1. BUSINESS HOURS
-   Government offices and museums open early, around 08:00 am, and close between 04:00 pm and 05:00pm.
-   Avoid doing business from 11:30 am to 02:00 pm, when people are either at lunch or napping.
 
2. CURRENCY
- Vietnam Dong (VND) is the official currency in Vietnam, the current exchange rate is round VND19,495 (on 17/11/2010 , according to Vietcombank) to the US dollar. US dollar widely accept at hotels, but you should have local currency for use in taxis and shops.
- Credit card acceptance, especially for Visa, is spreading in high-end hotels, restaurants and shops in big cities.
 
3. HOTEL & REGISTRATION
- There is a wide of accommodation available, at least in Vietnam’s major cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City feature a choice on five-star hotels, while guesthouses and mini hotels offer no-frills room for under USD15.
- As hotels and private hosts must register your presence with the police, you’ll be expected to hand over your passport, your visa number and your yellow form.
 
4. SAFETY
- While Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia, you should take care with your professions. Secure your valuables, documents and credit cards in your hotel’s safe.
-  Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers and mobile phone thieves, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
-  If you choose to drive a motorbike or ride a bicycle, always wear a helmet.
 
5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
- International phone charges are steep in Vietnam and many hotels, especially up market ones, add extra fees. Check the rates before dialing.
- One long - distance service offers a flat fee of around USD 0,75/minute to over 50 countries; dial 171 followed by the country code and number. Public phones require phone cards, which are available at post offices.
- Faxes can send from hotels, business centers or post offices.
  
6. VISAS
- Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days.
- When you’d like to extend your visa, go to:
    * In Hanoi: The Immigration Office, No. 40A Hang Bai Street
       Tel: (84-4) 3826 6200
    *In Ho Chi Minh City:  No. 254 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
       Tel: (84-8) 3920 2300
-  Many tour operators can also extend your visa for a fee.
 
7. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
- General Information: 1080
- Police: 113
- Fire brigade: 114
- Ambulance: 115
- Telephone enquiries: 116
 
Source: www.vietnamtourism.com ; www.vietnamtravels.vn