Do people speak English in Ho Chi Minh?

English is spoken by many in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in tourist areas (District 1), hotels, and among the younger generation, though it is not universal. While English proficiency is rated as "moderate" in major cities, it is recommended to use translation apps, as many locals may only speak Vietnamese or limited English.

Do people in Ho Chi Minh speak English?

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi now boast a growing number of English-speaking locals, trendy cafes, and international-standard services, making travel for non-Vietnamese speakers more accessible than ever.

What to be careful of in Ho Chi Minh?

Be careful of petty theft, especially motorbike snatch-and-grab thieves targeting phones and bags in crowded areas like markets (Ben Thanh), so keep valuables hidden and bags secured away from traffic. Also, watch out for common scams, use reputable transport apps (like Grab), and be cautious with drinks and strangers. Stay aware in poorly lit spots at night and avoid flashing wealth to stay safe in Ho Chi Minh City.
 

Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners?

The Vietnamese are widely praised for their amicable and welcoming demeanor toward foreigners. Travelers are warmly welcomed when they visit Vietnam.

Can you get around Vietnam speaking English?

In tourist centres many Vietnamese will speak some English, but plenty will speak none. In more remote areas, English speakers can be very rare. Some older Vietnamese will speak more French than English.

Dating Vietnamese girls/ Do people speak English in Vietnam?

Are Brits welcome in Vietnam?

Visa requirements

You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. On arrival, your passport will be stamped with an entry and exit stamp (the date you have to leave by).

Do and don'ts in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, DO dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes when entering homes/temples, use both hands for giving/receiving, try street food, and stay calm in public; DON'T show public affection, touch heads, point with feet, raise your voice, or disrespect national symbols like Ho Chi Minh, while being wary of traffic and scams.

What does "fingers crossed" mean in Vietnam?

The following may be considered offensive:

Crossing two fingers (considered “good luck” in the U.S.) is a vulgar way of indicating intercourse in Vietnam.

Are bed bugs common in Vietnam?

Bed bugs are not only in Vietnam but also other Asian, African countries. These pests are most often encountered in budget hostels, older guesthouses, shared dormitories, and occasionally even in hotels with insufficient pest control.

What not to bring to Vietnam?

Prohibited items include:

• Explosives and items containing explosives.
• Flammable substances in the form of gases, liquids or solids.
• Oxidizers, organic peroxides and related items.
• Corrosives, infectious or toxic substances and related items.
• Radioactive materials, magnetized materials.

Do I need malaria tablets for Vietnam?

You may require antimalarials if staying in rural areas or if you suffer from certain medical conditions. There is no known malaria risk in the Red River Delta, in Da Nang, Haiphong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, Qui Nhon or the mekong Delta.

Where is the most English spoken in Vietnam?

Some estimates put the percentage of people who speak English in Vietnam at more than 50%. Most of those people are found in popular tourist areas and in the main cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

Is Vietnam cheap for the UK?

For UK visitors, Vietnam is considered to be a relatively cheap destination to travel to. The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, and this is reflected in the prices of food, accommodation and transport.

Is $50 a lot in Vietnam?

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

Is it okay to wear red in Vietnam?

Delicate suits and jackets are recommended, especially when you have to visit your friend's houses during the festival. We recommend you to pack some red clothes or jackets as this colour is considered as the appearance of luckiness according to Vietnamese culture.

Can I use toilet paper in Vietnam?

Flushing Toilet Paper in Vietnam

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 mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam?

Vietnam Travel Guide: 10 Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the Size of Vietnam. ...
• Disrespecting Cultural Norms at Temples. ...
• Getting Scammed by Taxis or Cyclo Drivers. ...
• Assuming There's No Good Food for Vegetarians. ...
• Drinking Tap Water. ...
• Not Haggling at Markets. ...
• Not Doing Proper Shopping Research.

How much is 1 pound to a dong?

£ 1 GBP = ₫ 35236.8239 VND

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 13:53. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Is it better to use card or cash in Vietnam?

Most Vietnamese locals primarily use cash, but card payments are becoming increasingly more popular. If you're going to be travelling to well-known tourist areas, you'll be able to pay for almost everything by card. However, there are still certain situations when you might need cash.