Vietnam

Most nationals will need a visa to enter Vietnam, unless their home country is on a visa-waiver list. A normal tourist visa lasts for a month while three-month multiple-entry visas are also available. Business visas, lasting for a year, are granted, but require official entry clearance from the expat’s sponsor, which is usually their employer.

Expats looking to work in Vietnam longer than three months will need a work permit. Potentially lasting up to two years, regulations are changing constantly so it’s best to check with the nearest consulate. Extensions are granted if one meets existing stipulations.[1]

[1] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/visas

Expats will find a wide variety of accommodation in Vietnam, depending on where they are based Expat families may enjoy the larger spaces of townhouses and detached properties in the wealthier areas, while affordable and good quality apartments can be found just about anywhere, and are ideal for the young professional.

Townhouses are normally extremely narrow, many rising more than five floors above a street or alleyway. Sometimes, the first level will be an office or a shop. Detached houses are pleasant, usually with a fence, driveway and garden.

Most expats don’t buy property, as assignments to Vietnam are often short-term. Accommodation can be found through online property portals, real estate agents or newspapers. Rental agreements can range from six months to three years. Usually, a deposit equivalent to one to three month’s rent is required and the tenant also pays for utilities. The water bill, however, is paid by the landlord.[2]

[2] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/accommodation-vietnam

With an incredibly high literacy rate, Vietnamese society stresses the importance of education. From as early as 18 months, children will go to a public kindergarten to learn the basics of the alphabet and arithmetic. Primary education at public schools is free, but there are some costs, including textbooks, stationery and uniforms. Students attend public schools six days a week, Monday through Saturday.[3]

With a growing population of expats, the country has seen a boom in international schools, the oldest only being founded in the early 1990s. They are primarily found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These schools follow the British, American, French, or Australian curriculum, among others, and most of the teaching staff come from the associated country of the school. It’s best to get a child’s application sorted in advance, as competition is high and there are often long waiting lists.[4]

[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/04/2013441131475898.html

[4] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/education-and-schools-vietnam

Vietnam is renowned for its warm weather and extreme levels of humidity, often clocking in at around 80%. The higher regions of the sub-tropical north are far milder than the tropical central and southern areas of the country. In fact, the north can experience some fairly chilly winters, which makes for a stark contrast to the often sweltering temperatures further south. Floods can be expected throughout the country, both in the north and the south, especially during the rainy seasons when the lands are blanketed with heavy downpours.[5]

[5] https://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/index.php/about/items/1752

Vietnamese is the only official language of Vietnam. It has been influenced mainly by Chinese and French, a result of its long history of subjugation. There are three main dialects - one from the north, one from the south and one from the central regions. Expats should make an effort to at least learn some basic phrases of the local language, although it’s possible to communicate in English in areas dominated by travelers or expats.[7]

[7] https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/vietnam-guide

Vietnam’s cuisine can roughly be divided into three regions: south, central and north. Southern Vietnam is close to the borders of China and India, resulting in a fusion of influences. It’s also characterized by sweeter flavors, enjoying the land’s plentiful fresh fruits, vegetables and livestock.

The central regions favor a spicier touch, commonly incorporating chili, black peppers and shrimp sauces. Many dishes in this region have roots in ancient Vietnamese royal cuisine, producing complex dishes decorated with flair and style. Signature foods include bún bò Huế, a type of beef soup prepared in the cooking style of the former royal court, and cao lầu, thick noodles with barbequed pork, green beans and crunchy croutons.

Up north, locals aren’t all that fussed with using large amounts of spices. It’s best to see the region’s gastronomy as a subtle balance of many different flavors. It’s possible to find anything to suit almost any palate: sweet, sour, salty, bitter or spicy. Meats and crustaceans are popular ingredients, producing specialties like cha ca la vong and Vietnamese egg coffee.

While the Vietnamese prefer to socialize over drinks, food will always make an appearance at gatherings, whether at home or out on the town. Finding Western cuisine won’t be an issue for those looking for a taste of home. But these establishments will be more expensive than local eateries.

When it comes to eating, there are certain manners that should be adhered to. Always sit only after the eldest takes their place. Sticking chopsticks straight up in one’s food is offensive as they look similar to incense burners used in remembrance of the dead. Additionally, though expats may think it looks greedy, always bring the bowl close the face when eating.[8]

[8] https://wikitravel.org/en/Vietnam#Eat

The Vietnamese love to socialize, especially over a beverage or two, and bars become extremely popular once the sun sets. Draught beer, called bia hoi, is the most commonly enjoyed drink; light and refreshing, it’s sold far cheaper than Western beers. Alternatively, bia chai is its bottled equivalent.

There’s even a culture of microbreweries, so those who love a refined pint will be happy indeed. Before refilling one’s own drink, it’s polite to top up those of one’s companions first. Vietnamese coffees, especially the iced coffee and egg coffee, are unique experiences in themselves, enjoyed in the country’s numerous cafés. This café culture is big in Vietnam, due in part to its history under French colonial rule.[9]

[9] https://wikitravel.org/en/Vietnam#Eat

Tết Nguyên Đán, the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, is the most culturally significant holiday in Vietnam. Most Tết holidays occur during February, while different regional observances, which don’t qualify as paid holidays, also take place throughout the year. Most seasonal holidays, such as the Vietnamese New Year, are determined by the lunar calendar.[10]

New Year’s Day – 1 January

Vietnamese New Year’s Day

Hùng Kings’ Temple Festival – usually around February

Reunification Day – 30 April

Labour Day – 1 May

National Day – 2 September

[10] https://publicholidays.vn/

Landlines aren’t as popular as mobile phones in Vietnam. However, there are reasonably inexpensive options offered by operators such as Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and Viettel. While there are a fair number of mobile service providers, the most popular are Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone. These companies provide both contract and pay-as-you-go packages.

