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Today
11:01 am
+7h from you
Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam
27°
Overcast
Wed
23
27
Thu
22
31
Fri
23
31
Sat
23
30
Sun
24
33
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.
Getting around Vietnam
Language in Vietnam
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.
Safety in Vietnam
Tips for British travellers
Vietnam is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a printed copy of the photo page of your passport and visa for photographic ID.
Avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors as their authenticity cannot be assured.
Hold bags in front of you or away from traffic to prevent theft by motorcycle bag-snatchers.
Use pre-arranged transport or official taxi apps like Grab and verify the driver details before setting off.
Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles like motorbikes or for guaranteeing payments.
Bonus tips:
Dress appropriately by covering shoulders and knees when entering religious or cultural sites.
Only change money at official exchange counters with a clear sign, as doing so elsewhere is illegal and risky.
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Fire
114
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Vietnam
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C, Type D
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Vietnam, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Plug types A, C, and D are the most commonly used. British travelers will likely need a plug adapter.
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
ATMs in Vietnam
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. Ensure you have cash when travelling outside major cities.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank and the local ATM. It is advisable to use ATMs affiliated with reputable banks.
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 data package
10 GB for 200,000 VND (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone
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.
Health & vaccinations 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.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Dengue fever
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.
Calling Vietnam
Country code
+84
To call Vietnam from the UK, dial 00 84 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
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.
UK Embassy in Vietnam
British Embassy Hanoi
Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
Airports in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
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.