Travel Tips
Check Your Passport In most parts of Vietnam, you will have to show your passport when checking in to hotels, resorts and guesthouses. You will also need it when buying airline tickets, changing airline dates, and sometimes for changing money. Passport Copy Visa Information Vietnam A Vietnam entry visa must be obtained by all travelers before entry into Vietnam. This is except for citizens of countries with visa exemption agreements, who may stay up to 21 or 30 days without a visa. Exempted countries include most Asean countries, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the Philippines. All other citizens are required to have an entry visa before arrival, or have a pre-approved entry visa. This is a visa that is issued on arrival at Vietnam’s international airports, and has been arranged before your arrival in Vietnam. Please check with the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country for visa requirements. Vietnam Visa Services Documents needed: Passport with six months’ validity, visa application forms, passport sized photo, and any other documents requested by the embassy or consulate. Visa forms are available directly at any Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country, or by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the embassy or consulate Visa Section. Fees vary between embassies, and it will take 4 to 10 days, depending on the country you are applying in. For this process we use the service at Travel Loops, and we are one of the best travel agencies to offer this service. We obtain what is called an “Approval Letter” for you from the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, and after we obtain the approval for you, we will forward a copy to you by fax or e-mail. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at International Airports, so that when you arrive in Vietnam, the immigration officers will have those documents on hand, and will be able to issue your entry visa without delay. For further information please Send Us An Email. Travel Documents & Vouchers Money Currency Exchange There are a variety of ways you can obtain, or carry money overseas, including credit cards, ATM cards, Traveller's cheques, and cash. Traveller's cheques are a useful back-up which are popular for security reasons. Foreign currencies and Traveller's cheques can be changed into Vietnamese Dong at banks and foreign currency exchange agencies in most cities of these countries. Credit cards can be used in most cities and large tourist centers. Before leave Vietnam, local currencies can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport. However, it is recommended that you do carry some cash with you (a small amount is sufficient). Local currency is useful for making small purchases, and in more remote areas. It is a good idea to change an amount of money on arrival at the airport. This can be very useful for any immediate expenses. If you are entering at a border crossing, change only a small amount of money at the money changers, and wait until you can get to a bank to change more money. Banks and airport exchange services generally offer the best exchange rates. Private money changers will have the worst exchange rates. ATMs are widely available in the cities, but not all are open 24 hours a day. US dollars are not widely accepted in all cities in Vietnam, however you are advice to change to local currency. When you leave, be sure to change any local currency back into dollars at the airport or when you cross the border. General Security and Safity Safeguard your valuables against pickpockets and avoid carrying handbags or wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Carry a photocopy of the pages from your passport with your personal details and visa for ID and leave the original document in a safe place. Violent attacks against tourists have been reported in towns, as well as popular tourist areas like Nha Trang in the early morning or late at night. Some tourists have been attacked while on a motorcycle taxi. Sexual assaults are rare, but you should travel with friends and take normal precautions. Don’t walk in secluded places alone, or with people you don’t know. There have been reports of arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills turning violent or abusive. It is well worth researching places to stay before you arrive. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you are clear about the level of service you can expect to receive and any associated charges. There have been reports of scams targeting tourists, involving fake charities, gambling and taxis. Local travel Undertake any leisure activities which include firearms at your own risk and make sure you are supervised by a reputable guide. There have been reports of hearing loss from those close to these activities. Unexploded mines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam and along the Laos Border, formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked. Road travel The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There are frequent fatal crashes. Traffic accidents tend to attract a large crowd. If you are involved in a traffic accident you could face criminal charges and you may need to pay compensation to the injured person even if the injuries are minor. If you are subject to an investigation, offer the police your full co-operation and inform the British Embassy or Consulate. There have been reports of traffic police seeking payments from motorists to compensate for traffic offences. Riding a motorbike can be dangerous. There are fatal accidents daily. These can result in costly medical bills and you may not be covered by your insurance. It is illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet. Helmet safety standards vary. Larger metered taxis are generally reliable. There are many taxi operators and meters are set at different prices. The meter should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. There have been reports of overcharging for taxi journeys from airports. Check the published fare near the taxi stands before starting your journey. Bus and coach crashes are not unusual. