Venue

The Third Regional Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, on 22–23 November 2018 at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers, located at 88 Dong Khoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrangement, facilities and services at the venue

Identification

For identification and security, participants should wear identification badges at all times during sessions and social functions. Badges will be provided upon arrival at the designated hotel or at the time of registration for the Forum.

Smoke-free policy

WHO is a smoke-free environment. The policy stipulates no smoking on the premises during all WHO meetings and associated functions. Smoking is prohibited throughout the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers public areas, restaurants and bars, meeting facilities.

Internet and wireless services

The Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers provides wireless connections to all meeting participants in meeting room areas.

Security in Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam

There are minimal security threats in Viet Nam. The situation is peaceful and stable and most travellers in Viet Nam feel relatively safe. However, common crime is typically the same as in many other countries. Pick pocketing and petty crimes occur, though violent crimes such as armed robbery remain rare. Tourists should be cautious of bag snatching occurring by passengers on motorcycles and sharp objects used to slice open bags and personal belongings.

Avoid leaving possessions unattended, particularly in public areas such as airports, parks, restaurants, hotel lobbies, etc.

In general, the safety and security of guest rooms in quality hotels is good. Valuables and important documents (passport, etc.) should be kept inside a safe in the room (provided by many of the better hotels) or in a safety deposit box at the front desk. If on guided tours, secure your personal bags and, if possible, do not leave them on the tour bus/boat. If you must leave the bags, remove any valuables.

In case of any emergency, you may call the administrative focal point for the meeting on +63 920 963 5457.

Traffic Safety

The lack of open sidewalks in Viet Nam and adequate traffic controls (e.g. stoplights at intersections) creates a precarious situation for pedestrians and motorists. National Law requires all drivers and riders of motorbikes to wear a helmet in all roads.

If you are involved in a traffic crash, altercation, or other situation that appears to be a threat to you, leave the immediate area and contact the police.

Medical services in Ho Chi Minh City

Family Medical Practice
34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
+84 28 3822 7848

Family Medical Practice
95 Thao Dien Street, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+84 28 3822 7848

International SOS
Unit 708, 7th floor, Centre Point Building, 106 Nguyen Van Troi street, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan district, Ho Chi Minh City
+84 28 3829 8520

Banking facilities and currency

There are currency exchange counters at the airport upon arrival. There is also a currency exchange desk at the hotel.

Dong is the Viet Nam currency. Corresponding denominations include:
Bank notes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000, 100 000, 200 000 and 500 000

The exchange rate as of July 2018 is VND22 938 to US$1.00

International credit cards are accepted by majority of the tourist establishments. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available 24 hours a day at all banks, some shops and along the streets.

Information on Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam

Climate and clothing

The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November, during which time it is advisable to have a light raincoat or umbrella. Humidity is high (65%–90%) all year.

Light clothing is recommended. Offices, hotels and shops are air-conditioned, and visitors sometimes may feel the need for a light jacket or a sweater.

For official functions, a business suit or national costume is suggested.

Electricity and water

The common standard power supply in Viet Nam is 220 volt.

Water is chlorinated and potable but consumption of bottled water is advised.

Telecommunications

The country code for Viet Nam is 84 and the city code for Ho Chi Minh city is 28. International prepaid cards are available for sale at shops or Post Offices. Calls made using these phone cards are about 40% cheaper than operator-assisted calls.

International direct dialling (IDD) is available in Ho Chi Minh city and other major cities. The outgoing international code is 00.

Fax services are available at major hotels and business centres.

Local time

Local time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).