Preparation for entry to Ho Chi Minh City

Visa: It is recommended to apply for a paper visa, which will save you 30 minutes at customs. However, you need to confirm the entry date when applying for the visa. Phone card: Purchase a phone card in advance on Taobao (around CNY30 for 7 days). Activate the card after arriving in Vietnam. China Mobile charges a maximum of CNY30 per day, so don't worry about saving CNY150. Download Grab in advance. The price is clearly marked, and you can avoid unnecessary trouble when taking a taxi. If you want to hail a taxi on the street, look for a white or green taxi with a phone number on the car. Bring some cash and exchange a small amount of Vietnamese dong at the airport for daily small payments. Bring a Visa or Mastercard. WeChat and Alipay are not widely used. Download Google Maps to find restaurants and plan your walking route. Download Google Translate app, which can be used in various situations and languages, and is used daily. When going through customs, hand in your passport, visa, and boarding pass. No need to speak, just look ahead. No one asked for a tip. Ho Chi Minh City opened a subway line during the Lunar New Year in 2025. The starting point is Bin Thanh Market, and the line runs northeast to Xian Quan. There are more choices of accommodation. The most convenient area is District 1, and District 2's Xuan Thien has a historical charm. The dry season in Ho Chi Minh City is from January to April, with a pleasant climate, a high temperature of 30 degrees, and short sleeves. Bring a long-sleeved shirt to block the air conditioning.