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Weather & climate
Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam
33°
Overcast
Thu
26°
33°
Fri
24°
27°
Sat
24°
29°
Sun
24°
29°
Mon
24°
30°
Tue
24°
33°
Wed
26°
34°
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 be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least two blank, undamaged pages.
You must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport, and ensure it is stamped correctly upon entry.
If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa which allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
Check the entry stamp date carefully upon arrival, as it will show the date by which you must leave and cannot be changed later.
Good to know:
If you need to transfer from an international to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, you must go through immigration and officially enter Vietnam first.
If carrying prescription medication, keep it in hand luggage with a copy of the prescription and declare it if its total value exceeds 100 US dollars.
Safety in Vietnam
Tips when travelling
Vietnam is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Hold your bags in front of you on the side away from traffic to prevent motorbike bag-snatchers.
Be wary of accepting drinks, snacks, or gum from strangers as they could be spiked with drugs.
Only use pre-arranged transport or official taxi apps like Grab and check the driver's details match the app.
Always carry a printed copy of your passport photo page and visa as photographic ID.
Avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors as their authenticity cannot be assured.
Bonus tips:
Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious or cultural sites to respect the local dress code.
Check your motorbike thoroughly, rent from a reputable company, and always wear a helmet if you choose to ride.
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.
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
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
UK Embassy
British Embassy Hanoi
Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
8 days ago
Illegal drugs penalties
- Police now also routinely conduct drug testing at private residences or parties when responding to a reported disturbance.
- A positive drug test result may lead to criminal charges regardless of whether drugs were consumed in Vietnam or before entry.
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.