Vietnam

Vietnam's roads pulse with life, dominated by scooters zipping through cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Don't fear the chaos—embrace it with these practical tips to get around smoothly.

Start by downloading an eSIM via the Hello app for seamless connectivity without roaming fees; it's essential for real-time navigation apps like Grab, which handles rideshares, taxis, and motorbike taxis from just 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD) for short hops.

• Trains for long hauls: Book overnight sleeper trains from Hanoi to Hue (around 500,000 VND/$20 USD) via Vietnam Railways app—comfy berths and scenic views through rice fields.
• Buses for budget wins: Futa Bus or Sinh Tourist lines connect Hoi An to Da Nang for 50,000 VND ($2 USD); they're air-conditioned and reliable.
• Motorbike rentals: In Hoi An or the Ha Giang Loop, rent a scooter for 150,000 VND/day ($6 USD)—wear a helmet, get travel insurance, and stick to daylight hours.

Plan your itinerary in Hello to plot multi-city routes effortlessly. For groups, split Grab fares instantly with its expense splitting feature. Pro tip: Cross streets with confident, steady steps—locals weave around you like schools of fish.

Vietnam's street food scene is a flavor explosion, from steaming pho bowls in Hanoi's Old Quarter to crispy banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City. Dive in safely and deliciously with these actionable bites.

Hunt stalls with crowds—high turnover means fresh eats. Kick off in Hanoi with pho bo (beef noodle soup) for 40,000 VND ($1.60 USD) near Hoan Kiem Lake, or try Hoi An's cao lau noodles loaded with herbs and crackling pork.

• Must-tries: Hue's bun bo Hue spicy beef soup; Mekong Delta's tropical fruits at Cai Rang floating market.
• Safety first: Opt for peeled fruits, bottled water, and hot foods. Build tolerance gradually if spice-sensitive.
• Night markets: Ben Thanh in Saigon for grilled nem lui skewers (lemongrass pork, 30,000 VND/$1.20 USD).

Track your food spends in local currency with Hello's budget tracking—log that egg coffee (iconic Hanoi treat, 25,000 VND/$1 USD) to stay on track. Join a cooking class in Hoi An to master family recipes, then split the bill with companions via the app. Eating here isn't just fuel—it's the heartbeat of Vietnam.

Vietnam runs on cash, but blending it with digital savvy keeps your trip frictionless. ATMs are everywhere, dispensing VND, but watch fees (around 30,000 VND/$1.20 USD per withdrawal).

Exchange at banks or Vietcombank for best rates—avoid airport kiosks. Carry 500,000 VND ($20 USD) small bills for markets like Hoi An's lantern streets or Sapa homestays.

• Cards & apps: Use Visa/Mastercard at hotels and malls; MoMo or ZaloPay for street eats in bigger cities.
• Haggling tips: Start at half price in Ben Thanh Market, smile, and walk away if needed—it's a game.
• Tipping: Not expected, but 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.40-0.80 USD) delights cyclo drivers or guides.

Hello shines here: Track expenses in VND with its budget tool to monitor daily spends (aim 500,000-1,000,000 VND/$20-40 USD per day mid-range). Split group meals—like a Mekong Delta homestay feast—effortlessly. Plan ahead in the app to allocate funds for highlights like Ha Long Bay cruises (1,500,000 VND/$60 USD). Smart money moves mean more for adventures.

Vietnam's culture weaves ancient rituals with vibrant daily life—immerse yourself respectfully for unforgettable connections.

In Hanoi, visit the Temple of Literature (11th-century university, 30,000 VND/$1.20 USD entry) for serene Confucian vibes. Hue's Imperial City (200,000 VND/$8 USD) reveals royal history amid Perfume River dragon boats.

• Dos: Remove shoes entering homes/pagodas; dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) at Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Homestays: Overnight in Sapa with Hmong families—share rice wine, learn indigo dyeing (500,000 VND/$20 USD including meals).
• Festivals: Time for Hoi An lanterns (full moon nights) or Mid-Autumn rice cake feasts.

Stay connected with Hello's eSIM to translate phrases or book etiquette tours on the fly. Organize cultural itineraries in the app, tracking costs like Cu Chi Tunnels entry (120,000 VND/$4.80 USD). Split donations at village dances. Engaging like a local—greeting with a nod, trying cheers ('Chuc suc khoel')—turns visits into bonds.