CONTENTS
HO CHI MINH CITY IN BRIEF ....................................... 2
HISTORY ........................................................................... 4
GOVERNMENT ................................................................ 6
ECONOMY ...................................................................... 11
AUSTRALIA‟S PROFILE IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM 16
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL.................... 19
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN
VIETNAM ........................................................................ 24
OTHER CONSULAR REPRESENTATION .................. 25
HEALTH .......................................................................... 26
SECURITY ....................................................................... 28
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION ............................... 30
ADDRESSES & TELEPHONE INFORMATION .......... 34
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL.................... 35
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Page 1
HO CHI MINH CITY IN BRIEF
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam‟s largest city. It
has an official population of 7.521 million (in 2011) and
around 2 million additional “unofficial” residents from
other provinces.
The city covers a total area of 2,095 square kilometers.
The urban area of HCMC covers 494 square kilometers
and consists of 19 districts. The suburban area covers
1,655 square kilometers and comprises 5 districts. The
city is 10-11 degrees north of the equator.
Located just to the north of the Mekong Delta, HCMC
has a flat terrain and is 6 meters above sea level. The
city's main geographical feature is the Saigon River
which flows into the Nha Be River.
HCMC is around 50km beeline distance to the East Sea
and 1730km due south of the Capital City of Hanoi. The
city is surrounded by Binh Duong Province (to the north),
Tay Ninh Province (to the north-west), Dong Nai
Province (to the east and north-east), Ba Ria – Vung Tau
Province (to the south-east), and Long An and Tien Giang
Provinces (to the west and south-west).
HCMC is the focal point of the Southern Key Economic
Zone, which includes Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria
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Vung Tau, Long An, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, and since
2005, Tien Giang provinces.
The Southern Key Economic Zone has been at the
forefront of Vietnam's efforts to transform from a
centrally planned economy to one based more on market
principles.
While accounting for less than 10% of the total
population, HCMC accounts for 20 per cent of national
gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes one third
of the national budget‟s revenue.
Since 1988, the city has attracted approximately 20 per
cent of the total registered foreign direct investment into
Vietnam. Growth rates have been consistently high over
past five years.
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HISTORY
In Vietnamese terms, HCMC is a relatively young city.
Until the 17th century, the site of the present city was a
thinly populated area made up of forests, swamps and
lakes. At that time, there was a large village called Prei
Nokor which served as residence for the Cambodian
viceroy.
The area of that village is now known as Cholon, or
officially District 5 - the centre of the city‟s half million
strong ethnic Chinese population. By the end of the 18th
century, Saigon had established itself as an important
trading centre, as Vietnamese influence was being
consolidated in the southern region.
In 1859, French and Spanish ships arrived in Saigon. The
French unloaded troops and began their conquest of
Vietnam and the rest of Indochina. Saigon soon became
the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina. The city
developed some of the characteristics of a French
provincial town.
Many of the principal landmarks in modern day HCMC
(the City Hall, the Cathedral and post office) date from
this period. Saigon was a subsidiary seat of the French
Governor-General of Indochina, but the capital of the
Indochina Union (which included modern Vietnam, Laos
and Cambodia) was Hanoi.
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The Japanese occupied the city during World War II.
From August 1945, Saigon was involved in the antiFrench struggle. Following the surrender of France to the
Viet Minh forces in 1954, a Geneva Accord was signed
which provided a temporary division of Vietnam into two
zones near the 17th parallel until a nationwide election
was held in 1956.
The failure to implement the Geneva Accords was a
contributing factor to the Vietnam War. Saigon was the
capital of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam
conflict in 1975.
From 1975 to the mid 1980s, the city‟s economy was
destitute. Economic austerity and political rigidity
encouraged many of its citizens to emigrate. In the mid
1980s Vietnam embarked on a period of opening up its
economy known as Doi Moi or Renovation.
In the early 1990s, the city experienced its first wave of
foreign direct investment until it was interrupted by the
Asian financial crisis later in the decade.
Now HCMC continues to develop at a rapid pace as
Vietnam enhances its integration with the global
economy.
