Arriving into HCMC International Airport

Arriving in a strange airport with people speaking a strange language can be a daunting affair! Here's a few tips on arriving into Ho Chi Minh Cities International airport!

Visa/Customs

Except for some ASEAN member countries, all nationalities require an entry visa for Vietnam. Tourist visas are generally valid for a 30 day period; however they may be extended when you’re in Vietnam. Prices vary, consult your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or ask your travel agent.

When arriving into HCMC, you need to fill in a “Arrival/Departure” card; you MUST keep this and return it to the Custom official when exiting the country.

The Entry Procedure into HCMC is relatively easy. Officials rarely smile, however they tend to get through large crowds quickly. Just smile and be happy!

There are limitations on the amount of cigarettes (200), alcoholic drinks (1lt) and foreign currency ($3,000USD) that you can bring into the country.

Flying In

Many travelers arrive into HCMC by air. These days there are many international carriers flying from around the world to Ho Chi Minh City.

The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, operates numerous services to/from Europe, the USA, Australia and other major Asian hubs to Ho Chi Minh City, almost on a daily basis. Full schedules can be found at www.vietnamairlines.com.

Now that Budget Airlines have hit the skies, make sure you check them out. You can now travel between HCMC and Thailand/ Singapore/KL for as low $25USD one way (plus taxes).

For bookings & details check out the following carriers:

• Tigerairways - Singapore to HCMC
• AirAsia - Bangkok to HCMC
• Jet Star – Bangkok/Australia/KL - HCMC and domestic flights within Vietnam

From The Airport

Getting to and from the Airport is easy with the airport taxi stand 40m from 

the front door of International Terminal. The journey to District 1 takes approx 30 min and should be charged as per the meter. Most trips will cost around 100,000VND ($7USD). Avoid taxi's with out a meter.

Airport transfers can be arranged by your hotel or let Adam here at VietnamandCambodia.com arrange one for you.

Private transfers in HCMC cost $18USD (Max 4 people) and means that someone will be waiting for you at the terminal, will carry your bags and drop you of at your chosen hotel. No questions asked! Simply Email Adam for further details or to make a booking!

Arrival Tips:

• Write down the address of your hotel when you make the booking. Many drivers will speak little or no English and with the Vietnamese language being tonal, it's very easy to end up in the wrong location!
  
• Carry a pen, you will need to fill in forms at the airport!
  
• Money can be exchanged at the airport via Money Exchange desks or a you can use ATM's.
  
• Always carry a small amount of USD ($40-50) incase the Money Exchanges are closed!
  
• Always smile and be happy!
  

================

Subscribe to Vietnam and Cambodia by Email