Time:
Vietnam is one hour behind Singapore (GMT +7).
Population:
The population of Ho Chi Minh City is more than 9 million, consisting of the majority ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), Chinese (Hoa) and other ethnic groups (Khmer, Cham, Nung, Rhade).
Weather and Climate:
Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate, with daily temperature between 22 and 37 degrees Celsius. Rainy season is from May to late November, followed by the dry and hot season.
Language:
Vietnamese is the national language while English, French and Chinese is understood in some places.
Religion:
Buddhism is the main religion with Taoism, Confucianism, Hoa Hao, Cao Daists, Islam and Christianity being secondary religions.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currency notes are issued in denominations of VND 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000.
Banking hours:
Mondays to Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm, closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Shopping hours:
Daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (markets) 8:00pm (shopping centres) midnight (night markets).
IDD code:
Country code: 84 Ho Chi Minh city code: 8. SingTel ICC Access Code: 120-65-0065 (USD1.70 call charge applies).
Credit/Charge Cards:
Credit cards are accepted at some of the larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
Travellers cheques:
Accepted in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi at branches of Vietcombank in USD denominations.
Electricity:
The electrical current is 240/250V AC 50Hz.
Getting Around:
The transport system in the city consists primarily of city buses and metered taxis. The city is divided into 12 districts, which are further divided into wards; which can be fairly confusing if you do not have a map of the city. When crossing roads, beware of the numerous motorcycles which seem to come from all directions.
Travel Information
Travel from Singapore:
Direct flights from Singapore, two hours.
Airport:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is located six kilometres from the city centre. Taxis to the city (USD 7) are available from the arrival hall.
Passports and Visas:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from date of entry. Residents of ASEAN countries do not require a visa to visit Vietnam. If in doubt, please contact your local travel agent or high commission/embassy, or visit Vietnam Immigration Department.
Duty Concessions:
The following items are allowed for personal use: 400 sticks of cigarettes, 100 sticks of cigars, 100 grams of tobacco, 1.5 litres of liquor, small amounts of perfume and jewellery. Foreign currency in excess of USD 7,000 must be declared on arrival.
Prohibited Items:
The following items are strictly prohibited: Weapons, firearms, explosives and flammable objects; opium and other narcotics; anti-government literature.
Restricted Exports/Export Permits:
Antiques, some precious stones and certain animals cannot be brought out of the country. Goods with high value may require export permits issued by the customs authorities. For more information, visit the website of General Department of Vietnam Customs.
More tourist information:
Please contact your local tourism commission or travel agent. Singapore residents may visit the offices of:
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Singapore
10 Leedon Park
Singapore 267887
tel: (65) 6462-5938 • fax: (65) 6468-9863
Sources: VietnamTourism.com Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