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GOVERNMENT
Ho Chi Minh City is regarded by the Central Government
as a province for administrative purposes, enjoying more
economic autonomy than other cities. Hanoi, Da Nang,
Hai Phong and Can Tho cities also fall into this category.
Ho Chi Minh City is governed by two main bodies:
1) The People‟s Council – the legislature
2) The People‟s Committee – the executive
Although not technically part of the city‟s government,
the HCMC Communist Party Committee guides the city‟s
government regarding policy and direction.
Other important bodies include „mass organisations such
as the Fatherland Front, the Union of Friendship
Organization, the Women‟s Union, the Youth Union etc.
They are closely linked with government and are used to
disseminate information and provide social services.
(Note: This same structure is replicated for each level of
government, e.g. province, city, district, ward, commune
etc.)
HCMC People’s Council
The HCMC People‟s Council is elected by popular ballot
every five years, and is, in theory, the highest authority in
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the city. It is responsible for making decisions on all
aspects of the city‟s development, in-line with central
government policies, and based on recommendations
from the People‟s Committee and relevant departments.
The Council meets twice a year and extra sessions are
called to focus on specific issues.
The Council is also responsible for appointing and
supervising the HCMC People‟s Committee, as well as
the HCMC People‟s Court and HCMC People‟s
Prosecution Institute. It has the power to dissolve lowerlevel People‟s Councils in certain circumstances and can
repeal decisions made by lower-level government bodies
where they are unlawful. It reports to the National
Assembly Standing Committee at the central level.
The last Council elections were held in May 2011, with
official statistics showing 99.8 per cent voter turn-out.
There was a push for greater diversity of the Council in
these elections. 161 candidates ran for 95 positions. The
2011-16 Council includes 21 women and 10 non-member
of the Party.
Chairwoman: Ms Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam
Vice-Chairwoman: Ms Truong Thi Anh
Cultural and Social Affairs Panel Head: Mr Huynh Cong
Hùng
Economic and Budgetary Panel Head: Mr Pham Van
Dong
Legislation Panel Head: Mr Pham Van Ba
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HCMC People’s Committee
The HCMC People‟s Committee is appointed by the
HCMC‟s People‟s Council every 5 years.
The
appointments must be approved by the Prime Minister.
The Committee is responsible for preparing
plans/proposals regarding the city‟s socio-economic
development for the consideration of the People‟s
Council, as well as implementing the decisions of the
People‟s Council and the Central Government.
The Committee is also responsible for overseeing most
HCMC Government Departments – these report directly
to the Committee. In addition, the HCMC People‟s
Committee monitors lower-level People‟s Committees
(i.e. district, ward, and commune-level) and has the
power to cancel the implementation of unlawful
regulations/resolutions issued by those bodies. It can also
recommend to the HCMC People‟s Council to repeal any
such unlawful resolutions.
The Committee meets at least once a month. Decisions
are taken by vote and over 50 per cent of the Committee
members must be in favour for a decision to be made. Of
the 12 members of the 2011-2016 Committee, one is also
Council deputy (usually the Chairman must also be a
Council deputy) and two are women. All are Party
members.
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The Chairman and Vice-Chair people have responsibility
for different areas of the city‟s administration and oversee
different districts of the city. For detailed information on
the breakdown of responsibilities.
Chairman: Mr Le Hoang Quan
Vice-Chairman: Mr Hua Ngoc Thuan
Vice Chairman: Mr Le Manh Ha
Vice Chairman: Mr Nguyen Huu Tin
Vice Chairwoman: Ms Nguyen Thi Hong
Vice Chairman: Mr Le Minh Tri
HCMC Communist Party Committee
The HCMC Communist Party Committee is the HCMC
branch of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). The
Party Committee guides the HCMC Government
regarding policy and direction, including making
recommendations regarding candidates for election or
appointment to government positions. It reports to the
Politburo and the Central Committee of the CPV.
There are 17 members of the HCMC Communist Party
Standing Committee, 12 members of the HCMC
Communist Party Inspection Committee and 52 members
of the HCMC Communist Party Executive Committee.
