Safety

National numbers. They are answered in Vietnamese. Call from any phone in Vietnam.

PoliceAlso the number for a traffic accident.113 FireFire and fire rescue.114 AmbulanceMedical emergency.115 Search and rescueNational search and rescue. Not a substitute for 113, 114 or 115.112 Child protectionHotline published by the UK Foreign Office for child protection.111

Numbers and the warnings below follow the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Vietnam advice, read on 16 October 2026. If your passport is not British, also read your own government’s advice.

Your bag and your passport

Theft and bag-snatching from motorbikes happen in crowded and tourist places. Hold the bag in front of you, on the side away from the traffic.

Do not give your passport to a rental shop, a landlord, or a driver as a guarantee. Carry a printed and a digital copy of the photo page. The authorities accept a printed copy of the photo page and visa as photographic ID.

Rides

Use a pre-arranged car, a metered taxi from a larger firm, or Grab or Xanh SM booked inside the app for the whole journey. Be wary of someone who only says they are from the company.

Motorbike travel is much riskier than at home. Do not hire one unless you already ride well. A helmet is required for the driver and the passenger. To drive a car or motorbike, the Foreign Office tells British licence holders to carry the 1968 international driving permit and the UK licence, plus third-party insurance. Any alcohol is a drink-driving offence.

Drinks, drugs, temples, photographs

Buy your own drink and keep it in sight. There have been methanol poisonings from alcohol sold even in licensed places. Do not buy liquor or cigarettes from street vendors.

Drug penalties are severe, including for cannabis, and can include a long prison sentence. Vapes are banned.

At religious sites, cover shoulders and knees. Do not photograph near military bases.

Rain and storms

In central Vietnam the rainy season runs from October to December, and flooding can block roads. The eastern coast can also see tropical cyclones from May to November. Follow local instructions, including any order to leave.

Questions people ask first

Which number do I call in an emergency?

Police 113, fire 114, ambulance 115. Search and rescue is 112. The person who answers may speak Vietnamese. Show a phrase from this kit if you need to.

Will GoVietStay replace the police?

No. Message the WhatsApp number for ordinary local help. For danger, call 113, 114 or 115 first.