Last updated May 2026
Vietnam
Everything you need before landing in Vietnam: e-visa requirements, best eSIM plans, airport transport in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, dong tips, and essential apps.
Visa
| Passport | Status | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺Australia | E-visa | 90 days | $25 |
| 🇨🇳China | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇮🇳India | E-visa | 90 days | $25 |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Visa-free | 45 days | Free |
| 🇰🇷Korea | Visa-free | 45 days | Free |
| 🇷🇺Russia | Visa-free | 45 days | Free |
| 🇬🇧UK | Visa-free | 45 days | Free |
| 🇺🇸USA | E-visa | 90 days | $25 |
Visa rules change. Always confirm your requirements at the official Vietnam e-visa portal before you travel.
Apply at least 3 business days before departure
If you need a Vietnam e-visa, apply at evisa.gov.vn — the process is straightforward and costs $25. Don't use third-party sites that charge extra fees.
eSIM / SIM card
Airalo has reliable Vietnam eSIM options on Vinaphone — one of the country's strongest networks. Vietnam has excellent 4G coverage in cities and along the tourist trail from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Short stay — up to 10 days
Long stay — 10 to 30 days
Airport Transport
DAD – Da Nang International
Central Vietnam hub — gateway to Hoi An and Hue
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabBest value Pick-up just outside the arrivals exit — very short wait | 10–20 min | 80,000–150,000 VND ($3–6) | Da Nang city, Han River area — short and affordable |
| Metered taxi (Mai Linh/Vinasun) | 10–20 min | 100,000–180,000 VND ($4–7) | Reliable alternative if Grab surge pricing is high |
| Pre-booked hotel transfer | 30–50 min | 300,000–500,000 VND ($12–20) | Hoi An (28 km south) — hotels offer flat-rate pickups |
Watch out
Da Nang airport is only 3 km from the city centre, making it one of the cheapest airport-to-city trips in Vietnam. If you're heading to Hoi An (the most popular destination from this airport), agree a fixed price with a taxi or pre-book a transfer — Grab doesn't always have drivers going the full 28 km.
Cash & ATMs
Verdict
Vietnam is predominantly cash-based. While upmarket restaurants and hotels accept cards, street food, local transport, markets, and most small businesses are cash-only. Always carry Vietnamese Dong (VND). The large denominations (500,000 VND = ~$20) can look confusing at first — take care not to confuse 50,000 and 500,000 VND notes.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in cities. Vietcombank and Techcombank ATMs typically have the highest withdrawal limits (up to 5,000,000–10,000,000 VND per transaction). Most charge a foreign transaction fee of around 50,000–55,000 VND (~$2–2.20). Withdraw large sums at once to minimise fees. Avoid airport bank rates — you'll get 5–10% less than city ATMs.
Tipping
Not traditionally expected but becoming common in tourist areas. Tip 20,000–50,000 VND for motorbike taxi drivers for a good ride, and 50,000–100,000 VND per day for tour guides. Round up cyclo and xe om fares as a courtesy.
Essential Apps
Grab
Dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam for cars and motorbike taxis (GrabBike). Essential for getting around cities safely.
Google Maps
Download offline maps for Hanoi, HCMC, or Da Nang before landing. Also useful for street food navigation.
Agoda
Best hotel rates for Vietnam — strong inventory for Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An, and beachside properties.
Klook
Book day trips, cooking classes, Ha Long Bay cruises, and experiences at discounted rates.
12Go
Book intercity buses, trains, and ferries across Vietnam — particularly useful for the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route.
First Day Tips
- 1Activate your eSIM on the plane when you land and open Grab — having the app ready lets you book a car from inside the terminal as soon as you clear customs, avoiding the taxi tout gauntlet.
- 2Download an offline map of your city before leaving the airport Wi-Fi. Signal can drop in some narrow Old Quarter alleys in Hanoi, and having offline navigation prevents you from getting lost with a heavy bag.
Stay up to date on Vietnam
We'll email you if visa rules, transport costs or arrival tips change.