Members are elected by representatives of the Party‟s
committees at district level for a term of 5 years, however
in special circumstances, a term can last for a maximum
of 6 years.
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Secretary: Mr Le Thanh Hai
First Vice Secretary: Mr Nguyen Van Dua
Vice Secretary: Mr Le Hoang Quan
Vice Secretary: Ms Nguyen Thi Thu Ha
Vice Secretary: Ms Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam
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ECONOMY
Economic Development
HCMC is the most dynamic economic center in Vietnam.
The city‟s GDP in 2011 grew at 10.3 per cent, well above
the national figure of 5.89 per cent.
Although HCMC‟s population accounts for less than 10
per cent of the nation‟s total, the city usually generates
more than 20 per cent of national gross domestic product
and over one third of the national budget revenue. Since
1988, the city has attracted 20 per cent of the total
registered foreign direct investment into Vietnam. In
2011, GDP per capita reached $US 3,130, compared to
the country‟s average level of $US 1,300.
Services and industry make up nearly 99 per cent of the
city‟s economy. The city‟s government is keen to see the
industrial sector shift to more hi-tech, high value-added,
and low labor-intensive production. This transition is
happening slowly - high growth rates for some services
(banking and finance, science and technology) are
encouraging (e.g new investment by Intel in a chip
production factory in Saigon Hi-tech Park), and the
services sector‟s share of GDP is increasing gradually.
The city acts as the international gateway for all business
in the southern region. Business in HCMC is supported
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by infrastructure including Tan Son Nhat international
airport, several international seaports (Saigon, Ben Nghe,
VICT and Tan Cang ports), and a national railway.
HCMC‟s infrastructure is currently overloaded and in
need of upgrading. The situation should be improved with
the completion of the new Hiep Phuoc Port (the first
phase became operational in 2008), other ports in
neighboring Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, as well as the
ring-road and bridges to bypass the city center.
HCMC‟s exports have increased steadily from 2005 to
2008, dropped down in 2009 and increased again in 2010
and 2011. In 2011, HCMC‟s exports turnover reached
USD 26.868 billion (including crude oil from Ba RiaVung Tau, exported via the city) increased 19.1 percent
compared to 2010. Excluding crude oil the turnover was
about USD 19.606 billion, an increase of 11.4 percent
compared to 2010. Major export items included rice,
seafood, milk, garments, footwear and crude oil.
In the same period, imports increased 25.4 percent, from
USD 20.96 billion in 2010 to USD 27.52 billion in 2011.
Major imports were fuel, garment material and
accessories, medicines, iron and steel, and milk and dairy
products. The city's key import suppliers were Northeast
Asian countries (Japan, Taiwan, Korea), ASEAN, US,
EU. The city's imports accounted for approximately 26
percent of national imports.
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HCMC currently hosts three export-processing zones
(EPZs) and twelve industrial zones (IZs). In additional,
there are 3 IZs which are under the construction (plus one
IZ at phase 2), 6 IZs are in the plan to be built and 4 IZs
to be expanded. HCMC is gradually losing its leading
position in industrial development to nearby provinces
(Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong) which
have lower land and labour costs. These provinces
already have equivalent or higher occupancy rates of IPs
and EPZs, when compared with HCMC. The total amount
of land designated for industrial use is also far greater
than in HCMC.
In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), together
with Hanoi in the north, HCMC and the surrounding
provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Ba Ria- Vung
Tau, have traditionally been the magnets for FDI in
Vietnam. As the end of 2011, HCMC had attracted a total
of 4,235 FDI projects with combined investment capital
of approx. USD32billion, since 1988.
Foreign investors pledged USD 2.404 billion to 384 new
projects, an increase of USD 572.5 million in value and
28 projects compared to 2010. The new FDI projects in
HCMC included 91 joint ventures and 293 wholly
foreign-owned projects.
In 2011, there were only four large scale projects with
total investment of more than USD 100 million, of which
the largest was First Solar Vietnam (Singapore) with total
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investment of USD 1.004 billion occupied 41.7 percent of
total FDI investment.
