What not to bring back from Vietnam?

Bringing fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, or raw meat out of Vietnam is generally prohibited. However, processed, sealed, and commercially packaged foods like dried fruits, snacks, or spices are allowed. Ensure these items meet your home country's food import standards.

What is the best thing to bring from Vietnam?

What to declare at Vietnam customs?

🔹 Vietnam's Customs Channels: ✔️ Green Lane (Nothing to Declare) – If you have no restricted items. ✔️ Red Lane (Items to Declare) – If carrying dutiable goods, cash over $5,000 USD, or expensive equipment.

What to be cautious of in Vietnam?

Vietnam is basically a safe place to visit, but do take the normal precautions of avoiding: seedy areas, and dark areas at night; being drunk on the street late at night, drinking with strangers (who invariably want you to pay their bill). Taxis are cheap, so I suggest you use them when a city bus is not available.

How to avoid stomach issues in Vietnam?

Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish. Don't eat moist food at room temperature, such as sauces and buffet offerings. Eat foods that are well cooked and served hot. Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados.

Don’t leave Vietnam without buying THESE souvenirs

How likely is food poisoning in Vietnam?

Foodborne illnesses are always a serious public health concern in Vietnam. It was reported that in 2023, the country recorded over 125 food poisoning incidents affecting more than 2,100 people and causing 28 deaths.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Brushing Your Teeth: Safe or Not? The good news is, yes, you can usually brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam—particularly in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and popular tourist destinations like Ninh Binh.

Do and don'ts in 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 to eat in Vietnam to not get sick?

1 Eat cooked foods

By cooking the foods, bacteria is less likely to be an issue. When eating pho (Vietnamese national dish – noodle soup) the broth has usually been bubbling for hours and is likely to kill any little critters hanging around.

What is the biggest health problem in Vietnam?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes strokes and ischemic heart disease, is responsible for 31% of deaths in Vietnam. Cancers of the lung and liver follow closely behind. Strokes cause the most deaths in the Vietnamese population with 200,000 new cases each year; half of them are fatal.

What can I not bring back from Vietnam?

Bringing fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, or raw meat out of Vietnam is generally prohibited. However, processed, sealed, and commercially packaged foods like dried fruits, snacks, or spices are allowed. Ensure these items meet your home country's food import standards.

Should I bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Always Carry Toilet Paper with You.

What am I supposed to declare at customs?

The U.S. customs declaration form asks about all items purchased abroad, agricultural products, and monetary instruments. Being honest is always the best policy. Understand Prohibited Items: Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited and restricted items before traveling.

Is there anything worth buying in Vietnam?

Here's a list of the best things to buy in Vietnam: Snacks, Souvenirs, & Exotic Items, including Snake Wine and Coffee. Electronics & Gadgets. Vietnamese Handicrafts & Home Decor Items.

What foods should I stay away from in Vietnam?

Is it better to carry cash or card in Vietnam?

cash in Vietnam. Vietnam remains a predominantly cash-based society, and many restaurants and shops (with the exception of large international chains) will not accept plastic. Instead, it's best to carry enough cash for everyday transactions.

Is showering safe in Vietnam?

Generally, showering with tap water in Vietnam is considered safe for most people, as the water undergoes treatment at municipal plants. However, the risk of infection via skin contact is minimal compared to ingestion, as bacteria do not typically penetrate intact skin.

Do you tip in Vietnam?

Do you tip in Vietnam? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Vietnam - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

Are ice cubes safe in Vietnam?

You should also avoid ice cubes, unless you are sure they are made from purified water. Similarly, you should be careful with raw or undercooked food, such as salads, fruits, seafood, or meat, as they may carry bacteria or parasites that can cause stomach problems or worse.

How do I prepare my stomach for Vietnam?

Many travelers experience no stomach troubles on a visit to Vietnam. Still, it's a good idea to keep diarrhea medicine with you. If you're feeling uncertain, there are medications like Travelan that you can take before a meal. Rehydration salts and Pepto-Bismol can help alleviate symptoms faster.

What foods are high risk in Vietnam?

Examples of unsafe food include uncooked foods of animal origin, fruits and vegetables contaminated with faeces, and raw shellfish containing marine biotoxins.

Can you eat ice cream in Vietnam?

Vietnamese ice cream is a popular dessert for both locals and tourists, known for its creamy texture and unique flavors, like coconut milk, tropical fruits, beans, and nuts.

What must I declare at UK customs?

Do you ever have anything to declare when you go through customs?

Merchandise and Gifts: All goods you bought overseas (souvenirs, clothing, electronics, artwork, etc.), whether for yourself or as gifts, must be declared. Even if you won't owe duty (because you're within the duty-free allowance), you still need to list these items on your customs declaration.

How to declare coffee at customs?

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Declaration Form 6059B.