Expat guide to living in Vietnam
Terrible traffic is one of the worst things living here
It happens all the time. A traveller decides to visit Vietnam on holiday, but in the few weeks they are there, they become enchanted by the country (or perhaps by one of its citizens) and decide they have to stay forever. So what’s it like living in Vietnam? Is it really a good idea, or just a pipedream that is bound to burst? Since relocating is a big step in anyone’s life, it’s worth pondering thoughtfully before making the decision.
Why live in Vietnam
There are plenty of reasons that make visitors consider the possibility of living in Vietnam. First, and perhaps foremost for many people, are the costs.
It’s just so much cheaper to live here than in Europe or the USA, and even works out marginally cheaper than nearby countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Second, the climate is very agreeable for most of the year, unless you happen to get stuck in the mountains of the north in deep mid-winter.
Third, the people are fun-loving, easy-going and generally more helpful than their counterparts in the West. As for interesting places to visit, you could live here a decade and never get to see all the country’s main tourist sights.
Why not?
The Vietnamese smile is enchanting
Before you go and book your ticket, take a moment to consider those things that might get on your nerves if you were here all the time. Let’s start with the traffic. Drivers honk their horns all the time, rarely allow a pedestrian to cross the road and overtake on blind bends. Are you really prepared to re-learn how to drive Vietnamese style, and will you ever be comfortable in all that vehicular chaos? How about unscrupulous business deals? What happens if your landlord doubles your rent in the second month? Would you really take him to court? Such problems can become big headaches when you’re not familiar with the culture or the manner of resolving disputes.
What to do?
As in many other countries, the greatest number of employment opportunities in Vietnam are teaching English, either in a private or state school or university.
If you are considering this option, it might help to teach somewhere else first to see if you really have the aptitude for it. Apart from the actual contact hours with students, which can be very rewarding if you set up a rapport with them, there’s lots of preparation and marking too, and the pay isn’t great unless you are highly qualified.
Other possibilities are working in tourism as a tour operator or in hotel management, though again some experience will be necessary. Many think that running a bar is the answer, but there is fierce competition and the chances of success are slim.
Where to live in Vietnam?
The great majority of expats in Vietnam live in either Hanoi or Saigon for obvious reasons; there are more work opportunities there and the chance of making friends is greater. If you have a preference already, then there is nothing to weigh up here. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that Hanoi’s climate is perhaps easier for foreigners to adapt to, though it can get quite cold in winter. This may be offset, though, by the fact that Saigon is twice as big, and as such may throw up more opportunities.
How to live in Vietnam?
If you’re really keen to settle in Vietnam, check out some of the expat websites that have sprung up in recent years and post a few questions of your own on our forum. You could also try visiting bars frequented by expats in these two cities and indulge in some old-fashioned networking.
