City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's fastest, most international city: great food, cafés, nightlife, a new metro line and a large expat scene. Heat, traffic, noise and snatch theft are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,080–1,730Comfortable, one person · ₫28M–45MDetails
- Value for money64/100Better value than 63% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Mar, 37°CDetails
- Air quality27 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet301 MbpsFixed broadband, Vietnam medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$27–69Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, hotels and chain cafés; cash or bank QR at street stalls, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| District 1 (Ben Nghe, Ben Thanh) | First-timers: sights, nightlife, hostels, walkable core |
| District 3 | Quieter streets, cafés and local food near the center |
| Thao Dien (Thu Duc) | Expats and nomads: cafés, gyms, river views, restaurants |
| Binh Thanh | Cheaper long stays, local life, 10–15 minutes from the center |
| District 4 | Budget apartments and street food just across the river |
Apps that work in Ho Chi Minh City
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GrabFood | Same app as rides; widest choice in English |
| ShopeeFood | Cheap, many promos; mostly Vietnamese |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Zalo
- VeXeRe: Booking buses and sleeper coaches
- Taxis: Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis are reliable if the meter runs. Avoid unmarked cars and unmetered airport offers; use Grab.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Vietnam.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, hotels and chain cafés; cash or bank QR at street stalls, markets and small shops. Carry small notes.
- Currency: Dong (VND). US$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card fees run roughly 20,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal and limits are low (often 2–5 million VND); compare banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; VietQR needs a Vietnamese bank account or a linked regional banking app.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Vietnam
Going to Ho Chi Minh City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Ho Chi Minh City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.