Visa

Vietnam provides visa exemption to citizens of the countries listed HERE

For detailed information on visas as well as on countries whose nationals require a visa or are exempt from such requirements, please visit the website of the Embassy of Vietnam in the country where your passport was issued.

Practical information

Local currency and exchange rate

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• The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND; Symbol: ₫).
• As of July 2025, the exchange rate is approximately USD 1 = VND 26,100. Vietnamese banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; 100,000; 200,000; and 500,000 dong.
• Coins are no longer in common circulation.

Exchanging currency

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• Foreign currency exchange can be done at banks, money changers, or hotels.

Climate

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• Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate. In September, Ho Chi Minh City experiences temperatures of 24°C to 32°C with high humidity and occasional rainfall.

Dress code

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• Meetings, Luncheons, Dinners: Formal (the Meeting venues are air-conditioned), Traditional Technical Tour: Causal, Traditional

Electricity

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• The standard voltage throughout Vietnam is normally 220 V, 50 Hz.
• Most power plugs and sockets in Vietnam are Type A and C

Health requirements and precautions

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• For accurate and updated health information, kindly refer to the Embassy of Vietnam in your country.

• Insurance

• Participants may wish to take out adequate travel insurance and health insurance before leaving their respective countries.
• The hosts have no insurance coverage for the participants and will not be held responsible for any accident that may occur during the conference.

• Telephones

• (84) Vietnamese prefix
• (28) Ho Chi Minh City area code
• Participants can purchase Vietnamese SIM cards before arrival or at the airport and authorized outlets in Vietnam.
• A valid passport is required for SIM registration, per local regulations.
• Prepaid plans with 4G and growing 5G coverage are widely available in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting data and voice needs.
• Free public Wi-Fi is common in airports, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. Participants should use caution when accessing public networks.

• Tips

• Tipping is not obligatory, but small gratuities are appreciated for exceptional service.
• Some restaurants and hotels include a 5–10% service charge.

• Credit cards and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

• Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, and large restaurants.
• However, cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller shops and markets.
• ATMs supporting international cards are readily available throughout the city for convenient cash withdrawals.

• Business hours

Location	Monday-Friday	Saturday	Sunday& Public Holidays
Banks (with tellers)	08:00 – 16:30	Closed	Closed
Offices	08:00 – 17:00	Closed	Closed
Museums	08:00 – 17:00	08:00 – 17:00	08:00 – 17:00
Shopping Malls	09:00 – 22:00	09:00 – 22:00	09:00 – 22:00
Post Offices	08:00 – 17:00	08:00 – 12:00	Closed

• Emergency phone numbers

Police/General Emergencies	113
Fire and Rescue	114
Medical Emergencies	115