What not to bring to Vietnam?

What is not allowed to bring into Vietnam?

Individuals entering Vietnam with passports are not allowed to carry ingot gold or raw material gold. If carrying ingot or raw gold, it must be stored at customs or processed for re-export, with all costs covered by the individual.

What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

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.

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.

What to Pack for Vietnam That No One Tells You About?

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.

Can I brush my 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.

What is frowned upon in Vietnam?

Speaking too loudly and making excessive gestures is considered rude in public places, especially as a woman. Many will not speak or look at others to avoid disrespect in public. Vietnamese culture greatly respects the elderly and, in general, figures of authority.

What does "fingers crossed" mean 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 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.

Should I carry my passport with me in Vietnam?

Vietnamese law requires that non-Vietnamese citizens carry their passport at all times.

What does mot hai ba mean?

|| a Vietnamese phrase to describe drinking with friends, family, and loved ones. We shout “mot hai ba yo!” with every bottoms up! This is how we connect, let loose, and have some fun🥳

Do you need to carry toilet paper in Vietnam?

Toilet paper in Vietnam

The little dustbins (which are right next to the toilet ) are usually a swing bin ( so you can't see everyone else's used toilet paper ) and are easy to use. In the towns/cities then you will find toilet paper provided in most toilets, however, out of town you may like to take your own.

What is illegal in Vietnam for tourists?

Not to bring or keep guns, explosives & weapons in Vietnam: Some countries like Swiss, Finland, Serbia, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia and others allow citizens to own guns. In Vietnam, carrying guns and other potentially injurious items such as knives, guns, explosives, flammable materials is illegal.

Should I bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Always Carry Toilet Paper with You.

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.

What does WC mean on a toilet?

Why are toilets called a WC? To start, WC is an abbreviation standing for 'water closet', a name used in the 1900's for a toilet, due to most being fitted in a spare closet or cupboard.

What does WC mean in Vietnam?

short for water closet, a lavatory; toilet. nhà vệ sinh. (Translation of WC from the PASSWORD English-Vietnamese Dictionary © 2015 K Dictionaries Ltd)

How not to get sick in Vietnam?

ensure you wash your hands with soap and water regularly. where possible, opt for fully cooked fresh food and only eat fruit that you peel yourself. avoid mosquito bites, as you may be at risk of contracting illnesses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE) or malaria in some rural parts of Vietnam.

Should I take Imodium for traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea often is treated with antibiotics. You also can take loperamide (brand name: Imodium), but don't take it without an antibiotic if you have bloody diarrhea. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and other people who get dehydrated easily should drink rehydration solutions.

What to watch out for in Vietnam?

Why do Vietnamese avoid eye contact?

Avoiding eye contact demonstrates respect to elders, people of higher status or of the opposite sex.

What is the red flag in Vietnam?

The red background symbolizes revolution and bloodshed. The golden star symbolizes the soul of the nation and the five points of the star represents the five main classes in Vietnamese society—intellectuals, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and soldiers.

What does a thumbs up mean in Vietnam?

Put hands on the chest: Puting hands on the chest is a gesture of sincerity. Thumbs up: This thumb gesture is a sign of agreement. It tells someone to know that they have done well. OK sign: It is also a sign of agreement and shows that everything is very well. The OK sign.