Smartraveller gives fresh warning for Australian holidaymakers headed to Vietnam
Australians headed to a popular tourist hotspot have been given a fresh travel warning ahead of the next peak season.
Australians headed to a popular tourist hotspot have been given a fresh travel warning ahead of the next peak season.
Travellers headed to Vietnam are being reminded that both Australian driver’s licences and international driving permits are not recognised in the country.
“You must have a valid Vietnamese driver licence to drive or ride in Vietnam, including for motorcycles of 50cc or more,” the renewed advice said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.If Aussies are caught driving without a valid Vietnamese licence they will be met with a fine, which can range in cost anywhere from $110 to more than $230.
Smartraveller also warned that if fined, Aussie insurers would likely deny claims.
The first of Vietnam’s peak travel seasons came to a close at the end of March, with the next most popular time to head there being from July onwards.
The rules have confused Aussies in the past, especially for those who frequently travel to Bali. In Indonesia, Australians are able to drive if they have both their regular driver’s licence and their international driving permit.
Smartraveller reminded Aussies of the risk of being found guilty of drug offences in Vietnam.
“It’s a crime to use illegal drugs. You can be charged for using them or testing positive for having them in your system while you’re in Vietnam, even if they were consumed outside Vietnam,” the DFAT body said.
“Penalties for drug offences include the death penalty and life imprisonment. Don’t use or carry illegal drugs and never carry parcels or luggage for others.”
In general, Vietnam is considered a safe place for Australians to travel to, rating the lowest risk level, at level one.
Travellers are warned of general threats including petty theft and violent crime as well as terrorism.
From a health perspective, Aussies are warned that air pollution levels are much higher in Vietnam, especially in the country’s major cities.
Further, it is illegal to purchase, use, possess, sell, or bring electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices (vapes) and vaping liquids.
