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Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam
26°
Overcast
Sun
20
26
Mon
20
28
Tue
20
26
Wed
21
26
Thu
17
23
SPF level in Vietnam
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Vietnam
Language in Vietnam
Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping isn't mandatory in Vietnam but is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Small tips are always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service, or round up the bill.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip (5,000 - 10,000 VND) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or tip 10,000 - 20,000 VND for helpful service.
Hotel Porter
10,000 - 20,000 VND per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20,000 - 50,000 VND per day if you are satisfied with the service.
Tour Guide
50,000 - 100,000 VND per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety & security in Vietnam
Tips for British travellers
Vietnam is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a photographic ID, such as a printed copy of your passport and visa.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded tourist areas, so hold bags securely away from traffic.
Avoid purchasing alcohol or cigarettes from street vendors as they may be counterfeit, and note that vapes are banned entirely.
Use pre-arranged transport or official apps like Grab to book licensed taxis to reduce the risk of drink spiking or assault.
Be cautious of alcoholic drinks in tourist areas due to the risk of methanol poisoning, which can be fatal even in small amounts.
Bonus tips:
Only change money at official exchange counters to avoid scams and losing your money.
Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or as a guarantee for fines.
Driving in Vietnam
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Vietnam drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Fire
114
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Vietnam
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. However, cash is still preferred and widely used, particularly in smaller establishments and markets.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1095
ATMs in Vietnam
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas. You may find fewer ATMs in rural areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before travelling. Some ATMs may charge a transaction fee.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Vietnam. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 200,000 VND (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in cities and tourist areas.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but the quality can vary. Consider using a VPN for security on public networks.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare in Vietnam may not be free for tourists. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations.
It's advised to consult your GP or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Food hygiene is important; only drink bottled or boiled water.
Calling Vietnam
Country code
+84
To call Vietnam from the UK, dial 00 84 followed by the local number (omitting the leading zero if there is one).
To call the British Embassy in Hanoi from the UK, you would dial: 00 84 24 3936 0500
The country code for Vietnam is 84. The UK exit code is 00.
UK Embassy in Vietnam
British Embassy Hanoi
Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Airports in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.