Settling-in Vietnam
Vietnam Destination Guide
The Basics
Let’s Talk About Culture
Settling in Tips
Let’s Have Fun
Need Help?
The Basics
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of 2,095 square kilometers, and as of 2010, had a registered population of roughly eight million, making it the most densely populated area in Vietnam and South East Asia with 3,818 people per square kilometer.
Being the financial and economic center of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City attracts citizens from all over the nation looking for opportunities that are not available in other regions of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the undisputed commercial, financial, and entertainment center of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the Southeastern region of Vietnam and has a tropical wet and dry climate which is characterized by heat, humidity, rain and plenty of sunshine, which assuring year- round swimming & golfing weather and endless potentials for other leisure activities while access is made convenient by an international airport.
English is increasingly favored as a second language. There is more and more Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh City learn to speak English. One can easily find English speaking channels and publications in English.
Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors and residents alike a fascinating mix between its unique Vietnam- ese charm and modern metropolis. Whether you are interested in cultural heritage, nightlife, dining out, or sports & fitness, you will find Ho Chi Minh City has a lot to offer!
Ho Chi Minh City’s Facts & Figures
| Land Area | : | 2,095 sq. kilometer |
| Population | : | 8 million |
| Density | : | 3,818 people per square kilometer |
| Government | : | Socialist Republic |
| Time Zone | : | GMT + 7 hours (Vietnam does not observe daylight saving time) |
| Currency | : | VND |
| Religion | : | Mahayana Buddhists approximately 85% Christianity and Roman Catholicism, roughly 8% And Taoism and Confucianism |
| Language | : | Vietnamese (national dialect); English is increasingly favored as a second language; French, Chinese, Khmer, and languages of other minority groups are also spoken. |
| Weather | : | Tropical monsoon climate, with high temperatures, high humidity, and long hours of sunshine most of the year. Two distinctive dry and rainy seasons. Generally fair temperature between 16-40 degrees |
| Important Laws & Regulations | : | Do not bring – Weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, military technical equipments, any form of firecracker – Debauched and reactionary products Toys with negative impacts on the dignity education, social security and safety |
Let’s Talk About Culture
Local Culture
• Hospitality and Friendliness are the most universal traits of the Vietnamese. One of the most important things to consider is always to be prepared to be tolerant, open-minded and to learn to accept and embrace cultural differences. Vietnamese culture differs greatly from Western culture on many fundamental levels. It is worth wide for foreigners to remember the prominent cultural attitude of the Vietnamese:
• The Vietnamese tend to save face at all time. They take shame and embarrassment very seriously. Confrontation is considered offensive especially in public.
• Nervous smiling and giggling are commonly used to release tension in embarrassing situations, but it does not mean that the matter is being treated lightly.
• The Vietnamese have a relaxed view of punctuality when it comes to social outings.
• The Vietnamese tend to be very curious. Staring and questioning by the Vietnamese are not meant to be offensive but mere expressions of curiosity.
• The Vietnamese drive on the right side. And traffic discipline is usually at a minimum.
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
More information on Vietnam Cultural Dos & Don’ts is available in your AT Mobility Welcome Kit. Your AT Mobility Consultant will be happy to provide any details in the materials.
Do’s
Learn at least some basic Vietnamese words, greetings and introductions in Vietnamese will be useful for you and locals will appreciate the effort.
Do keep asking leading questions in order to verify and extend your knowledge of the situation.
Do arrive fifteen or thirty minutes after the appointed time for parties. This will be considered punctual.
Do realize that the Vietnamese have a very different perspective on social, political and business organizations, most of which are modeled on the extended family concept.
Do learn to address people with the right titles to avoid embarrassment and possibly to offend if you attempt to use Vietnamese.
Don’ts
Don’t lose your temper. This is usually seen as a lack of respect for others.
Don’t be offended by personal questions and remarks. Don’t parade or display another country’s flag, make negative comments about the government or its leaders, you could be jailed for committing crimes against the party.
Don’t attempt the good luck sign in Vietnam by crossing the index and middle finger. To the Vietnamese this is a very offensive gesture.
Don’t signal someone to come by wiggling an upward-pointing index finger.
Don’t display affection in public.
Don’t lose your temper if a driver is not using the horn correctly behind you.
The Vietnamese have very high tolerance with it comes to noises.
