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Guidelines For Visitors To Viet Nam

Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Viet Nam

Index

Before you arrive Passport & Visa requirements Flights Health Insurance What to bring Checklist

Arrival Visa Transport

Viet Nam - Ho Chi Minh City Accommodation Climate Communications Currency Getting around Greetings Health Leisure time Security Shopping & Eating Time zones Tour operators Vietnamese customs

Useful contacts

Also see travel advice at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1060.html Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Viet Nam and http://www.cdc.gov/ Last update May 2014 Last update May 2014 BEFORE YOU ARRIVE one month single entry visa; 65 USD for one month multiple entry; 95 USD for 3 month multiple entry; and 135 USD for six month multiple PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS entry.

You must have at least six months validity left on your passport in order Other visitors should, if possible, get a visa BEFORE departure from the to get a visa for Viet Nam. Viet Nam consulate or diplomatic mission in your country of residence. Citizens of the following countries do not require an entry visa and are If you are visiting OUCRU-VN as an elective student we will arrange a able to visit for up to 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, visitor’s visa for you. Please contact Ms Trang ([email protected]) at Singapore, Thailand. Please have a look at this website to know more least 6 weeks prior to travel with a scan of your passport (the page with about which citizens are exempt for Viet Nam Visa. photo ) and a 1 page CV. Ms Trang will arrange a pre-approved entry http://www.visatoViet Nam.org/faqs/which-citizens-is-exempting-for-Viet Nam- visa which you must print out and hand in with your passport and fee at visa.html?Itemid=35 the “Landing Visa” desk at the airport. There are two types of fees: Fee for Single-entry visas is 45 USD. Fee for Multiple-entry visas is 65 USD Checklist if valid for less than 01 month, 95 USD if valid for less than 06 months • Valid passport (> 6 months) and 135 USD if valid for 06 • Visa authorisation letter from OUCRU in hand luggage months or more. • Visa application form on arrival The visa will be issued • Visa fee ($45-$135 USD) (stamped into your passport) • 2 passport photos size 4 x 6 cm at the international airport on • Locked luggage arrival in Viet Nam. You must enter Vietnam by air to Hanoi, FLIGHTS Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang If you are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights, city. If you are planning to please inform OUCRU of your flight arrival times. leave Viet Nam and re-enter from another country, be INSURANCE sure that your visa is It is vital that all visitors have full travel and health insurance before multiple entry. If it is only coming to Viet Nam. This should include medical evacuation to your single entry, you will have home country. It is also advisable to have insurance cover for to obtain another visa prior unexpected losses/expenses (eg. cancelled flights, lost passport, stolen to returning to Viet Nam. cash etc). Please let Ms Trang know in advance. WHAT TO BRING HCMC and Hanoi have a good range of international products on sale Be aware that many airlines but not all your favourites may be available. Below are a few items will not let you fly to Viet Nam which you may want to bring with you. without a visa or the visa Medicines – most generic drugs are easily available from private authorization letter so keep pharmacies but you should bring your own prescription drugs. these in your hand luggage. It Toiletries – all common toiletries are available but it may not be your is advisable to lock your luggage (you can buy TSA-approved locks at preferred brand. Ladies may want to bring sanitary products. Target in the USA). Appropriate clothes - see section on dress and climate. Poncho Laptop Viet Nam has two fees: 1) the visa processing fee and 2) the visa fee. OUCRU will pay the first in advance but you must pay the second in USD cash as you collect your visa at the airport. This is 45 USD for a VIET NAM – HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL IN HCMC Visitors travelling by air will arrive at Tan Son Nhat International ACCOMMODATION Airport, Ho Chi Minh City. OUCRU can arrange accommodation for visitors with prior notice. A range of accommodation options are available. Please discuss with the TAXIS Travel Officer. You can take a taxi to any destination from the taxi stands outside the Arrival Hall. It is best to walk up to those on the far left as you exit the BUSINESS HOURS Arrival Hall as these taxis are organised by the airport staff (SASCO) All Government offices are open from 08.00 to 17.00 (with a one-hour and will charge you on the meter. Reliable companies include Mai Linh lunch break) Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 07:30 or 08:00 to (08 38383838) and Vinasun (08 38272727). Taxi touts directly outside 16:00 Monday to Friday. Private shops are open from 08:00 or 08:30 to the Arrival Hall will try to negotiate a flat fee which is generally much 21:00 or 22:00 Monday to Sunday. Many museums are closed between higher than the meter fare. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to 11.30-14.00. the centre of the city depending on traffic and should cost approximately 10 USD (200,000vnd) on the meter. CLIMATE If possible change money at the airport (change desks are after you Current HCMC weather: pass through customs and before leaving the airport building) so that http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/VMXX0007.html you can pay in vnd - Dong. Please write your hotel address down clearly Viet Nam’s climate is tropical with daytime temperatures averaging to show the driver. between 30-40C (86-104F). May – October is the rainy season, with heavy from time to time which can cause flooding in some areas. HOTEL AIRPORT PICKUP November – February is Many hotels have airport pickup and drop off service, though it is the coolest time of the expensive. You must contact your hotel before arrival to arrange this year. Temperatures are service. OUCRU may be able to arrange a pick-up for you but this more extreme in the should be discussed before flying. north, and can be much cooler in mountainous regions.

