Last updated: 18 May 2012
Security and health
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists to Vietnam. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Security
Business visitors and tourists should be aware of petty crime, pick-pocketing and drug-related crime, which is on the increase. Pickpockets are often children or women with babies, and work as a group. In Ho Chi Minh City in particular, the cross-roads of Nguyen Hue and Ngo Duc Ke, Le Loi and Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi and Ton Duc Thang should be regarded with caution.
Many thefts are also perpetrated by riders of motor bikes, often with the pillion passenger grabbing bags from tourists sightseeing or walking along the streets.
Health
The sudden rise in the number of motorcycles and trucks, poor road conditions, lack of driver education and local driving habits create dangerous conditions. It is essential that you take necessary precautions when walking in the street, crossing the road or travelling by any vehicle.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking and brushing teeth. There have been incidents of fake bottled water on the market, so seals of bottles should be checked carefully. Ice in drinks in most restaurants and hotels are usually safe.
Local hospitals and dental surgeries are poorly resourced and commonly rudimentary and unhygienic. There are several medical clinics and practices run by expatriates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, fully equipped with the latest technology and trained staff. Please consult your local doctor for vaccinations before departure from Australia.
In case of an emergency, the first call should be to the hospital or the police station. Apart from dealing directly with the international medical centres, you may want to contact the Australian Embassy, especially if translation or Australian Government representation is required.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.