FAQs

Question

Do you need a visa to go to Vietnam?

Answer

Yes - online application and details can be found here: https://evisa.gov.vn Visa type: single entry for maximum 90 days. And do not apply way too early before the departure day.

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

Everything is pretty much close to each other so depends on the price range and your reference. - District 1 (D1): city center, downtown, walking distance to restaurants, coffeeshops, bars, etc. - District 5 (D5): closer to ChinaTown, the other side of Ho Chi Minh city where you can be more local. - District 3 (D3): in between D1 and D5/D10, not walking distance to places but it only takes a short ride to most places. - District 10 (D10): similar to D3, and on the east of D3, closer to D5, D11, and Tan Binh District (this is where the Airport located). - Binh Thanh District: next to D1 (just 1 bridge away), east side, also more local. - District 2 (D2): urban district, expats area, northeast of Ho Chi Minh. We have a new metro run from D2 to D1 now which would avoid a lot of traffic so if you want to explore a bit, this is actually a great choice. I included my booking.com’s wishlist for hotel recommendations within the city (mainly around D1, D3, D5) for your reference. Feel free to ask if you have any questions for us. https://booking.com/mywishlist.html?wl=5ezUh9OQzjxraJ6KZDuJihS1rXs&aid=7955654

Question

Should I bring cash or credit/debit card?

Answer

Cash and Credit Card, not Debit Card. You can exchange your money at the following banks: Vietcombank, VP Bank, Techcombank, etc. or Money Exchange shop. A place I always go to called Hung Long at 86 Mac Thi Buoi , Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh 700000. Most of the nice restaurants in Vietnam now take credit card (a plus for who has a credit card with no exchange fees) and most street stalls will take cash. So I would bring half and half. One note for money transfer is that a crispy Benjamin ($100) will have a higher exchange rate so you'd want to tell your bank teller to get your the best ones when you go withdrawing cash before the trip.

Question

Should I bring medicines?

Answer

Yes - For common symptoms only such as a cold, bug spray, Tylenol, etc. Most pharmacies in the Nam will have everything you need.

Question

What is the weather like?

Answer

Hot and very hot, sometimes, we might have rain in September/October in Ho Chi Minh city but not a lot. And make sure you have good walking shoes to explore the city.

Question

Feel free to message us

Answer

if you have any other questions.

Question

How to go around the city?

Answer

Download a cab app called “Grab” (this is similar to Uber) or “Xanh SM” (electric vehicles) to go around. And for payment method, select Cash. You can also put your credit card information there for convenience, just make sure you remove it at the end of the trip.