Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the biggest city. It is located on the banks the Saigon River at 37 miles (60 km) from the South China Sea, and 1,094 mi (1,760 km) south of Hanoi.
Vietnam has made significant improvements to its legal infrastructure, bank systems, as well as overall socio-economic and political environment over the past 10 years. Vietnam became the 150th country to join the World Trade Organization on January 11, 2007. Today, local investors and businessmen are just as excited about Vietnam’s potential growth as they are about its future. Vietnam’s foreign direct investment will exceed US $15 billion by 2008 (more than twice as much in 2008)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s financial capital, is home to over 300,000. It houses businesses from a variety of industries, including technology and electronics. The city is fast growing in both its industry and population. City’s lively culture and historic ambiance, combined with an optimistic workforce that has no direct memory of war with America in 1975 have helped make it one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities.
It is the biggest metropolitan area in Vietnam. The area includes the center of Ho Chi Minh and the surrounding areas. The streets of Ho Chi Minh are a mix of traditional Asian and modernity.
While Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, English is widely spoken in almost all parts. Most taxi drivers and staff in foreign restaurants speak English. Vietnamese is used for store and street signs. It will help you to communicate in Vietnamese and the people will thank you for your effort.
Visas must be obtained by all visitors from abroad. A visa is usually obtained by a sponsoring organisation for a foreigner who intends to reside and work in Vietnam. To obtain a visa to work in Vietnam for three, six or more months, you will need a passport along with an invitation letter or assignment letter. For foreigners visiting Vietnam, the passport with visa information is crucial. It is recommended for all foreigners to register at their nearest Embassy or Consulate upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam dong (VND) is the local currency. There are a variety of coins and bills that can be used to make the Vietnamese dong. They range in value from 200-500,000 VND. The best way to exchange dollars in Vietnam is to bring US Dollars. Although US dollars are easily convertible, dong can still be used to pay for daily purchases like groceries. While larger businesses will take credit cards, there is a 3 to 5% fee. Local markets accept only cash.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to many foreign banks. Account openings are simple. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday between 8am and 3pm. Automatic teller machines (ATMs), are available all day in Ho Chi Minh City.
The most crucial factors for expats looking to live in Ho Chi Minh City are proximity to schools, and security. Expats often choose to live abroad. Ho Chi Minh City is home to a mixture of old-style French villas and new serviced apartments. Many expats prefer to reside in larger homes outside the city. These villas have large gardens and pools. In these locations, you will also find international schools. Most expats rent their houses. The rental agreement requires a three-month deposit and six months of rent upfront.
Extra utilities are charged separately, and should be paid with cash. The landlord may choose to decorate furnished houses according to their taste. These styles might not be appealing to expats. It’s becoming increasingly common for landlords to allow you to purchase furnishings to your liking, depending on how long your lease is.
Ho Chi Minh City, in general, isn’t a very dangerous place. However, many expats worry about house-break-ins and petty crime. It is highly recommended to have a home security system.
Ho Chi Minh City’s expats love to go to international schools. There are many international schools available, including those in Australia, Japan, France, Korea, and the United Kingdom. However, they can also be very expensive. Although there are many schools to choose from, it is not always easy to get a place. Pre-school programs are offered by the British International School as well as International School in Ho Chi Minh City. The school year ends at the start of July and begins in August.
While the water in Ho Chi Minh City may not be safe to drink, it can still be used for washing dishes and brushing teeth. The water can be delivered by courier or bought in a retail store. “Pharmacy”In Vietnamese, it is “Nha Thuoc Tay”You can find them all around the city. Vietnamese words for “doctor”It is “Bac Si.”
Visitors to Vietnam are advised to have multiple vaccinations including Hepatitis A/B, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid and Hepatitis B. As prescription drugs can be difficult to obtain in Vietnam, visitors should have extra medication. The number of healthcare facilities available in Ho Chi Minh City is limited, but they continue to improve with the establishment of International clinics.
Some foreign providers of health care have more to offer than others. International SOS is one of these providers. The Columbia Saigon Clinic, Franco/Vietnamese Hospital and International SOS are others. Visitors can also be evacuated to Thailand or Singapore if the care required is not provided by Ho Chi Minh City’s other hospitals. This information should be reviewed by all visitors as soon as possible after they have moved into their new residence.
It has become a major hub for traffic congestion due to its rapid growth. It is important to be patient on the roads as traffic laws and education aren’t strictly enforced. Vietnamese drivers will require a Vietnamese license if they wish to drive. Most expats own their car and have a driver. Driving is done on the right side. Although buses do exist in Ho Chi Minh City, they can be very congested.
The most popular mode of transportation is the motorbike. You can often see entire families riding a motorbike. It makes crossing streets extremely difficult. It is important for visitors to be confident enough to spot a gap in traffic and make eye contact. They should also cross slowly and steadily, walking forwards and not stepping backwards.
There are train services that go out of town every day, and you can rent a car to travel further afield. Another option is to take a minibus. They are clean, small and air-conditioned.
Some expats may want to bring their preferred designer clothes, cosmetics, or sporting goods with them. The authentic articles in Vietnam are difficult to come across. Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City is easier than in other cities. It is recommended expats take enough clothing for their extended stay to be able to purchase large-sized clothes and shoes. However, custom-tailoring can help you find the right fit.
Serviced apartments have foreign shops. Fresh dairy products and fresh produce are available in local markets where bargaining is common. Learning Vietnamese numerals is an excellent idea. However, it is best not to seem interested in any item. If you are trying to bargain, make an offer. Then leave the room if they refuse. If the seller makes a change of mind, they will contact the buyer back. It is a wise rule to bargain at half of what was originally offered. Then, negotiate for a fair price. Smile often!
Ho Chi Minh City has a lot of counterfeit products, including handbags as well as mineral water. This is why it’s better to shop at department stores and other authorized retailers than from street sellers. Ben Thanh Market is a good place to shop for household products such as cleaning items and home furniture. Ben Thanh Market has everything you could need, including clothing, footwear, home furnishings and keepsakes, as well as vegetables, fruits and other interesting foods.
Although spouses can work, it is not permitted for them to find employment. Additionally, professional organizations are available for women. Joining a group of golfers or tennis players is an option for recreational activities. Restaurants and bars are popular places to hang out. Apart from expat clubs, many business and social organizations, such as the International Ladies of Vietnam or Amicale des Francais (a French organization), are popular.
Children love going to the beach, riding on go carts and playing sports. For teenagers who are searching for something to do, school-related activities can be a great choice. Many people enjoy joining clubs or participating in sporting activities. There are many options for sports, including tennis, badminton, swimming and rugby (Aussie rules).