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. The risk of death or injury on the road increases if you travel at night. When travelling by bus be vigilant against petty theft. Don’t accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus. Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe. Be vigilant against petty theft. There have been numerous reports of personal belongings being stolen while people are asleep on the Sapa to Hanoi train. Sea travel Piracy has been known to occur in coastal areas off Vietnam. Mariners should be vigilant, reduce opportunities for attacks, establish secure areas onboard and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities. Safety on the adventure/active or cycling trip Do not worry about all the terrible things that “might” happen to you while traveling in Indochina. Remember that in these countries (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand) traveling is quite safe, and group travel is even more so. Health & Medical Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants in our tours, and you need to have travel insurance coverage before your departure. This insurance is needed in the event of a medical emergency, and it will cover hospital and medical expenses, and evacuation if it is needed. It covers expenses related to accidents and unforeseen illnesses which may arise. Vaccinations & Medication Personal Medical Kits Existing Medical Conditions What to Pack Travel Light Luggage In addition to your main bag, we also recommend that you bring: 1. A smaller day pack for items like camera, water, sun cream, hat, etc. 2. A money belt or waist pouch (bum bag) for your travel documents and money. Remember that your luggage, bags and personal belongings are your responsibility at all times. Luggage Requirement Checklist As a guideline we have compiled a list of things that you might need on your tour. Naturally you will have your own ideas, so please remember that with the exception of The Essentials, these lists are only intended as a guide, and you should choose the items you wish to bring. Essentials - Passport (also keep a copy separate from the passport) - Money (Keep a note of the emergency contact number for your Visa or ATM card, and the serial numbers of any traveller's cheques) - Copies of Travel Insurance Documents - Airline Tickets or Printouts - Travel Documents / Service Vouchers Our Suggestion - Comfortable clothing for cycling allowing your legs to move freely - Helmet - Cycling gloves - Stiff soled Cycling shoes - Insulated water bottle - Waterproof jacket (rain is always possible in South East Asia) - Spare inner tube - A bicycle (If you have your preference bicycle) - Front and rear bike lights - Cycling Water bottle - Money belt or pouch - Flashlight and batteries - Personal washing / shaving kit - Camera and film / memory cards - Sun-glasses - Swiss Army Knife / Leatherman - Lightweight wind / waterproof jacket Our Recommendation: Better to hire the bicycle from us as it is convenience with a light travel. Medical / Personal - Insect repellent - Sun cream or sunblock - Lip balm - Moisturizer / After Sun lotion - Personal medical supplies (aspirin, paracetamol, plasters, bandage, safety pins, antiseptic cream, diarrhea tablets, tampons, etc.) - Antihistamine / insect bite cream - Dehydration solution - Personal medication Note: Our cycling tour leaders & guides carry comprehensive First Aid Kits, but these are for emergency use only. If you are taking any medication, or you have a condition that needs specific medicines (e.g. asthma) you must bring all necessary medication with you. You must also inform the tour leader or guide of your condition at the start of your tour. Clothing Please remember that special cycling clothes and shoes are not easy available in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos (although some may be available in Thailand). You may want to bring SPD shoes or sandals with overshoes. You do not want to have to go looking for specialized cycling clothes and shoes during your journey, so bring what you will need with you. Photography Still photography is not a problem at historical sites, but please remember that climbing or leaning on statues and walls is not acceptable. Also, always ask before taking photos of other people. However, if you want to take video at historical sites, special permits are necessary. Also be aware that video cameras must be declared at customs on arrival in many countries. Film vs. Digital Many internet shops or photo shops can burn photos from memory cards onto a CD, but do not delete any images from the card until you have checked the CD on a different computer. Emergency Contact Phoning Hotels E-mail Mobile Phones You can use your own cell phone if you come from Europe, Asia or Australia (GSM 900/1800). If it is not yet unlocked, it can be easily done here. For those from the USA or Japan, you may need to buy a cell phone when you get here. You may want to do this anyway. If you have an expensive mobile phone, you may want to leave it at home, and buy a cheap one here in case it gets lost, stolen, or broken. There are regular prepaid refill cards and international prepaid cards. You can get a SIM card now for as little as $0.50 USD. You will need to show your passport, and/or give them a copy of it. Cell phone shops can be found almost everywhere in the countries we operate in, even in the most remote parts of the country. However, not all mobile phone companies cover all parts of the country, especially in remote areas there may not be any coverage. |
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