Neighboring countries: Myanmar and Laos to the north, Myanmar to the west, Laos and Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south.

Area: 514,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles)

Population: 71.6 million (2026)

Capital: Bangkok

Time Zone: GMT+7 hours

Religion: Buddhism (93.58%), Islam (4.94%), Christianity (1.20%), Hinduism (0.06%), other religions (0.11%)

Language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht – THB ($1 = 31.20 Thai Baht – February 2026)

Electric Plug Used: 230V and 50Hz; there are four associated plug types, types A, B, and C. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and plug type C has two round pins.

Last update: Mar 2026

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new digital form replaces the former TM6 paper form and must be submitted before arrival.

Application Details:

• The TDAC must be completed online within 3 days before arrival.
• Travelers can access the application via the official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th.
• After submission, travelers will receive a QR code required at immigration checkpoints upon arrival in Thailand.

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s effort to streamline entry procedures and improve the arrival experience. Travelers are advised to complete the process in advance to avoid delays.

Visa Exemptions

Citizens from the following countries are entitled to a 60-day Visa-free stay when they enter Thailand via an international airport or a listed checkpoint from neighboring countries. Passport holders must be visiting for tourism purposes only and must have a confirmed return ticket to show they are flying out of Thailand within 60 days of entry; open tickets do not qualify.

• Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Citizens from the following countries are entitled to a visa-free stay of up to 90 days in Thailand: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Korea, and Peru.

Citizens from Myanmar are entitled to enter Thailand for a maximum of 14 days without a visa.

e-Visa

In January 2025, Thailand launched a new electronic visa (e-Visa) system for several visa types, including tourist visas. The tourist visa fee may vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the visa type (single-entry or multiple-entry). Check with the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate fees and payment details. Applications are only accepted from outside Thailand and in countries where e-Visa services are available.

Tourists can apply for an E-Visa at https://thaievisa.go.th/.

Visa on Arrival

Passport holders of the following countries/ territories may apply for a Visa on Arrival.

• Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Romania, Russia. Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Taiwan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Caution: Travelers ineligible for Thailand’s Visa on Arrival or Visa Exemption must obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before arrival.

Last update: April 2025

Cambodia is a country with a rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by its ancient and colonial history, its dominant religion of Buddhism, and its ethnic diversity. Some of the typical dishes that you can find in Cambodia are:

• Amok is Cambodia’s national dish, a fragrant and spicy coconut fish curry steamed in banana leaves. It has a mousse-like texture and a distinctive flavor from the spice paste called kroeung. You can also try amok with chicken, tofu, or snails.
• Kuy teav is a popular street food dish and a common breakfast in Cambodia. It is a noodle soup made from rice vermicelli and pork or beef bones. The broth is topped with fried shallots, garlic, bean sprouts, green onion and herbs. You can also add pork or fish balls, and dip the noodles in chilli paste, lime juice, or hoisin sauce.
• Nom banh chok is another noodle dish that is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It consists of thin rice noodles topped with a green fish curry made from lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk. It is garnished with fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, banana flower, bean sprouts, and mint.
• Samlar machu is a sour soup that can be made with various ingredients, such as fish, chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables. The sourness comes from tamarind, lime juice, or vinegar. The soup also contains kroeung, palm sugar, fish sauce, and herbs. It is usually served with rice.
• Kampot pepper crab is a specialty of the coastal town of Kep, where you can find fresh crabs caught daily from the sea. The crabs are stir-fried with garlic, salt, and the famous Kampot pepper, which has a floral and spicy aroma. The dish is simple but delicious.
• Lap Khmer is a refreshing beef salad that is marinated in lime juice and fish sauce. The beef is thinly sliced and cooked rare or raw. It is mixed with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, chillies, mint, basil, and roasted rice powder. It is served with lettuce leaves and cucumber, slices.

• Both international and domestic flights usually include a baggage allowance of 20kg for one checked luggage and 7kg for one carry-on. However, baggage allowances vary depending on the airline travelers use.

   

  Please refer to your airline’s website for more information about baggage allowances and extra fees.

