Saigon

Tipping

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist
• oriented services such as hotels, restaurants, and tour guides
• For restaurants, 5
• 10% is common for good service
• For tour guides and drivers, a few dollars per day is appropriate
• For hotel staff, a small amount (e
• g
• , 20,000
• 50,000 VND) for porters or housekeepers is customary

Money & Payments

• ATMs are widely available, especially in major cities; fees may apply
• Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and local markets
• It's advisable to carry a mix of cash (Vietnamese Dong, VND) for daily expenses and smaller purchases, especially outside of urban centers
• There is no official black market for cash, but exchange rates at unofficial vendors may differ

Cultural Norms

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
• Shoulders and knees should be covered
• Avoid public displays of affection
• When eating, wait for the oldest person to start eating first
• Do not point with your finger; instead, use your whole hand
• Remove your shoes when entering homes or temples

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. While there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex marriage was decriminalized in 2015, and there is a growing acceptance, particularly in urban areas. However, legal recognition of same-sex partnerships is not yet available.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

• The legal drinking age is 18
• Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including long prison sentences and the death penalty for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of illicit drugs, even in small quantities

Special Laws

• When visiting temples or pagodas, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
• Do not wear hats indoors, especially in religious places
• Be mindful of traffic when crossing streets, as it can be chaotic
• Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering someone's home