Local Mate

The Resources

Insights You Need To Know

Where should I stay in Hanoi?
Depends on your budget and preferences, however we would recommend you to stay around the Old Quarter tho.
What is the best way to get around Hanoi?
Walking or cycling is good in general but not the optimal way to get around Hanoi. Personally, we recommend renting a scooter (if only you can ride it obviously), or taking Grab/Be/Xanh SM, or public transports like buses and metro lines.
Still have further questions? Ask us!

Current Stats

For your nerds

$1 to VNĐ
26,238₫
3 Apr 2026, 13:47 GMT+7
Average Phở Price
$2
40k-80K VNĐ (not for fancy places)
Air Quality (AQI)
223
Very unhealthy

The Extra Extras

Click on the questions to see the answers.

What paperwork do I need to know beforehand?
  • For Travel
    • Your passport (indate, obviously)
    • Visa
    • Your booking confirmation (hotels/homestays/etc.)
    • Plane tickets (2-ways)
  • For Business Trip
    • Still your passport
    • Visa
    • Immigration dispatch
    • Invitation/Introduction letter
    • Business registration certificate (from the company in Vietnam)
    • APEC Business Visa (if applicable)
  • For Long-term Work
    • Work permit & related documents
    • TRC card (similar to Visa)
    • Tax information (tax ID, tax code, etc.)
    • Work contract
How does payment system work here?
  • Cash Payment
    • Here are the notes you need to know:
    • 500 000 VNĐ500,000 VNĐ (nearly $20)
      200 000 VNĐ200,000 VNĐ
      100 000 VNĐ100,000 VNĐ
      50 000 VNĐ50,000 VNĐ
      20 000 VNĐ20,000 VNĐ
      10 000 VNĐ10,000 VNĐ
      5 000 VNĐ5,000 VNĐ
      2 000 VNĐ2,000 VNĐ
      1 000 VNĐ1,000 VNĐ
    • Watch out!
      Don't confuse the 500K & 20K notes!
    • Notes from 10,000 VNĐ and up are polymer (plastic-like), while the smaller ones are paper.
    • Legally, there are several more notes (500, 200, and 100) and even coins. However, to avoid unnecessary confusion and inconvenience, if you happen to have such items, please keep them as souvenirs instead.
  • Cashless Payment
    • International Card (Debit/Credit): Accepted at malls, supermarkets, and large chains (Circle K, WinMart). Less common at local shops.
    • Apple Pay/Google Pay/Samsung Pay: Work wherever "Contactless" cards are accepted (mostly in big cities).
    • QR Payment: The "Vietnamese Way." Look for a QR stand on the counter. You can scan these using your local bank app or e-wallets like MoMo.
What are some local favourites?
What if I need support?