Page 38 - Seniorstoday November 2023 Issue
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bites and a nice wide hat is good, the sun is to keep a waist pouch with all these and
feels hot. (We Indians drink a lot of water wear it all the time. HO CHI MINH CITY is
but were shocked as we had to buy water well known for pickpockets.
everywhere, even during a meal at a fine Communication with the locals was a
dine restaurant. So sensibly drink and use problem we faced but soon learnt the
the one little water bottle that the hotel solution. We can download a language
gives you every day. Coconut water is the translator on our phone. Ideally do it before
best alternative to keep yourself hydrated you start your trip. When you need to talk
as it is easily available everywhere.) Don’t with someone or need something, speak
forget to carry your raincoat or umbrellas. into the app and it will translate into the
You never know when it will be needed. required language text and you can show
It rains almost every afternoon. Even a it to the person. Most of them in Vietnam
walking stick is always helpful at such knew little English and they are in the
places. tourism industry but even that percentage
Some of these things may be common is low.
knowledge for frequent travellers, but Conversion of currencies is another
they are useful tips: You must keep your problem we face. First from Indian to USD
Passport and Visa papers with you at all and then to the VND that is Vietnamese
times. Money, credit cards, mobile phones DONG. The VND is roughly 24 million to 1
etc. safe with you, goes without saying. Best USD.
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