Climate

Annual temperature averages around 23°C (73.4°F) with the average temperature of 17°C (62.6°F) in winter and 29°C (84.2°F) in summer. There are four seasons in Hanoi but it is normally divided into two distinct seasons of "rainy" and "dry" seasons. May to September belongs to the rainy seasons and October to April belongs to the dry season.

Clothing

Light and casual clothing is suitable for most places. Bring along a few jackets to keep warm during the rainy season.

Currency

The Vietnam currency is the dong or VND. Travellers' cheques and credit cards can also be used in travel agencies, hotels and major restaurants.

Customs

On arrival, one must complete the white and yellow duplicate arrival-departure forms. Visitors must declare foreign currency in excess of US$7,000. It is prohibited to import and export anti-government literature, pornography, firearms and weapons.

Electricity

Cities provide electricity at 220 volts while in some rural areas is 110 volts.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Medical standards and treatment is limited, even in Hanoi. Be careful when buying pharmaceutical/medicinal goods; check them properly before use. Vaccinations are recommended before travelling. Drink only boiled and bottled water.

Local Area Information

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, dominates the north in many ways. Founded in 1010 AD, this historic city is situated in the Red River Delta, on the west side of the river.

Mobile Phones

Network acceptable in Hanoi is Vinaphone and Mobifone.

Public Phones

Coins are not accepted in Hanoi's public phones. Only phonecards are acceptable; they can be purchased with value of VND30,000 - VND100,000.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shopping hours are from 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

• Banks: Open from 7:30 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Government offices: Open from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
• Offices: Open from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Taxes

There will be a 10% government tax (VAT) imposed in some goods and a 5% service charge in restaurants.

Time Zone

GMT +7.

Tipping

As 5% service charge is added to the bill, tipping is up to one's preferences.

Visa

Visitors will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Tourist visas are usually granted at Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad.

The Vietnam Tourism Administration has signed a visa-exemption agreement with Thailand and Philippines that allows visits to Vietnam for up to 30 days without having to apply for an entry visa.

Visitors from China may use tourist cards when heading for the capital city of Hanoi.