Should I exchange money before I arrive?

No. Airport ATMs give better rates than home bank exchanges. Withdraw 500,000-1,000,000 local currency ($15-30 USD) as soon as you land.

Is it safe to take a taxi from the airport?

Use official metered taxis or Grab. Don't get in unmarked taxis. Official taxis have meters and are regulated. Grab shows you the driver, car, and route beforehand.

What if my luggage doesn't arrive?

Report it immediately at the airline baggage desk before you leave the airport. They'll give you a claim number and track it. Most luggage arrives within 24-48 hours.

Can I use my phone for navigation?

Yes, but buy a local SIM or get an international plan for data. Grab works with just data. Airport SIM cards cost $3-10 with 5-20GB of data included.

What if I can't read the signs?

Most major Southeast Asian airports have English signage. Use Google Translate app on your phone to translate signs. Ask any uniformed airport staff—they speak English.

How to Arrive in Southeast Asia Without Getting Lost

Most Southeast Asian airports have clear signage in English and Thai/Vietnamese/etc. Get cash from the ATM before leaving the terminal, use official taxis or ride apps, and have your hotel address written down or screenshotted on your phone. You'll be fine.

Exit the airport and locate ground transport. Follow signs for taxis, ride-hailing pickup, or buses. Don't accept rides from people offering transport at baggage claim—use official services. In Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, Grab (the regional Uber) is fastest and cheap. In smaller airports, ask the information desk which transport method works best.
Get local currency before you go anywhere. Use the ATM in the airport terminal. You'll get better rates than airport money changers and you'll have cash immediately. Most Southeast Asian ATMs take Visa and Mastercard. Withdraw 500,000-1,000,000 local currency (roughly $15-30 USD) for immediate needs.
Have your accommodation address ready. Write down or screenshot your hotel or guesthouse address in the local language. Grab drivers need this. If your phone dies, a paper copy saves you. Google Maps works everywhere here.
Know which terminal you're in and where your luggage is. Major Southeast Asian airports (Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City) have multiple terminals. Check your ticket. Luggage claim is always after customs. If your bag didn't arrive, go directly to the airline desk—don't leave the airport.
Expect to spend 30-60 minutes getting to your accommodation. From major airport to city center: Bangkok 45 minutes (traffic dependent), Hanoi 30-45 minutes, Ho Chi Minh City 40-60 minutes. Small airports are faster. Traffic in Southeast Asian cities is heavy during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).

Should I exchange money before I arrive?: No. Airport ATMs give better rates than home bank exchanges. Withdraw 500,000-1,000,000 local currency ($15-30 USD) as soon as you land.
Is it safe to take a taxi from the airport?: Use official metered taxis or Grab. Don't get in unmarked taxis. Official taxis have meters and are regulated. Grab shows you the driver, car, and route beforehand.
What if my luggage doesn't arrive?: Report it immediately at the airline baggage desk before you leave the airport. They'll give you a claim number and track it. Most luggage arrives within 24-48 hours.
Can I use my phone for navigation?: Yes, but buy a local SIM or get an international plan for data. Grab works with just data. Airport SIM cards cost $3-10 with 5-20GB of data included.
What if I can't read the signs?: Most major Southeast Asian airports have English signage. Use Google Translate app on your phone to translate signs. Ask any uniformed airport staff—they speak English.