Vietnam travel checklist
Power, visa, eSIM, packing rules, and weather in one fast page.
Currency
VND
Language
Vietnamese
Power
Plug types A, C, D, 220V / 50Hz.
Time zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Power banks
Under 100Wh allowed in carry-on; 100-160Wh needs airline approval; Up to 2 units.
Vietnam travel checklist overview
What this page covers
The Vietnam travel checklist highlights the key rules that affect most visitors: power standards, entry requirements, SIM options, carry-on rules, and weather expectations.
Who it helps
Use this checklist if you want a fast pre-flight scan before diving into the full tools. It is designed for first-time visitors and quick repeat trips.
Local context
Expect busy cities, affordable street food, and strong mobile coverage in tourist areas.
Local essentials
What locals use
- Transit card: HCMC Metro card (Line 1)
- Main airports: HAN, SGN
- Emergency number: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire)
- City climate notes: Hanoi is cool and damp in winter; Ho Chi Minh City stays hot year-round; central Vietnam has typhoons in late summer.
- Voltage differences: Voltage is consistent nationwide at 220V / 50Hz.
Local insight
Vietnam is best explored by region: Hanoi for history, central Vietnam for beaches, and Ho Chi Minh City for food and nightlife. Motorbikes dominate traffic, so cross streets slowly and steadily. Domestic flights save time on long routes, while overnight trains are useful for budget travel. Rain showers are common, so pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
Entry essentials
🛂 Visa & entry
- eVisa available for many passports
- Visa-free entry for some short stays
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
🔌 Power & charging
- Type A/C/D plugs, 220V power
- Most devices support 100-240V input
- Bring a universal adapter
📱 eSIM & data
- 4G coverage is strong in cities
- Airport SIM kiosks are common
- Activate eSIM before arrival for instant data
💳 Payments
- Cards accepted in hotels and malls
- Cash is common in markets and taxis
- ATM fees vary by bank
Getting around, safety, and best seasons
🚆 Transportation
- Domestic flights connect major regions
- Grab taxis are common in cities
- Overnight trains serve long routes
🛡️ Safety
- Emergency number is 113
- Watch for motorbike traffic
- Keep valuables secured in crowds
🌤️ Best seasons
- November to April is drier in the south
- March to May is mild in the north
- June to August is hot and wet
Planning checklist
Vietnam travel checklist tools to use
Power bank rules
Under 100Wh allowed in carry-on; 100-160Wh needs airline approval; Up to 2 units.
Open tool →Visa and entry snapshot
| Passport | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | eVisa | Apply online before travel. |
| Japan | visa-free | Short stays allowed (check length). |
| United Kingdom | eVisa | Apply online before travel. |
| Australia | eVisa | Apply online before travel. |
Best eSIM picks for Vietnam
Airalo
5GB for 30 days • $13 • 4G/5G
Nomad
10GB for 30 days • $18 • 4G/LTE
Weather and packing advice
Best weather months around Hanoi:
- March: 24°C / 18°C, 40mm rain
- April: 28°C / 20°C, 60mm rain
- November: 24°C / 18°C, 40mm rain
FAQ
Vietnam offers eVisa access for many passports, while some travelers enter visa-free for short stays. Always verify for your passport.
Vietnam uses type A, C, and D plugs with 220V / 50Hz power.
Yes, but they must be carried in the cabin and stay within airline watt-hour limits.
Other destinations
Last updated: 2025-12-08. Always confirm critical rules with official sources.