Public Holidays:

Customs formalities:

Concerning goods for importation, the Freight Agent must have declared the totality of his goods prior to his arrival on the territory. A delivery notice is consequently asked for.

Air-Import

SDV Vietnam will automatically debit the origin agent for Break Bulk Fee that costs 15usd/hawb.
Any amendment on transport documents after cargo arrival will cause serious customs penalty as well (from U$50-U$100/case). This fee will be on origin office’s account in case it’s caused by their mistake

Sea Import

We have to submit our import papers to customs latest 24 hours before cargo arrival. Otherwise, we will be fined by customs. The penalty amount is from U$50-U$100/case. If the pre-alert is sent late or missing, the penalty will be on origin office’s account.
Any amendment on transport documents after cargo arrival will cause serious customs penalty as well (from U$50-U$100/case). This fee will be on origin office’s account in case it’s caused by their mistake.

Currency:

The New Dông of the bank of the State of Vietnam circulates throughout the country. Payment slips are used like change with face values of 500 000, 1 000 000 and 5 000 000 Dông.

Travellers cheques and credit cards will allow you to change Dongs. The American dollar can be changed into Vietnamese Dong or payment slips at the bank.

Languages:

Vietnam accounts for some 54 ethnic groups. Each group has its own language and its own cultural identity but shares a unified culture. Vietnamese is the official language, but foreign languages such as English, French and Chinese will allow you to be understood.