Do and don'ts of Vietnam?

As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.

What are the unspoken rules in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese are not demonstrative so no kissing on the cheek/hugs/backslapping when you say hello. - Low cut tops on women You'll never see a Vietnamese woman show off her cleavage! - Don't give sweeties or pencils etc. to kids you come across whilst touring. Give any treats to their accompanying adults.

What not to bring to Vietnam?

What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?

Overpacking Your Itinerary

Vietnam is long and narrow, stretching over 1,600 km from north to south. A common mistake is trying to “see it all” in one trip, cramming Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc into just two weeks.

How do I prepare my stomach for Vietnam?

Start taking probiotics for one week before you leave for Vietnam. I use Optibac's For Travelling Abroad and Allergy Research Saccharomyces Boulardii. The latter is not only researched for diarrhoea but is supportive of the immune system which helps your digestive system fight any incoming bugs that may slip in.

21 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Vietnam

How to avoid traveler's diarrhea in Vietnam?

Here are other ways to reduce your risk of traveler's diarrhea: Make sure dishes and utensils are clean and dry before using them. Wash your hands often and always before eating. If washing isn't possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands before eating.

Do you not flush toilet paper in Vietnam?

Yes, you read that right—no flushing that tissue, folks. Unlike Western sewer systems, many in Vietnam simply aren't built to handle paper waste, which can lead to all kinds of plumbing headaches. Instead, there's a handy trash bin right next to the toilet where you should toss your used tissue.

What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for drug offences include the death penalty and life imprisonment. Never carry parcels or luggage for others. 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.

What is the main problem in Vietnam?

The primary social issues in Vietnam are rural and child poverty. Vietnam scores 37.6 in the Gini coefficient index of wealth inequality, with the top 10% accounting for 30.2% of the nation's income and the bottom 10% receiving 3.2%.

What is the negative list in Vietnam?

According to the new Law on Investment, which came into force on 1 January 2021, Vietnam adopts a negative list approach to identify, on an exception basis, all business sectors to which market access are limited or excluded for foreign investors.

What to avoid wearing in Vietnam?

Tight or Transparent Clothing: These items are considered inappropriate, especially in rural areas. All-White Clothing: you should avoid wearing all-white because white is associated with mourning in Vietnamese culture. Impractical Footwear: High heels or delicate shoes aren't suitable for Vietnam's often uneven ...

What not to pack in checked-in luggage?

Prohibited in Checked and Cabin baggage:

Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries and apparatus containing mercury. Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares, ammunition including blank cartridges, handguns, fire works, pistol caps.

Should I bring my phone to Vietnam?

Check your phone

If your phone is unlocked, simply bring it with you and buy a sim card when you arrive in Vietnam. Then, you will have a local number for communicating during your private tours in Vietnam. You also can have access to 4G/3G with a local sim card here.

What are two taboos in Vietnam?

Taboos Related to Social Etiquette

It is considered inappropriate to touch someone's head, as it is regarded as the most sacred part of the body. Pointing: Pointing with fingers or feet is considered rude. Instead, it is polite to use the whole hand to indicate directions or objects.

Why is it rude to cross your fingers in Vietnam?

In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude, especially to another person. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. In German-speaking countries, as well as Sweden and Latvia, the gesture is a sign of lying. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding one's thumbs.

What not to say in Vietnam?

Avoid profusely complimenting people or using very colourful language to praise something. This can often be interpreted as insincere and may actually cause people to lose face . Don't assume that the Vietnamese people have a natural alignment with China.

How to use a shower in Vietnam?

There is generally no separate shower stall in the bathroom - you stand in the middle of the floor (over the drain) and wash. That means the walls, ceiling, and fixtures gets wet. If there is loose wiring anywhere in the bathroom you are in danger of electrocution.

Do they use squat toilets in Vietnam?

What type of toilets do they have in Vietnam? In Vietnam, there are two main types of toilets – the Western and the Turkish (squat) .

What is a squat toilet?

Squat toilets are arranged at floor level, which requires the individual to squat with bent knees. In contrast to a pedestal or a sitting toilet, the opening of the drain pipe is located at the ground level.

What to watch out for in Vietnam?

Watch your belongings

This includes your day pack when out sight-seeing during the day. Keep your backpack in front of you, watch your stuff when taking photos and don't leave your phones just sitting on tables in street cafes. Vietnam is not dangerous just be aware of these petty crimes which can cause a headache.

Should I take Imodium for traveler's diarrhea?

Treating Traveler's Diarrhea

But antibiotics won't be effective if diarrhea is caused by a virus or a parasite. Travelers are also urged to have Pepto-Bismol or Imodium on hand in case they get sick. But you should not take Pepto-Bismol or Imodium if you have bloody diarrhea, Walker says.

Why do locals not get traveler's diarrhea?

Bacteria, parasites, and other substances in the water and food can cause traveler's diarrhea. People who live in these areas don't often get sick because their bodies are used to the bacteria or parasites. You can lower your risk of getting traveler's diarrhea by avoiding water, ice, and food that may be contaminated.

What can you not take out of Vietnam?

Jewelry and Precious Metals: Items such as gold, gems, or other valuables beyond personal use. Tax-Exempt Goods: Goods exceeding the duty-free allowance. Medicines: Pharmaceuticals valued at more than $30. Currency: Foreign currency exceeding $7,000 (USD or equivalent) or local currency over VND 15 million.

Is there a drug problem in Vietnam?

Drug abuse is on the rise in Viet Nam, especially in urban areas. In 2001 there were 113,903 registered drug abusers, up nearly 13 per cent compared with the previous year. An estimated 80 per cent of addicts are below the age of 35.

What is an unlucky number in Vietnam?

Of the Vietnamese unlucky numbers, the number 4 is the most widely known, as it is pronounced similarly to the word for “death”. Another such number is 13, often associated with bad luck.