Vietnam

[TLCTLC88]

Your trip last October, maybe now the custom been improved, I just got here on 18 Mar, 2 days ago.

How are your custom clearing experience?

I hope so. Plan to go HCM again before the airport moves but the immigration crowd argh.....

My bil and his vn wife going in late jun, will check with them on their experience then decide if go HCM again or Hanoi instead.

 

[SpawnXp]

Your trip last October, maybe now the custom been improved, I just got here on 18 Mar, 2 days ago.

How are your custom clearing experience?

I cleared in less then 1min.
The super super vip lane

 

[iceblendedchoc]

Just cleared custom and security in 20mins. No need express pass or bribe . Ironically the grab ride from district 1 to airport took longer at 1 hour

 

[badsector]

Found out that using wise card payments for Grab transport also incurred foreign card fees (4%) in Vietnam although the amount is so small.

if u select Cash, the price would be lower

 

[loganrunning]

if u select Cash, the price would be lower

yes, that's what my VN friends/colleagues do.
for me, it just take the hit on the fees. easier than trying to figure out the denominations at night, and overpaying as i have done in the past.

note to self: get the "dong wallet"

 

[SpawnXp]

Meet up anyone ?

 

[Panerex]

Is Danang airport arrival and departure just as jammed up as HCM?

 

[iceblendedchoc]

Have you returned to Singapore already, how the departure wait?

4 posts above this, reasonably fast actually just 20 mins

 

[SpawnXp]

Just cleared immigration.
Worst day i ever seen.
Luckily got uncle ho to help me. Got thru within 5mins.
The line was stretching almost to the entrance of the terminal

 

[pclow59]

Just cleared immigration.
Worst day i ever seen.
Luckily got uncle ho to help me. Got thru within 5mins.
The line was stretching almost to the entrance of the terminal

So have to get fast track and pay?. Currently I m also waiting to check in at SIA counter

 

[SpawnXp]

So have to get fast track and pay?. Currently I m also waiting to check in at SIA counter

If u have time and patience then queue lor.
If not just slip cash inside the passport

 

[pclow59]

If u have time and patience then queue lor.
If not just slip cash inside the passport

Now 1:30pm local time,, Q not too bad, each line about 10 people.

At 1:44 pm we have cleared custom and the security checks gate already.

Conclude my trip experience, the time is manageable and no payments for express/fast track is needed.

 

[pclow59]

Mui Ne is so boring. The town itself got nothing nice to eat. The sight seeing places also not that fantastic.

White Sand Dune

 

[beanstalk6]

My friend who just returned yesterday from 5 days in Hanoi and Sapa observed that there were no outward signs of fuel shortages during their trip. It was observed that these areas of northern Vietnam were covered in haze, which is commonplace during this part of the year over northern Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The view from the Fansipan summit was poor as a result.

Immigration queues at Noi Bai were bad and there were no express queues.

 

[pclow59]

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...laration-rolled-out-for-entrants-into-vietnam

Starting April 15, 2026, foreign visitors entering Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport - SGN) must complete a mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Form at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 48 hours before arrival. This generates a QR code for immigration clearance.

 

[Panerex]

anyone travelled to Da Nang before?

is it easy to withdraw VND from ATMs there, or even use SGD to exchange for VND at money exchangers there?

 

[tewem]

anyone travelled to Da Nang before?

is it easy to withdraw VND from ATMs there, or even use SGD to exchange for VND at money exchangers there?

Yes, I travelled there in 2023. I only found money changers at Da Nang Airport. Otherwise, it wasn’t easy to find ATMs there. Firstly, I’m not familiar with the places. Secondly, I don’t know how to speak their language.

It’s still best to exchange some VND in Singapore before travelling. So far, I usually change money at the Arcade in Raffles Place.

 

[seowbin]

Now must change money at bank... Last time hcmc , gold shop can change. After that shutdown liao, saw recently resume (think gov approved)

In another words, not easy to change money with anyone on the road side. Can get caught and charge by gov.

Best is just change enough money before you go but take note, upon departure. There's some $$$ limit.

 

[orangebear89]

Does anyone have van service contact to share for Hcmc ? How is rate rate like for their van service. I'm going with elderly so I need van service

 

[TLCTLC88]

Does anyone have van service contact to share for Hcmc ? How is rate rate like for their van service. I'm going with elderly so I need van service

Just take grab, damn cheap and convenient.