A Vietnam Survival Guide

05/15/2015

By ATA

Planning a trip to a foreign land sounds very adventurous but how do you survive within that strange country that is certainly foreign to you? Here are a few basic tips, whether it is for business or pleasure and what you need to know about staying in Vietnam. This will be an easy to follow guide to help you with some basic knowledge.

Be Positive!

Vietnamese people are known to be reserved comparing them to surrounding areas. Tourism operators will be annoying and to try to upsell you things. Only If you ask, they will they respond.

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Taxis and scammers

When they find out that you are not from around the area, they will find a way to get more cash from your pocket. Just make sure that you have a map on you at all times and know where you are going. If you feel any pressure just make sure to ask them to stop, nicely of course, and get another driver.

Clubbing and partying

Yes, beer is relatively cheap here so you will find a lot of reasons to not have a drink. But try not to get too drunk as the “ladies” in the club are quite clever and will employ a little under handiness to the unsuspecting drunk. Stay sharp and focused and sip your beer.

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Visas

Everyone travelling from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, as of February 2015, do require a visa to come to Vietnam. A lot of tour operators will charge you a fee to obtain one and some will even offer to get it done for free.

Safety

Vietnam is most likely the safest place in the world, but it is always good to watch out for your belongings when in any strange foreign lands. There are small, tiny personal unsafety in main cities, such as snatching. Usually they want purses and cell phones. No reports of rapes, killings and shootings of any international tourist have been reported. The Vietnam police do everything to protect you, than the locals.

Culture Shock

As when travelling to any foreign country there always is culture shock. Some more than others. Street vendors may want to take some pictures with you or even your family members. They might even ask questions that may seem weird to you too. There are many unusual and strange things happening in Vietnam, that’s why so many people love to visit this vibrant country

Price Bargaining

Never buy anything without haggling over the price! It is a piece of culture in this country to list the price higher than the expected sale price. They do it in the malls, shops and even food vendors on the streets. Make it a good bargain by offering 2/3 of the price they are asking. Don’t get angry or even frustrated because that is Vietnam. The street vendors can be very persistent too and just remember that these people often only earn dollars per day, so be understanding.

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