   

  Last update: May 2026

• Samlar kari is a chicken curry that is influenced by Indian cuisine. The curry paste contains turmeric, ginger, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dried chillies. The chicken is cooked with coconut cream and milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, sweet potatoes, and onions. It is served with rice or baguette.

The rainy season in Thailand typically spans from May to October, with the wettest months running from August to October. However, the timing and intensity of the rainy season can vary significantly across different regions of the country. For instance, the Gulf Coast of the southern peninsula, including areas like Ko Samui, experiences heavy rainfall later in the year, sometimes extending into early December. On the other hand, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan typically enjoy sunny weather even during the rainy season, with occasional storms lasting no more than a couple of hours.

In the north of Thailand, in regions like Chiang Mai, the weather patterns during the rainy season are slightly different. The north also experiences its rainy season from May to October, similar to the rest of Thailand, but the amount and frequency of rainfall can vary within this period. The rain in the north is often less intense compared to the southern regions and is usually characterized by shorter, sporadic downpours.

View more details of Thailand’s weather here.

Last update: Mar 2026

Flying into Thailand

Over 70 international airlines operate in Thailand, including major carriers such as Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Swiss Air.

The main airports in Thailand are:

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (BKK)

• Services: Suvarnabhumi Airport, an international hub, provides direct flights from 135 airports spanning 131 cities in 51 countries.
• It is located 31 km outside of the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 1 hour.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

• Services: Chiang Mai International Airport offers direct flights from 32 airports across 30 cities in 10 countries.
• It is located 6 km outside of the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

• Services: Phuket International Airport, the third largest in Thailand, serves as an international hub with direct flights from 24 countries.
• It is located 37 km outside of the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 1 hour.

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)

• Services: Hat Yai has direct international flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, as well as non-stop domestic flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Udon Thani.
• It is located 19 km outside of the city center. The transfer from the city center to the airport takes around 25 minutes.

Getting to Thailand by Land – Border Crossings

Thailand/Laos: Huay Xai/Chiang Khong, Vientiane/Nong Khai, Savannakhet/Mukdahan

Thailand/Cambodia: Aranyaprathet/Poipet, Hat Lek/Koh Kong, Chong Jom/O’Smach

TO’Smach/Malaysia: Sungai Kolok, Betong, Sadao, Pedang Besar

Domestic Flights

Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, low-cost carriers such as Thai AirAsia, VietJet Air, and Nok Air offer frequent services between key locations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi.

Getting around Thailand by Bus

Long-distance buses are ubiquitous in Thailand; Bangkok has many bus stations to join destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya, Cha Am, and Kanchanaburi.

Trains

Passengers can travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to Laos or Malaysian borders and many places in between. Even though the journey on a Thai train generally takes longer and can be more expensive than a trip by bus, trains are safer and are generally more comfortable.

Popular train routes include:

• Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Bangkok to Surat Thani (the launching point for boats to Koh Samui)
• Bangkok to Ayutthaya
• Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

New sleeper carriages and routes:

• Special Express No.9/10 to Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Special Express No.23/24 to Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
• Special Express No.25/26 to Bangkok to Nong Khai
• Special Express No.31/32 to Bangkok to Hat Yai

Getting around Bangkok

BTS Skytrain: Elevated, rapid transit system connecting central districts and tourist destinations.

MRT Underground: Complements the BTS with deeper urban penetration, especially in areas not served by the Skytrain, featuring two lines (Blue and Purple) that connect central Bangkok with the suburbs.

Airport Rail Link (ARL): Direct access from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center, connecting the BTS and the MRT.

Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: Readily available throughout the city, offering door-to-door service at reasonable rates. Taxis are metered, while tuk-tuk fares should be negotiated beforehand.

Chao Phraya River Boats: A scenic and efficient way to travel, especially to historical sites along the river, with various lines, including express and tourist boats.

Canal Boats (Khlong Boats): Serve as a speedy alternative to avoid road traffic, particularly useful in the old town and for accessing commercial areas.

Taxi’s & Tuk-tuks

While taxis are available, tuk-tuks are the most common means of getting around urban areas. We recommend travelers download the Grab mobile app to book a taxi. The app will allow them to pin their location and destination and indicate the price of the fair, avoiding the need to negotiate or the risk of getting scammed.

