Handy hints for Saigon living – Ho Chi Minh City

For many expats living in Saigon, life can be free and easy. But many foreigners do experience ups and downs due to the language barrier or simply because of the cultural differences in the way of doing things in Vietnam.

One of the first pieces of advice on offer is to get a motorbike as there are little options of public transport in Saigon. Taxis are sporadic, but if required can ordered quickly over the phone, but don’t expect the phone operator to speak any English! Motorbikes can be rented for as little as 1.2 million VND for a small automatic model, but be prepared to pay a deposit and to have your passport held.

Another hint for those coming to live and work in Saigon is to bring a copy of important documents that are required in the work permit process.  The cheapest way to obtain a work permit is for your company to arrange it or you can do it yourself. Otherwise, the services of an agent can be used to ensure that obtaining the work permit is quick and hassle free.

Documents required for the work permit include:

•    Passport
•    A notarised copy of degree/certification
•    A police report from your home country
•    Medical report from an authorised medical practitioner.

Finding a place to live in Saigon can take months, as compared with other Asian countries, western style accommodation is costly and hard to come by.  When dealing with real estate agents, it’s often good to find a Vietnamese friend who can assist, as real estate agents are known to increase the price for foreigners!