Settling in Tips
Getting Around
Air Travel
Flights to and from Ho Chi Minh directly are increasingly accessible. Otherwise, passengers can transit through Hong Kong, Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore or Doha. Flights within Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City are highly accessible, from one to five flights a day depends on the destination.
The airport is conveniently located within 30 minutes from District 1. Passports are required for out of country traveling and in-country traveling.
Links to some airlines websites:
Vietnam Airlines: http://www.vietnamairlines.com
Cathay Pacific Airlines: http://www.cathaypacific.com/vn
Singapore Airlines: http://www.singaporeair.com
Thai Airways: http://www.thaiairways.com.vn
Qatar Airways: http://www.qatarairways.com/vn/en/homepage.html
Train Services
Train rides are available from and to Ho Chi Minh City and some provinces: Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue and Ha Noi. Air conditioned sleepers are available with prior booking.
However, trains do not operate as public transportation within the city. Vietnam Railway:
http://www.vr.com.vn/english/index.html
Bus Services
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Ho Chi Minh City; however they are designed mainly for locals without personal transportation. Bus routes are only printed in Vietnamese and bus station staff as well as bus drivers will most likely not speak English. Buses can sometimes get over-crowded as drivers will try to collect as many fares as possible. While the bus system in Ho Chi Minh City may not be the most comfortable, it can be fairly convenient and inexpensive.
Taxi Services
Taxis in Ho Chi Minh City are plentiful and affordable, any time of the day or night. Unfortunately, not all taxis in Ho Chi Minh City use properly functioning meters. It is strongly suggested that passengers only hail taxis from one of these established, legitimate companies: Mai Linh, Vinasun, Future, and Vina. These companies have fully functioning, tamper-proof meters that display the exact, proper fare. Also, taxis operated by these companies have a 3 or 4 digit registration number on the side which should be recorded in case of any problems.
Most meters start at about 10,000 to 12,000VND and cost roughly 10,000VND from the second kilometer onwards. Tipping is not required, but extra service and courtesy may warrant a small gratuity. Most people will round the fare up to the nearest 10,000VND increment.
Mai Linh Taxi: (08) 3838 3838
Vina Sun Taxi: (08) 38 27 2727
Vina Taxi: (08) 38 11 1111
Future Taxi: (08) 38 18 18 18
Personal Cars
Foreigners with a valid passport and work permit can legally buy and own a car in Vietnam.
Driving License Requirements:
Foreigners can successfully apply for a Vietnamese driver license in case they have an international driver license for the equivalent vehicle in their home country. Foreigners without a driver.
Food
While Ho Chi Minh City may be a smaller city compared to other cities, there is an ever increasing number of options for dining out. New restaurants are seemingly opening daily which feature cui- sines from all over the world. There are restaurants that will suit every budget and taste, anything from champagne brunch buffets at 5 star hotels, gourmet dining, and rooftop riverside restaurants to western fast food and mouth watering street side fare that cannot be replicated in restaurants.
Tipping
Tipping in Ho Chi Minh City is not mandatory but has become customary in restaurants and is generally greatly appreciated by the wait staff. Tipping is more of a personal gesture for the appreciation of the service you have received rather than an expected payment. There is no set percentage for tipping. However some restaurants include a service charge of around 5% which is a good guideline for tipping amounts. Make sure to inquire as to whether or not a restaurant consists of a service charge. The amount to tip and whether or not to leave a tip at all is entirely up to personal choice.
Local Food
Rice is a dietary staple, consumed by the Vietnamese in some form or another consistently. Different types of rice incorporate fresh white noodles, pho, and congee. The typical dinner comprises of steamed rice with side dishes, for example, steamed or stir-fried vegetable or soup and a main course with meat or fish. The cooking method for the main course is typically roasted, stir fry, steam or fry. Yellow noodles produced using wheat flour presented with chicken or pork in its broth and green vegetable, bean sprout and herbs; and baguette bread presented with cold cuts and vegetable are very popular options to a meal with rice in Vietnam. Breakfast can be similar to the same as lunch and dinner.
The common Vietnamese diet is high in carbohydrate, salt, sugar, and fiber. However, comparatively low fat and usually lack calcium as milk, and dairy items are not part of the diet.
International Food
There is an abundance of up market eateries featuring Italian, French, Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese especially in District 1. Most restaurants can deliver at least to within the district of their location, usually at no charge.
