Flights & Airports
- Most convenient airport for Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
- Other major airports: Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City & Da Nang (DAD).
- Recommended domestic airlines: Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines.
Visa Requirements
- Most visitors require a visa; many nationalities can get an e-Visa (up to 90 days).
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
- Check the latest rules for your specific passport type well in advance.
- Official Info: Vietnamese Embassy, Vietnam Visa
- German Travel Advice: Auswärtiges Amt
Getting Around
- Grab App: Best for transportation service (similar to Uber) (cars & motorbikes).
- Taxis: Use companies like G7 or Mai Linh (use meter).
- Intercity Transport: Buses and minivans are affordable.
- By Foot/Cyclo: Great for exploring city centers.
- Motorbike Rental: Only for EXPERIENCED riders with an international driver's license.
Weather & Currency
- Weather in October: Generally pleasant, ~25–30°C; Central region can be rainy.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Payments: ATMs are widely available (note: additional fees apply) and cards are accepted, but locals typically pay using QR codes linked directly to their VN bank accounts (foreigner may use "Moreta Pay" app); carry cash for small vendors.
- Exchange Rate Guide: 1 EUR ≈ 30,000 VND.
Health & Safety
- Ensure standard vaccinations are up-to-date; consider Hepatitis A/B, Typhus, Rabies.
- Use mosquito protection to prevent dengue.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency: Police (113), Fire (114), Ambulance (115).
- Important: Get comprehensive travel insurance with repatriation.
Recommended Apps & Tools
- Airalo/Sally: Easy eSIMs for data.
- Grab: Transport & food delivery.
- Google Translate: Download Vietnamese offline.
- Maps.me / Google Maps: Navigation.
- XE Currency: Live exchange rates.
- Moreta Pay: Easily make QR code payments in VN like a local.