Visitors should drink plenty of water (~1 lt/day), use and apply sun cream if outdoors.

COMMUNICATIONS The country code is +84 and the city code for Ho Chi Minh City is -8 and DRESS Hanoi is -4 and local numbers are 8 digits. International calls can be In general Vietnamese dress is made from most public telephones. International Direct Dialing Access conservative but young people Code is 00. Many hotel rooms are furnished with IDD telephone service are adopting western and broadband internet access (cost depends on each hotel). In Viet trends and most styles are Nam, mobile telephone services using the GSM standard are only acceptable in the city centre. partially available. Your international mobile phone may work using the Outside of the centre and in rural roaming service. Standard US phones without international roaming areas you should dress modestly. services are unlikely to function in Viet Nam. If possible, it is useful to bring an unlocked phone with you and insert a Vietnamese SIM Card. The climate is tropical and you SIM cards are readily available from phone shops and convenience should wear cool . It is stores (Mobifone is a widely used brand of SIM card). recommended to wear long, Many cafes and hotels in Viet Nam have free wireless access and there loose clothes. In the rainy season are numerous internet coffee shops. Wireless internet access is roads may get flooded so non- available in the OUCRU. However, some websites may not be available leather can be very from Viet Nam. useful.

CURRENCY When visiting OUCRU, or any of The currency of Viet Nam is the Dong (VND), 1 USD = 21,079vnd the collaborating hospitals or (updated 7th May 2014). Notes are available in paper denominations institutes visitors should wear of 500,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; modest, smart clothing, with no 500 VND, and also in metal denominations of 5,000; 2,000; 1,000, , short or vest tops. although this are not in wide circulation. Throughout the country, Flip flops shouldn’t be worn for American dollars are widely accepted for exchange. However, the bills work. OUCRU will provide laboratory if required. must be relatively new with no markings or tears, and large denominations are preferred. Cash can be exchanged in banks and in the numerous Currency DRINKING WATER Exchange shops. You should not drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap and readily Traveller’s cheques may be available for drinking. It is advisable that you avoid ice in drinks at exchangeable in major street cafes but most restaurants and hotels serve ‘clean’ ice. banks but not at street side money exchangers. Credit cards are becoming more popular, especially in the major hotels and restaurants of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There are now many ATMs in the city and you should be able to withdraw money from your home account. Check with your bank before departure to alert them of your travel activities. Most banks in Viet Nam are open 08.00-16.00 Monday to Friday.

ELECTRICITY Mosquito bites Dengue fever is endemic in most urban areas Viet Nam operates a 220/240 volts, 50Hz power supply. In the and can be best avoided by regular use of insect repellent applied southern part of the country, US-style flat two-pin adapter is throughout the day. available, while in the north the two-pin round 'Europlug' is more Animals Rabies is endemic common. Adapter plugs can be purchased easily. The north side of in Viet Nam and you are strongly Ben Thanh market has a couple of electrical shops. Radioshack and advised not to touch any animals – Target sell them in the US. especially dogs, cats, monkeys. Avian Influenza has resulted in a small number of human fatalities in GETTING AROUND SE Asia and therefore it is advised Buses There are public buses along most major routes. These not to touch birds. are very cheap but can be crowded at peak times. Enteric diseases There is a Motorbikes We do not recommend visitors use motorbike taxis very small risk of typhoid which can (xe oms) or hire a bike to get around the city. If you do choose to drive be avoided by vaccination. As usual, a motorbike it is compulsory to wear a and carry a valid there is a risk of traveller’s diarrhoea Vietnamese bike license. Do not hand over your passport as a with food that is not freshly cooked guarantee for returning a bike. or unclean water. Uncooked Public taxis Taxis are relatively cheap and very common. You vegetables can carry parasites and should only use ‘official’ taxis which have the taxi company painted on should be avoided. Uncooked meats the doors and a TAXI METER sign on the roof. Do not use unlabeled and animal products should be taxis, old looking cars or taxis which do not want to use the meter. avoided. Make a note of the taxi number in case you leave valuables as it is hard Traffic As above, we do not to retrieve them otherwise. recommend visitors to use motorbikes or road travel outside the cities Cyclos In the centre of the city there are many cyclo drivers at night because of the risk of accidents. who now just carry tourists. Expect to pay about double the usual taxi Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis Our normal fare but not more. Always recommendation is that malaria prophylaxis is not required for HCMC or agree a price beforehand, Hanoi, nor is recommended for visitors staying in urban or coastal areas and even write it out if of Viet Nam. If you think you will be travelling in mountainous areas you there is room for should bring prophylaxis with you. The Unit recommends the following misunderstanding. It can be vaccinations: Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and rabies as well as a fun way of seeing the ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date. city, with many cyclo In case of emergency you can go to any of the International drivers acting as impromptu clinics in the city. A list of clinics is given at the end of this tour guides. Be very careful document. with your bags when travelling in a cyclo as they SECURITY may be easily snatched. Viet Nam is a relatively safe country for tourists but you should be aware of the usual petty crime that can occur in big cities such as pick- pocketing and bag snatching by passing motorbikes. Please bring a bag HEALTH with long, strong strap and wear it across your body when on the street. Health risks typical for South East Asia. We would recommend you Use your phone with discretion if on the side of the street. Don’t make it consult the WHO site for Viet Nam obvious that you are carrying a laptop. If possible, avoid carrying a bag http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/ and the CDC site and only take small amounts of cash around with you in your pockets. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx and your local health Do not carry your passport around with you. provider. We bring the following to your attention: Valuables You should not carry large amounts of cash on you. You should use the hotel safe, if available, or you may use the safe at OUCRU to leave cash and passport. We recommend you don’t bring precious items of with you. Make a photocopy of your passport as well as all important credit/debit cards and store copies in a secure place. It is advisable to lock your luggage.

