If you're heading to Vietnam, screenshot this. The 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND note are both dark blue polymer — and some vendors have made an art out of swapping them on tourists. One is worth ~S$23. The other, less than S$1. The swap takes under 2 seconds. **Here's what to watch

Most travelers assume Grab works the same across Vietnam. That’s the mistake. In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Grab is usually fast and reliable: • High driver supply • Faster pickups • Easy availability in central districts But in Hanoi and some northern cities, it’s different: • Longer wa

If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, this one can catch you off guard. Shoe-cleaning scams often start casually — someone points at your shoes, says they’re dirty, and starts cleaning before you can react. Once interaction begins, it becomes harder to walk away. These situations us

If you’re traveling to Vietnam, don’t rush your SIM card decision. This is one of the most common mistakes travelers make. 1️⃣ How it works Many SIM cards are advertised as “Unlimited data.” But in reality: Data is heavily throttled After a few GB, it can feel like no internet at all Navig

Many travellers bring YouTrip or Revolut to Vietnam expecting ATMs to work the same way as back home. That assumption usually feels safe — until you actually need cash. In Vietnam, ATM withdrawals are often limited by local bank rules, not your card provider. What this means in practice: • M

Japan Town often looks straightforward online. A few reviews, a few photos, maybe a quick Google search — and most people think they know what they’re walking into. The reality feels different when you’re actually there. This isn’t about fear, drama, or blaming anyone. It’s about expectations

Most travellers assume that if there’s a card machine, their card will work. In Vietnam, that’s not always how it plays out. Cards aren’t the default. Acceptance depends on where you are, the setup of the place, and sometimes the timing. Some places accept cards easily. Some are hit-or-miss.