LOCAL ESSENTIALS

LOCAL CULTURE

Dress code

Dress discreetly while entering temples and other religious places. Always take your shoes off when entering local houses.

Tipping

It is not usual practice to tip but you can do so when the service is exceptional.

Taxi

Bring as much change as posible for taxi fare. There are only few reliable taxi companies in town including Vinasun (always park in front of the hotel) and Mai Linh taxi (green color).

Public transportation

Bus is the only form of public transportation in the city, but it is not recommended if you are travelling for the first time to Ho Chi Minh city.

Weather

Ho Chi Minh City's weather is mainly warm and humid throughout the year. Bring an umbrella is recommended, as the rain comes unpredictedly from June until October.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Don'ts when travelling within Vietnam

Don’t carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Don’t wear large amounts of jewelry. There are two reasons for not doing this: (1) It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public; (2) It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher. Don’t take a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) if you're not familiar with the city. Don't wear singlet, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to temples and pagodas. To do this is considered unrespected and offensive. Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar when in someone’s house. Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people. Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon.

Do's when travelling within Vietnam

Store your passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place (in-room safes or hotels deposit facility). Take care of all your valuables. Bring as much as change for taxi fare and other public transportation. Bargain 50% when shopping at local markets. Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone. Use waterproof sun cream if you plan to spend a good amount of time in the water when you travel to Vietnam. Travel with recommend tour agencies. Dress discreetly while entering temples and other religious places. Always remove your shoes at the front door when entering local’s houses.