Travelling around Vietnam

Hi
I'm noew to this site but would like some advice on traveling to Vietnam please?
The specific questions I have is 1) does everywhere pretty much take credit cards or do I need to carry cash, 2) I was thinking of going down the coast between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh taking the buses - but are the buses any good ( I mean have clean toilets and stop often to stretch legs and get food) or is it quite a challenge, and finally 3) is it ok to take electricals in terms of voltages and frequencies (I want to take a steamer for example which runs on 230 V) - jst wanted to make sure I don't blow things up.

Thanks a lot
Matthew

Hi.

It has been a while since my last visit to Vietnam. For me US dollars were easy to use. I do not use debit or credit cards for cheap stuff anywhere overseas. (Too easy for purchases to show up coming from countries I was never in.)

I use cash for cheap stuff! Do not travel with a single debit or credit card. If I run out of cash I use my debit card in ATMs located in banks. I avoid ATMs in remote areas, especially late at night.

Google type search with your computer will be helpful. When I search through questions on Google several links came back with useful information specific for Vietnam.

The passport you enter with will determine what your entry requirements will be.

Voltage? What does your plug end look like? Sample Google search:
https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/vietnam/

Do you really need a steamer?

Good luck.

[ Edit: Edited on 18 Dec 2023, 15:43 GMT by karazyal ]

Cash is king so bring your currency to exchange for VND and use ATMs to withdraw money in Vietnam (Few places accept credit cards).
Train for long distance and bus for short distance is advised.
…Ninh Binh, Phong Nha cave (Dong Hoi), Hue, Hoian (Danang), Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne… (You should check them out to pick ones that appeal to you).
Phu Quoc island and Mui Ne is good for beach at that time of the year, weather wise.

In Vietnam right now and can confirm cash is best. I haven't even seen many card readers (and last one wasn't working). You sometimes need to try a few ATMs before you find one your card likes (e.g. BIDV and Vietin ATMs are useless for me) and the right account type (in OZ I use savings, here the correct option is usually credit).
Haven't used the bus, but on the train (literally right now)for long distances. It is a little more raw than Via back home but nicer than the Melbourne to Sydney train in OZ.
Electric I have only seen combo A (North American 2 prong) & C (euro two round prong) sockets. I wouldn't stick anything in that doesn't have a voltage regulator (e. Usb plugs for phones and laptops are fine).