Theflightdeal has spotted a deal: Asiana is selling a roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Hanoi for $781 including all taxes. Sample dates are November 5–12. But if you're flying to Vietnam, a ticket alone isn't enough: the country has its own e-Visa system, and it's the cheapest and easiest way to get entry permission. Below is the practical part: how to apply for an e-Visa, how much it costs, where to submit, and how to handle payments, including paying the visa fee and booking with a foreign card.
What the flight deal offers
Asiana Airlines offers a roundtrip from Los Angeles to Hanoi (Vietnam) for $781. The price includes all taxes. The source lists one sample date — November 5–12 — and emphasizes this is just an example: the fare may be available on other dates, but you'll need to check yourself.
- Route: Los Angeles (LAX) – Hanoi (HAN) and back
- Airline: Asiana
- Price: $781 roundtrip, all taxes included
- Sample dates: November 5–12 (one possible option)
If you're flying from the US, remember: the ticket is only part of the budget. Then comes the visa and payment part, which you should plan in advance.
Vietnam e-Visa: what it is and who it applies to
Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system. This is an official online entry document. According to the source, the e-Visa is the cheapest option compared to other methods. Which nationalities are eligible — check the official portal, as the list is updated periodically. Russians, US citizens, and many others are usually included, but always verify the current list on the official website before applying.
The maximum stay on a Vietnam e-Visa is up to 90 days (single or multiple entry, depending on the visa type). However, the source does not specify exact terms, so be sure to check the official portal before your trip.
How to apply and how much it costs
Applications for the Vietnam e-Visa are submitted through the official portal. The source does not provide a link, but you can find it via an official search. The standard e-Visa fee for Vietnam is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for multiple-entry (prices may change, check the portal). Processing time is usually 3 business days, but it can be longer during peak season.
The fee can be paid by bank card. This is where difficulties begin: not all foreign cards work on the Vietnamese government portal. If your card is issued in Russia or another restricted country, the payment may fail. In such cases, virtual cards come to the rescue — for example, VirtCardPay allows you to issue a card for paying visa fees and bookings. This isn't an ad, but a practical solution if your main card doesn't work abroad.
The payment side of the trip: what to watch out for
Beyond the visa, travelers face other payments. Here are the key points:
- Paying the visa fee. Only cards that support international payments will work. If your card fails, use a virtual card with sufficient balance.
- Hotel bookings. Many hotels in Vietnam request pre-authorization on your card. This isn't a charge, but the amount is frozen until check-in. Make sure your card has enough funds.
- Refunds. If a booking is canceled, refunds can take up to 30 days. Virtual cards are convenient here: you don't risk your main card.
- Currency nuances. The Vietnamese dong is the local currency. Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but markets and taxis often require cash. Withdraw money from ATMs carefully: fees can be high.
- eSIM and taxis. For connectivity in Vietnam, it's convenient to buy an eSIM online — payment also requires a working card. Taxis can be booked via apps (Grab), with payment linked to a card or cash.
The bottom line
A $781 ticket is a great price for a flight from Los Angeles to Hanoi. But for a smooth trip, apply for your e-Visa in advance, prepare a card for paying the fee and bookings, and sort out cash and eSIM. A virtual card can be the tool that handles all payment issues if your main card doesn't work abroad.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Cryptocurrencies and virtual cards involve risks, including loss of funds. Always check current rules on official resources.
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