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Yes, police in Da Nang, Ha Giang, and Mui Ne heavily increased checkpoints in late 2025 specifically targeting foreign riders. You must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles specifically—your standard US driver’s license is not sufficient legally. Fines for riding without a proper license range from 1-2 million VND (about $40-80), and police will impound your bike for 7 days. If you don’t have a motorcycle endorsement on your home license, stick to Grab bikes or private drivers to avoid legal trouble.

The US Dollar is trading strongly at approximately 25,300-25,500 VND as of December 2025, giving American tourists excellent purchasing power. This is a 5-8% increase compared to previous years, effectively making hotels and dining cheaper despite local inflation. You’ll get the best rates at gold shops in Hanoi (Ha Trung street) or Ho Chi Minh City (near Ben Thanh Market) rather than airports. Avoid changing large amounts at hotels, where rates can be 10-15% worse than the street market.

Yes, the Autogates at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) are fully operational but currently restricted mostly to Vietnamese nationals and registered expats. As a tourist on a standard e-visa, you must still use the manual counters, where wait times in late 2025 have averaged 45-90 minutes during peak arrival banks (evening/night). Fast-track services are sold online for $25-35, but verify they are legitimate providers before paying. To speed up your exit, ensure you have your boarding pass and passport ready, as exit queues have also been lengthy recently.

Yes, port authorities raised environmental and entrance fees by roughly 20% in mid-2025 to fund conservation efforts. Most luxury cruise operators have adjusted their package prices accordingly, so expect to pay $150-250 per person for a decent 2-day/1-night mid-range cruise. Budget day-trip options have also seen price hikes, now averaging $45-60 for a reputable tour. Be wary of “too good to be true” offers under $30, as these often cut corners on safety or food quality to offset the new higher taxes.

Yes, you must obtain an e-visa before arrival—there is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens without a pre-approval letter. The official government e-visa costs $25 USD, is valid for up to 90 days, and allows multiple entries. Apply exclusively through the official immigration portal (xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) at least 7-10 days before your flight to account for processing delays. Avoid third-party “visa agencies” that charge $50-100 just to submit the same form you can easily fill out yourself.

Yes, using the Grab app is strictly better because it locks in the price upfront, eliminating the risk of rigged meters or “scenic routes.” Traditional taxi scams are still common at airports and tourist sites, where drivers might demand 500,000 VND ($20) for a ride that should cost 150,000 VND ($6). If you must take a taxi, stick to reputable companies like Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green) and insist on the meter. With Grab, you can also link your credit card so you don’t have to fiddle with small change.

Viettel offers the superior coverage, especially if you plan to visit rural areas like Ha Giang, Sapa, or the caves in Phong Nha. You can buy a SIM kiosk at the airport, but you’ll pay a premium (around $15-20); buying one at an official store in the city costs closer to 150,000-200,000 VND ($6-8) for a generous data plan. Ensure the staff registers the SIM in your name (requires passport) to avoid it being shut off unexpectedly. 4G/5G speeds are generally excellent and often faster than hotel WiFi.

Vietnam has three distinct climate zones, so packing can be tricky. The North (Hanoi/Halong) has a real winter from December to February where temps drop to 10°C (50°F) and it’s often misty/drizzly. The South (Ho Chi Minh City) is tropical year-round, hot and dry during those same months. Central Vietnam (Da Nang/Hoi An) has its rainy season from September to December, often with floods. If visiting in December, pack a fleece jacket for Hanoi but swimsuits for Phu Quoc.

You must cover your shoulders and knees when entering any temple or pagoda—this applies to both men and women. Tank tops, short skirts, and shorts above the knee will get you denied entry or scolded by guards. Pack a lightweight sarong or scarf in your day bag to wrap around yourself if you’re wearing summer clothes. Shoes usually need to be removed at the door, so slip-on footwear is convenient for days with heavy sightseeing.