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What to pack for dental treatment in Vietnam: Australian patient checklist
Complete packing checklist for Australian patients travelling to Vietnam for dental treatment. Dental records, medical documents, comfort items, practical essentials, and what to leave at home.
The most important items to bring for dental treatment in Vietnam are your dental records (existing X-rays and treatment notes), a complete medication list, your e-visa confirmation, and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Everything else is either available locally in Da Nang or not necessary. This checklist covers all categories, including what to organise before you travel.
Before you travel — organise these in Australia
Dental records
- OPG X-ray (if taken in the last 12 months) — ask your Australian dentist for a digital copy
- CBCT scan (if taken for implant planning) — DICOM format on USB or download link
- Previous treatment notes — especially for implants (brand, fixture size, torque values) or root-canal-treated teeth
- Existing crown or veneer records — shade, material, and date of placement
Send these to Picasso in advance via the free quote form or by email to [email protected]. They may reduce imaging costs on Day 1.
Medical documentation
- Medication list — current medications, dosages, and conditions. Essential for implant and surgical cases.
- Allergy list — particularly latex, penicillin, local anaesthetic
- Medical conditions — especially: diabetes, cardiac conditions, bisphosphonate use, blood thinners, recent radiation therapy
- Medicare card — for identification; not accepted in Vietnam but useful for Australian emergency contact records
Insurance and finance
- Travel insurance policy — bring the emergency contact number and policy number printed out
- Credit or debit card — works internationally (Wise card recommended for zero-fee ATM withdrawals)
- Picasso written treatment plan and quote — printed or saved offline; confirms what was agreed in advance of arrival
Visa
- E-visa confirmation — Australian passport holders can obtain a 90-day multiple-entry Vietnam e-visa online (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Print the confirmation page. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
In your carry-on
Dental and oral hygiene
- Soft-bristle toothbrush (buy another at Da Nang pharmacy if needed; available at Co.op Mart)
- Travel-size toothpaste
- Floss or interdental brushes (if you use them; buy locally if needed)
- Lip balm — dental procedures involve mouth being open for extended periods
Comfort items for long flights (SYD/MEL–HCMC is 8–9 hours)
- Neck pillow
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
- Eye mask
- Compression socks
Post-surgical preparation (implant or surgical cases)
- Pack soft snacks for the return flight — airline meals may be too hard in the first 10 days post-surgery
- Prescription pain relief from Picasso (they provide this; keep in carry-on with prescription label)
- Small zip bag: gauze, ice packs from Lotte Mart (if flying home soon post-surgery)
What to buy locally in Da Nang
These items are cheaper and more convenient to buy in Vietnam:
| Item | Where to buy in Da Nang | Approx. cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-bristle toothbrush | Lotte Mart, Co.op Mart, pharmacy | AUD 1–3 |
| Paracetamol / ibuprofen | Any pharmacy (nhà thuốc) | AUD 2–5 |
| Antibiotics (prescribed by Picasso) | Pharmacy with Picasso prescription | AUD 5–15 |
| Ice packs | Lotte Mart freezer section | AUD 2–5 |
| Yoghurt and soft food | Co.op Mart, Lotte Mart | AUD 1–3 |
| SIM card (Vietnamese number) | Airport on arrival | AUD 5–10 (includes data) |
| Sunscreen | Any pharmacy or supermarket | AUD 3–8 |
What NOT to bring
- AUD cash — not accepted in Vietnam; convert to VND at ATM on arrival
- UK plug adapters — Vietnam uses Type A/B/C; Australia uses Type I; Vietnam accommodates Australian plugs at most modern hotels
- Prescription medications not in your name — customs can confiscate
- Electric toothbrush — fine to bring, but a soft manual toothbrush is often recommended post-surgically anyway
Da Nang pharmacy locations
- Pharmacity — multiple locations including near My Khe Beach; open 7am–10pm
- Long Chau — near Picasso Đống Đa; English-speaking staff at some branches
- Nhà thuốc tại Vinmec — pharmacy inside Vinmec International Hospital; full range including prescription medications