Emergency numbers should you need them are: Police: 113 Fire Brigade: 114 First Aid: 115

SHOPPING AND EATING Eating Viet Nam has been called a ‘Foodies Heaven’! Vietnamese food is fantastic! HCMC has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Western and Vietnamese. Ask local staff for their favourite haunts. Vegetarian food There are some specifically vegetarian restaurants in the city, but most places can serve a few vegetarian dishes. However, you should specify when you order that you do not eat ANY meat/fish as many supposedly vegetable dishes include a little meat in them. Ask at OUCRU for more information. Groceries Food can be bought at supermarkets, grocery shops TIME ZONES or in the local market. A list of shops is given at the end. The entire country of Viet Nam falls within the UTC/GMT+7 time Clothes There are a number of cheap clothing outlets where you zone. Daylight saving time is not used. can pick up bargains, although it isn’t always possible to get Western sizes. See Saigon Square Mall for bargains, or Parkson, Vincom Centre, TIPPING & BARGAINING Diamond plaza for department stores. Tipping is not common amongst Vietnamese customers, but may be Tailors Vietnamese tailors are generally very good and relatively expected in places frequented by Westerners. There is no need to tip cheap. It is possible to get and casual clothes made in a short taxi drivers or in small coffee shops & street restaurants, etc. In up- time. market restaurants and hotels a 10% tip is sufficient.

Bargaining is commonplace in markets and tourist shops but should be considered a form of engagement and entertainment rather than a battle. Do not get angry, make jokes about how your children will starve etc. and the whole process will be enjoyed by both sides. In the end pay what the item is worth to you. If the vendor comes down to the price you ask YOU SHOULD BUY IT! Usually the amounts you are haggling over are tiny. If a shop or stall says ‘fixed price’ they don’t want you to bargain. However, be careful when you need to go shopping early morning in the open market, do not ask for a discount and then go away. This is seen to bring bad luck to the vendor and may make them angry. See this website for more tips. http://goseasia.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=goseasia&cdn =travel&tm=77&gps=138_965_1300_716&f=00&su=p284.9.336.ip_p5 31.52.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.pbs.org/hitchhiki ngViet Nam/travel/bargain.html

