Vietnam

Petty crime

Petty crime, street crime and harassment happen, especially in larger cities.

Bag slashing is common in tourist areas, at markets, on crowded trains and buses, and at supermarkets. It increases in the lead up to and during Vietnamese and Western holiday periods.

Thieves on motorcycles commit snatch-and-grab crimes against pedestrians. This happens often and sometimes results in injury.

Thieves steal valuables, such as jewellery, handbags, mobile phones and cameras.

To protect your belongings:

• take care crossing the street or walking along footpaths
• stay alert to motorcycles approaching from behind as you walk on the footpath
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in ways that make them harder to snatch
• carry only what you need and leave other valuables in a secure location
• be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk being injured in a struggle

Violent crime

Aggravated theft, sexual assault and assault happen. Hot spots include:

• Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Da Nang
• Nha Trang
• Sapa, especially on the train to and from Lao Cai
• Cat Ba Island, near Ha Long Bay

Reports of groping and other sexual assault are rising.

If you're a victim of a violent crime, especially sexual assault, seek medical attention. There is a risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections in Vietnam.

Although gun violence is uncommon in Vietnam, there have been isolated incidents in recent years. 

Robbery

Travellers have been robbed after withdrawing money from ATMs.

Break-ins to hotels and private homes are reported. This happens even while guests are in their rooms.

To protect yourself from robbery:

• only use ATMs in banks, reputable hotel chains and shopping centres
• make sure your hotel room is locked at all times, including when you're inside
• pay close attention to your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas
• be alert on overnight trains and buses and on quiet stretches of road

Report thefts straight away to the local police and hotel management.

Disputes

Personal or commercial arguments sometimes lead to threats of physical violence or death.

If you're threatened with violence, report it to local police.

To avoid commercial disputes, have a clear agreement on what the expected level of service is.

Scams

Many travellers have become victims of credit and debit card, taxi and gambling scams.

Credit and debit card skimming is where card data is taken for use in fraudulent transactions. This happens throughout Vietnam.

Some Australians have lost thousands of dollars after accepting invitations to private homes from friendly locals. Beware of rigged card games and other confidence tricks organised by criminals.

Gambling may break local laws, which also apply to travellers (see 'Local laws').

To avoid credit and debit card scams:

• keep your credit card in sight at all times
• don't share or show your PIN to others, especially when using ATMs
• check your transaction statements

At airports, use airport taxis, prearranged hotel transfer services, taxis from clearly marked official taxi ranks with staff, or one reserved through a car booking app.

Check that any person holding a placard with your name on it knows where you are going.

Be careful of people who are overly friendly and invite you to their home.

If you're a victim of a gambling scam, report it to local police.

Cyber safety

When you travel overseas, you could face cyber threats in any country. Digital identity theft is growing. 

Your devices and personal data can be stolen or accessed, especially if you use public Wi-Fi, computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions, or strict laws. Some travellers have been arrested for what they posted online. Don't comment on local or political issues on your social media.

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at low risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Foreigners have been robbed and sexually assaulted after having spiked food and drinks. This happens at late-night establishments in major cities. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.

Methanol poisoning

People have died or gotten very sick from poisoned drinks overseas, including Australians. Methanol is very dangerous. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Only drink branded drinks in sealed bottles and cans. Get medical help fast if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Although rare, protests sometimes happen.

Don't take photos of demonstrations, the military or the police. Authorities may not tolerate this.

Some people have died at localised violent clashes between protesters and police. The most recent incident occurred in Đắk Lắk Province in June 2023, when several police were killed in organised attacks on police stations.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There's a low threat of terrorism in Vietnam. However, terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators' safety and maintenance standards may not meet your expectations. This can include adventure activities, such as mountain climbing and boat trips.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Vietnam experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• floods and flash floods
• landslides
• typhoons

Severe weather events can disrupt air, sea, road and rail transport, electricity and communications.

If there's a natural disaster:

• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in regular touch with family and friends
• check the media and other local sources for information
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Flooding and typhoons

Floods, flash flooding, typhoons and severe weather are common during the rainy season, usually from June to November.

Flooding can lead to landslides, including in built up and residential areas of towns and villages.

Typhoons mostly affect the coastal areas of the north and central regions. Though less common, typhoons also can occur in the south.

Check media, and weather and flood level reports during the rainy season.

