A smooth return to Vietnam begins with preparing five key procedures at least 14-21 days before your flight. The current customs clearance process takes an average of only 30-45 minutes if you master the electronic declaration method and prepare the correct visa exemption documents, saving up to $150 in additional costs.
1. Entry procedures: Passport and 5-year visa exemption certificate.
A 5-year visa exemption certificate or e-visa is a prerequisite for quick entry into Vietnam without having to queue for on-site visa stamping. Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry to avoid being denied boarding at the airport of your destination country.
Locals who frequently handle visa procedures for relatives often recommend applying for a 5-year visa exemption if you are of Vietnamese origin. This procedure allows a stay of up to 180 days per entry. If you are only visiting for a short period of less than 30 days, an e-visa is the quickest option, costing around $25 USD, payable online, and receiving the result within 3 business days. Save the PDF file to your phone and print a paper copy as a backup in case your phone runs out of battery at the international arrivals hall.
2. Telecommunications connection: 4G/5G SIM card and data plan at the airport.
4G/5G travel SIM cards can be purchased at service counters in the arrival hall of Terminal 2 for prices ranging from 200,000 VND to 350,000 VND for unlimited data for 30 days. Viettel and Vinaphone are the two network providers with the best coverage in Tan Binh district and surrounding provinces.
As soon as you exit the baggage screening area, a series of SIM card counters will appear. Don't rush to buy at the first counter; walk a few steps towards the exit where you'll find many more data packages with high-speed (5G) data specifically for travelers. Remember to ask the staff to activate and check that the network connection is successful before leaving the counter. In particular, remember to install free messaging apps like Zalo or Viber beforehand, as these are the main communication methods in Vietnam today, making it easier than ever to call a taxi or book services.
3. Finance: Cash and cashless payment applications
Cash is still "king" at street food stalls, but e-wallets like MoMo, ZaloPay, and Visa/Mastercard cards are indispensable tools for payments at supermarkets, restaurants, or when ordering Grab. Exchange rates at currency exchange counters at Tan Son Nhat Airport are usually about 1-2% higher than those at gold shops in the Ben Thanh Market area.
Practical experience suggests exchanging around 100-200 USD into Vietnamese Dong at the airport to cover taxi fares and meals along the way. The remaining amount can be taken to reputable gold shops in District 1 or Tan Binh District for a better exchange rate. However, the trend in 2026 is "cashless." By simply linking an international credit card to the Grab app, passengers can travel throughout Saigon without worrying about being shortchanged or overcharged.
4. Transportation options from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center.
Grab, Be, and Xanh SM are the three most popular ride-hailing apps with designated pick-up points at Tan Son Nhat Airport. If you choose a traditional taxi, only trust Vinasun (white cars) and Mai Linh (green cars) to ensure transparent meter readings.
Extremely important note for first-time visitors: The international terminal area often has many people offering "cheap taxis" right at the exit. Absolutely do not follow these people as they are usually unlicensed taxis, and the price can be 3-4 times higher than the actual fare. If using Grab, go to the first or second floor following the signs to reach the correct meeting point. If you have a lot of bulky luggage, choosing a 7-seater Vinasun taxi at the ground floor waiting area will be more convenient; the price from the airport to District 1 ranges from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND depending on peak times.
Comparison table of transportation options at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
| Criteria | Grab / Ride-hailing app | Traditional taxi | Airport buses (109/152) |
| Cost | Hourly fluctuations (Cheaper during off-peak hours) | Fixed in meters (Stable) | Very cheap (5,000 VND – 15,000 VND) |
| Pickup point | Levels 3-4 or the parking lot | Ground floor lobby (Lane B/C) | Lane B, International Terminal |
| Convenience | Know the price in advance, track the journey. | Vehicles are available immediately, and staff can assist with luggage. | Saves money but requires a long walk. |
| Suitable for | Tech-savvy person, minimal luggage. | Family, lots of luggage, elderly people | Students, solo travelers |
5. Accommodation: Should you choose a hotel near the airport or in the city center?
If you have an early flight the next day or want to avoid rush hour traffic, hotels on Truong Son, Hong Ha, and Bach Dang streets (Tan Binh District) are the optimal choice, with prices starting from 600,000 VND/night. Conversely, District 1 would be more suitable for experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon.
