Vietnam
Vietnam has no Working Holiday Visa with Australia. The 90-day eVisa is generous for travel. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City overland is one of the most popular long-trip routes for Aussie school leavers.
Currency
VND
1 AUD = 16500 VND (mid-market, 2026-05-21)
Cost of living
35% of Sydney
Working Holiday Visa for Australians
No WHV with Australia
Tourist or short-stay entry
eVisa
Up to 3 months. Work rights: none.
90-day single or multiple entry eVisa available from August 2023.
Source: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Highlights
- 90-day eVisa makes a slow north-to-south overland trip realistic.
- Cost of living is the lowest of the popular Aus destinations; AUD 50 a day is comfortable.
- Strong street-food culture (pho, banh mi); meals from AUD 2-4.
- English-teaching market exists (TEFL, university degree required) but requires a business visa, not the eVisa.
Watch outs
- Working without a business visa and work permit is illegal.
- Heavy scooter traffic; pedestrian crossings are advisory rather than mandatory.
- Vinpearl islands and Halong Bay scams; book with reputable agencies.
- Power cuts and air-quality issues in Hanoi during winter.
Money tips
- Vietcombank and Techcombank have foreign-card-friendly ATMs; smaller banks charge more.
- Cash dominates; ATMs cap withdrawals around 3 million dong (about AUD 180).
- Tipping not customary outside upmarket restaurants.
- Sleeper buses and trains are cheap; Vietnam Railways has a working English booking site.
Typical costs (AUD)
- Hostel bed per night
- $12
- Budget meal
- $4
- Mid-range meal
- $12
- Beer (bar)
- $2
- Public transport day pass
- $3
Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.
Practical basics
- Power plug
- Type A / C
- Drives on
- Right
- Emergency number
- 113 (police) / 115 (ambulance)
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-21.