Last update: Mar 2026

National Currency

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB), and one Baht is 100 Satang. The official exchange rate is $1 = 31.20 Thai Baht (February 2026)

ATMs

ATM or bank cash machines are widely available throughout the country.

Currency Exchange

Banks and authorized money changers can change money and accept significant currencies. The best exchange rate is from US Dollars to Bath, but cheques have an even better rate.

Credit Cards

Hotels, restaurants, travel agents, tourist shops, or department stores accept the most common credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Diners.

Tips

Tipping in Thailand is not mandatory, but it is appreciated as a gesture of thanks for good service.

In restaurants, while not expected, leaving a tip of 10-20 baht for small bills or rounding up to the nearest hundred for more significant amounts is common.

For taxi rides, rounding up the fare or tipping 20-50 baht is appreciated, especially if the driver is helpful and avoids heavy traffic efficiently.

A tip of 20-50 baht for bellboys or housekeeping is customary in hotels. However, it’s important to note that a service charge is often included in the bill in more upscale establishments, making additional tipping optional.

Bargaining

Bargaining is a part of Thai culture. You must remember that everything (or almost everything) has a specific price, but that price varies (sometimes a lot) depending on the client, so bargaining is essential!

Travelers must, however, be careful not to offend the vendor, keep smiling, and stay polite in any circumstance. Travelers shouldn’t push too hard and shouldn’t bargain in places with fixed prices.

Travelers shouldn’t push too hard and shouldn’t bargain in places with fixed prices.

Last update: Mar 2026

Thai dishes travellers are likely to come across:

• Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles): Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish with bean sprouts, onion, egg, and a mix of flavours like fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic, red chilli, and palm sugar. It’s often made with seafood or other meats and garnished with lime, peanuts, and herbs.
• Tom Yum Goong (Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp): Tom Yum is a Thai hot-and-sour soup loaded with fresh prawns, mushrooms, and a hint of coconut cream, best served with steamed white rice.
• Khao Soi (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup): From Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a coconut curry noodle soup with chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian options.
• Phat Kaphrao (Stir-Fried Basil with minced meat): A popular Thai stir-fry, Pad Kraphoa, combines minced meat or seafood with fragrant holy basil, shallots, garlic, and chilli peppers. Served over rice, it’s topped with a fried or sunny-side-up egg.
• Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry): Thai red curry, with its signature colour from red chillies, is made with coconut milk and can include chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or veggies like bamboo shoots and bell peppers. The coconut milk balances the heat, creating a flavorful dish.
• Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad): Originating from Isaan, Thailand, Som Tam is a vibrant salad blending sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavours. It pairs deliciously with Isaan staples like sticky rice and grilled chicken.
• Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice): Thai dessert Khao Niao Mamuang is sweet, sticky rice served with ripe mango slices. Best enjoyed during the mango season, this treat offers a delightful sweetness whether enjoyed for breakfast, after a meal, or as a standalone dessert.

Last update: Mar 2026

Import regulations:

Free import by each passenger holding a passport of his own, irrespective of age:

• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or equal weight of cigars;
• One liter of alcoholic beverages.

Free import for non-residents:

• For holders of transit visas or who can obtain a visa on arrival: up to THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.
• For holders of tourist visas: up to THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family.

Prohibited (without license):

• Drugs of a narcotic nature, e.g., heroin.
• Gold bullion. If no import license is available, it can be left in a customs bond at the airport of entry and retrieved on departure.
• Meat from any country affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases, including all EU Member States.

Arms and Ammunition regulations:

Firearms and ammunition, incl. explosive articles and fireworks, require a firearm transport permit. For further details, please contact www.caat.or.th/en or the Ministry of Interior at www.dopa.go.th.

Wild Fauna and Flora:

Importing certain endangered species of plants, live animals, and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.

For further details, please refer to CITES at www.cites.org.

Additional Information on regulations:

• A declaration of goods acquired abroad is required if the total value exceeds THB 10,000.- per person.
• Plants and parts of plants require a license issued by the Department of Agriculture, see www.doa.go.th.

Export regulations:

Free export of tobacco products and tobacco: any quantity.

Prohibited (without license):

•  Antiques or objects of art, whether officially registered as art or not;
• Religious articles (excluding one small Buddha image generally carried on a person).