Expats will find it easy to access the internet in the major cities, especially areas frequented by tourists. Rates are cheap, with the main providers being VNPT, FTP and Viettel. While the state used to censor a lot of online information, recent regulations have lessened this and expats should be able to browse and keep in touch comfortably.

Postal services

The postal service of Vietnam is operated by VNPT. Known for being reliable and relatively efficient, getting deliveries is pretty straightforward, whether one is at home or at work.[12]

[12] https://www.vnpost.vn/en-us/

The postal service of Vietnam is operated by VNPT. Known for being reliable and relatively efficient, getting deliveries is pretty straightforward, whether one is at home or at work.[13]

[13] https://www.vnpost.vn/en-us/

There are a lack of skilled workers in Vietnam, with subsequent opportunities for expats. Ho Chi Minh City is growing fast, with potential openings in the finance, information technology and engineering sectors. It’s a great place to look for work, for expats and locals alike, and serves as a gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia. The northern city of Hanoi, while less cosmopolitan, is known for being a great place to teach English.

Vietnam has a high demand for expats who teach English as a foreign language. While the salaries are not high, the low costs of living allow for a comfortable lifestyle, especially among younger foreigners. Due to the growth in tourism, learning English is becoming an increasingly popular option for locals.[14]

[14] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/working-vietnam

Foreigners from countries that don’t have double-taxation treaties with Vietnam and live in the country for more than 183 days each year are considered residents for tax purposes and are taxed on both their local and international income.

The tax rate is progressive from 10 to 35%, depending on one’s level on income. The tax situation in Vietnam is subject to change at short notice and expats should hire a tax specialist to navigate these tricky waters.[15]

[15] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/banking-money-and-taxes-vietnam

For many, the low cost of living, warm weather and gorgeous scenery in Vietnam equate to the perfect end to a long career. Whether it’s choosing between city life and a more rural retreat, there are many different options for expat retirees. There’s no retirement visa for Vietnam, however, with expats having to enter either on a five-year multi-entry visa or a regular tourist visa. Those expats looking to retire in Vietnam will need to reapply once their single or multiple-entry tourist visa expires.[16]

[16] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/042115/retire-vietnam-200000-savings.asp

Respect and hierarchy are integral facets of the Vietnamese business world. Appropriate titles are important and it’s commonplace to bow slightly when talking to older colleagues. Shaking hands is the main form of greeting, sometimes followed by placing the left hand over the right wrist. Male colleagues should wait for their female counterparts to extend their hand, or forego the gesture.

Vietnamese is the main business language, but foreigners aren’t expected to become fluent in a short time. Instead, the courtesy of learning a few words or phrases is appreciated. It shows that one is at least embracing and respectful towards Vietnamese customs and culture.

Punctuality is valued and a small gift at the end of a meeting is appropriate, with something from one’s home country being an ideal option. Business cards should be printed with one English and one Vietnamese side. Lastly, first meetings are often more about getting to know one’s associates, rather than getting straight down to business.[17]

[17] https://guide.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=8&CID=223

Traveling in Vietnam borders on the chaotic. While using a bicycle is easy enough in the smaller towns, the congestion and erratic driving habits found in the larger cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can come as quite a shock.

Locals and expats tend to gravitate towards motorcycles. They are cheap to hire but new arrivals will probably endure a few close shaves on the road before getting used to it. In order to join the swarms, expats need to acquire a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle license. Not wearing a helmet is illegal.

Taxis are available, although it’s advisable to only use the major companies and agree on a rate beforehand. Alternatively, a cheap and fairly safe form of transport is the xe om, the motorcycle taxi. As with traditional taxis, it’s recommended to agree on a fee beforehand as drivers have been known to take advantage of foreigners.

Using a bus to get around town is surprisingly efficient, and there are also intercity bus services. Buses are often quite crowded, and drivers don’t wait long for passengers to get off at stops. The Reunification Express is the main train line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while both cities also boast metro systems.[18]

[18] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/transport-and-driving-vietnam

The official currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND), which is divided into 100 xu or 10 hào. The American Dollar is also widely accepted throughout the country.

Money is available in the following denominations:

• Notes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 VND
• Coins: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 VND

*Note that coins are rare

Banking in Vietnam is very efficient, making managing one’s finances a relatively simple task. The State Bank of Vietnam oversees various state-owned banks in the country, with the biggest being Agribank, VietinBank, Vietcombank and BIDV. There is also a large presence of international institutions, such as HSBC, ANZ and Asia Commercial Bank.

Opening a bank account is a straightforward process, with most Vietnamese banks having at least one English-speaking representative. There is normally a choice to have either a US Dollar or Vietnamese đồng account. Officials will require a passport, work contract for Vietnam and a minimum deposit, which changes depending on the bank. A letter from the landlord proving that the customer is legally living in Vietnam may also be requested.[19]

[19] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/banking-money-and-taxes-vietnam

It’s quite easy to maintain a decent standard of living in Vietnam without splashing the cash. The biggest hit to one’s budget will be accommodation. Outer suburbs are naturally more affordable, with more luxury accommodation options popping up closer to the main city centers.

Transportation costs are not a pressing issue, as hiring a motorcycle or taxi is hardly expensive. Most expats don’t buy a car, as driving conditions can be stressful and chaotic. If one embraces the local food culture, especially the delicious street food, then eating out shouldn’t be too costly. Expats can also save by shopping at markets and avoiding Western restaurants and food items.

Because of small businesses clustering together for competition, bargaining within reason is recommended. Expats with families will also likely find that education becomes one of the biggest costs, with international schools charging a small fortune for enrollment.[20]

[20] https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/vietnam/cost-living-vietnam