The main cities are quite well connected by flight, train or bus services. However, there are still a few parts of Vietnam that are not easily assessable because of the poor roads and lack of a good transportation system. Safety: the country is generally safe but travellers should avoid the borders. The biggest safety issues for tourists would be petty crime and the scams that are so prevalent all over Vietnam. Ladies should avoid going out by themselves at night. However, the bigger problems for travellers are bag snatching and pickpocketing. Visitors should be take precautions by not carrying all their cash and ensuring that their wallets are safe in money belts. Also, do not leave your valuables (camera, backpacks, mobiles, shopping packages) unlocked. Ensure that the taxi you are about to get into has a metre as there are many touts claiming to run legal taxi services but do not have metres. All taxis in Vietnam are required to have and use a metre. If you are taking a cyclo do note that many cylco drivers will renegotiate the price on the trip and should you not agree to the new price they will ask you to get off their vehicle. If at all possible do not plan for a holiday in Hanoi in May and from June to September as the frequent and heavy rains usually cause flooding in almost all parts of Hanoi. The hot season in the centre and the south is from March to July and cooler weather is from November to February. The rainy season is from May to October. Money: the Dong is the currency used in Vietnam and you’re need to carry lots of it due a very weak currency value. Banks and shops favour the American dollar. Banks will charge a commission and service charge for exchanging currency. A few larger establishments will accept foreign currencies other than the American dollar but will give unfavourable rates. Language: Vietnamese is the main language used for communication by more than 90 per cent of the population. English is spoken at almost all the shops but not at the stalls. Many restaurant waiters speak only a smattering of English but by pointing at pictures you will be able to order a tasty meal. The bigger restaurants usually have their menus in both Vietnamese and English. A few Chinese dialects are spoken in Vietnam and many people speak French as well. It may be difficult to difficult to communicate with passing strangers on the street to ask for directions in English but if you show them the place you wish to go to on a map they are usually able to point you in the right direction. Police: 113
Recommended hospitals:
Hanoi - Bach Mai Hospital (+84 4 869 3731)
Ho Chi Minh - Columbia Gia Dinh International Hospital (+84 8 803 0678) Business needs: Vietnam has opened its doors to foreigners operating their own businesses in the country but this can be quite a long and complicated process. Here influence (who you know) is the most important factor in setting up and running a successful business. The Vietnamese can be quite slow workers and this has often caused frustration with foreign employers. Typical business hours:
- Government departments: 08:30 to 11:30 and 13.30 to 16.30 (may vary slightly), Monday to Friday.
- Retail: 09.30 to 21:30 (may vary slightly, lunch breaks are usually from 16:00 to 18:00), every day - some traditional shops close on Sundays. Night Markets close at 23:00.
- Banking: 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday (and until 11:30 on Saturdays in selected branches).
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