Everyday practical information for Vietnam

Local rules and cultural differences

• Vapes are banned. The FCDO states that vapes and related products are banned in Vietnam - do not buy them and do not bring them in. If you normally travel with an e-cigarette, sort this out before departure, not at security.
• Restricted medicines are the second trap. The FCDO warns that Vietnam restricts medicines it classifies as addictive or psychotropic, and that carrying more than 7 days' worth of such prescribed medication without the proper paperwork is illegal. Carry the prescription and a doctor's letter in English.
• Do not photograph anything that could read as a military or security site. The UK source warns explicitly that it can lead to questioning, fines or travel delays. The same caution applies to drones and more professional filming - verify in advance rather than improvising.

Everyday practical information

• Time zone - ICT / UTC+7, with no daylight saving in 2026. It matters for alarms, for the daily reset time of data bundles, and for planning transfers.
• Electricity - 220 V / 50 Hz, compatible with standard modern EU chargers. Sources differ on the exact socket types, so pack a universal adapter: real buildings have at least types A and C, per some overviews also B, and elsewhere D appears.
• Wi-Fi is common across the tourist infrastructure. Nội Bài lists free wifi among its airport services, and fresh Reddit threads note many public places offer it - which is still no reason to travel without your own data plan.
• For basic supplies, the modern chains work well: AEON, Co.opmart, GO!, Lotte Mart, MM Mega Market, Emart and WinMart. Useful on your first evening, when you need water, repellent, an adapter or toiletries without haggling at a market.
• Weather cannot be summed up in one sentence - Vietnam is climatically divided. The official tourism page shows central Vietnam with its rainier, cooler period from September to February and sunnier, warmer months roughly March to August; the south runs drier November - April and wetter May - October.
• Air quality varies city by city and day by day. Check live monitoring on the day you arrive, especially in Hanoi and HCMC.