You need as much identifiable documentation as you can. When it comes to big cities, the level of English is a way higher, which means the majority of younger people know the basics, but only a small percentage can hold a conversation. Just look at the wires, and you'll understand why power blackouts are a regular thing. What's public transport in Ho Chi Minh City like? You can easily do a quick weekend trip out of the country or whenever Vietnam has a long holiday. While we enjoyed the teachers at VLS and the courses, the language was too hard for us to grasp. of Saigon Vietnam Many times it happened that I didn't know what I'd exactly love to eat, so I just drive the bike around until I've found a friendly local with a broad smile preparing food on the street. Vietnamese people tend to use a lot of Robusta beans since it's very cheap and tasty. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. We enjoy an increasingly broader foreign relations and more extensive international integration. As mentioned earlier, the sidewalks are usually blocked by motorbikes or are uneven and hazardous to walk on. There is much to see and do in Vietnam, and locals are always keento take a newcomer on all sorts of adventures. Please keep in mind it's my subjective opinion so that it may differ from other people's experiences. What amazes me the most is how affordable the food is. As a heads up, canned beer is not refrigerated. I'm a huge coffee addict who loves simplicity, so I usually go with standard coffee with milk and ice (caphe sua da). Saigon Compared to the Western countries and the U.S, the cost of seeing the medical professionals and getting procedures done is more affordable. Vietnam Chronicles. Teachers are in demand in Vietnam, and teaching English as a foreign language appears to be the key to international travel. Its the closest thing to a farmers market back in the U.S. Some upscale cafes have different beans on the menu, such as Arabica beans from regions such as Da Lat, or even Ethiopia or Colombia. Our landlord pays for the Internet and monthly HOA fee. Thevibrant local art scene is a representation of the upscale and cosmopolitan lifestyle spreadthroughout Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi As the capital of Vietnam, it is no surprise to see Hanoi being at the top of the list. For example, youll have people get very close to you while waiting in line at the supermarkets. Don't be surprised about the constant honking since it serves as an indicator to show others that you are in the traffic. Language Barriers (Unless Youre Fluent). I'm currently learning Vietnamese in exchange for sharing my language. Whether you visit Da Nang long-term or short-term, you will want to come out for a couple of drinks. Plus, on top of that, you are the foreigner in their country, and you should adjust. See below) It can easily be $100 per month per person depending on the cell phone service. Vietnam Banking is accessible and convenient for expats. Since we wanted to learn the language, we registered with Vietnamese Language Studies for 80 hours of learning. Expats will see some Vietnamese people wearing face masks to prevent irritation from pollen and pollution. Whoever plans to visit Halong Bay, I can't recommend more climbing to Bai Tho mountain and enjoying the view over the city and the bay. On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. military unit left Vietnam. How much do we spend each month living in Saigon? In some bigger cafe franchises such as High5, Highlands Coffee or House of Cha, you may find a perfect spot for working on your laptop. Once you're in the city and looking for a specific place, the navigation comes handy. When I've first arrived in Vietnam, I've been living in a rural province of Nghe An, where I could count on the fingers of one hand people who could speak English. All rights reserved 2023, list of the most polluted cities in the world, 50 Lifesaving Tips to Safely Travel Vietnam by Motorbike, Motorbike Trip in Vietnam: Budget, Routes & Tips, How to Successfully Deal With Vietnamese Traffic Police. If you cannot ride a motorbike (like me), then you can take a metered taxi (Mai Linh or Vinasun) or use ride-hailing apps such as Grab or GoJek for cars or motorbike rides. When it comes to cities, the situation is a way better, but still, there are some occasional power blackouts. Thanks for the suggestion on a post of finances and banking in Vietnam. :D. Anyway, navigating around the country and understanding what you're ordering is extremely easy, mainly because of the Latin alphabet. Pros and cons of moving to Vietnam There is building construction going on all the time and sometimes in the middle of the night. WebTMF Group looks at the top 10 challenges to doing business in Vietnam and how local knowledge can help your business navigate these challenges. Anyway, you can expect sunny and stable weather from March to October. Vietnam: pros For example, there is a street that sells all toilet and bathroom stuff, another street that sells bedding, etc. The peoples living standards are improving, and many social issues have been addressed. The Western alphabet script is used for theVietnamese language, which makes it more accessible for foreigners in comparison to other Asian countries. Vietnam Pros and Cons of Living in Vietnam When I made the move to Saigon, Vietnam earlier in the year, I found it very hard to find any clear information on finances and banking in and outside of Vietnam. Randomly got invited by the local family that we've met at the very moment. In this post, well share 31 pros and cons of living in Ho Chi Minh City and what to expect when living here. WebHoused in a beautiful white colonial-style building on the corner of two busy streets in central Ho Chi Minh, the Park Hyatt is one of the best-known hotels in town. Though goods in these areasmay initially appear cheap, tourists are often charged higher prices than a Vietnamese local would be for the same product or service. Whether youre staying in Saigon by yourself or with a family, you dont need to worry about crime. Multiple entry visas for 30 days and 90s are not available yet. (To us, learning Chinese is a lot easier with only 4 tones). Expats moving to Ho Chi Minh Citywill find themselves