Vietnam Airport Guide for Indian Travelers 2026: Immigration, SIM, Currency & Airport Transfer
If you are planning your first trip to Vietnam from India, arriving at the airport can feel a little overwhelming. From immigration and baggage collection to getting Vietnamese currency, buying a SIM card and reaching your hotel, knowing what to expect can save you time, money and unnecessary stress.
This practical Vietnam Airport Guide for Indian Travelers 2026 explains what to do after landing in Vietnam, step by step.
Whether you are arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City or Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, these tips will help you prepare for a smoother arrival.
Step 1: Keep Your Vietnam E-Visa & Travel Documents Ready
Indian passport holders can apply for a Vietnam E-Visa online. Vietnam's E-Visa system allows eligible travelers to receive a visa for up to 90 days, depending on the visa granted, with single-entry and multiple-entry options.
Before flying, keep these documents easily accessible in your hand baggage:
- Original passport
- Printed copy of your approved Vietnam E-Visa
- Return or onward flight details
- Hotel/accommodation booking confirmation
- Travel insurance details
- Important contact information
- A digital backup of your important documents on your phone
Tip: Keep at least one printed copy of your E-Visa with your passport. It is also a good idea to keep a second copy separately in your luggage.
For a detailed explanation of the Vietnam visa process, documents and fees, read our:
Vietnam E-Visa Guide for Indian Passport Holders 2026
If you are confused between tourist travel and business/sourcing travel, you can also read:
Vietnam Tourist Visa vs. Business Visa: Complete Guide
Important
Always check your approved E-Visa carefully before travelling, especially your name, passport number, validity dates and entry port.
Step 2: Immigration / Passport Control
After leaving the aircraft, follow the airport signs for:
Immigration / Passport Control
If you already have an approved E-Visa, follow the lane for foreign passengers and present your:
- Passport
- Printed E-Visa
The immigration officer will verify your documents and, if everything is in order, complete the entry formalities.
Do You Need Visa on Arrival?
If you already have a valid E-Visa, you normally do not need to go through a separate visa-on-arrival procedure.
Do not confuse the E-Visa process with the separate visa-on-arrival arrangements that may apply in other circumstances.
Step 3: Baggage Collection
After immigration, follow the signs to Baggage Claim.
Check the airport screens for your flight number and find the correct baggage belt.
Before leaving the baggage area:
- Check that you have collected the correct suitcase.
- Keep your baggage tag until you leave the airport.
- Make sure your passport and important documents are safely with you.
Step 4: Customs
After collecting your luggage, follow the airport signs for Customs.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be directed through the appropriate customs channel.
Keep your important travel documents accessible until you have completely exited the arrival area.
Step 5: Get Vietnamese Currency
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Vietnamese prices can look surprisingly large because even ordinary purchases may involve thousands or hundreds of thousands of dong.
For example, instead of thinking only in numbers, always check the currency symbol and confirm the amount before paying.
Should You Exchange Money at the Airport?
You can exchange a small amount at the airport if you need immediate cash for:
- Local transport
- Food
- Small purchases
- SIM card
- Emergency expenses
However, you do not necessarily need to exchange all your money at the airport.
ATM or Currency Exchange?
International ATMs are available at major Vietnamese airports and can be convenient for withdrawing Vietnamese Dong.
Before using an ATM or card:
- Check your bank's international transaction charges.
- Check whether the ATM adds its own fee.
- Check the exchange rate being offered.
- Keep some emergency cash separately.
For larger amounts, compare exchange rates rather than exchanging everything at the first counter you see.
For more information about Vietnamese currency and managing money during your trip, read our Vietnam currency guide:
vietnam currency guide step by step
Step 6: Buy a SIM Card or Use an eSIM
Having internet access immediately after landing is extremely useful in Vietnam.
You may need mobile data for:
- Booking Grab
- Google Maps
- Contacting your hotel
- Translation apps
- Online payments and banking
- Checking your itinerary
Vietnam has several major mobile operators, including Viettel and VinaPhone.
You can either:
Option 1: Buy a Local SIM
Airport telecom counters may offer tourist SIM packages.
Carry your passport because identification may be required for SIM registration.
Prices and data packages can change, so check the current package, validity period and data allowance before paying.
Option 2: Use an eSIM
An eSIM can be especially convenient because you can arrange it before leaving India and activate it when you arrive, depending on your phone and the eSIM provider.
Tip: If you are using an eSIM, check before travelling that your phone supports eSIM and that it is not carrier-locked.
Step 7: Connect to Airport Wi-Fi
Major international airports in Vietnam generally provide airport Wi-Fi.
