Vietnam Airport Arrival Guide: What to Expect in 2024

Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time in Vietnam. Whether you're coming for business, a vacation, or an extended stay, it’s crucial to understand the arrival process at Vietnamese airports.

Vietnam has 4 major international airports: Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang). Each of these airports handles a large volume of both domestic and international flights, and having a clear understanding of what to expect will help you navigate through the arrival process smoothly.

This guide will walk you through each step — from passport control and visa requirements, to transportation from the airport and getting connected with a SIM card.

✈️ New to Vietnam? You might also want to read our How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An Guide for quick airport-to-town transfers.

Vietnam has a number of modern and well-equipped airports across the country. Here are the 4 major international airports you should know:

• Location: Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam
• Overview: The largest and busiest airport in Vietnam
• Facilities: Lounges, duty-free, Wi-Fi
• Transportation: Use Grab or official taxis like Vinasun/Mai Linh to reach downtown safely

• Serves the northern capital and connects to central districts via expressways
• Read our Noi Bai Airport Survival Guide to prep for arrivals and transfers

• Closest airport to Hoi An Ancient Town
• Common for travelers visiting My Khe Beach and Marble Mountains

• Gateway to Nha Trang's beach resorts
• Shuttle bus and taxi available at exit gate

📌 Tip: Save the official Vietnam Airports website for real-time updates and services.

As soon as you step off the plane, you’ll begin the arrival process. Here's how it works:

• Bring a valid passport (6 months+) and visa if required
• Expect to be asked about trip duration, accommodation, and purpose
• Long lines are common during peak hours

🛂 Need help understanding visa types? Check our full Vietnam Visa on Arrival Guide.

• E-visa for Vietnam – Official government site for 30-day single-entry visa
• Visa exemption – For citizens of select countries (ASEAN, South Korea, Japan, etc.)
• Visa on arrival – Only available if pre-approved via a VOA service provider

📌 Tip: Always print your visa approval letter and bring two passport photos if using VOA.

After immigration, proceed to baggage claim.

• Find your flight number on overhead screens to locate the correct carousel
• Retain your luggage claim tag for ID verification
• If your bag is missing or damaged, head to the baggage services counter immediately

• File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your airline
• Ask about daily reimbursement policies if delayed
• Use tracking tools like AirTag or Tile to monitor your bag location

🎒 Want to pack smarter and avoid checked baggage altogether? Use our Carry-On Packing Guide for Vietnam for stress-free travel.

• Green channel: For travelers with nothing to declare
• Red channel: If you're bringing in large sums of cash, high-value electronics, or restricted items

• You may bring in up to $5,000 USD or VND equivalent without declaration
• Limit on alcohol: 1.5 liters of spirits
• Limit on cigarettes: 200 sticks
• Strictly prohibited: drugs, pornography, and anti-state materials

📌 Want to avoid issues at the gate? Review Vietnam’s official customs regulations before arrival.

Internal tip:

Don’t bring drones, walkie-talkies, or professional camera gear without a permit — they might be held or confiscated.

Before leaving the terminal, most travelers need Vietnamese đồng (VND) for transport or small purchases.

✅ Currency exchange at the airport:

• Available at arrival halls near baggage claim
• Rates are slightly less favorable than in the city
• Best for exchanging small amounts for immediate use

✅ ATMs at the airport:

• Found near exit gates and arrival terminals
• Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus
• Withdrawal fees vary from 40,000 to 80,000 VND (~$2–4 USD)
• Max withdrawal per transaction: Usually 2–5 million VND

💳 For lower fees and reliable service, check out our Vietnam Currency & ATM Guide.

📌 Tip: Choose “Decline conversion” when withdrawing to avoid hidden bank markups.

Vietnam has some of the fastest and cheapest 4G coverage in Southeast Asia — and getting connected is easy.

• Official mobile providers have counters at all major airports (before or after customs)
• Look for Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone
• Most tourist packages include:
• Unlimited 4G
• 7–30 days validity
• Price: 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–10 USD)

📱 Not sure which provider to choose? Read our full Vietnam SIM Card Buying Guide.

• Use apps like Airalo or Nomad
• Instant activation, no need for physical SIM
• Best if your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, Pixel, Samsung S20+)

📌 Tip: Activate data after clearing immigration, as some apps require internet for initial setup.

After you're connected and have local currency, it’s time to head to your hotel. Transportation options vary by city, but here are the most common:

• Most recommended option for tourists
• Fixed price, no scams, pay via app or cash
• Download Grab App here
• Works in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang

• Use official taxi counters or brands like Vinasun and Mai Linh
• Avoid drivers who approach you directly in the arrivals area
• Always ask for the meter to be turned on

🚖 Read our How to Use Grab in Vietnam Guide for safety tips and booking steps.

• Available at counters or online (e.g., 12Go Asia)
• Shared vans with drop-offs at major city hotels
• Good value if you're traveling with others

• Budget-friendly, but less convenient with luggage
• Check city-specific options:
• From Noi Bai to Hanoi city
• From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

📌 Tip: Keep your hotel address written in Vietnamese for drivers who may not speak English.

Travel delays happen — but there are ways to stay in control.

🛬 If you miss a connecting flight:

• Head immediately to your airline’s customer service counter
• Have your booking reference and passport ready
• Ask about rebooking or standby options
• If booked through a third party, contact the agent directly

🔄 If you’re stuck overnight:

• Ask for hotel and meal vouchers (some airlines provide them)
• Check nearby airport hotels on apps like Agoda or Booking.com

✅ General help options:

• Look for the information desk at arrivals
• Use Google Translate if staff speak limited English
• Airport staff are generally helpful, especially at major airports like Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai

✈️ See our Flight Delay Survival Guide for step-by-step help

Vietnam is welcoming, but first-time visitors should know a few essentials.

💡 Must-know tips:

• Avoid airport taxi scams by using Grab or booking through your hotel
• Exchange just enough cash at the airport, then find better rates in town
• Don’t change money on the street
• Keep a copy of your passport in both digital and paper form
• Use small notes (10k–50k VND) for street food, bus fares, etc.

📌 Read our Top Vietnam Travel Safety Tips to avoid common beginner mistakes.

Once outside the airport, things move quickly. Here's what you'll encounter:

🧭 Common scenes:

• Taxi lines and ride-hailing pickup zones
• Locals offering tours or transport (politely decline unless booked in advance)
• SIM card booths, snack kiosks, and mini-marts

🗺️ What to do next:

• Use Google Maps to navigate or show your hotel address
• Confirm your destination before getting into any vehicle
• Bookmark or screenshot your next stop or hotel confirmation

Need a city plan after landing? Start with our Top 10 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An Arrival Guide.

Here’s a recap of smart traveler habits that can save time, stress, and money:

✅ Airport arrival checklist:

• 📄 Print or save your visa approval and travel insurance
• 💳 Bring small VND bills for taxis or food
• 📶 Buy or activate a SIM/eSIM before leaving the terminal
• 🚖 Use Grab or trusted taxi counters only
• 🧳 Always keep your luggage claim tag
• 📌 Download offline maps and translation apps

📥 Bonus: Download our Vietnam Arrival PDF Checklist (free) for your phone or print.

Your first hour in Vietnam sets the tone for your whole trip — and now, you’re ready.

Whether you're landing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang, this Vietnam Airport Arrival Guide helps you:

• Understand the entry process step-by-step
• Navigate customs, currency, SIMs, and transport confidently
• Avoid the most common mistakes travelers make
• Start your trip feeling relaxed, informed, and safe

📌 Save this guide to your browser or notes app — or share it with friends who are visiting Vietnam soon!