The Mekong River Commission gives information on flood levels for the Mekong River region.

If there's a flood, typhoon or severe weather:

• don't enter the affected areas without getting advice from local authorities
• check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas
• if in doubt about the safety of any location, change your travel plans. 

Tsunamis

Large, frequent earthquakes in the region make destructive tsunamis more likely.

Be alert to warnings. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Do not wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

If there's a tsunami or if a tsunami warning is current, check the US Tsunami Warning System.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

It needs to cover all medical costs overseas, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, even if you are healthy and fit.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Before you travel, check:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away, including any stopovers

Think about your health before you travel, especially if you have any medical conditions.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• get a basic check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• find out what vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• Travel health advice (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some may even be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some addictive and psychotropic medications are controlled.

If you plan to bring medication with you, check if it's legal in Vietnam. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and always carry it in its original packaging.

If you are travelling with prescription medication, check the value and quantity restrictions on the import and export of prescription medication with the nearest embassy or consulate of Vietnam.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• the names of the medication(s)
• your required dosage
• that the medication(s) are for your personal use

More information:

• Medication

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

Measles and Diphtheria

Localised outbreaks of measles and diphtheria can occur in Vietnam.

Check your vaccinations and those of your children are up-to-date.

More information:

• Diphtheria (HealthDirect)
• Measles (HealthDirect)

Insect-borne illnesses

Zika virus continues to be a risk. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor

• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

There's dengue, especially in the south. There's no vaccine or treatment.

There's Japanese encephalitis. To protect yourself, consider getting vaccinated. A vaccine is available in Australia.

Malaria is a risk in some remote mountainous areas.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Discuss your travel plans and other vaccination needs with your doctor before you travel.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Rabies

Rabies is potentially fatal if you don't get vaccinated or receive quick treatment.

Rabies is found in infected dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

Most reported cases are in the mountain areas of northern Vietnam. It's most commonly passed on through dog bites.

To reduce your risk of rabies, don't go near dogs and other mammals.

If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help immediately.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a risk.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes more serious outbreaks happen.

Outbreaks usually peak from March to May and from September to December.

HFMD mostly affects children under the age of 10 years. Adult cases, especially young adults, are not unusual.

The illness appears as a fever, blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks.

HFMD is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people.

To reduce the risk of getting or passing on HFMD, pay close attention to hygiene. Wash your hands well and often.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of avian influenza or 'bird flu' are reported in Vietnam.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Cholera and other health risks

Acute watery diarrhoea and cholera occur.  

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. These include:

• hepatitis
• typhoid
• tuberculosis
• meningitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Seek urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or you suspect food poisoning.

Air pollution

There can be high levels of air pollution, up to and including hazardous levels, in major cities, especially during January to March. Pollution can increase the risk of breathing problems. People with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly heart and lung conditions, may be affected.

If you're concerned about the levels of air pollution:

• seek medical advice
• follow advice from local authorities about methods to reduce exposure
• monitor an air quality index
• reduce your exposure

More information:

• World Air Quality

The standard of medical facilities and care varies, is generally below Australian standards, and may lack medicine and supplies.

Foreign private medical clinics are available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. They may not meet Australian standards.

Medical facilities and care at most public hospitals are poor. This is especially true outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

You may need medical evacuation to a major centre, even for minor operations.

Doctors and hospitals expect payment before providing medical services, including for emergency care.

Some hospitals may talk with your travel insurance company to secure payment. Others may need up-front payment before they will start treating you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You may need to show a legalised birth certificate to be recognised as next of kin for medical consent purposes.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws, even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

You can be detained or held without formal charges for lengthy periods while under police investigation. In some cases, you won’t be allowed to make a phone call and our ability to provide consular assistance during the investigation period will be limited.

Drugs

There are strict security and investigative measures to stop drug trafficking.

Penalties for all types of drug offences, including those with small amounts of drugs, are severe. Drug offences can attract the death penalty or life in jail. Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including marijuana. Marijuana in any form is illegal.

It is a crime to have drugs in your system, and you can also be charged for using drugs, even if it was outside of Vietnam.

Never carry parcels or luggage for others.

For information about carrying prescription medications into Vietnam, see 'Health'.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Marriage laws

Foreigners who want to marry a Vietnamese citizen in Vietnam must get formal approval from the Government of Vietnam's Department of Justice. This must be done in the province where the Vietnamese citizen is registered.

