HOA DAO HOTEL

DO’S and DON’T

Hanoi people are very gracious, polite and generous and will make every effort to make guests feel comfortable. Here are some general advices about things to do and not to do in Hanoi and Vietnam as well:

BARGAINING & SHOPPING

Bargaining is a culture in small retail businesses in Asian countries in general and in Vietnam in particular. If you look at any items which do not have listed prices when you go shopping, salesperson usually offers 10% - 20% higher than the real price. Be skillful and haggle to buy your favorite items and keep in mind the following tips:

• Some shops display a “fixed price” sign” no hope there! But there are many places to practice your bargaining techniques: markets, stalls, souvenir shops and so on. Try your luck in the morning: many vendors will accept a very favorable price to secure the first scale of the day. It brings them luck. Remain friendly manner at all times: a deal will only be struck if both parties agree to it. Bargain should be an enjoyable experience, not a battle, and leave both sides satisfied.
• DO make a reference and consider carefully before buying valuable items such as jewelleries, gems or cameras. It is suggested to buy your needed items in large stores with clear warranty period.
• Night Markets: Hanoi Night Market takes place every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays stretching horizontally from Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong and so on. You should not expect to find good quality products here, but they offer amazing rates which are very cheap and could be a pleasant experience for you.
• Do not buy souvenirs such as pearls from fisherman. Halong is the centre for pearl cultivation to export for trading. Normally, those commodities which are made by fisherman do not have good quality and provide very cheap rates.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

• According to Vietnam Laws, all items must be listed in Vietnam Dong and all transactions must be settled down by Vietnam Dong. It is easily to exchange currency from USD or other currencies into Vietnam Dong directly at our hotel reception or surrounding banks.
• Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200.
• Visa, Master card, JCB and American Express Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, tourist centers, shops, supermarkets and booking offices.
• Most of the foreign currencies can be exchanged into Vietnam Dong. The most widely accepted currency is U.S. dollar. Many restaurants hand you the bill in both currencies – VND or US dollar. Fees and rates are quoted in dollar as well. Euro is hardly recognized and can actually be quoted at rates significantly less than the international rate. Therefore, it is advisable to keep Vietnam Dong for easy shopping such as buying souvenirs or enjoying delicious cuisine on the street vendors.