Vietnam
Southeast Asia · Vietnamese · Vietnamese dong
Cross the street at a steady pace and let the scooters flow around you — hesitate and you break the system.
Today in Vietnam
No Vietnam stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Vietnam
- HelloXin chàosin chow
- GoodbyeTạm biệttahm byet
- PleaseLàm ơnlahm uhn
- Thank youCảm ơnkahm uhn
- Excuse meXin lỗisin loy
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Vietnam phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Dong notes carry many zeros and similar colors — check that 20,000 isn't actually 500,000 before you hand it over, and keep small notes for street food.
transport
Use the Grab app for motorbike and car taxis at fixed prices; overnight sleeper trains and buses cover the long Hanoi–Saigon spine cheaply.
scams
Agree on prices before cyclo rides, take airport taxis from the official queue or Grab, and politely refuse the 'free' coconut or donut vendors who then demand payment for the photo.
etiquette
Pass money and objects with both hands, remove shoes entering homes and some shops, and keep your cool in disputes — public anger means everyone loses face.
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