Dividing by investor South Korea, Singapore, Japan the
U.S. Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, were the
biggest investors among countries and territories
investing in the city.
Dividing by sector of investment, industry was the most
attractive sector, which occupied almost half of total
investment. Real estate and consulting remain the hot
sectors with a total of more than 165 projects. The rest
were on trading, construction, informatics technology,
health care and others.
Tourism
HCMC is also an international gateway for tourism in
the southern region. The number of foreign visitors
coming to the city has grown at a rapid pace over the last
three years. In 2011, there was a total of about 3.5 million
foreign visitors to HCMC, an increase of 19.2 percent
compared to 2010, of which 74 percent of visitors came
via the airport.
Australian Business Interests
There were 7 new Australian-invested projects in HCMC
in 2011, mostly in the services sector, with total capital of
USD 1.15 million. As of 15 November 2011, there were
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a total of 92 Australian-invested projects still valid in
HCMC, with total registered investment capital of
approx. USD 150 million.
Examples of successful Australian companies with a
presence in HCMC are in financial services (ANZ,
Commonwealth Bank, QBE Insurance), professional
services (Allens, GHD), logistics (Toll, Linfox), aviation
(Jetstar Pacific), education (RMIT, Kent Institute) oil/gas
(Origin Energy), and manufacturing (BlueScope Steel).
Overseas Vietnamese returning from Australia are also
active investors in Vietnam in general and HCMC in
particular, especially in real estate development and
import-export companies.
Australian Development Assistance
Direct Aid Program (DAP)
The Australian Consulate-General has provided DAP
funding for numerous projects in HCMC, mainly in the
areas of education and health care.
AusAID
AusAID provides funding to the Capital Employment of
the Poor (CEP) Fund for micro-finance services in
HCMC. This project started on 1st June 2001 and ended
on 30th June 2008.
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AUSTRALIA’S PROFILE IN SOUTHERN
VIETNAM
Since the introduction of the economic reform policies
known as “Doi Moi” in late 1986, Australia has had a
significant presence in HCMC and southern Vietnam.
As detailed above, Australian commercial interests in
southern provinces are considerable and large Australian
companies such as Telstra and BHP were among the first
foreign companies to invest in southern provinces when
Vietnam opened its doors to foreign investment. In
addition, much of the two-way trade between Australia
and Vietnam (worth USD 6.5 billion in 2011 with an
average annual growth of over 20 per cent over the last
five years) is traded through HCMC.
Australia‟s development assistance program in Vietnam
has had a major impact in southern provinces of the
country and is highly regarded by Vietnamese
interlocutors. The completion in May 2000 of the My
Thuan Bridge in the Mekong Delta and that in September
2009 of the Phu My Bridge in HCMC greatly enhanced
Australia‟s profile in southern Vietnam. Two thirds of the
AUD90 million cost of the former was funded by
Australian Government aid, and it was built by Australian
contractors. The latter was completed four months ahead
of schedule at a cost of AUD150 million, and provides a
crucial link between the southern Mekong Delta region
and the central and northern parts. The priority for
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Australian aid in the Delta is rural development,
including support for the provision of water supply and
sanitation.
In 2010, the Prime Minister also announced an aid
contribution of $160 million towards the design and
construction of a new bridge in the Mekong Delta - the
Cao Lanh Bridge. This bridge will form a vital part of a
major new road transport network that will link people
and markets across the Delta to the rest of south-east Asia
and beyond.
Education is a further area where Australia has a large
and valued presence in southern provinces. In addition to
Australian Government scholarship recipients, a large
part of the increasing number of full-fee paying
Vietnamese students going to Australia to study stems
from southern provinces of Vietnam.
The number of Vietnamese students studying at
Australian-linked institutions in Vietnam is also growing
in southern provinces.
The RMIT International
University Vietnam is the first wholly foreign-owned
university to receive a license to operate in Vietnam and
its largest campus is in HCMC.
A number of other Australian universities maintain
academic exchanges and research programs with
Vietnam, as well as provide in-country programs in
partnership with Vietnamese universities. Australian
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education providers are also active in the vocational and
English language training sector in Vietnam.