There are an abundance of international cuisine and family friendly establishments, as well as chic and elegant eateries along the river in District 2 – a large expat residential area in Ho Chi Minh City. There are also some companies beginning to introduce international freezer friendly home cooked meals for families that prefer to stock up their refrigerator and eat at home without the has- sle of cooking and clean up.
All of the 5 star hotels in District 1 offer sumptuous brunch and dinner buffets with free flowing wine and on occasion, award winning chefs. Some Western fast food franchises such as KFC, Domino’s Pizza, and Carl’s Jr. are also available at many areas in Ho Chi Minh City.
Medical Care
Private and Int’l Clinics & Hospitals
American Chiropractic Clinic
8 Truong Dinh Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 8 3930 6667
http://www.vietnamchiropractic.com
Columbia Asia Saigon Clinic
8 Alexandre de Rhodes, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: + 84 8 3823 8888
Fax: +84 8 3823 8454
http://www.columbiaasia.com/vietnam.html
Columbia Gia Dinh International Hospital
1 No Trang Long, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: + 84 8 3803 0678
Fax: + 84 8 3803 0677
http://www.columbiaasia.com/vietnam.html
Saigon International OIB-GYN Hospital
63 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 8 3925 3619
http://www.sihospital.com.vn
FV Hospital
6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Saigon South (Phu My Hung), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 8 5411 3333
http://www.fvhospital.com
International SOS
65 Nguyen Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 8 3823 6520
Fax: +84 8 3829 8551
http://www.internationalsos.com
International Medical Centre (CMI)
1 Han Thuyen, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 8 3827 2366
Fax: +64 8 3827 2365
http://www.cmi-vietnam.com
Government Hospitals
Hospital of Traditional Medicine
187 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: + 84 8 3932 6579
Tu Du OIB-GYN Hospital
284 Cong Quynh, District 1
Tel: + 84 8 3839 5117
Orthopedic Hospital
929 Tran Hung Dao, District 5
Tel: +84 8 3923 5791
Hematology Hospital
201 Pham Viet Chanh, District 1
Tel: + 84 8 3839 7535
Email: [email protected]
Mental Hospital
192 Ben Ham Tu, District 5
Tel: + 84 8 3923 4675
Tropical Diseases Hospital
190 Ben Ham Tu, District 5
Tel: + 84 8 3923 8704
Dermatology Hospital
2 Nguyen Thong, District 3
Tel: + 84 8 3930 5995
Ophthalmology Hospital
280 Dien Bien Phu, District 3
Tel: + 84 8 3932 6732
Otorhinolaryngology Hospital
155B Tran Quoc Thao, District 3
Tel: + 84 8 3931 7381
Email: [email protected]
Expat Housing in Ho Chi Minh City
From condominiums to homes in gated communities, Ho Chi Minh City has plenty to offer when it comes to expat housing. If you are keen to live a Western-like suburban life, Ho Chi Minh City has two large residential areas in District 2 and District 7. These areas feature detached and semi detached houses in or out of a gated compound. Specialty stores/supermarkets selling international goods, fitness centers, entertainment centers etc are easily accessible in these two areas.
Permanent Housing
Apartments yield the widest selection of housing with most offering security and some with a swimming pool, children’s play area and fitness facilities.
The majority of apartments are rented furnished. They include living room, dining room, bed room furniture, soft furnishings such as curtains or blinds, as well as telephones and air conditioners. Kitchens normally include an electric range, washer and refrigerator. Some special units might in- clude a built in oven and dryer. Apartments are owned by individual owners, therefore interior décor and quality of furnishings can differ greatly. Apartments are typically one level, several units to a floor, in a building anywhere from 4 to 30 floors high. They are usually 1 to 4 bedrooms and range from 35 sq.m. to 200 sq.m. A few units are exceptionally spacious with ranges from 220 sq.m – 450 sq.m, spread out over two to three stories.
A larger selection of more modern villas is available on the outskirts of the city, in District 2 and District 7. Some are located in planned communities or secured housing estates called compounds. They range from 200 sq.m. to 1,500 sq.m., offering from 3 to 5 bedrooms. Most detached properties are fenced or walled, offering both security and privacy. Most have a garden or at least a yard, and sometimes a swimming pool. Some compounds also feature communal swimming pools and fitness facilities. Most villas come equipped with a refrigerator, washing machine, stove, air conditioners telephones lines, cable TV, and internet. Sometimes a villa may also be outfitted with a built-in oven, dryer, dishwasher, curtains, and generator; otherwise these amenities can be negotiated.
