Electric current in Vietnam is 220 Volts. Tap water in urban areas in Vietnam is chlorinated, but it is recommended that it should be boiled before drinking. Bank notes in denominations of 200d to 100,000d are presently in circulation. At present certain travelers' cheques such as Amercian Express and credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in big cities. Foreign language learning, particularly English, is currently in vogue among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and other cities.
Tourist guides can speak English, French, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.
The domestic EMS ensures that letters and small parcels are delivered within 24-48 hours. International EMS has relations with nearly 30 countries world-wide, with a delivery time ranging from 2 to 10 days. Air mail and small parcels must however be subject to additional charges. Internet access is available at many hotels and Internet cafes in larger cities.