5 seasoned travellers supply ideas for conserving prices down when travelling in Vietnam – and Southeast Asia extra typically.
Sunny climate, very good seashores and pleasant folks – these are simply a few of the causes Southeast Asia is so standard. However the area can also be extremely reasonably priced, enabling these on a price range to journey for weeks, and even months.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re not cautious, you may wind up spending greater than you bargained for.
On this article, a gaggle of 5 season travellers supply their ideas for controlling prices throughout Southeast Asia, however with a selected give attention to Vietnam. We be part of them across the dinner desk in Da Nang, central Vietnam’s beachside metropolis.
Koko
Koko, from Japan, emphasises the significance of discovering low cost or fee-free ATMs: “Right here in Vietnam the price of ATMs varies loads. Some – like BIDV – are fairly costly, whereas others don’t cost something. For instance, VP Financial institution and TP Financial institution are sometimes utilized by foreigners – as a result of they don’t cost a withdrawal payment.”
Koko additionally reminds guests that the withdrawal limits in Vietnam are fairly low – often 3,000,000 (95 GBP) or 5,000,000 (160GBP). Koko says: “If you happen to want a considerable amount of money, you may simply put your card financial institution within the ATM and take out extra. However solely do that at a fee-free ATM, otherwise you’ll be spending loads on charges.”
Koko additionally recommends The Marine Sky Bar in Da Nang: “They provide some nice offers on cocktails – and the views are improbable.”
Patrick
UK-based Patrick is a giant fan of utilizing Google Lens to translate menus – eliminating the ‘fortunate dip’ aspect that always comes with abroad eating.
Patrick additionally suggests shopping for an inexpensive cellphone for going out within the evenings, and conserving your ‘good’ cellphone within the lodge (with the UK SIM card inside it): “This implies you’ll nonetheless have entry to banking and many others. in case your low cost cellphone will get misplaced or stolen,” explains Patrick.
He additionally underlines the significance of in search of out comfortable hours to regulate socialising prices.
Ellie
Ellie, additionally from the UK, recommends exploring areas away from the vacationer hotspots, the place meals and drinks are invariably cheaper.
Ellie additionally provides the native markets of Da Nang a giant thumbs up – “The riverside evening market in Da Nang sells allsorts – all the pieces from cellphone protectors to vibrant lanterns and nodding buddhas – at super-low costs. It additionally has an important ambiance.”
Craig
Scottish Craig highlights the significance of discovering a low-cost means of withdrawing money from ATMs in Southeast Asia. Craig explains: “Your common debit card is prone to cost excessive charges for abroad withdrawals. It’s finest to plan a head earlier than your journey and take out a pay as you go bank card or debit card that’s designed to be used overseas. You may save a shocking quantity.”
Craig doesn’t suggest taking UK money with you after which exchanging it whereas overseas. He says: “It’s an actual trouble to seek out respected, low-cost cash changers, and even if you happen to discover good ones you’ll in all probability find yourself paying as a lot as you’ll by utilizing ATMs. It’s additionally not a good suggestion to hold lots of money with you.”
Lee
Value-conscious Lee, from Plymouth, suggests utilizing lodge water coolers to replenish water bottles: “The price of shopping for water at comfort shops can rapidly mount up.”
For these in search of to journey long-term, Lee suggests renting rooms, flats and motorbikes for longer intervals. “Paying for a month prematurely may be half the price of staying in motels – particularly in locations like Da Nang. And if you happen to plan to lease a bike, attempt to begin the contract on the identical day as you start your condominium keep – that means you’ll get most use of your motorcycle.”
Journey Author Bio
Kerry McCarthy is a Author, Editor, Artist & Breathwork Teacher who likes to journey. Sadly, she didn’t journey to Vietnam to satisfy with this beautiful lot, however she did meet up with them nearly to get these nice money-saving tricks to share with you!
You’ll find out extra about her adventures over on instagram at @kerrymccarthystars

Wishing I used to be in Vietnam.
Get Thrifty – Get Journey Insurance coverage!
If one thing occurs on holidays and also you DON’T have journey insurance coverage, it might be very expensive certainly!
We have now specialist journey insurance coverage insurance policies to swimsuit a variety of budgets and desires. All of our insurance policies include 24/7 multilingual helpline entry and every coverage may be tailor-made to fit your distinctive wants, regardless of the place on the earth you might be!
Get in contact with us for a quote or name us on 01892 833338