in a vibrant, engaging culture. Extended visa of more than 1-3 months for Vietnam? Respect other cultures. Learn as much Vietnamese as you can before you arrive. Be extra careful of trucks and buses since, in Vietnam, there is an unwritten rule - the priority goes to the bigger vehicle. Youll still see people burning plastic bags and garbage on the side of the road even though there is a clean-up crew. The translation isn't perfect all the time, but people seem to understand the context, which makes communication way more manageable. The video below shows one of the best views in Vietnam - the top of Hai Van Pass. The most significant disadvantage is food hygiene or lack of the same since locals prepare food on the street. WebOne thing is certain, this country has more advantages than disadvantages. As I was living near the beach in Nghe An, I loved to spend time on the beach. Whoever traveled around Vietnam knows about Vietnamese coffee. Its difficult to know which tones to use. A period from December to February is known as a wet season, which features a heavy rainfall, occasional floods, and overall, depressive weather to live in. For a pretty comfortable life having a modern apartment in expat area, going out almost every night, and not worrying about the money, you can easily spend $1,000 per month. The Park Hyatt Saigon was in the heart of the Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, just minutes from popular landmarks such as the Opera House, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Reunification Palace. Unfortunately, beaches and surrounding area serve as a garbage dump for locals. Complicated Work Visa Process. Were Jackie and Justin, life of doers. From dingy authentic Vietnamese haunts to five-star restaurants, there are numerousinternational and local cuisine options to satisfy all tastes. The parents seem not to care at all, which again touches the point of lack of education. What can I do with my kids over summer school holidays in Vietnam? Its a very busy and crowded city.. Over 9 million people live here so there is no such thing as personal space. Something went wrong. Living in Ho Chi Minh City I am so fortunate to have a chance to live in different places around the country, including one of the poorest provinces, Nghe An and one of the fastest developing cities, Da Nang. In addition, crossing the street isnt the easiest with the vehicles not stopping. The weather in Vietnam is not only excessively rainy, but the country is also vulnerable to typhoons and tropical cyclones. If you want to live in District 1, many stay in the Dakao ward which is quieter. Currently, especially in bigger cities, the younger students and professionals started to show an initiative about saving the environment so you can join many beach clean-ups, educational events, and fundraisers, which is quite impressive! WebSaigon's forces had failed to sever the Ho Chi Minh Trail; infiltration reportedly increased during LAM SON 719, as the North Vietnamese shifted traffic to roads and trails further to the west in Laos. Expats will see some Vietnamese people wearing face masks to prevent irritation from pollen and pollution. Vietnam I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. Living in Ho Chi Minh City Youll need to get a lot of documents notarized and officiated to get the work permit and TRC. We enjoy an increasingly broader foreign relations and more extensive international integration. The neighborhood has tons of Western restaurants, bars, and international schools. If you know more about the reasons behind it, please let us know. Those two foreigners are also pointing out the disadvantages and cons of living in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City from their perspectives. Probably the most common mode of transport is a motorbike. Once I sat on the motorbike (it took a while), I've experienced extreme freedom in going off the beaten path and honestly exploring the diversity of landscape in Vietnam. Expats who hate the winter will enjoy the warm weatherthat welcomes them, and residents dont need to worry too much about layering up in colder seasons. The biggest concern is petty theft. Ho Chi Minh City Itll get taken immediately! Please try again later. Vietnam Despite Vietnam being one of the few Asian countries that use a Roman-based alphabet, there is still a language barrier. Just be careful with extra fees for luggage on the budget airlines. Dealing with waste and excessive smoke from transports and factories is still a huge challenge to Vietnam. Unfortunately, Vietnam does not have a retirement visa so its not an ideal place to retire. Vietnam Has anyone tried acupuncture in Ho Chi Minh City? If youre thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family. When you first move to Ho Chi Minh City, consider staying at Airbnbs or short-term rentals so you can try various neighborhoods and stay at each spot for a few days. WebHo Chi Minh City Coordinates: 104632N 1064207E Ho Chi Minh City [a] (abbreviated HCMC ), formerly and still commonly known as Saigon [b], is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9.3 million in 2023. Youll hear the phrase, Mt, Hai, Ba, V (pronounced moht high baa yo) which means 1, 2, 3, drink!. WebVietnam is still dealing with high pollution level. 1. One beautiful sunny day in Hoi An, An Bang beach. Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. The different currency (Vietnamese dong) may take some getting used to, and it may seem like enormous amounts are being spent, but most goods and services are cheap. When you're searching for the apartment, I recommend exploring the surrounding area and booking a few nights before signing a lease since you'll get a better understanding of the area. Since I'm coming from a country known for its cold winters and sweltering and dry summers, a climate in Vietnam was a pleasant surprise. The air quality, insects, dust, non-drinkable tap water, wild rats are just a few aspects that lower food hygiene. The extent of our cooking is stir-fry vegetables and a fried egg. Note: Once you find a long-term rental, dont forget to have your landlord register you at the local wards police station. Vietnam doesnt have the right technology to handle the excessive waste produced every year.