Visa Requirements - Money - Language - Weather - Security

Visa Requirements

You must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. Persons attempting to enter Vietnam without a valid visa are generally sent back to their last port of departure by Vietnamese authorities.

There are countries which do not require a visa for entry. For a full and updated list please visit the Vietnam Tourism Website.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam for the most up to date information.

Your passport must have at least six months remaining validity at the time of arrival in Vietnam.

Make sure you keep your arrival/departure customs declaration form as you will need it when leaving the country. If lost, it can be replaced at exit ports, but may require payment of a fee.

All foreigners are required to register their place of residence with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Foreigners staying with family or friends in a private home must comply with this requirement. Failure to do so could result in fines. If you are staying at a hotel, this is done as part of the normal check-in process.

You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Money

Vietnam’s unit of currency is the dong (VND).

• Coins: 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000.
• Banknotes: 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000 Dong.

Using a ATM machine that excepts VISA/MasterCard cards is probably the most convenient way to get VND (there are ATMs located at the Danang International Airport, and at around 10 locations in the city centre).

Changing Money – Travellers cheques and US dollars are your best bet.You can exchange currency at banks, through authorised exchange bureaus and at hotel reception desks. 

Credit cards in Danang are accepted only within high end hotels,  you will need to exchange your foreign currency into VND in Danang. 

Language

Vietnamese is the official language of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It’s spoken by about 85 million people worldwide. The Vietnamese people’s knowledge of foreign languages reflects their country’s relationship with foreign powers – cordial or otherwise – in recent history, but knowing a little of the language is a good way to endear yourself to the locals. 

Here is the Lonely Planets Quick Chat Guide to help navigate the streets in Vietnam and get the most out of your stay. (For a print friendly version please download the PDF (1.56MB) - Here)

To help you make sense of what is a very tricky writing system, the words and phrases guide include pronunciations that use a written form more familiar to English speakers. Which are laid out as follows: English - Vietnamese - Phonetic

Weather

Danang bears the combination of the north and south climate.

There are two seasons:the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July. Cold waves are occasional but they are often short lasting.

Average humidity is 83.4%.

The Average temperature for May: 28oC during the day and 20oC at night.

Safety and Security

Like anywhere, being careful about your safety will reduce the risk of something going wrong and make your trip more enjoyable. Driving in Vietnam can be hazardous. Bicycles are a really popular way to get around but be careful as drivers are not always on the lookout for cyclists.

Remember! Travellers are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. Possession of drugs in Vietnam may result in the death penalty.