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 Dress 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 and http://www.cdc.gov/

Last update May 2014

Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Viet Nam Last update May 2014

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS You must have at least six months validity left on your passport in order to get a visa for Viet Nam. If you are visiting OUCRU-VN as an elective student we will arrange a visitor’s visa for you. Please contact Ms Trang (trangvhy@oucru.org) at least 6 weeks prior to travel with a scan of your passport (the page with photo ) and a 1 page CV. Ms Trang will arrange a pre-approved entry visa which you must print out and hand in with your passport and fee at 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 if valid for less than 01 month, 95 USD if valid for less than 06 months and 135 USD if valid for 06 months or more. The visa will be issued (stamped into your passport) at the international airport on arrival in Viet Nam. You must enter Vietnam by air to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang city. If you are planning to leave Viet Nam and re-enter from another country, be sure that your visa is multiple entry. If it is only single entry, you will have to obtain another visa prior to returning to Viet Nam. Please let Ms Trang know in advance. Be aware that many airlines will not let you fly to Viet Nam without a visa or the visa authorization letter so keep these in your hand luggage. It is advisable to lock your luggage (you can buy TSA-approved locks at Target in the USA). 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

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 entry. Other visitors should, if possible, get a visa BEFORE departure from the Viet Nam consulate or diplomatic mission in your country of residence. Citizens of the following countries do not require an entry visa and are able to visit for up to 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. Please have a look at this website to know more about which citizens are exempt for Viet Nam Visa. http://www.visatoViet Nam.org/faqs/which-citizens-is-exempting-for-Viet Nam-visa.html?Itemid=35 Checklist

• Valid passport (> 6 months) • Visa authorisation letter from OUCRU in hand luggage • Visa application form on arrival • Visa fee ($45-$135 USD) • 2 passport photos size 4 x 6 cm • Locked luggage

FLIGHTS If you are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights, please inform OUCRU of your flight arrival times. INSURANCE It is vital that all visitors have full travel and health insurance before coming to Viet Nam. This should include medical evacuation to your home country. It is also advisable to have insurance cover for unexpected losses/expenses (eg. cancelled flights, lost passport, stolen cash etc). WHAT TO BRING HCMC and Hanoi have a good range of international products on sale but not all your favourites may be available. Below are a few items which you may want to bring with you. Medicines – most generic drugs are easily available from private pharmacies but you should bring your own prescription drugs. Toiletries – all common toiletries are available but it may not be your preferred brand. Ladies may want to bring sanitary products. Appropriate clothes - see section on dress and climate. Poncho Laptop

ARRIVAL IN HCMC Visitors travelling by air will arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City. TAXIS 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 Arrival Hall as these taxis are organised by the airport staff (SASCO) and will charge you on the meter. Reliable companies include Mai Linh (08 38383838) and Vinasun (08 38272727). Taxi touts directly outside the Arrival Hall will try to negotiate a flat fee which is generally much higher than the meter fare. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to the centre of the city depending on traffic and should cost approximately 10 USD (200,000vnd) on the meter. If possible change money at the airport (change desks are after you pass through customs and before leaving the airport building) so that you can pay in vnd - Dong. Please write your hotel address down clearly to show the driver. HOTEL AIRPORT PICKUP Many hotels have airport pickup and drop off service, though it is expensive. You must contact your hotel before arrival to arrange this service. OUCRU may be able to arrange a pick-up for you but this should be discussed before flying.

VIET NAM – HO CHI MINH CITY ACCOMMODATION OUCRU can arrange accommodation for visitors with prior notice. A range of accommodation options are available. Please discuss with the Travel Officer. BUSINESS HOURS All Government offices are open from 08.00 to 17.00 (with a one-hour lunch break) Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 07:30 or 08:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday. Private shops are open from 08:00 or 08:30 to 21:00 or 22:00 Monday to Sunday. Many museums are closed between 11.30-14.00. CLIMATE Current HCMC weather: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/VMXX0007.html Viet Nam’s climate is tropical with daytime temperatures averaging between 30-40C (86-104F). May – October is the rainy season, with heavy rain from time to time which can cause flooding in some areas. November – February is the coolest time of the year. Temperatures are more extreme in the north, and can be much cooler in mountainous regions. Visitors should drink plenty of water (~1 lt/day), use hats and apply sun cream if outdoors.

