Vietnam

Good to know

• Before you go: visa and registration — Three things to sort to avoid trouble at the border: 1) a passport in excellent condition, valid for at least 6 months and with a blank page; 2) the online pre-arrival registration (mandatory from 2026, within 72 hours of arrival, at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn), which generates a QR code; 3) health insurance and a return ticket (the airline asks for it at boarding). Visa-free stays are up to 45 days.
• Drugs: zero tolerance — Drug penalties are among the harshest in the world: mere use is punished with 3 months to 5 years in prison, trafficking up to the death penalty. In recent months anti-drug checks in venues and arrests of foreigners have increased, applied without exception. Do not go near any substance, for any reason.
• Scooters, traffic and crossings — Vietnamese traffic is an unbroken river of scooters. Avoid renting a motorbike unless you are very experienced: accidents involving tourists are frequent and serious, an international permit (Vienna Convention) is required and the blood-alcohol limit for cars is ZERO. Better to use taxis, the Grab app or a car with driver. To cross the road: walk slowly at a steady pace, with no sudden moves or stops, and the scooters will flow around you.
• Money, taxis and small scams — The dong cannot be exchanged outside Vietnam: spend it or change it back before leaving. For taxis and cyclos ALWAYS agree the fare before getting in, or use Grab (cars and bikes) with its fixed price. Watch out for smartphones snatched on the fly by scooters while you walk or pause on the pavement. Buy alcohol only from official sellers.
• Health on the road — Insurance with medical and repatriation cover is essential (and required on entry). Use a good mosquito repellent against dengue, especially in the centre-south and the Mekong. Drink only bottled water. Carry medicines in their original packaging with the prescription. For serious cases, the international clinics in the big cities (Hanoi, Da Nang, HCMC) are the reference, paid in advance.
• Etiquette and climate — In Vietnam courtesy and calm are essential: raising your voice or getting angry in public makes everyone 'lose face' and gets you nowhere. In temples and pagodas cover shoulders and knees and remove your shoes where indicated. The air conditioning in hotels, buses and restaurants is often freezing: keep a sweater handy. Protect your skin from the strong sun and, in the cities, consider a mask for the smog.