You also need a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) if you plan to marry in Vietnam.

Apply for a CNI through the:

• Australian Embassy in Hanoi
• Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City

You can also apply for the CNI from DFAT in Australia. Fees apply. The embassy or consulate of Vietnam in Australia needs to authenticate it. Only then will the Department of Justice in Vietnam recognise it.

More information:

• Getting married

Business laws

Increased Australian business activity has resulted in a higher number of commercial disputes in recent years.

Get professional legal advice before you enter a contract.

If you're involved in a business or civil dispute, authorities could stop you from leaving Vietnam until you resolve the matter.

More information:

• Doing business
• Doing business in Vietnam
• Living or working overseas

Exit bans

Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country.

An exit ban can relate to investigations into:

• an individual, their family or an employer
• criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents
• employment without a valid work permit
• unpaid financial debts

People involved in any of these circumstances can request an exit ban for you. You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. Your passport may be seized until the case is fully investigated and settled.

If you are subject to an exit ban because of an ongoing investigation, legal matter or business/commercial dispute, get professional legal advice.

Employment

Disputes over alleged misrepresentation of working and living conditions for Australians working in Vietnam often happen. This is especially the case for people teaching English.

Before signing an employment contract or travelling to Vietnam for work, verify the true nature of the work you're offered.

Check for unacceptable employment conditions. For example, conditions for early termination may state that you surrender your right to a return air ticket. Your potential employer may also withhold your pay.

To safeguard your stay, also:

• check the living arrangements your potential employer has offered
• make sure you have the correct visa before arriving — ask an embassy or consulate of Vietnam
• get professional legal advice before signing any contract
• get all the work permits you need

The Australian embassy or consulate-general can provide a limited range of notarial services for some documents needed for a work permit.

Never hand over your passport to your employer, even for safekeeping. Reputable businesses won't ask you to hand over your passport.

Make sure you keep a valid visa and work permit. If you don't, authorities will fine you and could detain you.

More information:

• Going overseas to live or work

Other laws

Penalties for serious crime, such as rape, espionage and hijacking, may include the death penalty.

It's illegal to:

• take photos at border crossings or military installations
• go too close to the border with China, Cambodia or Laos without prior written permission from the local authorities
• gamble, except in government-licensed casinos where foreign passport holders can gamble
• possess pornography
• possess non-state sanctioned political or religious material
• bring, sell, use or distribute electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and vaping liquids in Vietnam

These activities may result in arrest and imprisonment.

Taking part in unsanctioned religious activities, including online, is against the law. Any involvement with non-state sanctioned political organisations, or groups perceived by the Government of Vietnam to be associated with dissident groups is also illegal. If authorities suspect you of involvement in these activities, they could stop you from entering the country, detain or deport you. Authorities could also stop you from leaving, place you under surveillance or subject you to interrogation until an investigation has been completed.

It's illegal to export antiques without a permit. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism offers advice and necessary permits.

Possessing or distributing images or objects linked to the former Republic of Vietnam, including commemorative or Vietnam War service-related items, is an offence that could attract harsh penalties. 

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Vietnam

Some Australian criminal laws still apply even if you're in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws while overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law

Same-sex relationships are legal. However, social and cultural attitudes towards same-sex relationships can be conservative, especially in rural areas.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Same-sex partners aren't legally protected or recognised.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Vietnam recognises dual nationality in limited situations.

If you're a dual national and you enter Vietnam on a Vietnamese passport, it limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained. Vietnamese authorities may not tell us of your situation.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Australian citizens must re-enter Australia on an Australian passport.

If you're a dual national, you may need to do compulsory military service in Vietnam.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Vietnam in Australia before you travel.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

To enter Vietnam, you must have either a:

• visa
• visa exemption certificate

Australian passport holders are not able to obtain visas on arrival in Vietnam.

Learn more about visa requirements.

You can now apply for an eVisa for tourism or business purposes. It allows eligible travellers to stay up to 90 days in Vietnam if granted. The eVisa is valid for single or multiple entries.

You can complete the visa application form online. As there have been reports of difficulties in accessing eVisas during airport check-in, once granted, you should consider printing a hard copy of the visa approval document.

Check your details - once when lodging your visa and again when you receive your visa.

