Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Ho Chi Minh City

• Grab (car and motorbike) is the honest way to move — download before arrival.

• Cross streets slowly and steadily — never stop or reverse; motorbikes flow around you.

• Refuse invitations to see 'my sister's tailor shop' or 'special museum' from cyclo drivers — they end in commissions.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 113.

• Snatch theft from passing motorbikes is #1 risk — hold phones tight, no dangling shoulder bags, cross at intersections.

• Refuse unmarked taxis and cyclo 'special tour' offers — Grab only.

• Emergency 113 (police), 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire).

Visas and entry

Entry policy: visa free, typically up to 45 days. US, UK, EU, most Western + Japan/Korea + Nordic + ASEAN — 15–45 days visa-free (45 days for US/UK/EU since Aug 2023). Longer stays use eVisa 90-day (US$25 single / US$50 multi-entry). Passport must be valid 6+ months.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Ho Chi Minh City. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.