COMMUNICATIONS The country code is +84 and the city code for Ho Chi Minh City is -8 and Hanoi is -4 and local numbers are 8 digits. International calls can be made from most public telephones. International Direct Dialing Access Code is 00. Many hotel rooms are furnished with IDD telephone service and broadband internet access (cost depends on each hotel). In Viet Nam, mobile telephone services using the GSM standard are only partially available. Your international mobile phone may work using the roaming service. Standard US phones without international roaming 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. SIM cards are readily available from phone shops and convenience stores (Mobifone is a widely used brand of SIM card). Many cafes and hotels in Viet Nam have free wireless access and there are numerous internet coffee shops. Wireless internet access is available in the OUCRU. However, some websites may not be available from Viet Nam. CURRENCY The currency of Viet Nam is the Dong (VND), 1 USD = 21,079vnd (updated 7th May 2014). Notes are available in paper denominations of 500,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 VND, and also in metal denominations of 5,000; 2,000; 1,000, although this are not in wide circulation. Throughout the country, American dollars are widely accepted for exchange. However, the bills 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 Exchange shops. Traveller’s cheques may be exchangeable in major 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.

DRESS In general Vietnamese dress is conservative but young people are adopting western fashion trends and most styles are acceptable in the city centre. Outside of the centre and in rural areas you should dress modestly. The climate is tropical and you should wear cool clothing. It is recommended to wear long, loose clothes. In the rainy season roads may get flooded so non-leather sandals can be very useful. When visiting OUCRU, or any of the collaborating hospitals or institutes visitors should wear modest, smart clothing, with no shorts, short skirts or vest tops. Flip flops shouldn’t be worn for work. OUCRU will provide laboratory coats if required. DRINKING WATER You should not drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap and readily available for drinking. It is advisable that you avoid ice in drinks at street cafes but most restaurants and hotels serve ‘clean’ ice.

ELECTRICITY Viet Nam operates a 220/240 volts, 50Hz power supply. In the southern part of the country, US-style flat two-pin adapter is available, while in the north the two-pin round 'Europlug' is more common. Adapter plugs can be purchased easily. The north side of Ben Thanh market has a couple of electrical shops. Radioshack and Target sell them in the US. GETTING AROUND

Buses There are public buses along most major routes. These are very cheap but can be crowded at peak times.

Motorbikes We do not recommend visitors use motorbike taxis (xe oms) or hire a bike to get around the city. If you do choose to drive a motorbike it is compulsory to wear a helmet and carry a valid Vietnamese bike license. Do not hand over your passport as a guarantee for returning a bike.

Public taxis Taxis are relatively cheap and very common. You should only use ‘official’ taxis which have the taxi company painted on the doors and a TAXI METER sign on the roof. Do not use unlabeled taxis, old looking cars or taxis which do not want to use the meter. Make a note of the taxi number in case you leave valuables as it is hard to retrieve them otherwise. Cyclos In the centre of the city there are many cyclo drivers who now just carry tourists. Expect to pay about double the usual taxi

fare but not more. Always agree a price beforehand, and even write it out if there is room for misunderstanding. It can be a fun way of seeing the city, with many cyclo drivers acting as impromptu tour guides. Be very careful with your bags when travelling in a cyclo as they may be easily snatched.

HEALTH Health risks typical for South East Asia. We would recommend you consult the WHO site for Viet Nam http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/ and the CDC site http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx and your local health provider. We bring the following to your attention:

Mosquito bites Dengue fever is endemic in most urban areas and can be best avoided by regular use of insect repellent applied throughout the day. Animals Rabies is endemic in Viet Nam and you are strongly advised not to touch any animals – especially dogs, cats, monkeys. Avian Influenza has resulted in a small number of human fatalities in SE Asia and therefore it is advised not to touch birds.

Enteric diseases There is a very small risk of typhoid which can be avoided by vaccination. As usual, there is a risk of traveller’s diarrhoea with food that is not freshly cooked or unclean water. Uncooked vegetables can carry parasites and should be avoided. Uncooked meats and animal products should be avoided.

Traffic As above, we do not recommend visitors to use motorbikes or road travel outside the cities at night because of the risk of accidents.

Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis Our normal recommendation is that malaria prophylaxis is not required for HCMC or Hanoi, nor is recommended for visitors staying in urban or coastal areas of Viet Nam. If you think you will be travelling in mountainous areas you should bring prophylaxis with you. The Unit recommends the following vaccinations: Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and rabies as well as ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date. In case of emergency you can go to any of the International clinics in the city. A list of clinics is given at the end of this document. SECURITY 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 with long, strong strap and wear it across your body when on the street. Use your phone with discretion if on the side of the street. Don’t make it obvious that you are carrying a laptop. If possible, avoid carrying a bag and only take small amounts of cash around with you in your pockets. Do not carry your passport around with you.

