Language

- Vietnamese is the official language. 

- Almost tourist guides speak languages: English, Chinese, French, Russian and Japanese.

Vietnamese dong (VND) is the official currency in Vietnam.

Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200

Cheques with value as Vietnamese dong include: VND 1,000,000 and 500,000

Foreign currencies and tourist cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at banks or foreign exchange agencies

Credit cards are popularly used, especially in cities and big tourist centers

Before leave Vietnam, Vietnamese dong can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport

Governmental agencies work 8 hours/day from 7.30am to 4.30pm (excluding one-hour lunch). Saturday and Sunday are close

Banks are open from 7.30am or 8am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 4pm. Saturday and Sunday are close.

Private shops are open from 8am or 8.30am to 9pm or 10pm