Climate
Vietnam’s climate varies from region to region. North Vietnam is humid with a subtropical climate, while South Vietnam enjoys tropical weather all year round. Temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C. Vietnam is located in tropic and subtropics zones, with a wet and dry season. Between October and March the winter monsoon brings damp and cold conditions to all areas north of Nha Trang, and dry and warm temperatures to the south. The summer monsoon from April to October brings hot, humid weather to the whole country. Typhoons occur from July to November in central and Northern Vietnam.
It gets crowded during the high season from November to March, and July and August, while May, June and September are the quietest months.
Time Difference
Vietnam is located in the Indochina Time Zone, 7 hours ahead of London (GMT), and 3 hours behind Sydney (AEST).
Language
Vietnamese is the official language. Minority groups living in mountainous regions speak their own distinct language. Other minority groups include in Vietnam include those who speak Chinese, Tay, Muong and Hmong.
Visa
Foreign travellers may obtain a tourist visa which is valid for a single 30-day stay. You may obtain a visa at Embassies, General consulates of Vietnam, travel agencies or on arrival. Visa on arrival means that you obtain visa approval by the Vietnam Immigration office in advance and get your visa stamped on arrival.
We provide Vietnam visa application service, please contact us for details.
Custom Clarence and Quarantine
According to Vietnam laws, passengers are required to declare any gold over 300 grams, Vietnam Dong over VND 15,000,000, other currencies over USD 5,000. Passengers are given duty free allowance for up to 1.5 litres of liquor above 22% alcohol concentration or 2 litres of liquor below 22% alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 100 grams of raw tobacco.
The following are prohibited: weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, flammable objects, military technical equipment, anti-government literature.
Currency
The official currency is the Vietnam Dong. Banknotes come in denominations of 500d, 1000d, 2000d, 5000d, 10,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d, 200,000d and 500,000d. Coins come in 500d, 1000d and 5000d. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in all major cities, usually with a 3% commission charge on every transaction.
Electricity Supply
The two-prong plug is common in older hotels, while newer hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug. The voltage is 220V.
Telephone and Internet
The country code is 84. To call within Vietnam, dial the city code and phone number. Telephone booths can be used however it is more popular and cheaper to make phone calls over the Internet. Phone cards can be purchased from GPOs, shops, restaurants and book stores.