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 jewellery 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 or in the local market. A list of shops is given at the end.

Clothes There are a number of cheap clothing outlets where you can pick up bargains, although it isn’t always possible to get Western sizes. See Saigon Square Mall for bargains, or Parkson, Vincom Centre, Diamond plaza for department stores.

Tailors Vietnamese tailors are generally very good and relatively cheap. It is possible to get suits and casual clothes made in a short time.

TIME ZONES

The entire country of Viet Nam falls within the UTC/GMT+7 time zone. Daylight saving time is not used.

TIPPING & BARGAINING Tipping is not common amongst Vietnamese customers, but may be expected in places frequented by Westerners. There is no need to tip taxi drivers or in small coffee shops & street restaurants, etc. In up-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_p531.52.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.pbs.org/hitchhikingViet Nam/travel/bargain.html

TOUR OPERATORS There are numerous travel agencies which will organise tours and book cars. A few examples are listed below but there are many more and many hotels will book tours for you (although these are generally much more expensive).

Cheap & cheerful Sinh Café: 246-248 De Tham Street, District 1, HCMC. Tel: (+84 (0)8) 3836 7338. www.sinhcafevn.com Saigon Tourist. 45 Le Thanh Ton St, D1, HCMC. Tel: (+84 (0)8) 3827 9279. www.saigontourist.net/english

Excellent & expensive Exotissimo, Central Plaza Building 17 Le Duan Bd (Ground floor), District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel : (84 8) 3827 2911 Fax: (84 8) 3827 2912 Email: leduan@exotissimo.com

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMS The Vietnamese are genuinely very friendly and helpful people. Interactions with local people are always the most rewarding part of a visit to Viet Nam. We hope you have the opportunity to make some Vietnamese friends.

A few cultural tips • Men – Women relationships are conservative and people won’t touch each other in public. This also applies to extending a kiss as a greeting or patting someone of the opposite sex. Often men will not offer to shake a women’s hand in a business setting. Young, urban people are changing these boundaries but you should follow the other person’s lead. • People are private about their political views and you shouldn’t embarrass someone by asking about them. Please be careful to be respectful about the country and its leaders both in conversation and also what you write in whatever forms of social media you use. • Respect for elders. Vietnamese society holds great respect for elders, with particular forms of greeting depending on age. Therefore please dress smartly if meeting officials or hospital leaders etc. Please use the appropriate title when addressing or referring to an elder ie. Mr, Mrs, Professor etc. If you are eating a meal with Vietnamese invite the eldest to eat first. • 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 you. • 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 OUCRU For problems or questions, please contact: OUCRU Office +84 (0)8 3923 7954 Ms Trang: +84(0)907494947 Email address: trangvhy@oucru.org U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 24 hour telephone number: (84-8) 3520-4200, Fax: (84-8) 3520-4244 Health Clinics Family Medical Practice HCMC Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, D1, HCMC Tel: +84 8 3822 7848 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

Groceries

http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/groceries/groceries

Annam Gourmet Market 16-18 Hai Ba Trung, Q1 , Tel: 3822 9332 41A Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: 3744 2630 Attractive and spacious French-owned grocery shop stocking a large range of foods, organic fruit and vegetables, imported beers and wines. 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 comfortable lounge area with free Wi-Fi, and offers probably the best selection of cheese and cured meats in town. Free delivery for Districts 1, 2 and 3.

Au Parc 23 Han Thuyen, Q1 , Tel: 3829 2772 Deli displaying a large selection of cheeses, dips, olives and some delicious desserts. They also sell jars of dried goods and imported condiments. Aussie–Fruits 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 Australian seasonal fruits. Their mission is to bring the best quality fruits from Australia into Viet Nam, with professionally trained customer support along with a state of the art facility that guarantees 100% freshness directly from Australian farms. Check their website to see what’s in season.

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.

Le Cochon d’Or 32 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: 3829 3856 An international standard butchers with a solid selection of fresh meats, charcuterie products, a tasty selection of pates, sausages, cheeses and poultry. Sells both retail and wholesale. Phuong Ha 58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: 3914 1318 Mini supermarket stocking a large range of imported foods, cheese, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables and good wines. Friendly service and helpful staff, although the selection of products is slightly smaller than 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.