Vietnam TravelInformation for TravellersNeed to Know

Need to Know

Visas

Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days. Should you wist to extend your visa, go to the Immigration Office at 40A Hang Bai St. in Hanoi, Tel: 826 6200. Many tour operators can also extend your visa for a fee.

Hotels and Registration

There a wide range of accommodation available, at least in Vietnam's major cities. Hanoi and HCM City feature a choice of five-star hotels, while huesthouse and minihotels offer no-frills rooms for around US$10. As hotels and private hosts must register your presence with the police, you'll be expected to hand over your passport, along with your entry/exit form.

Electric power

Vietnam uses 220 Volts electricity nationwide. In the South, outlets are often US-style flat pins. In the North, many outlets fit round pins. As the electrical current varies, use a surge protector when running sensitive electronic equipment like laptops.

Water supply

Tap water in urban areas in Vietnam is chlorinated, but it is recommended that it should be boiled before drinking.

Safety

While Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia, you should take care with your possessions. Secure your valuebles, documents, and credit cards in your hotels's safe Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and mobile phone thieves, especially in HCM City. If you choose to drive a motorbike or ride a bicycle, always wear a helmet.

Postal service

A regular international post service is available. In addition there are some new, special services: Express Mail Service (EMS). The domestic EMS ensures that letters and small parcels are delivered within 24-48 hours. International EMS has relations with nearly 30 countries world-wide, with a delivery time ranging from 2 to 10 days. Air mail and small parcels must however be subject to additional charges. Express money transfer is also available; money is delivered to the receiver within 24 hours.

Telecommunications

International phone charges are steep in Vietnam and many hotels, especially up-market ones, add extra fees. Check the rates before dialing. One long-distance service offers a flat fee of around US$0.75 per minute to 50 countries; dial 171 followed by the number.

Public phones require phone cards, which are available at post offices. To rent a mobile phone, call 821 8456 in Hanoi and 824 2382 in HCM City. Faxes can be sent from hotels, business centers or post offices. Again, rates vary. The internet access are available everywhere.

Television and Radio

Vietnam Television (VTV) broadcasts three channels (VTV1, VTV2 and VTV3) throughout the country and VTV4 for overseas Vietnamese. VTV will have eight channels by 2010. International channels such as CNN are available in most hotels equiped with sattelite dishes or TV cables. Voice of Vietnam Radio broadcasts throughout the country; all provinces and cities have their own radio stations as well.