After landing, connect to the official airport Wi-Fi if available.
This can be useful for:
- Booking your Grab ride
- Messaging your hotel
- Checking maps
- Activating your eSIM
- Contacting your family
However, do not depend entirely on airport Wi-Fi. Having mobile data arranged in advance can make your arrival much easier.
Step 8: Getting From Vietnam Airport to Your Hotel
Once you leave the arrival hall, you will have several transport options.
1. Grab
Grab is one of the most convenient options for getting around major Vietnamese cities.
If you already have the Grab app installed:
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Enter your hotel destination.
- Check the estimated fare.
- Follow the app instructions for the designated pickup location.
- Confirm the vehicle and driver details before getting into the car.
Important: Airport pickup procedures and designated pickup points can vary, so always follow the instructions shown in the Grab app and airport signs.
Do not simply accept a ride from someone approaching you inside the terminal and claiming to be your Grab driver.
2. Official Airport Taxi
Official taxis can also be used from Vietnamese airports.
Use an established taxi service or an official airport taxi area rather than accepting an unsolicited ride from someone approaching you inside the terminal.
Before starting the journey, confirm:
- Your destination
- Approximate fare or meter arrangement
- Whether any airport surcharge applies
3. Pre-Booked Airport Transfer
A pre-booked airport transfer can be convenient if you are:
- Travelling with family
- Carrying several bags
- Arriving late at night
- Travelling for the first time
- Travelling in a group
You can compare airport transfer options when booking your accommodation and travel services.
For hotel bookings in Vietnam:
Affiliate disclosure: If you book through our affiliate link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Step 9: Reaching Your Hotel
Before leaving India, save your hotel's:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Google Maps location
- Booking confirmation
It is also useful to take a screenshot of the hotel address in case you temporarily lose internet access.
If your hotel is booked through Agoda, keep the booking confirmation available on your phone.
Step 10: Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an important part of international travel planning.
Depending on the plan you choose, travel insurance may provide coverage for eligible situations such as certain medical emergencies, trip-related problems or other covered events.
Before purchasing any insurance, carefully check:
- Coverage limits
- Exclusions
- Deductibles
- Medical coverage
- Trip-related coverage
- Claim conditions
You can learn more about travel insurance here:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance Plans
Affiliate disclosure: This may be an affiliate link, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you.
Vietnam Airport Arrival Checklist for Indian Travelers
Before leaving the airport, make sure you have:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Passport | ✅ |
| Vietnam E-Visa | ✅ |
| Hotel booking | ✅ |
| Phone & internet | ✅ |
| Vietnamese Dong / payment method | ✅ |
| Baggage | ✅ |
| Airport transfer | ✅ |
| Travel insurance | ✅ |
| Hotel address | ✅ |
Which Airport Will You Arrive At in Vietnam?
Your arrival experience will depend on your destination.
Ho Chi Minh City
If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City for shopping, sightseeing or wholesale sourcing, you will most likely arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
If you are travelling to Ho Chi Minh City for clothing sourcing, you may also find our wholesale market guides useful.
Read:
Vietnam Wholesale Clothing Markets Guide
You can also learn about shipping your purchases back to India:
How to Ship Clothes from Vietnam to India & Worldwide
Hanoi
If you are starting your Vietnam trip in Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport is the main international gateway.
From Hanoi, travelers can continue to destinations such as Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and other northern Vietnam attractions.
Planning Your Vietnam Trip?
Before travelling, it is useful to prepare your visa, accommodation, transportation, insurance, internet connection and basic currency needs in advance.
For hotel deals and accommodation options:
For visa information:
Vietnam E-Visa Guide for Indian Travelers
For a comparison of tourist and business visa requirements:
Vietnam Tourist Visa vs. Business Visa
Need Help With Vietnam Visa or Travel Planning?
If you need help understanding the Vietnam E-Visa application process, document requirements or general travel preparation, you can contact Dremza Online.
WhatsApp / Call: +91 7009333152
Website: Dremza Online
Please note that visa assistance is a private support service and is not the Vietnamese government or the official immigration authority.
Final Thoughts
Arriving at a new country becomes much easier when you know what to expect.
For Indian travelers arriving in Vietnam, the main things to remember are simple:
Keep your E-Visa and passport ready, collect your luggage, arrange some Vietnamese currency, get connected to the internet, and use a reliable transport option to reach your hotel.
With a little preparation before your flight, your first few hours in Vietnam can be smooth and stress-free.
Safe travels and enjoy your Vietnam trip! 🇻🇳✈️
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