Tan Son Nhat is the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. International flights arrive at Terminal 2 (the international terminal), about 7–8 km from the old District 1 city centre. Here is what to do, in order, from the moment you step off the plane until you are in a car to your hotel.
1. Immigration
Have your passport (with enough validity) and visa ready. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for a set number of days; everyone else applies for an e-visa before flying. Rules change, so check the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal at evisa.gov.vn, and beware of look-alike sites that charge extra fees.
At peak times the immigration queue can be long. Travelling with older parents or small children, or short on time? An airport fast track service means staff meet you and escort you through the priority steps.
2. Collect your bags — and get online right there
Immigration leads straight into the baggage hall. The screens show which carousel your flight is on.
While you wait for your bags is the best time to get connected: the Newway SAS SIM & eSIM counter is right by baggage carousel 8. Book your plan online beforehand and our staff will fit your SIM or set up your eSIM at the counter. Being online inside the terminal means you can book a ride, open maps and message home as soon as you walk out.
SIM or eSIM? If your phone supports eSIM, choose eSIM: you keep your home SIM in place and can still receive bank texts on your usual number. If it does not, choose a physical SIM. More in SIM card or eSIM in Vietnam: which to get.
3. Customs and cash
With your bags, follow the signs through customs. Nothing to declare? Use the nothing-to-declare lane.
The arrivals hall has ATMs and currency exchange counters. Take out or change enough for the first day or two: restaurants and larger hotels take cards, but street food stalls, markets and some taxis still prefer cash.
4. Getting to your hotel
You have four main options: the taxi queue at the exit, a ride-hailing app, the bus, or a pre-booked car. Each suits different situations — see the full comparison in Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1.
With family, lots of luggage or a late arrival, a pre-booked Newway SAS car is the least stressful choice: your driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign, the fare is all-inclusive by area, and the driver still waits if your flight is late.
5. Connecting to a domestic flight?
Flying on to Phu Quoc, Da Nang or Hanoi the same day means moving to a domestic terminal: T1 for Vietjet Air, T3 for Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines and Sun PhuQuoc Airways. On separate tickets you usually collect your bags, clear customs and check in again, so allow at least 3 hours between flights. Details in changing terminals for a connection and where to fly next from Ho Chi Minh City.
Your first hour in five lines
- Passport and visa or e-visa in hand before the immigration desk.
- While you wait for bags, stop at the SIM counter by carousel 8.
- Take out or change a little cash in the arrivals hall.
- Pick the ride that suits your luggage and arrival time.
- Connecting the same day? Leave enough time to reach T1 or T3.