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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

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Asia Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tourist Information Passport / Visa

Overview

Passport / Visa

The guide was updated: 2024-05-21

Travellers to Vietnam generally need a visa to enter the country, although some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN member states, are exempt for short stays. For longer stays, visitors typically require a visa, which can be obtained from Vietnamese embassies or consulates. Another convenient option is to apply online for an e-visa, available for citizens of over 80 countries.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Travellers to Vietnam generally need a visa to enter the country, although some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN member states, are exempt for short stays. For longer stays, visitors typically require a visa, which can be obtained from Vietnamese embassies or consulates. Another convenient option is to apply online for an e-visa, available for citizens of over 80 countries.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

From December to April, Ho Chi Minh City enjoys moderate temperatures and light rainfall, which would probably make it the best time to visit. Note that the hottest months are from March to May with temperatures reaching as high as 39°C.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam's largest international airport, lies 7 km north of the city centre. Several public buses, including the Yellow Airport Bus 109, Yellow Airport Bus 49, and Public Bus 152, offer transportation to the city, with cash payment required. Taxis are the quickest option, taking around 45 minutes to reach the city centre. Make sure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand.

Public Transport

Public Transport

Ho Chi Minh City boasts an efficient public transit bus network with 150 green routes spanning the city, making it a cheaper and safer option than many alternatives. The ticket is bought from the fare collector on the bus. For shorter trips, however, ride-sharing apps, such as Grab, or cabs may prove to be more convenient and inexpensive.

Taxi

Taxi

Taxis are the most comfortable way of getting around affordably. It’s easy and safe to catch one off the side of the road, but do make sure the meters work properly and enquire as to the estimated total. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are also in use; in Vietnam, you can choose between Grab for scooters or cars (helmets are provided for the former).

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Some main pharmacy chains you will find in Ho Chi Minh City include Pharmacity — one of the largest and most well-known pharmacy chains in Vietnam —, Guardian, Long Châu, and An Khang.

Post

Post

The main post office is located on Dong Khoi in District 1 (it's more of a tourist attraction these days, but it's still a fully functional post office). Postal services such as mailing, money exchange, postcard and stamp sales are offered here.

Telephone

Telephone

Country Code: +84 Area code: 08

Electricity

Electricity

In Vietnam, electrical outlets typically operate at 220V/50Hz and commonly use plug types A and C. Type A features two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. Travellers are advised to carry a power plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets when visiting the country.

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