How to Prepare For Vietnam Holidays
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Once your low cost flights to Vietnam are booked, it's far easier for you to enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming holiday. However, ask yourself this: how many preparations have you made in advance of the trip? Knowing more about what to expect in terms of money in the country you are visiting will prevent any nasty surprises, for example. As a result, it will be easier to relax when there. So, what should you be checking?
The first thing to research is how to exchange your travel money into Vietnamese currency. The Dong is accepted wherever you may be shopping in the country, so ensuring that enough currency has been brought to last the trip is a must. Your local Post Office may be unable to arrange travel money, but the Internet will enable you to buy everything you need and have it delivered securely to your door.
Cambodia holidays, or visits to cities in the country, will mean you need to convert your spending money into riel. That said, many outlets prefer tourists and locals alike to use US Dollars instead; which will be very easy for you to convert beforehand. If you're planning a trip to Cambodia before, during or after your Vietnam experience, be sure to plan for this, as well.
Cash machines are becoming more accessible, particularly in Vietnam. Most accept the standard credit and debit cards used in the UK. You should expect fees to be added to transactions made from these ATMs; however, so making a few large withdrawals instead of many smaller ones will cut down the charges incurred during the holiday. Travellers' cheques are only accepted at a few locations, meaning this may be a risky method of holding money during your stay.
There are options available if you worry about taking your debit card, as well. For example, prepaid credit cards offered by some currency converters will offer more security while abroad. The money which you place into a prepaid account is insured against loss or theft, and purchases made on the card are unable to exceed the balance available.
Visiting marketplaces and making purchases on Vietnam holidays brings an insight into the culture and customs of locals that is hard to find anywhere else. For instance, the Vietnamese do not like to be paid in coins, preferring bank notes instead. The notes used should be crisp, clean and straight where possible, as paying in crumpled or folded notes is offensive to some locals. This custom stems from the perception that brand-new notes are lucky, particularly when cash is offered as a gift to bring in the New Year or on other key occasions. Maintaining eye contact is another mannerism which residents find polite.
Getting your travel money ready isn't as difficult anymore, with online merchants simplifying holiday preparations. Always remember that many companies charge a commission in addition to the currency conversion made, however. As such, comparing the rates from different services will make your money go further for your holiday.
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
