Ho Chi Minh City Local Custom Tips by sailor_p

A very beautiful etiquette I've learnt in HCMC: When walking up a flight of stairs, gentlemen would let the ladies to walk ahead. If case they fall, our knights in shining armour will be there to hold them. Now, when coming down the stairs, the men will normally walk ahead. Same logic, if we ladies fall, at least the guys can be our cushion! So, next time, if you meet a guy from Vietnam, don't think he's being bossy when he insists on walking ahead of you when coming down a flight of stairs!

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For Singaporeans, no visa is required if you intend to stay there for less than 30 days. Special counters have been designated at the immigration to handle entry and departure of ASEAN visitors.

For departure, there is no need to pay any taxes now, unlike in the past. The departure tax is already included in the air-ticket.

For more information on immigration and custom issues, visit Vietnam National Administration of Tourism


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I've visited different parts of Vietnam about 4 times between 2005 and 2007. In my personal opinion, it is better for tourist or visitor to use the local currency, vietnamese dong, for any cash transaction. It really helps to stretch the dollar further.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can find numerous banks, shops and money-changers. The rate is competitive and you can exchange currencies such as USD, UK Sterling, SGD, AUD etc for Vietnamese dong. Do compare the rates before you decide the do the exchange.

One of the most interesting point to note - do not ignore the goldsmith shops in town. There are many goldsmith shops in HCMC and they also provide currency exchange services! Personally, the rates at the goldsmith shops are much better than the commercial banks or money changers.

For your next visit to HCMC, do visit one of the goldsmith shops if you wish to exchange currency. There are numerous goldsmith shops in the vicinity of Ben Thanh Market!

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