Miscellaneus Information

Weather
    The climate in Hanoi  is tropical. August is hot and humid. During this period the temperature is between 25°C  and 35°C. Updated information can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=2219

 Currency
    Vietnamese currency unit is dong (abbreviated "đ" or VND). As of March 2007 the exchange rate is 18,000đ for 1 USD. Banknotes in     denominations of 100đ, 200đ, 500đ, 1,000đ, 2,000đ, 5,000đ, 10,000đ, 20,000đ, 50,000đ, 100,000đ, 200,000đ and 500,000đ are presently in circulation. There are coins of denominations 200đ, 500đ, 1,000đ, 2,000đ, 5,000đ. Traveler's checks can be exchanged to Vietnamese dong only at authorized exchange banks. Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master card) can be used in banks, travel agencies, hotels, and major restaurants. US dollars and some other currencies are exchanged to Vietnamese dong and treasury notes in banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, and jewelry shops. 

Credit Cards 
    Visa, American Express and Master Card are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in Hanoi and other major cities.

Time Zone 
    Vietnam time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).

Telephone Call 
    For international calls, dial the international dialing code (001, 002, or 008), country code, area code and individual number. Domestic and international phone cards are available for sale at most convenient stores, hotels and the airport.

Mobile Phone 
    Mobile phone can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need an identification card (passport) and a valid credit card.

Business Hours 
    Government office hours are usually from 8:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 9:00am to 4:30pm on weekdays and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Major stores are open every day from 9:00am to 8:00pm including Sundays.

Electricity 
    The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. It is advised to check with the hotel beforehand.

Tip 
    Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.

Emergency Calls 
  For Medical Emergencies, dial 115
  For Emergencies for Fire, dial 114
  For Police, dial 113