Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 350

ATMs are widespread. They're present in virtually every town in the country and accept
foreign cards. Watch out for stiff withdrawal fees (typically 20,000d to 30,000d) and low
withdrawal limits - most are around 3,000,000d, but Agribank allows up to 6,000,000d.
Bargaining
For xe om and cyclo trips, as well as anywhere that prices aren't posted, bargaining is pos-
sible. In tourist hotspots, you may be quoted as much as five times the going price, but not
everyone is trying to rip you off. In less-travelled areas, foreigners are often quoted the
Vietnamese price, but you can still bargain a little bit.
Credit & Debit Cards
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most top hotels, upmarket restaurants and shops but
not in many budget places. Commission charges (around 3%) sometimes apply.
For cash advances, try branches of Vietcombank in cities or Sinh Tourist travel agen-
cies. Expect at least a 3% commission for this service.
OPENING HOURS
Vietnamese people rise early and consider sleeping in to be a sure indication of illness.
Lunch is taken very seriously and many government offices close between 11.30am and
2pm.
Banks 8am to 3pm weekdays, to 11.30am Saturday
Offices and museums 7am or 8am to 5pm or 6pm; museums generally close on Monday
Restaurants 11.30am to 9pm
Shops 8am to 6pm
Temples and pagodas 5am to 9pm
PHOTOGRAPHY
Memory cards are pretty cheap in Vietnam. Most internet cafes can also burn photos onto
a CD or DVD to free up storage space. Photo-processing shops and internet cafes in big-
ger cities can burn digital photos onto DVDs. Colour print film is widely available; slide
film is available in HCMC and Hanoi.
Vietnam's gorgeous scenery and unique character makes for memorable photographs.
Inspiration will surely strike when you see a row of colourfully dressed hill-tribe women
walking to market, but remember to maintain an appropriate level of respect for the
people and places you visit. Ask permission before snapping a photo of someone.