Areas around the airport, such as Phan Xich Long Street (Phu Nhuan District) or Bac Hai residential area, are a culinary paradise for overseas Vietnamese craving home-cooked meals. Here, 3-4 star hotels like Ibis or Holiday Inn often offer free airport shuttle services. If you choose to stay in the city center, allow at least 60-90 minutes for travel to the airport during peak hours from 4 PM to 7 PM, as the road from Hoang Van Thu Park to the airport is frequently heavily congested.
6. Healthcare and Insurance: Important Considerations
International travel insurance with medical coverage in Vietnam acts as a financial shield against risks such as food poisoning or traffic accidents. International hospitals like Vinmec, FV, and Hanh Phuc are reliable choices with doctors who communicate well in English.
Saigon's unpredictable weather, with its alternating sunshine and rain, can easily cause heat shock for those who have lived in cold climates for a long time. It's advisable to bring some basic medications, but keep them in their original packaging for easier customs clearance. Additionally, replenishing electrolytes and only drinking bottled water (like La Vie or Aquafina) is a "survival rule" to avoid digestive problems in the first few days after arriving. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, as UV rays in Saigon at midday are often extremely dangerous.
7. Gifts and Customs Regulations: Prohibited Items
According to current regulations, passengers carrying more than US$5,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) or more than VND 15 million in cash must declare it to customs. Fresh food, fruits with seeds, or unprocessed animal meat products are generally prohibited.
Many people have a habit of bringing back large quantities of dietary supplements or cosmetics as gifts. Note that if the total value of the gifts exceeds 10 million VND, you may have to pay import tax. To expedite the baggage screening process, pack gifts in a separate bag and include purchase receipts inside. Avoid accepting items from strangers at the airport to prevent legal risks related to prohibited substances.
8. Survival tips at Tan Son Nhat airport gateway for first-time visitors.
Always keep an eye on your luggage in crowded public waiting areas and only contact family members at pre-arranged meeting points by phone. Utilizing a "Fast Track" service (fast-track immigration assistance) can be a worthwhile investment if traveling with elderly people or young children.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is often extremely crowded during peak seasons for overseas Vietnamese (Tet or summer). A helpful tip is that after collecting your luggage, if you see a large crowd waiting in the ground floor lobby, head up to the second floor (departure hall) to call a taxi. This area is usually less congested, and Grab taxis are more easily accessible. Always maintain a calm and patient attitude in the face of the typical hustle and bustle of Vietnam's largest airport gateway. Thorough preparation from home will help the initial feeling of apprehension quickly give way to the joy of reunion.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I exchange money around Tan Son Nhat Airport for the best rate?
Besides the bank counters in the international arrivals hall, locals often visit reputable gold shops on Le Van Sy Street or in the Tan Son Nhat Market area to get more competitive exchange rates, saving 50-100 VND per USD.
How much alcohol and tobacco can you bring into Vietnam without paying tax?
You are exempt from tax on a maximum of 1.5 liters of alcohol above 20% (or 2 liters of alcohol below 20%), 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of loose tobacco. Anything exceeding this amount must be declared and subject to excise tax.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport or in the city center?
It's best to buy it right at the airport because the price difference isn't significant, but you need to be connected to the internet immediately to call a Grab or notify your relatives via Zalo/Viber, to avoid losing contact as soon as you exit the terminal.
How can you distinguish between unlicensed taxis and legitimate taxis?
Authorized taxis (Vinasun, Mai Linh) always have clear emblems on the roof of the vehicle, staff wear uniforms, have the station number printed on the body, and most importantly, always start calculating the fare using a meter as soon as the vehicle starts moving.
Is it okay to bring dietary supplements home as gifts?
It is permitted to bring in reasonable quantities for personal use or as gifts. However, if brought in large quantities for business purposes without a license, customs has the right to detain them and demand payment of import duties.
Hopefully, this checklist will make your trip back home even more fulfilling. Save this article and share it with your relatives who are about to return home! Don't forget to check out more:
- eSIM vs. Physical SIM for Tourists Visiting Vietnam: Which Should You Choose?
- Buying a Vietnam eSIM at Tan Son Nhat Airport — Comparison with Saily, Airalo, and Klook 2026
