The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
VietnamA little local knowledge.
Discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay, the bustle of Hanoi, and the flavors of Pho.
Do not drink the tap water.
Ambulance: 115
Vietnamese Dong
Exercise Normal Precautions
Essential Etiquette in Vietnam
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Remove shoes when entering homes
Always take off shoes when entering someone's home. Look for a shoe rack or pile of shoes at the door.
Don't raise your voice
Vietnamese value calm composure. Avoid showing anger or raising your voice in public, even when frustrated.
Bring gifts when visiting
When visiting someone's home, bring fruit, sweets, flowers, or soft drinks. Never bring anything black.
Don't cause 'loss of face'
Avoid embarrassing anyone publicly. The concept of 'saving face' is extremely important in Vietnamese culture.
Essential Vietnamese Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Menu please"
Take all 44 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Do not drink the tap water
TAP WATER: DO NOT DRINK. Not potable anywhere. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice. Bottled water widely available (LaVie, Aquafina, Dasani — check seal). Ice: Cylindrical ice with a hole (factory-produced) is generally safe. Avoid crushed or block ice.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Widely available with many medications available OTC. However, risk of counterfeit or substandard drugs exists. Use reputable pharmacy chains or hospital pharmacies for most reliable medications. Always check expiry dates on packaging.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Vietnam
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Vietnam.
Grab
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Book cars (GrabCar), motorbikes (GrabBike), or taxis with upfront pricing. Also offers food delivery (GrabFood), grocery delivery (GrabMart), and mobile payments (GrabPay). Accepts international credit cards and cash.
Xanh SM
Xanh SM is VinFast's official electric vehicle ride-hailing service, launched in 2023. All rides are in new VinFast electric cars, offering a clean, modern, and eco-friendly transportation option. Rapidly expanding in major Vietnamese cities.
Zalo
Vietnam's most popular messaging app, used by over 70 million people for messaging, voice calls, and video calls. Many local businesses, hotels, and tour operators use Zalo as their primary communication channel. Supports voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Hanoi
170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (Rose Garden Building, 2nd Floor)
Field Guides & Dispatches for Vietnam
Vietnam E-Visa 2026: The $25 Form People Pay $150 For \u2014 and the New Arrival Card Most Guides Missed
Vietnam's e-visa costs $25 on the official portal. Third-party sites charge up to six times that. Plus the Digital Arrival Card that launched in April and has quietly expanded well beyond Ho Chi Minh City.
Thailand or Vietnam for Your First Southeast Asia Trip — An Honest Comparison
Vietnam runs 20–30% cheaper, but your dates may decide it. Compare cost, weather, trip shape, ease, food, and entry rules.
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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