Moving to Vietnam

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May 28, 2013 - 1:12am
#1
Aisha (not verified)
Moving to Vietnam

Hi all,

I am looking into moving to Vietnam to teach English but am a bit nervouse as I haven't spent that long away from my home town before. I am originally from London and friends have told me that Sai Gon would be the most livable out of the cities. What is the expat community like? Is it easy to make friends when I am there?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks,
Aisha

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September 5, 2013 - 3:32pm
#2
Kerri (not verified)

Hi There,

I am originally from the UK and have been an expat in HCMC for the past 2 years - I highly recommend it! HCMC is a big city, and considerably more modern than any other places in Vietnam. As a result it has a huge expat community; you wont struggle to find friends. Similarly, if you are hoping to be a teacher out here, you will meet so many expat coworkers.

Don't worry about settling in out here, I'm sure you wont have a problem. Just embrace the city and enjoy yourself! If you have any specific questions or worries about moving out here though, feel free to contact me via my blog: http://cokerri.wordpress.com - I'd be happy to help you out!

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June 20, 2013 - 9:54am
#3
tomo

I prefer Saigon and find it very livable for expats/foreigners. Hanoi is also an option. I think if you're from London, you shouldn't have too many problems.

I find it's easier to make friends in Vietnam than in the West.

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May 28, 2013 - 8:35pm
#4
Anonymous

Hi,

I am getting a accounting job in Vietnam and planning to move overhere.

Can someone guide me about monthly expences for 4 adult members of family in Vietnam. what will be the cost of living?

Please guide.

Thank You

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June 20, 2013 - 9:56am
(Reply to #2) #5
tomo

For a family with 4 grown adults, you might share a house for $600-$1000. Will someone be cooking or will you be eating out often? Is everyone Vietnamese / can speak Vietnamese? Does anybody need to go to school?

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About the author

Asian-American expat living in Vietnam over 3 years. I am involved in tech startups and do Drupal consulting. I choose to live in Saigon and Vietnam and I want to see the city and its people reach their true potential.

Where is Saigon?

It's not wrong to wonder where in the world Saigon is.

Saigon is the name of the city now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. But most people who call Saigon home call their home Saigon and it's mostly tourists who I hear refer to it as Ho Chi Minh City (or Ho Chi Minh Ville for the French).

After the Vietnam/American War ended in 1975, many place names ceased to exist such as Saigon, South Vietnam, and plenty of street names.

Tu Do is now Dong Khoi, Thong Nhat is Le Duan. And Tan Son Nhut Airport is now Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Rue Paul Blanchy has been Hai Ba Trung since the 1950s.

Those who haven't seen Vietnam for decades will be confused not just by the geographical changes but the incredible amount of development and modernization that has since taken place.

Latest Technical Posts

I also post a lot of technical material unrelated to Vietnam that doesn't hit the home page. Starting from November 2015 I am only posting technical articles on my new sub-blog: TECH.saigonist.com

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