International Schools
The education system in Vietnam is through the Vietnamese language medium, but Ho Chi Minh City has an increasing number of international schools offer excellent academic. There are also Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, French schools for parents who prefer their children to be schooled in their native language. English medium pre-schools and kindergartens can be found in practically every expatriate residential neighborhood.
Below is a brief overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular international schools.
ABC International School
28 Truong Dinh, District 3
Tel: +84 8 3930 3533
http://www.theabcis.com
ACG International School
East-West Highway (road 25B), District 2
Tel: +84 8 3747 1234
http://vietnam.acgedu.com
Australian International School (AIS)
21 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3
Tel: +84 8 3822 4992
http://www.aisvietnam.com
British International School (BIS)
43-45 Tu Xuong Street, District 3 and 225 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2
Tel: +84 8 3932 0210
http://www.bisvietnam.com
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
649A Vo Truong Toan, District 2 Tel: +84 8 3898-9100
http://www.ishcmc.com
Montessori International School
42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, District 2
Tel: +84 8 3744 2639
http://www.montessori.edu.vn
Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS)
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, District 7
Tel: +84 8 3773 3171
http://www.rissaigon.edu.vn
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 8 5413 0901
http://www.ssischool.org
As in every search, it is very useful to narrow your preferences. Think for example on what makes a school appealing to you and your children and what is acceptable and what is not when coming to your children’s education. Curriculum details, the medium of instruction, extracurricular activities, school’s facilities, the percentage of English native speakers in the classroom, whether the school is new or has some tradition, and school’s fees are all crucial points you want to consider. Additionally, it is also important to consider the prospective school’s location in conjunction with your new home’s location.
Daily Needs
Banking
International banks for personal banking services are available in Ho Chi Minh City, such as: ANZ, HSBC, Deutsch Bank, Citi Bank, Standard Chartered, Commonwealth Bank etc. Expatriates will need to have their passport, a visa/work permit to open a bank account. Local debit card can also be the ATM card.
It is difficult to deposit any cash into the account without proof of income and the bank’s approval. The banks allow expatriates to withdraw or transfer the amount out of the country when they leave the country (as regulated at the time this guide is conducted).
ANZ Bank: http://www.anz.com/vietnam
Deutsch Bank: http://www.db.com/vietnam
Citi Bank: http://www.citibank.com.vn
HSBC Bank: http://www.hsbc.com.vn
Standard Chartered Bank: http://www.standardchartered.com/vn
Hong Leong Bank: http://www.hlb.com.my/vn
Commonwealth Bank: http://www.commbank.com.vn/index.html
Groceries
Fresh groceries can be found at local wet markets or any of the following local supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City: Coop Mart, Fivi Mart, Citi Mart or Maxi Mart.
More imported groceries and others can be found at Lotte Mart and Metro supermarket system. Imported food products are also available in Ho Chi Minh City at specialty shops located in the business district or residential districts. Some carry a wide range of imported groceries items as well as organic and gluten free products: An Nam Gourmet, Veggy’s and Phuong Ha. Groceries shops listing: http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/groceries/groceries
Supermarket listing: http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/groceries/supermarkets
Home Repairs
Handy man in Ho Chi Minh City are available on call and very affordable. Their services include: carpentry, electricity and water repair, painting, hanging blinds & paintings, installation, appliances repairs and maintenance among others. The only drawbacks are that they speak little English and usually do not have a company to represent them.
Utilities
High speed cable fiber option for internet has recently been introduced in Ho Chi Minh city, though the standard ADSL can accommodate most households’ needs.
Cable TV provides standard international channels. Yet exclusive channels such as: BBC, CNN and other sports channels are not available without High Definition, parabol or satellite services.
Most accommodations have water and electricity ready. Some residential areas might experience periodically electricity outages during dry season. It is recommended that landlords can accommo- date a generator with enough capacity for emergency usage.
