Practical information about Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is one of south-east Asia's hottest destinations, and not just due to its tropical climate. Packed with fascinating colonial and Vietnam War-era history, offering sublime Vietnamese food, and a rich trove of architectural treasures to discover, it's a key part of any traveller's itinerary.

However, there's no doubting that Vietnam's second city can be a little disorientating to first time visitors. It's a chaotic place, with sprawling suburbs, and a host of cultural features, which make it very different to Canadian cities. Because of this, we've put together a quick list of crucial Ho Chi Minh City information to get you up and running. With a little help, you can dive straight into the city's attractions, without making any missteps along the way. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Ho Chi Minh City!

Essential Ho Chi Minh City information for visitors

Emergency numbers: If you ever need assistance when exploring Ho Chi Minh City, don't worry. The city offers the usual range of emergency services, including fire, police, and medical teams. To access the police, call 113. For the fire service, use 114. And if you need an ambulance, 115 is the number to call.
Government Office Open Hours: Canadian travellers can consult Ottawa's representatives in Ho Chi Minh City, and their assistance is often vital when dealing with crime or paperwork issues. The Canadian Consulate in the city is open (with an appointment) from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 am until 1:30 am on Fridays. It's closed on weekends, but you could give the government's Emergency Watch and Response Centre a call at 00 800 2326 6831.
Temperature: Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, which guarantees hot weather pretty much all year round. The average temperature for the city is a balmy 28 degrees celsius, and no month has an average daily high below 25 degrees. The main variable to think about is rainfall. The rainy season runs from May to November, while December through April corresponds to the dry season, when precipitation is scarce.
Currency: The local currency in Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese Dong. Some outlets may take US dollars, but having a supply of local currency is definitely advisable. Credit cards are also used fairly widely in eateries, shops, and bars. And if you need ATMs, the city centre is full of options.
Local Time: Ho Chi Minh City operates on GMT+7. This puts it 14 hours ahead of Vancouver, 11 hours ahead of Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, and 10 hours ahead of Halifax, NS.
Electricity: Vietnamese plug sockets can accommodate plug types A, C, and F. The country uses a 220V standard, compared to Canada's 120V, so some conversion equipment will probably be required if you want your devices to function properly. A generic adapter covering all major plug types is a good purchase, as you can't be sure which plug types you'll encounter at Ho Chi Minh City’s hotels or bars.
Language: The people of Ho Chi Minh City speak Vietnamese. There can sometimes be language barrier issues for English speakers in distant suburbs or the surrounding countryside. However, if you stick to Downtown Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be able to book taxis and order food in English without too many problems.
Required travel documents: Canadian visitors require a valid passport as well as a current Vietnamese Tourist Visa. This needs to be arranged prior to travelling, but a simple online portal makes the process hassle free. Visas last for 30 days, and you can request an extension via the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City.
Health: Before travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Canadians will need to organise shots for measles and rabies (if they aren't up to date), while injections for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Anti-malaria pills may also be recommended by medical practitioners, along with shots for Japanese encephalitis. If health emergencies arise in Vietnam, treatment is available, but will come with charges for foreigners. So ensure that your health insurance is current.
Tipping and taxes: Tipping isn't universal in Vietnam, but it's a good move for customers in restaurants or taxis to tip around 5% of the total bill. It's also customary to tip bellboys at hotels generously, along with anyone who provides a personal service. But street food vendors won't expect any gratuity. Tax shouldn't be an issue, and the only one which usually applies is VAT on hotel rooms, which is fixed at 5%.

Now you've got the basics it's time to book your flight. BudgetAir searches hundred of hotel and flight deals to make sure you get our best flight deals, every time, giving you more to spend on delicious Vietnamese delicacies.