Crew members customs regulations: The same restrictions apply to passengers.

Pets:

Pets must be accompanied by:

• An Import Permit obtained in advance from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Tel: 66 2 6534425. Email: qsap_bkk@dld.go.th; and
• A health certificate completed in English and signed or further endorsed by a full-time authorized veterinary official of the exporting country’s government. Importers contact the Animal Quarantine Station at the airport of entry at least 15 days before importation.

The health certificate must state all required vaccinations, which are for cats and dogs:

• Vaccination against rabies if the country has not been rabies-free for the last 12 months. The vaccination certificate must be issued at least 21 days before departure.
• Vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus at least 21 days before departure;
• Dogs must also be vaccinated against Leptospirosis at least 21 days before departure or tested for Leptospirosis with negative results 30 days before departure.

Birds: The country of origin must be free from Avian Influenza, and the bird must have been a resident of the country of origin for less than six weeks or since hatching. Birds must be kept in isolation or quarantine under the supervision of an authorised veterinary official for 21 days before shipment.

All pets are subjected to quarantine at approved premises for at least 30 days upon arrival at the expense of the importer/owner.

Pets may enter as passengers’ checked baggage, in the cabin, or as cargo.

Prohibited: import of Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Export: Export permit required.

Baggage Clearance regulations: Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Thailand.

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Baht-THB): up to THB 50,000 per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding one passport.

Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, the amount of foreign currency exceeds USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon arrival by all travellers.

Currency Export regulations:

Local currency (Baht-THB): up to THB 50,000 per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding one passport.

Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, the amount of foreign currency exceeds USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon departure by all travellers.

Illegal Souvenirs

Images or statues of the Buddha over 12 cm or 5 inches are at risk of being confiscated upon departure unless the following guidelines are followed:

• Images of the Buddha must be of his full likeness; no hands, heads or body parts are permitted.
• One cannot take more than 5 images of the Buddha out of Thailand on a single trip.
• If applying for an export permit, anticipate the process taking 4 to 5 working days. Applications are submitted to the local Fine Arts Department, and a permit is required for each image.
• The following is an extract from the Royal Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the export of images and likenesses of the Buddha:
  • Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or related fragments, part of ancient monuments and prehistoric objects, are forbidden to be taken out of the Kingdom. Newly cast images of Buddha in complete condition can be exported for worship, cultural exchange or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine Arts Department. Not more than 5 pieces per person shall be allowed. Reproductions of antiquities can also be exported with licenses. Procedures to obtain a license for the export of antiquities or Buddha images. The following documents should be produced together with the application form:
• Two copies (3×5 inches) of a front view photograph of the object(s)
• A photocopy of the applicant’s passport (in case of export of Buddha images, the photocopy of the passport must be certified as a true copy by the related Embassy or Consulate in Thailand)

Bring the object(s) and the documents to apply for a license at any of the following places:

Office of Fine Arts Department Locations

• Office of Archaeology and National Museums, 81/1 Si Ayutthaya Road, Theves, Dusit, Bangkok, Tel: 0 2628 5032
• Chiang Mai National Museum, Superhighway Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai, Tel: 0 5322 1308
• Songkhla National Museum, 13/1 Jana Road, Tambon Bohyang, Amphoe Muang, Songkhla, Tel: 0 7431 1728, 311-881
• Thalang National Museum, Tambon Si Sunthorn, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket, Tel: 0 7631 1426

The possession of items related to endangered flora or fauna, such as snakes, elephants, crocodiles, coral, seashells, or other marine life, is risky, since these products are protected under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention). It is recommended for travellers to familiarise themselves with CITES before visiting the Kingdom of Thailand.

Last update: Mar 2026

Before going to Thailand, travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccines. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shot.

The World Health Organization recommends vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Malaria and Dengue fever are diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season. Travelers should regularly protect themselves with repellent by smearing themselves and their clothes. The most efficient repellents are made with DEET.

The sale of medicines is less regulated than in Europe, counterfeit products are standard in Thailand, and pharmacies sell drugs without medical prescriptions. We advise seeing a doctor before buying any medications and buying them in licensed pharmacies and hospital outlets.