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AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL
Opened in November 1994, the Australian ConsulateGeneral now comprises four sections all located in the
Vincom Center in HCMC. These sections are the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Austrade; the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship; and the
Australian Federal Police.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT‟s main objectives are to monitor the economic and
business conditions in southern Vietnam; to support and
promote Australia‟s trade and investment links to support
visits by Australian Ministers, members of parliament;
and other senior visitors and to assist Australians living in
or visiting HCMC and the southern provinces.
The consular workload is high. Around 28,976
Australians visited HCMC in 2011. There are over 18,000
Australians residing in HCMC and surrounding areas.
Official visits to HCMC in the past years include the
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs (November
2005), Parliamentary Secretary for Trade (June 2006),
and Prime Minister (November 2006), Parliamentary
delegation (January 2009), Minister for Immigration and
Citizenship (January 2009), Parliamentary Secretary for
Overseas Development Assistance (February 2009),
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Minister for Trade (July 2009), Minister of Foreign
Affairs (April 2011), the Governor General (May 2011),
and Minister of Foreign Affairs (March 2012). There are
frequent visits by State Ministers, Members of
Parliament, as well as state trade delegations.
For more information on DFAT‟s role in Vietnam visit
Website: www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au
Austrade
Austrade HCMC, with its team of market specialists,
provides tailored marketing services and advice to assist
Australian exporters and investors succeed in the
Vietnam market and to capture the increasing business
opportunities arising from the growing local economy.
Website: www.austrade.gov.au
The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
The AFP officially opened its office in HCMC in June
2003. Its mission is to increase liaison with the
Vietnamese police authorities on trans-national crime
issues. Its work has contributed to several investigations
of serious crimes which have led to arrests in both
Australia and Vietnam.
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Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Following the consolidation of key visa caseloads across
Vietnam in the first half of 2012, DIAC at the Australian
Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City has taken
responsibility for most major visa caseloads in Vietnam,
while DIAC in Hanoi has shifted more of its focus to host
government liaison and capacity building activities in
Vietnam. This consolidation also entailed the handover
of Vientiane as a satellite post from Hanoi to Ho Chi
Minh City.
Since 1 March 2012, all Permanent visa applications
lodged in Vietnam are processed and decided at in Ho
Chi Minh City. Since 1 April 2012, the Student and
Temporary residence visa caseloads are processed in Ho
Chi Minh City, with processing of Subclass 456
(Business (Short Stay)) visa applications centralised at
the Australian Embassy in in Hanoi. The Visitor and
Transit visa caseload remains split between Ho Chi Minh
City and Hanoi, with Ho Chi Minh City processing
applications made by clients residing from Danang down
to the southern border.
These arrangements are part of DIAC's Vietnam Service
Strategy designed to improve efficiency, client service
and integrity management.
In program year 2011/12, DIAC in Ho Chi Minh City
decided:
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2,026 Partner visas - a slight decrease of 0.78% compared
with the previous year.
3,161 Student visas - an increase of 14.86% on 2010/11.
In 2012/13 the volume of student visa applications has
continued to grow, with a 30% increase to the end of
September.
12,326 Visitor visas - an increase of 8.9% on the year
before. In 2012/13, there has been a further 12% increase
to the end of September.
The implementation of the Knight Student Review
changes, particularly the introduction of streamlined
procedures on 24 March 2012 for students enrolled in
Bachelor or higher courses at universities appears to have
had a positive impact on student visa numbers from
Vietnam.
There is a sizeable and increasing
AusAID/Endeavour scholarship program out of Vietnam,
although mainly in the north of the country. The
Vietnamese Government continues to provide a
significant number of overseas study scholarships to
students, a significant proportion of whom continue to
choose Australia. The post continues to monitor Student
integrity outcomes closely.
Vietnam is a high priority for DIAC engagement being a
source and transit country for people smuggling by sea
and air.
