Buzz
According to our meticulously crafted plan, two months prior to departure, we completed all documentation necessary to apply for visas to Brazil, Chile, Peru.
We plan to apply for a Bolivia visa at the border. Ecuador unilaterally exempts visas for Vietnamese passport holders and many other countries worldwide with tourism-friendly policies. Visa processing times for these countries range from 1 to 2 weeks. Some embassies require direct interviews in Hanoi.
One Year Preparation for a 40-Day Journey
Some types of documents needed when submitting visa applications for these countries are almost identical:
- Visa application forms for each country. You can obtain them from the embassy/consulate or download them from the internet.
– Original passport signed on page 3.
– Passport validity of over 6 months.
– Passport with at least 3 blank pages for visa and permits.
– Submit all old passports if available.
– 2 photos sized 4×6 with white background, front-facing.
– Personal, family, and social status identification documents (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, retirement card, criminal record...).
– Employment verification documents (leave request letter, labor contract with certified salary...).
– Financial capability and asset documentation (savings book with a minimum balance equivalent to 3,000 USD and must have transaction confirmation within the last 6 months...).
– Detailed itinerary for the trip, specifying destinations, modes of transportation, accommodation.
– Round-trip flight tickets, bus or train tickets, and hotel reservations/proof of accommodation abroad according to the above itinerary.
– Travel insurance with compensation coverage equivalent to 30,000 euros and suitable for the duration of the trip.
– Invitation letter. If an invitation letter is unavailable, you can send a letter expressing your desire to travel to their country like me, stating that you are travel enthusiasts, have stable jobs, have traveled to many countries worldwide, and will return to Vietnam after traveling...
Additional Notes
– All documents must be translated into English and certified by a translation service.
– Brazilian Embassy information: 14, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi. Phone: (04) 38432544, 38471291, 38471292, 38473669.
– Chilean Embassy information: C8-D8, 14, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi. Hanoi. Phone: (04) 39351147/8.
– Peruvian Embassy information: 14th Floor, Cornerstone Building, 16 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Phone: (04) 39363082.
– Brazil Visa: Fee 460,000 VND, multiple-entry visa, obtainable in Hanoi within 1 week, validity 180 days, maximum stay per visit 90 days.
Explore the wonders of Peru with a visa that grants multiple entries, obtainable in Hanoi within 14 days. Enjoy a year-long validity with each stay of up to 6 months.
Embark on your Chilean adventure hassle-free with a single-entry visa, available in Hanoi within a week. Stay up to 20 days within the 90-day validity period starting from the date of issuance.
Experience the rich culture of Bolivia with a single-entry visa obtainable at the border for 53 USD, allowing a 30-day stay. Prepare your documents including tour itinerary, round-trip flight tickets to Vietnam, hotel bookings in Bolivia, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Discover the beauty of Ecuador visa-free, granting 90-day stays per entry.
Exchange Rates
Get the best value for your money: 1 USD equals 2.5 R at the airport, and 2.7 R at various currency exchange points in the city for Brazilian Reals.
1. Acetazolamide (Diamox) 250 mg x 15 tablets
Take 2 tablets daily, split into morning and evening doses, begin taking at least 48 hours before reaching high altitude, usually taken for 3 days. If AMS symptoms persist, such as headache, difficulty breathing, continue for up to 5 days. This medication aims to stimulate metabolic acidosis, increase cerebral blood flow, and induce rapid breathing even during sleep, potentially compensating for hypoxia.
2. Dexamethasone 4 mg x 15 tablets
Take 3 tablets daily, divided into 3 doses, only when experiencing severe AMS symptoms like intense headaches, complete insomnia. The medication acts as a cerebral edema prophylaxis, thus alleviating headaches. Prolonged use exceeding 5 days may lead to acute adrenal insufficiency, transient facial edema which subsides upon cessation. Consult healthcare personnel before consumption.
3. Ultracet x 10 tablets
Take 2 tablets daily, split into two doses. This medication effectively relieves pain but is relatively expensive. Primarily addresses pain symptoms, safe for use.
4. Efferalgan Codeine x 15 tablets
This medication serves as an alternative to medication number 3, to be taken at a dosage of 2-3 tablets per day. While it provides equivalent pain relief, I personally favor the smoother pain alleviation effect of tramadol found in Ultracet tablets.
5. Ibuprofen 400 mg x 20 tablets
Take 4 tablets daily, split into 2 doses after meals. This fundamental medication offers excellent pain relief for AMS and is recommended in medical literature. However, due to a relatively high allergy rate, this type of medication is not widely available on the market. Individuals with gastric conditions should exercise caution when consuming.
In addition, there are other medications available for treating more severe cases of AMS, known as High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). These conditions are not discussed here as they generally require medical supervision beyond the scope of regular travelers. When preparing medications, it's advisable to carry sufficient quantities of medication 1, 2, 3, or 4, 5. Individuals with gastric conditions should also bring along additional gastric medications. Each person should compensate for each other's medications based on individual severity during subsequent travel. Note that all medications aimed at improving blood circulation to the brain or enhancing cognitive function do not treat AMS and should not be carried along.
According to Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 6, 2016
