Ho Chi Minh City Local Custom Tips by keeweechic


Ho Chi Minh City Local Customs: 122 reviews and 128 photos

Taking Photos  - Ho Chi Minh City
Taking Photos

Always be aware that in other cultures it is not always acceptable to take photos of people and is always polite to ask permission for specific photos. Also in places of worship, always check that there is no offence taken for taking photos. Usually permission is granted when asked.

Review Helpfulness: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Aug 27, 2006
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Tipping  - Ho Chi Minh City
Tipping

Tipping is not really a custom for restaurants in Vietnam but of course any small amount given would always be appreciated. It is a nice idea to tip guides and drivers who might have given you good service. Do not tip too much though.

Review Helpfulness: 2 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Aug 27, 2006
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Business in Vietman - Ho Chi Minh City
Business in Vietman

Today, more and more foreign businesses are investing in Vietnam and setting up offices and factories there. You should set up appointments prior to your visit and exchange business cards with both hands. Lunches can be long in Vietnam so therefore it is better not to schedule appointments between 11.30am and 2.00pm. However offices do tend to open early (7.30/8.00am) and close around 5.00pm/6.00pm.

Review Helpfulness: 4 out of 5 stars

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  • Written Jun 24, 2004
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Driving in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City
Driving in Vietnam

International or U.S. driver's licences are not considered valid in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles may risk prosecution and imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese licence.

Review Helpfulness: 2 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Jun 24, 2004
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Traffic  - Ho Chi Minh City
Traffic

There is an endless amount of cyclos, motorbikes and bicycles around the city streets. To cross, just walk very slowly, don't panic and rush across,s and you will find that you can get across safely. It actually does work!

Review Helpfulness: 2 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Jan 3, 2004
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Remove your shoes  - Ho Chi Minh City
Remove your shoes

Remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated. It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas. Never let the soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha..

Review Helpfulness: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated May 4, 2003
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Weather - Ho Chi Minh City
Weather

It is monsoonal in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam.

Review Helpfulness: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Oct 16, 2002
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Currency - Ho Chi Minh City

Currency

Currency

The U.S. dollar is more or less a second currency in Vietnam. Other foreign currencies are not readily accepted. U.S. money is so common that change will frequently be given in dollars.

Review Helpfulness: 2 out of 5 stars

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  • Updated Oct 16, 2002
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keeweechic

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