Last update: Mar 2026

Your home embassy may be able to assist with advice during emergencies or serious problems. You might want to register before you arrive so the embassy staff will know where to reach you in an emergency at home.

If calling a Thai emergency number, you may have to ask for the aid of a Thai speaker because there might not be an English-speaking operator on the line:

• Mobile Police: 191
• Fire Brigades: 199
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Police General Hospital: 0 2207 6000
• Tourist Service Centre: 1672
• Highway Police: 1193, 0 2354 6007

Bangkok

BNH Hospital
Telephone: +66 20 220 700
Adress: 9/1, Convent Road Silom, Bangrak Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Bumrungrad Hospital
+66 20 668 888
33 Soi Sukhumvit 3, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Chiang Mai

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Telephone: +66 52 089 888
Address: 88/8-9 Moo 6, Nong Pa Khrang Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000

Last update: Mar 2026

Pre-departure Tasks

Your passport must be valid for at least six months before expiration. Don’t ignore trips, baggage, and medical insurance. For vaccinations and medicines, visit your doctor before you travel.

Clothes

• Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip-dry variety. You will be in the sun often, so long sleeves and a broad hat would be more suitable.
• Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
• Sleepwear.
• Shirts should be long-sleeved and lightweight with lots of closed pockets.
• T-shirts, short-sleeved and again with pockets.
• Cool evenings necessitate the need for pullovers or a lightweight jacket.
• Long trousers made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric should have multiple pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
• For trekking, lightweight, long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
• The bathing suits should be modest so as not to offend the locals.
• Hat for protection from the sun. It should have a wide brim and a strap.
• A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep your gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
• Footwear: You need sturdy, comfortable boots for trekking or walking around. They will need to support your ankles and have a non-slip sole.
• Waterproof sandals for those short trips and boating.
• Some bright casual clothes for the evenings and visiting restaurants.

Pharmacy

• Insect repellent
• Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper
• Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
• Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc. (paracetamol is recommended – aspirin can be dangerous in case of dengue fever)
• Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamines, cough drops
• Adequate quantity of sweat-resistant sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 rating or higher and lip balm with sunscreen
• Antibiotics
• Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for “new” flora.
• Immodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol tablets and liquid (in leak-proof bottle).
  • Medical prescriptions if you travel with prescription drugs.

Others

• ID pictures for a visa.
• At least 80 USD in cash for the visa fee.
• Passport and important documents’ photocopies in case of loss.

Last update: Mar 2026

Vietnam is a country of rich traditions and deep cultural values. Respecting local customs will ensure a positive and memorable trip. Here are the key “do’s and don’ts” to guide you.

Summary Table: Do’s & Don’ts in Vietnam

💡 Essential Practical & Legal Advice

1. Save Face and Stay Cool

The concept of “saving face” is crucial in Vietnamese culture. Losing your temper or shouting in public is seen as a serious loss of respect for both parties. Always handle complaints with a smile and patience.

2. Money and Tipping

• Currency: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some places may accept US Dollars, they are not widely used.
• Haggling: Bargaining is expected at local markets. Start with an offer about 20-30% lower than the asking price and keep the interaction friendly. If the vendor won’t budge, either pay or politely walk away. Remember, don’t haggle in supermarkets or restaurants where prices are fixed.
• Tipping: Tipping is not a traditional part of Vietnamese culture, though it is becoming more common in upscale restaurants and for tour guides. It is appreciated but never expected.

3. Transportation and Safety

• Traffic: Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic. If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to avoid riding a motorbike. If you do ride, a helmet, proper license, and insurance are essential.
• Cash: There is a legal limit to the amount of cash you can bring into Vietnam without declaring it. You should not carry more than 5000 USD (or equivalent) or 15 million VND in cash without declaring it to customs.

4. Special Legal & Modern Cautions

• E-cigarettes: Be aware that the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products is illegal in Vietnam. Travelers have been fined and had their devices confiscated.
• Local Laws: Respect local laws and avoid all illegal activities, including gambling and drug use, as penalties can be severe. Always be mindful of photography restrictions, particularly near military or government sites.

Embracing these customs and staying informed will help you have a safe and respectful trip to Vietnam.