Ho Chi Minh City for first-timers
The questions people ask most before their first trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), in one place. Where there's a longer guide, it's linked.
Visas
Citizens of 12 countries can stay up to 45 days without a visa: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. That policy runs until March 14, 2028.
Everyone else, including US, Australian, Canadian and Indian passport holders, needs an e-visa. It's valid for up to 90 days and costs US$25 single entry or US$50 multiple entry.
Apply only on the official site, evisa.gov.vn. Plenty of look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Weather
It's hot all year. There are two seasons:
- Dry season (December to April): almost no rain. March and April are the hottest months.
- Rainy season (May to November): usually a heavy shower for an hour or two in the afternoon, then it clears. All-day rain is rare.
Pack a compact umbrella or a light rain poncho in the wet season. The poncho is better if you'll be riding GrabBike.
Money
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). As a rough guide, 25,000–26,000 VND is about US$1.
- Airport exchange counters have the worst rates. Change enough for a ride and a meal, then change the rest in town.
- The 500,000 and 20,000 notes are both blue. Check your change.
More in where to exchange money in Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around
Most people get around the city by Grab. The fare is fixed in the app, so there's no haggling. Sort out a SIM or eSIM first so you can book a ride at the airport.
Power
220V. Sockets usually take two round pins (European style) or two flat pins (US style). UK plugs need an adapter.
What to watch out for
Taxi touts, note switching and phone snatching from motorbikes are the problems visitors run into most. Knowing about them in advance avoids almost all of it: common scams in Ho Chi Minh City.
Where to stay
District 1 is the easiest base for a first visit. District 3 and Thảo Điền are quieter. See where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for a full comparison.
Sources: Vietcetera visa guide (Sept 2026), Local Vietnam money exchange guide (updated July 2026)