Weather

The tropical monsoon climate is divided into the rainy and dry seasons. The most distinctive characteristic of Hanoi's climate is the fluctuations between the cold and hot seasons.

In March, the month when the conference will take place, the average temperature in Hanoi are messured at about 22 degree Celcisus (22°C). The maximum annual temperature can reach 35 degree Celcisus (35°C), and maybe go down to minimum one at about 12 degree Celcisus (12°C).

Currency

The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the dong (abbreviated "d" or VND) which is used uniformly throughout the country. Bank notes in domination of 100d, 200d, 500d, 1,000d, 2,000d 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d and 50,000d are presently in circulation.

Traveller's cheques can be exchanged for Vietnamese dong only at authorised exchange banks. Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) can be used in banks, travel agencies, hotels, and major restaurants. US currency is exchanged for Vietnamese dong and treasury notes in banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, and jewellery shops. The exchange rate always changes.

The currency exchange rates between Vietnam dong and other powerful currencies are approximately showed as those in the table below in September, 1999.

The currency exchange rates can be checked here for the daily updated conversion.

Transportation

There are about 13 bus lines in Hanoi. Figuring out exactly where the buses go can be a challenge, and service on some of the lines is infrequent. But, unfortunately, bus lines are no longer shown on the Hanoi tourist maps. Therefore it is highly recommended to refer to some tourist book guides if participants prefer to going by bus.

Taxi is a way getting arround Hanoi. It should be used to go to some far places due to its not high price, safe and comfortable. The necessary point we would like to emphasize relates to how to cost a taxi ride. Flagfall is fixed at a price (depending on taxi companies), which takes you 2 km, and then every kilometre thereafter costs another price (about 7000 VND/km).