• When applying for a visa, make sure you enter your details correctly. The visa details must match exactly the information on your passport's biodata page, such as your full name and date of birth.
• When you're issued a visa to enter Vietnam, check again that all your Vietnam visa details are correct, match the information in your passport, that your full name is listed, and that there are no spelling or other errors.
• On arrival, your passport will be stamped with the date that indicates when you must exit Vietnam. You must check that the visa expiration date written on your passport is correct before leaving immigration/border control, as this date may vary from what is shown on your visa. You could be charged a fine for overstaying if the expiry date is incorrect. 

If there are any errors or name omissions, you may be charged a significant fee at check-in or on arrival to correct the visa error, not be able to board your flight, or refused entry on arrival.

For stays longer than 90 days, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Vietnam.

If your visa expires or is no longer valid, you may be detained and/or fined when leaving.

The Australian Government cannot sponsor your visa application or extension.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

You must register your place of residence with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Check that your hotel does this as part of the check-in process. Register at the local police station if you're staying in private accommodation.

Visa scams

Travellers have been scammed by private online visa services and travel agents.

Only apply for your visa through the Government of Vietnam’s official website or offices.

Vietnamese spouse or parent visas

If your spouse or parent is a Vietnamese national, you can apply for a visa exemption certificate.

Changes to visa status and visa extensions

You can't change the status of your entry visa to any other visa type in Vietnam. For example, you can't change a tourist or a spouse visa to a working visa.

Vietnam does not issue automatic visa extensions. If your visa has expired, contact the Vietnamese immigration authorities to make arrangements to exit Vietnam. Visa extensions are only possible before your visa expiry date.

To get a visa extension from the Vietnamese immigration authorities, your passport must have at least 6 months validity left at the time of application. 

Border measures

Visa, travel and entry requirements may change rapidly. Contact your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate for details on entry and exit requirements.

Import and export of prescription medication 

If you're travelling with prescription medication, check the value and quantity restrictions on the import and export of prescription medication. Make sure you have enough medication for your trip.

More information:

• Medication and medical equipment

Register place of residence

All foreigners must register their place of residence with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.

The Australian embassy and consulate can't provide translation services to help with registration.

If you stay at a hotel, check that you'll be registered as part of the normal check-in process. They'll need your passport details.

Many hotels ask foreigners to leave their passport with hotel staff for registration purposes. It isn't a legal requirement for hotels to keep your passport for the time you stay there.

If you stay with family, friends or in another private residence, you need to register at the local police station. Use a translator if needed.

Local hosts need to pre-register foreign guests. If you stay in a private residence, make sure your host has followed this legal requirement.

Validity

Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transits and stopovers.

Some airlines, governments or travel providers may give you different advice.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn't make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it's a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost and stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It can be used by others to commit crimes.

Don't let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

Keep a photocopy (or photograph) of your passport bio page and visa somewhere separately in case you lose your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passports has an 'X' in the sex field, we can't guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. 

Ask the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you travel, if they'll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker.

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

When you arrive or exit Vietnam, declare:

• foreign currency in excess of $US5,000, including cash and traveller's cheques
• more than 15 million Vietnamese dong

If you carry more currency or gold than you declared, authorities could confiscate it. They could arrest or fine you.

These requirements may be subject to change. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Vietnam for details.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout major cities in Vietnam.

ATMs are widespread in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Check with your bank to confirm if your ATM (eftpos) card will work in Vietnam, and let them know when you'll travel.

Card skimming happens throughout Vietnam (see 'Safety').

You may have trouble getting replacement ATM cards.

Many Australian banks don't have local or regional branches with English-speaking staff.

The Vietnamese postal services are generally unreliable. If you need a new card, consider using an international courier service. The Australian embassy or consulate can't help you with money while you wait for a new card. It can't act as a personal mail-holding service.

Travel is restricted:

• in some parts of the central Highlands
• around some border areas
• near military installations

Long Tan Cross site

The Vietnamese Government won't permit official Long Tan commemorations at the Long Tan Cross site in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Access to the site will remain open to small groups of people for private visits without media coverage. This may change at short notice.

Visitors to the site may not:

• wear medals or uniforms
• carry banners or flags

You must behave in a solemn manner, respecting the wishes of local communities.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war

Unexploded ordinance and landmines are a danger in former battlefields, especially in central Vietnam and along the Laos border.

