Hanoi

Grab is the main ride-hailing app. A GrabBike ride across the city costs around 30,000-80,000 VND ($1.20-$3.20). GrabCar for a 15-minute ride is $3-5. Hanoi also has a Metro Line 2A (Cat Linh-Ha Dong) with fares from 8,000-15,000 VND ($0.32-$0.60).

Vietcombank and Techcombank are popular for expats. Requirements: passport, visa valid 3+ months or temporary residence card, proof of address, and minimum deposit of ~1,000,000 VND (~$40). Biometric registration is now mandatory as of January 2025.

Hanoi is one of the cheapest cities in the world for eating out. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs about 50,000 VND (~$2). A mid-range dinner for two is around 800,000 VND (~$32). A domestic draft beer (bia hoi) costs just 25,000 VND (~$1) — the cheapest in the world according to Numbeo.

A one-bedroom in the city center (Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem) averages 11,700,000 VND (~$468/month). Outside the center (Cau Giay, Long Bien), expect around 7,460,000 VND (~$298/month). Tay Ho (West Lake) is the most popular expat neighborhood.

Get a Viettel SIM card — best coverage in Vietnam. Tourist plans run 60,000-200,000 VND ($2.40-$8) for 15-30 days. Available at Noi Bai airport arrival hall or any phone shop. Passport required for registration. eSIMs also available.

Family Medical Practice (FMP) on Van Phuc and Vinmec Times City are the top expat hospitals. Raffles Medical Hanoi is another option. Most accept international insurance with direct billing. For major emergencies, Bangkok hospitals are a 2-hour flight.

Unlike HCMC, Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winters (Dec-Feb) are cold and damp (10-18В°C). Summers (Jun-Aug) are hot and humid (30-38В°C). The most pleasant months are October-November and March-April. Air quality deteriorates significantly in winter months.

Hanoi is generally safe. The main risks are petty theft (phone snatching from motorbikes) and traffic. Always look both ways continuously when crossing streets — motorbikes rarely stop. Walk at a steady pace and traffic will flow around you.

Hanoi is more conservative and traditional than HCMC. Dress modestly at temples and pagodas. Remove shoes before entering homes. When handed something, receive it with both hands. Avoid public displays of anger — saving face is very important in northern Vietnamese culture.

For cheap groceries, visit Dong Xuan Market or neighborhood wet markets. For Western imports, try Vinmart, Big C, or Lotte Mart. The Old Quarter has everything but prices are tourist-inflated — always negotiate.

Ta Hien Street ("Beer Street") in the Old Quarter is the iconic nightlife spot with bia hoi joints and bars. West Lake (Tay Ho) area has more relaxed expat bars and restaurants. Hanoi generally shuts down earlier than HCMC.