DIAC in Ho Chi Minh City has strong
cooperative
relationships
with
its
Vietnamese
counterparts: Ministry of Public Security – Immigration
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(MPS-I), Ministry of Defence – Border Guards (MoDBG) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The
post also supports a range of capacity building activities,
including assistance in document examination and
English language training programs.
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AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN
VIETNAM
The Australian Business Group Vietnam, HCMC branch,
was established informally, with the help of the
Australian Consulate General in June 1995, as a
mechanism for fostering greater cooperation and dialogue
between Australian companies operating in southern
provinces of Vietnam.
In September 1998, in accordance with Vietnamese
Government regulations, it was the first foreign business
group to receive a license. The group, which has chapters
in Hanoi and HCMC, became known as the Australian
Chamber of Commerce Vietnam in October 2003.
In HCMC, Auscham represents a growing number of
Australian companies and Australians employed in senior
positions of international companies operating in southern
Vietnam. Auscham engages in dialogue with city
authorities on issues of concern to Australian business.
In addition, Auscham organizes social events for the
expatriate community and through these events raises
funds for local charities.
Auscham committee meetings are held monthly.
Website: www.auschamvn.org
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OTHER CONSULAR REPRESENTATION
The following countries have consular representation in
HCMC: Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China
(PRC), Czech, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Panama, Russia, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland,
Thailand, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, USA,
Kuwait, Taiwan (economic and cultural office), and
Denmark (economic and commercial office).
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HEALTH
Water: Tap-water in Vietnam is not potable. Visitors
should avoid consuming local water and ice and drink
bottled water instead. Most western-run hotels and
restaurants provide bottled water or water that has been
purified.
Food: Food poisoning is one of the most common
ailments encountered by visitors to Vietnam. While food
hygiene is improving, eating from street vendors should
be avoided.
Medical: There are four western-run 24 hour emergency
clinics in HCMC which offer medical services. But these
are expensive, so medical insurance is strongly
recommended. The AEA clinic also provides emergency
dental treatment. Contact details are:
HCMC Family Medical Practice
34 Le Duan Street - District 1
Tel: 3822 7848 - Fax 3822 7859
International SOS Clinic
167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street - District 3
Tel: 3829 8520 - Fax: 3829 8551
Columbia Asia Saigon International Clinic
8 Alexandre de Rhodes Street – District 1
Tel: 3823 8888
Fax: 3823 8454
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Columbia Asia Gia Dinh International Clinic
1 No Trang Long Street - Binh Thanh District
Tel: 3803 0678 – Fax: 3803 0677
Franco-Vietnam Hospital
6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, District 7
Tel: 5411 3500 / 5411 3333; Fax: 54113334
Most major hotels have a doctor on call 24 hours.
A wide range of medications are available from the many
pharmacies located throughout Vietnam. But some
products may be poor quality copies or out-of-date.
Visitors should exercise caution when purchasing these
items.
Imported drugs are available from the international
clinics in HCMC. Visitors who require specific
prescriptions should bring this medication with them.
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SECURITY
Visitors to HCMC should be aware of the increasing
instances of petty theft and bag snatching. Visitors should
exercise caution and avoid isolated areas. Many thefts
occur on the streets as bandits on motorbikes drive by and
snatch
handbags/
backpacks/
bumpacks
from
unsuspecting pedestrians. Personal injury is more likely
to occur if you try to resist. Wallets should not be carried
in back pockets and expensive jewellery should not be
worn when walking in the streets. Carrying handbags, and
carrying valuable pens in shirt pockets, should also be
avoided.
Visitors should be wary of aggressive beggars who
sometimes act as a diversion for gangs of pickpockets
working in the downtown area. Popular tourist spots such
as Ben Thanh Ward, particular Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi
and Le Loi Streets, in District 1, are notorious.
Care should be taken walking around the city to avoid
traffic hazards. When crossing busy streets, walk slowly
and carefully as a group - do not run or hesitate as
motorists can become easily confused resulting in
accidents. Care also needs to be taken walking on
footpaths, as motorcyclists often ride on footpaths as
well.
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In case of robbery, the victim should contact the HCMC
Police, Tel: 38299398 and the Australian Consulate
General if a new passport is required.
