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| Facts at a Glance |
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Area
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329,560 sq.km.
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Capital City
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Hanoi
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Population
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77.31 Million
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Language
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Vietnamese (official), Chinese, English, and French.
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Religion
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Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholic.
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Climate
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North Vietnam has Southern Mediterranean type climate. South
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate.
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Local Time
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GMT +7
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Currency
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Vietnamese Dong in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000,
5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 banknotes. There are no coins
in use.
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Exchange
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Travellers cheques are accepted at most banks. Hotels sometimes
charge a commission. Cash dollars in good condition are accepted
in many places, so small denominations are useful to carry.
The exchange rate can fluctuate considerably. Remaining Vietnamese
currency can be exchanged for US dollars at the exchange bureau
at the airport.
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Credit Cards
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Most major hotels and big restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
and Hanoi accept Visa and MasterCard.
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Business Hours
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Most shops, banks and businesses open from 8am to 4 or 5pm
with a 1-2 hour lunch break
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Tipping
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Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but is appreciated.
A 5-10% tip for a meal in a good restaurant may equal a day's
wages.
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Nightlife
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There are numerous discos and karaoke bars. As in most places,
it is preferable to explore in the company of a long-term
resident, to avoid the traditional rip-offs.
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Electricity supply
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220V, 50Hz / 110V, 50Hz
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Photography
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Print film is widely sold, but risks having been badly stored,
so best buy from reputable photo dealers rather than street
vendors. Slide film is available only in large cities. Photo-processing
shops are everywhere with one hour processing facilities.
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Tourist Information
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Vietnam Airlines-Hanoi: (84-4) 8253824; Ho Chi Minh City:
(84-8) 8292118; Bangkok: (66-2) 6569056-8; Phnom Penh: (855-23)
424426; Vientiane: (856-21) 216761
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism-Tel: (84-4) 8261061;
Fax: (84-4) 8261115
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