Here are some useful tips and service providers for expatriates moving to Hanoi:
      * Arrival by Air

Do NOT loose the yellow Customs and Immigration form, keep it in your passport.

    * Registration

Hotels, Apartments and most private hosts are obliged to register all visitors with the police. The establishment will need your passport and visa number on arrival.

    * General Security

Whilst Hanoi is deemed to be one of Asia's safest Cities, there are the inevitable petty crimes such as pick-pockets (especially at night in crowded bars and night clubs), bag snatching by motor cyclists in tourist shopping areas and money changers passing off forged notes (local and US currencies) near Banks and Gold shops. Hanoi's roads have an increasing number of motor vehicles adding to congestion and there are no obviously apparent road rules so take extra care on the streets and if possible avoid driving yourself.

    *  Currency

The Vietnamese currency is the dong (VND), currently worth around 18,000/US dollar. You can change cash at Banks, hotels and most gold shops and change travellers’ cheques at most Banks.

    *   Business Hours

Government Offices and museums open around 8am and close between 4 and 5pm. Some are open on Saturday mornings. Avoid visiting between 11.30am and 2pm (lunch time "siesta").

    *   Electricity

220 volts, 50 Hz in Hanoi. Most plug sockets are two round pins, except at international standard hotels where 3 pin earthed sockets can be found.

    *  Telecommunications

International phone charges are relatively high in Vietnam and many hotels add extra fees. You can make long distance calls or send faxes from Hotels, Business Centers and Post Offices. Mobile phones can be bought or rented but local SIM cards currently do not permit international roaming.

Internet Café's can be found throughout the popular areas in Hanoi. Companies and private individuals have a choice of local ISP's.