Ho Chi Minh City Electricity provider:
http://english.hcmpc.com.vn/customer/tintuc.aspx
Viettel Internet & Cable TV, landline telephone service provider:
http://www.vietteltelecom.vn
FPT Internet service provider:
http://www.fpt.com.vn
VNPT Internet, Cable TV, landline telephone service provider:
http://www.vnpthochiminh.com
SCTV Cable TV, Internet service provider:
http://www.sctv.com.vn
Telephone and Mobile
Landline telephone connections are usually provided in any temporary or permanent residence. The contract is generally under the landlord’s name. Landlines charge is cheaper than of mobile. Mobile phones shops are widely accessible in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are currently 5 mobile service providers to choose from. Mobile phone and Vinaphone are probably the oldest and most established providers. One can opt for a prepaid option or sign a contract with the provider.
Foreigners will need a passport, valid visa/work permit and proof of residence to sign the contract and a security deposit to register for roaming services.
Security deposit is not needed in case the contract is under a company’s name.
Mobile phone shop listing:
http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/home/mobile-phones
Vina Mobile Phone service provider:
http://www.vinaphone.com.vn
Mobifone service provider:
http://www.mobifone.com.vn
Viettel Mobile Phone service provider:
http://www.vietteltelecom.vn
Domestic Help
Household helpers are readily available and can do anything from cleaning the house, washing clothes, to looking after the children and pets. Depending on the preference, one can either live in or come on a set schedule. If employing a live-in household helper, employers are required to provide either food or a separate food allowance.
It is recommended to only hire a household helper with good references and always take precautionary measures. Employers can ask politely to take a photograph of the new helper and make a photocopy of her National Identification card and keep both on file.
Vietnamese have the tradition of giving one month salary bonus to their employees before Lunar New Year for those that have been working for them from at least one year.
House helpers usually demand this condition when signing a labor contract.
Let’s Have Fun
Business Entertainment
International banks for personal banking service
There are many clubs for networking, both socially and for business here in Thailand.
Please find some examples below:
• American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
GPF Witthayu Tower A, 93/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
AMCHAM provides a point of exchange and coordination of efforts to improve busi-
ness conditions and opportunities for private Americans and American companies.
Website: http://www.amchamthailand.com
• Australian Chamber of Commerce
Comprised of companies, businesses, and individuals across a broad spectrum of industries and services, AustCham Thailand has over 400 members.
Website: http://www.austchamthailand.com
• British Chamber of Commerce
With more than 600 member companies, the BCCT is a valuable resource for all those
doing business in Thailand.
Website: http://members.bccthai.com/
• American Women’s Club of Thailand (AWC)
72/1 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
Promoting friendship with Thais through social, cultural, and charitable activities.
Website: http://www.awcthailand.org
• Australian New Zealand Women’s Group
For more than 50 years ANZWG has played a significant part in the lives of many expatriate women who have been lucky enough to reside in this fascinating yet sometimes challenging city.
Website: http://www.anzwg-bangkok.org/
• British Club
189 Suriwongse Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
It is a family-oriented social club which opens to members of all nationalities. Sports facilities and play area are available.
Website: http://www.britishclubbangkok.org
Networking
Ho Chi Minh City has a variety of associations and clubs catered to expatriates. There are clubs for business, sports, reading, new mothers, young children, international ladies, card playing, etc. Online Google groups for different residential areas run by expatriates themselves are good information sources, especially to newly arrived expatriates.
Useful Links and Contacts:
Networking events listing: http://www.citynetevents.com
Business groups listing: http://www.wordhcmc.com/listings/business/business-groups
Need Help?
Emergency Contacts
Emergency
| City Ambulance | : | 115 |
| City Fire Brigade | : | 114 |
| City Police | : | 113 |
| International SOS, District 1 | : | (08) 3 823 6520 |
| Family Medical Practice, District 1 | : | (08) 3 822 7848 |
| FV Hospital’s emergency number, District 7 | : | (08) 5 411 3333 |
| Columbia Saigon, District 1 | : | (08) 3 823 8888 |
| Cho Ray Hospital, District 5 | : | (08) 3 855 4137 – Press 0 |
Directory
| International Operator | : | 110 |
| Directory Assistance | : | 116 |
| Time Information | : | 117 |
| Telephone Information | : | (08) 1080/1088 |
Copyright @ Asian Tigers Ltd • 15/1/2019
We make every effort to ensure the information contained in these destination guide is accurate and up-to-date. However, do keep in mind that the rules, regulations and other material in these guides change from time to time, so we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. We suggest that you contact the appropriate Asian Tigers office if you have any questions. They will be glad to help you.