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5:28 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam
30°
Overcast
Sat
24°
30°
Sun
23°
30°
Mon
24°
31°
Tue
25°
33°
Wed
26°
35°
Thu
27°
36°
Fri
27°
35°
SPF level in Vietnam
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Vietnam
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and at least 2 blank pages.
From 15 April 2026, you are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card online before arriving via Tan Son Nhat Airport.
If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
You must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport, and ensure it is stamped upon entry.
Good to know:
You must declare cash amounts over 15 million Vietnamese dong or 5,000 US dollars when entering or leaving the country.
If taking prescription medication with a total import value over 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs.
Safety in Vietnam
Tips when travelling
Vietnam is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry photographic ID, such as a printed copy of the photo page of your passport and visa.
Be very cautious of drink spiking, particularly in tourist areas, by always buying your own drinks and keeping them in sight.
Do not hire a motorbike unless you are an experienced rider, always rent from a reputable organisation, and both drivers and passengers must wear a good helmet.
Petty crimes like bag-snatching by thieves on motorcycles are common, so hold bags in front of you away from traffic and be prepared to surrender valuables to avoid injury.
Be aware of methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks in bars and shops, and seek urgent medical attention if you show signs after drinking.
Bonus tips:
Avoid buying liquor or cigarettes from street vendors as their authenticity cannot be assured, and remember that vapes are banned and cannot be brought into Vietnam.
When entering religious or cultural sites, dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees as per the local dress code.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Vietnam
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your UK driving license to legally drive in Vietnam. However, note that car rentals for self-driving are uncommon and often illegal, with the exception of some specific situations and areas (if you have a Vietnamese visa of 3 months or longer, you can convert to a local driving licence).
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Vietnam drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Vietnam
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Even if you have travel insurance, it's wise to check the policy covers all your planned activities. You should seek medical advice from your GP or a travel health professional 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
No vaccinations required
Vietnam has a generally good standard of healthcare in major cities, but facilities may be limited in rural areas. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance and are up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene. The UK's Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not applicable in Vietnam.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in major cities and tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in many establishments, especially smaller businesses and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping is not mandatory but is becoming more expected, especially in tourist areas. Small tips are appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service. Check if a service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or a small tip for helpful service is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
10,000-20,000 VND per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20,000-50,000 VND per day
Tour Guide
50,000-100,000 VND per person per day depending on the tour length and quality.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Vietnam. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 200,000 VND (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Vietnam
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C, Type D
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in cities and tourist areas. Free WiFi is often provided, but the quality may vary.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Mobile data is cheap and reliable, making it viable to tether from your phone ensuring internet access anywhere.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Fire
114
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Vietnam
Country code
+84
To call the British Embassy in Hanoi from the UK, you would dial 00 84 24 3936 0500.
To call Vietnam, you'll need the country code 84 and the exit code 00. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
Language in Vietnam
Vietnamese(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Hanoi
Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
17 days ago
Transport risks
- You now need both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you whilst driving a car or motorbike in Vietnam. (Previously, this only specified 'in the car').
Entry requirements
17 days ago
Entry procedures
- From 15 April 2026, travellers entering via Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card online before arrival.
- The digital arrival card is not yet mandatory at this airport but this could change or be extended to other airports with little notice.
Airports in Vietnam
Beaches in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
British citizens typically need a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism. You can apply for an e-visa online or obtain a visa from the Vietnamese Embassy. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas. Take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you plan to visit. Generally, the dry season (November to April) is ideal for visiting the central and southern parts of the country. For northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, the best time is during the autumn (September to November) or spring (March to April).
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. When visiting temples or religious sites, dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and historical sites.
The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting local markets or smaller establishments.
Vietnamese street food is delicious and widely available. Choose vendors that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers. Avoid eating raw vegetables or fruits from unhygienic sources, and ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked.
Be wary of cyclo drivers overcharging tourists, especially in tourist areas. Always negotiate the price beforehand. Also, be cautious of overly friendly locals offering tours or services, as they may be trying to scam you, and avoid 'shoe shining' scams where you're pressured to pay for unsolicited services.
Getting around Vietnam is relatively easy. Options include taxis, motorbikes (xe oms), buses, and trains. Domestic flights are also a convenient way to travel long distances. Consider using reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps. Always negotiate fares in advance if taking a motorbike taxi.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.