Time Zone: GMT +7
Language: Vietnamese
Visas:
Visa on arrival (VOA) is available, although the queue can be long. From now till 30 June 2016, holders of British, German, French, Spanish, Belarus and Italian passports will not require a visa for stays of up to 15 days. It is not yet known whether that exemption will extend beyond June 2016. You will need to apply for a visa pre-approval letter before entering Vietnam, and there are many online websites that provide pre-approval letter services.
Local transportation:
Taxis are widely available (beware of scam taxis that look like the big companies (Mai Linh Taxi and Vinasun Taxi) from the outside, but with minor differences). Uber is also available in Hanoi.
Motorbike taxis (xe om) are also popular and cheaper than taxis, and can be found on virtually every corner, especially in the Old Quarter.
Buses are cheap and comfortable but a bit difficult to comprehend at first, as there are more than 60 bus lines across the city.
Where to buy a SIM card:
Viettel and Vinaphone have booths at the airport. Throughout the city you’ll also find cell phone stores.
Popular areas:
Old Quarter, West Lake, Tay Ho, Cathedral District
Popular food:
Bánh mì (baguette sandwich), Phở (noodle soup), Bún riêu cua (meat rice vermicelli soup), Bánh cuốn (steamed rice roll with meat), Banh Xeo (pancake)
Things not to do:
Don't place your bag on the floor or a chair back when in a restaurant as there are snatch thieves. While walking down the street, don't keep your purse hanging on the side facing the street as motorbike snatch thieves are common. Don't hesitate while crossing the road - it may appear scary, but walk across slowly and confidently while the motorbikes go past around you. Don't forget to look your bills over twice before handing them off - the 10,000 dong looks a lot like 100,000 dong, and 50,000 dong looks a lot like 500,000 dong.