TOUR OPERATORS VIETNAMESE CUSTOMS There are numerous travel agencies which will organise tours and book The Vietnamese are genuinely very friendly and helpful people. cars. A few examples are listed Interactions with local people are always the most rewarding part of a below but there are many more visit to Viet Nam. We hope you have the opportunity to make some and many hotels will book tours Vietnamese friends. for you (although these are A few cultural tips generally much more • Men – Women relationships are conservative and people won’t expensive). touch each other in public. This also applies to extending a kiss as a Cheap & cheerful greeting or patting someone of the opposite sex. Often men will not Café: 246-248 De Tham offer to shake a women’s hand in a business setting. Young, urban Street, District 1, HCMC. Tel: people are changing these boundaries but you should follow the (+84 (0)8) 3836 7338. other person’s lead. www.sinhcafevn.com • People are private about their political views and you shouldn’t Saigon Tourist. 45 Le Thanh embarrass someone by asking about them. Please be careful to be Ton St, D1, HCMC. Tel: (+84 respectful about the country and its leaders both in conversation (0)8) 3827 9279. and also what you write in whatever forms of social media you use. www.saigontourist.net/english • Respect for elders. Vietnamese society holds great respect for Excellent & expensive elders, with particular forms of greeting depending on age. Exotissimo, Central Plaza Therefore please dress smartly if meeting officials or hospital Building 17 Le Duan Bd leaders etc. Please use the appropriate title when addressing or (Ground floor), District 1, Ho referring to an elder ie. Mr, Mrs, Professor etc. If you are eating a Chi Minh City meal with Vietnamese invite the eldest to eat first. Tel : (84 8) 3827 2911 • If you are given a gift do not open it in front of the person who gave it to you, and don’t expect them to open your gifts in front of Fax: (84 8) 3827 2912 you. Email: [email protected] • Respecting face. It is highly important for an Asian not to loose face or be embarrassed in public. Getting angry with someone will embarrass them, and often Vietnamese do not show their feelings with each other. For more information see: http://www.activetravelViet Nam.com/culture_customs/meet_and_great.html

For useful Vietnamese phrases see: http://www.Viet Namtravel.org/learn-Vietnamese

USEFUL CONTACTS Groceries

OUCRU http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/groceries/groceries For problems or questions, please contact: OUCRU Office +84 (0)8 3923 7954 Annam Gourmet Market Ms Trang: +84(0)907494947 Email address: [email protected] 16-18 Hai Ba Trung, Q1 , Tel: 3822 9332 41A Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: 3744 2630 U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City Attractive and spacious French-owned grocery shop a large 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam range of foods, organic fruit and vegetables, imported beers and wines. 24 hour telephone number: (84-8) 3520-4200, Fax: (84-8) 3520-4244 Also sells luxury branded products from the likes of Fauchon. The deli upstairs in the Hai Ba Trung branch serves tasty baguette rolls in a Health Clinics comfortable lounge area with free Wi-Fi, and offers probably the best Family Medical Practice HCMC selection of cheese and cured meats in town. Free delivery for Districts Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, D1, HCMC Tel: +84 8 3822 7848 1, 2 and 3. Email: hcmc@Viet Nammedicalpractice.com

SOS International, 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1, HCMC. 24 hr Tel: (+84 (0)8) 3829 8520.

OSCAT/AEA International Clinic 65 Nguyen Du, District 1, HCMC, Tel: 848 829-8520, Fax: 848 829- 8551

Columbia-Gia Dinh International Clinic 01 No Trang Long, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, Tel: (848) 803-0678.

FV Hospital 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Saigon South (Phu My Hung), District 7, HCM City, Viet Nam, Tel:: +84 8 5411 3333 Fax: +84 8 5411 3334 http://www.fvhospital.com/en/admin/10_00.php

Au Parc 23 Han Thuyen, Q1 , Tel: 3829 2772 Deli displaying a large selection of cheeses, dips, olives and some Le Cochon d’Or delicious desserts. They also sell jars of dried goods and imported 32 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: 3829 3856 condiments. An international standard butchers with a solid selection of fresh meats, charcuterie products, a tasty selection of pates, sausages, cheeses and Aussie–Fruits poultry. Sells both retail and wholesale. 45 Mac Thi Buoi Street, Q1 , Tel: 6291 8126, www.aussie–fruits.com Aussie Fruits are among the first in Viet Nam to promote a full range of Phuong Ha Australian seasonal fruits. Their mission is to bring the best quality 58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: 3914 1318 fruits from Australia into Viet Nam, with professionally trained customer Mini supermarket stocking a large range of imported foods, cheese, support along with a state of the art facility that guarantees 100% meat, fresh fruit, vegetables and good wines. Friendly service and freshness directly from Australian farms. Check their website to see helpful staff, although the selection of products is slightly smaller than what’s in season. its next door neighbour, Thai Ha.

Thai Ha 60 Ham Nghi, Q1 Supermarket that vies with its next door neighbour, Phuong Ha, for customers. Excellent selection of imported goods including canned foods, dairy products, cereals and meat products. The staff here speak reasonable English although the service is better next door.

Veggy’s 29A Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: 3823 8526 Packed from floor to ceiling with imported cereals, meats, cheeses, and almost anything else you can think of, this is a very popular choice for expats doing their weekly shop. The walk-in fridge at the back is a draw in itself.

Kim Hai Butchers 41 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1, Tel: 3821 6057 Stocks a comprehensive range of fresh meat products imported directly from Australia. Beef and lamb make up the bulk of the selection, but some locally-sourced poultry and fish products are also on offer. Also does pre-packaged prepared meat like chicken strips – perfect for the freezer. Open seven days a week.