Vietnam is known as one of the countries with many beautiful attractions, attracting foreign tourists. Yet many international foreigners before having the trip to Vietnam still do not really understand how to best equip themselves to fully explore and experience here. Grasping that mentality, the article will reveal tips and experiences for foreign guests who are intending to travel to Vietnam in the near future.

Across the street

In Vietnam, motorbikes are the preferred mode of transportation and it is estimated that over five million take to the roads of Saigon on a daily basis. This led to the essential learning to cross the traffic in Vietnamese street.

The struggle of foreigners call “Across the street”

This is considered the most difficult skill you need to accomplish before visiting Vietnam. To overcome this difficult challenge, slowly blend into the traffic on the road, keep a steady speed, don't hesitate, don't stop, don't text on your phone or look at the map when crossing the street. Traffic will automatically adjust to you. 

The weather

In Ho Chi Minh city, from May to October, you should be prepared for sweltering temperatures. However, as a trade-off you’ll be treated to frequent, impressive holidays and festivals during the time.

Foreigners need to put on glasses and sunscreen before go out

Unlike Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi has four seasons with extremely hot and sticky summers and bitterly cold and humid winters. You will need more than your linen beach clothes to keep you warm if you travel North.

Pack layers, waterproof shoes, bug spray and plenty of sunscreen. If you forget though, don’t panic. Head to one of Vietnam’s numerous markets to stock up on almost anything you can imagine.

Asking for taxi price and tourist guide

Some independent taxi drivers work in partnership with some thieves. The drivers will spot some valuable things on your person and they reveal your destination to the thieves. The thieves only need to wait for you to come and snatch what’s your. 

VINASUN and Mai Linh Taxi are popular taxi companies foreigners must know in Vietnam

The tip here is to communicate with your hotel or your tour company, they have the number of all taxi companies and the price list of them. This will help you to avoid the fake taxi and avoid losing money. Make sure the company’s name or at least the taxi number is visible on the vehicle before you attempt to get in. 

Exchange to VND

The USD/VND exchange rate is about 23,011. Foreigners must try to pay attention to the number to tip correctly. The trick is that you should remember the color of each currency to avoid confusion. 

Moreover, the seller will give you a higher price than normal. The key when purchasing some things in the market is to bargain with the shopkeeper. You can offer a lower price than the price which the shopkeeper gives you. Bargaining is something that relates to our culture and tradition, so paying attention to this culture will make you a smart buyer. 

Pronounce correctly “Pho”

Some of my foreigner friends say that they love eating Pho. Although the word “Pho” is not too hard to pronounce, yet they can not pronounce this word correctly. To overcome this problem you might practice pronouncing the word before speaking it to the waiter. 

Pho is the iconic dish you must try when visiting Vietnamese restaurant

Pho is a popular and delicious dish found everywhere. You should try to learn the correct pronunciation of this specific word to avoid misunderstandings when ordering.

Passport with at least 6 months validity

You need to make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after you arrive in Vietnam. A passenger sitting next to me on a flight to Hanoi was refused entry because his passport was only valid for more than 5 months. Customs officers in Vietnam are very strict about this aspect. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Besides, the passport is extremely important so you need to keep your eyes on it. Once you lose your passport the consequences you have to face are huge.

There are many ways to get a Visa

You can mail your passport to the Vietnamese embassy in your country, and it takes about 1 month (sometimes shorter) to get a visa. You can also apply for a visa on arrival, but you will need a visa approval letter through the immigrant visa service for about 50 USD.

In fact, you can spend one month waiting for the Visa to plan where to visit, hotel and tour guide company. Once visiting Vietnam you will recognize the time waiting for the Visa is worth it.

Buy a Vietnamese SIM when you arrive

You may wonder why you have to buy it? When visiting Vietnam you have to contact a lot through your phone number, so having a vietnamese phone number will help you much.

You can purchase a sim card right at the airport. When you run out, you can buy the card at any street corner. You can also use free functions to call and text if you have Wi-Fi..

Tags: vietnamese culture, travel vietnam, visiting vietnam, vietnamese street, tips when visiting vietnam, vietnamese travel tips, vietnam tourism