restaurants buy ice from companies, which is quite safe in this case.
Insects: In Vietnam, various insects such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, butterflies, bedbugs and more are common, especially in rural and mountainous areas like Sapa. To reduce the risk of insects entering your room, it is advisable to close the windows at bedtime. It's also a good idea to carry insect repellent sprays or lotions for added protection.
Traffic: Traffic in Vietnam is known to be chaotic and dangerous. When walking, especially when crossing the street, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution, hold on to your children's hands and prevent them from running around.

Money Matters:

Convenient Payments: Bringing your credit card and using ATMs at airports offers great convenience, especially in places like major cities: Da Nang, Sapa, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City. This allows you to withdraw money and make card payments, minimizing the need to carry large amounts of cash. In addition, many well-known establishments such as restaurants, cafes, large supermarkets and shopping malls in Vietnam now accept card payments, making transactions even more convenient.

Travel Tips:

Pack Light: You should avoid bringing valuable items with you because you will be in constant motion.
Weather: Vietnam's weather changes and varies with time and geographical location. Please research the weather of each place you go carefully to prepare the necessary items.