Basic country info

• Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• Capital: Hanoi.

• Population: 81.6 million.

• Currency: Dong ( 1 us dollar = 19.470 dong)

Business trip

• Flight cost from U.S to Vietnam is $955.75 = 18,245,267.50 Dong

• Major exports: crude oil, rice, coffee, tea, shoes, garments, rubber.

• Major imports: machinery, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton.

• Major trading partners: japan, china, australia, singapore, taiwan, germany, u.s, south korea, and thailand.

• The culture is significantly influenced by religion. Active religions include buddhism, confucianism, taoism, christianity, islam, caodaism, and hoahaoism.

• Several generations may live together in the house, children show great respect for the elders of the family, even their older brothers and sisters.

• When doing business in vietnam you will need to get approvals from several level of government agencies.

• Making connection with government official and joint venture partner is especially important for business success.

• At start of a meeting the exchange of business card occurs. Card should be presented and received with both hand.

• If your card has a both english and vietnam, it is polite to have vietnam side facing up.

• You may ask how old are you, this classifies you as either older or younger then vietnam person.

• Business meal is likely to include tea and exotic foods.

-Bat meat, stir-fried baby birds, dog, or snake, and many type of seafoods.

* It is polite to taste and drink small amount of all items offered to you.