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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Money
Money can be changed at most hotels. There are a
growing number of automatic teller machines (ATM) for
withdrawal from credit card accounts (Visa / Master
cards) at:
ANZ Bank
Kumho Asiana, 39 Le Duan Street, District 1
Tel: 84-8-3827 2926
ANZ ATM
Oscar Hotel, 68A Nguyen Hue Street, District 1
ANZ ATM
Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi Street, Dist 1
ANZ ATM
Thai Nguyen Building
307/4 Nguyen Van Troi, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District
Commonwealth Bank & ATM
65 Nguyen Du Street, District 1
Tel: 3824 1525
HSBC
The Metropolitan Building
235 Dong Khoi Street – District 1
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Tel: 84-8-3829 2288
HSBC ATM
41 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 1
HSBC ATM
139 Bui Vien Street, District 1
Climate
The weather in HCMC varies little from season to season
with an average temperature between 27 and 33oC.
Humidity levels average 75-80 per cent.
Annual
precipitation is about 2,000mm.
There are two seasons per year. The wet season lasts from
May to November, and the dry season from December to
April. The weather immediately before the onset of the
wet season is particularly hot and humid.
Dress
Lounge suits or equivalent business dress for women are
standard dress for men and women for formal calls on
officials and business contacts. Light, neat cotton clothing
is recommended for casual occasions
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RESTAURANTS
Vietnamese
Cuisine
Address/Hotel
Lemongrass
Maxim‟s
Nam An
Blue Ginger
Quan An
Ngon
Hoi An
Restaurant
Tip
Temple Club
Phone
4 Nguyen Thiep, District 1
13-15-17
Dong Khoi, District 1
37 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D.1
160 Pasteur, District 1
3822 0496
3829 6676
11 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
3823 7694
187Ter Hai Ba Trung,
District 3
29-31 Ton That Thiep,
District 1
62 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
3829 7242
3829 8676
3825 7131
3914 4238
Wrap & Roll
International
Cuisine
Address/Hotel
3822 2166
Au Parc
Camargue
Garten Stadt
Latin Café
Al Fresco‟s
23 Han Thuyen, District 1
191 Hai Ba Trung, Dist 3
34 Dong Khoi District 1
17 Dong Du, District 1
27 Dong Du, District 1
3829 2772
3824 3148
3822 3623
3827 9095
3822 7358
Xu
Level 1, 71-73-75 Hai Ba 3824 8468
Trung, District 1
27 Le Quy Don,
3930 7873
District 3
Spice (Thai)
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Phone
Page 32
Saigon Indian 1st floor, 73 Mac Thi Buoi, 3824 5671
District 1
Caf
74A4 Hai Ba Trung, District 3824 5355
(Japanese)
1
The Sushi Bar 2 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
3824 4491
(Japanese)
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Page 33
ADDRESSES & TELEPHONE INFORMATION
Telephone:
International direct dialing code
Country code for calls to Australia
Country code for calls to Vietnam
Area code for calls to HCMC
Police
Fire Brigade
Ambulance
00
61
84
08
113
114
115
Time Differences
Times in selected Australian capitals relative to
Vietnamese time are:
Canberra /Eastern Capitals
+3 hours to local time
Darwin and Adelaide
+2.5 hours
Pert
+1 hour
From October to March add 1 extra hour for daylight
saving, excluding Western Australia and Queensland
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Page 34
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL
Australian Consulate-General
47 Ly Tu Trong Street, Vincom Center Level 20
District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Tel: 84-8-3521 8100
Fax: 84-8-3521 8101
Consular Officer - 24 hours
Tel: 84-8-3521 8100 Press 7 for assistance
Mr. John McAnulty
Consul-General
Tel: 84-8-3825 1134 (Home Direct line)
84-8-3822 0022 (Apartment 1201)
Fax: 84-8-3825 1121
Mobile: 0903 805 550
Mr. Richard Waller
Senior Administrative Officer
Tel:84-8-3825 0222 (Home Direct line)
Mobile: 091 392 1706
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Page 35
Note
DFAT/HCM Visitor booklet
Page 36