CURRENCY

The currency of Vietnam is the Dong (VND). Although it fluctuates, generally the exchange is $1.00 USD is equal to 15,000 VND. Here’s a tip: You will get a better exchange rate if you use $100.00 US bills. Money can be exchanged at hotels, currency exchange bureaus, or a bank. Major credit cards and travelers’ cheques are accepted in most major cities. Denominations of the dong are as follows:

200d	Red	10,000d	Red
500d	Red	20,000d	Blue
1000d	Brown/green	50,000d	Green
2000d	Brown/pink	100,000d	Red
5000d	Blue

There is no coin currency in Vietnam. All denominations of the Dong are paper. You will find in some villages that children will ask you for “coins”, they are asking for American coins. Use your own discretion, but bear in mind that if you give a coin to one child the others will follow. This can be an overwhelming experience for the western traveler.

TOURIST VISAS

Tourist/Visitor visas are required for all US citizens traveling to Vietnam. Universal Tours will make this application on your behalf. The cost of your Vietnam Visa is generally included in the price of your air ticket. If you wish to secure a visa on your own it may be obtained from your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate General. Visa requirements are subject to change, but the following is current as of this posting.

A current passport, valid 6 months beyond your date of departure.
2 passport sized pictures
A complete visa application

Aliens with US permanent residency cards must substitute a copy of their card (front and back) and it must be clearly legible.

Universal Tours has a longstanding business relationship with both the Vietnamese Consulate General and Vietnamese Embassy here in The United States and is happy to complete and submit your application for a visa.

Processing time for a visa is 14 days. The visa can be expedited for an additional charge, and in cases of immediate departure we can arrange for you to pick up your visa at the Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. In addition to the expedited fee in the US you will be charged a $25.00 USD fee at the airport in Vietnam.

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