Mine-free roads and paths are well-marked.

If you visit former battlefields, stay on marked pathways.

Driving permit

Vietnam doesn't recognise Australian state and territory licences, or International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued in Australia. Visitors to Vietnam are not allowed to drive or ride on an Australian licence. Drivers and motorcyclists must have a valid Vietnamese driver licence to drive or ride in Vietnam, including for motorcycles of 50cc or more.

Australian citizens can only drive or ride a motorcycle in Vietnam if they hold a temporary Vietnamese driver licence. To convert an Australian licence to a Vietnamese temporary licence, the applicant must hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit for at least three months.

Authorities may fine you for driving without a valid licence. Your travel insurer will likely deny any claims you make if you're unlicensed or you don't hold the correct class of licence. The Australian Embassy recommends contacting the relevant ward police for further advice.

Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders. Be aware of fraudulent competitors and third party suppliers.

More information:

• Australian Embassy, Hanoi

Road travel

Road hazards include:

• crowded streets in major cities
• drivers ignoring road rules
• poor vehicle and road maintenance

Traffic accidents often happen and attract large crowds.

If you're involved in an accident, you could face criminal charges. This is regardless of who's at fault. You may need to pay a large sum to the injured person or their family.

If you're not familiar with local conditions, avoid driving or riding a motorcycle.

Whether driving, riding or walking, be very careful when crossing busy streets. Traffic can appear from any direction.

More information:

• Road safety

Motorcycles

The number of travellers involved in serious motorcycle accidents is increasing.

Check your travel insurance policy covers you if you ride a motorcycle overseas.

Always wear a helmet that meets Australian safety standards.

Only ride motorcycles if you're:

• properly licensed (Australian driver licences or International Driver Licences issued in Australia are not accepted in Vietnam; you must hold a Vietnamese driving licence to ride a motorbike 50cc or above); and
• familiar with and comfortable in local driving conditions.

Taxis

Be careful using taxis hailed on the street.

Official metered taxis are generally reliable. Ensure the taxi driver knows how to get to where you're going before you get in.

Check the meter is used. Leave the taxi if the driver tries to pick other passengers up.

If you book a taxi online or through an app, make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those the company gives you.

Unless using an Australian safety standard-approved helmet, we discourage using motorcycle taxis as they provide riders with helmets that offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident.

Be careful of taxi scams (see 'Safety').

Public transport

Inter-city buses have a high accident rate.

Petty theft often happens on buses (see 'Safety').

When travelling by rail, keep the ticket stub as you need it when leaving the train station.

More information:

• Getting around

Sea travel

Boats, hydrofoils and ferries may not meet Australian safety standards.

Accidents on waterways happen. Vessels have sunk and people have died. This includes in Ha Long Bay.

Whenever you plan to travel by boat:

• ask tour operators about the safety record and emergency procedures
• make sure there is enough safety equipment such as life jackets on board
• if proper equipment is not available, use another provider

Piracy happens in coastal areas of Vietnam.

More information:

• Reducing the risk of piracy
• International Maritime Bureau piracy reports

Air travel

You may need to show your luggage tags when leaving a Vietnamese airport. Keep your luggage receipt from your airline on you at all times.

Children under 14 years travelling alone on domestic flights must:

• bring a birth certificate
• have an authorisation letter between the legal guardian of the child and the airline confirming the child can travel alone

Contact the airline in advance to check what is needed for unaccompanied minors.

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Check Vietnam's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

If there are travel disruptions, check with your airline or travel provider for the latest information.

More information:

• Travelling by air

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 114

Medical emergencies

Call 115

Police

Call 113

Emergency numbers in Vietnam are operated in Vietnamese only and may be unreliable. You may have a long wait before emergency services arrive.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Take a translator with you to report a crime to the local police. Cases reported by foreigners may be accepted at the discretion of local police.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government may and can’t do to assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the nearest embassy or consulate.

Australian Embassy, Hanoi

8 Dao Tan Street

Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: (+84 24) 3774 0100

Website: vietnam.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Vietnam

X: @AusAmbVN

Australian Consulate-General, Ho Chi Minh City

20th Floor, Vincom Centre

47 Ly Tu Trong Street

Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: (+84 28) 3521 8100

Website: hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au

Check the relevant website for details about opening hours, and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia