Vietnam Travel Checklist 2026: SIM Cards, Currency, Visas, Apps & Everything You Need to Prepare

30/5/2026

Preparing for a trip to Vietnam doesn’t need to be complicated, but there are a few things you’ll want to sort out before you board the plane. This guide covers every essential: visa requirements, SIM cards, currency exchange, must-have apps, and a complete packing list – all updated for 2026.

1. Visas and Passport Requirements

As of 2026, citizens of most Western countries (including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, and Canada) can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date – this is strictly enforced, so check your expiry date now.

If you plan to stay longer than 45 days or need to exit and re-enter the country, you’ll need a visa. E-visas can be applied for online at the official Vietnam Immigration portal and are typically issued within 3 business days. Always verify the latest entry requirements on your country’s foreign affairs website before travel, as policies can change.

2. SIM Cards and Staying Connected

Getting a local SIM card at the airport is the easiest option for most travelers. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile all have counters in arrival halls at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang airports. A 10–30 day data-only or data-and-calls plan typically costs between $5–12 USD and includes generous data allowances (20–50GB).

eSIMs are an increasingly popular alternative. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Klook allow you to purchase and install a Vietnamese eSIM on your phone before you leave home, eliminating airport queues entirely. Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchasing. Reliable mobile data is essential for using Grab (see below), so don’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi alone.

3. Currency and Money

Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The current approximate rate is 25,000 VND to $1 USD. Cash is king for street food, local markets, and smaller guesthouses. While major hotels and upscale restaurants accept cards, many local spots are cash-only.

For the best exchange rates, avoid airport money changers and use bank ATMs or gold shops (tiem vang) in the city – these often offer better rates than banks and are widely available. Withdraw a reasonable amount (equivalent to $50–100 USD) when you arrive to cover your first day. Notify your bank before travel so your cards aren’t blocked when used abroad.

4. Apps to Install Before You Go

Grab: Vietnam’s equivalent of Uber, covering car rides, motorbike taxis, and food delivery. Non-negotiable for safe, fairly priced transport throughout the country.

Google Maps with offline maps downloaded: Mobile data can be spotty in some areas. Download your destination’s offline map before you travel.

Google Translate with Vietnamese downloaded: The camera translation feature is invaluable for reading menus, signs, and labels.

XE Currency: Real-time exchange rate calculator. Useful for quick price comparisons at markets and shops.

5. Packing List: Clothes, Health & Essentials

Clothing: Lightweight, quick-dry t-shirts and shorts (3–4 days worth), a thin long-sleeve layer for air-conditioned buses, restaurants, and temples, comfortable walking shoes, and sandals or flip-flops. Health: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), DEET insect repellent, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea medication, electrolyte sachets, and a small first aid kit. Electronics: Your phone charger (Vietnamese sockets are Type A/C – check your plug), a portable power bank (10,000mAh+), and a universal adapter just in case.

6. Final Pre-Departure Checklist

Before you leave, tick off these five things: (1) Confirm your passport has 6+ months validity. (2) Sort your SIM or eSIM. (3) Withdraw or exchange some local currency. (4) Install Grab, Google Maps, and Google Translate. (5) Download an offline map of your destination city. With these done, you’re ready for a smooth, enjoyable trip to Vietnam.

Stay Connected in Vietnam with Saily eSIM

For hassle-free mobile data in Vietnam, we recommend Saily – a travel eSIM service built by the team behind NordVPN. Saily offers reliable high-speed 4G/5G data in over 200 destinations, with plans available for individual countries as well as regional coverage across Asia.

Simply purchase a plan online or through the Saily app before you leave home, and your eSIM is ready to activate the moment you land. No SIM swapping, no airport queues – just open the app and connect. It’s especially useful for running Grab and Google Maps from the second you arrive.

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