ScriptShack
English expat in Vietnam
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58
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2
About me
English
Registration: 30 March 2016
Buying, Building or Renting
@OceanBeach92107聽No, I was living in Hanoi but have since left Vietnam. Read More
Just for fun: How well do you know Vietnam? by Diksha
Hello everyone, We would like to invite you to take part in a knowledge test based on Vietnam. Find a few questions below: 1. What is the capital city or administrative capital of Vietnam? 2. What currency is used in Vietnam? 3. List the ...
1. What is the capital city or administrative capital of Vietnam? 2. What currency is used in Vietnam? 3. List the national symbols of Vietnam. 4. What are the official languages or the ones used the most on a day-to-day basis? 5. Share with us ... Read More
Motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter by Talented Miss C
Please recommend cheap rental for a 2-3 motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter and can be extended long term as I will be working in Hanoi. Preferrably 100vnd or lower/daily. Thanks a bunch!
Depends on the type and age of bike you are looking for. If you want a daily rate, you'll end up paying more than you should. Most rental places charge by the month because the 'daily' rental places usually only cater to tourists who ... Read More
Motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter by Talented Miss C
Please recommend cheap rental for a 2-3 motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter and can be extended long term as I will be working in Hanoi. Preferrably 100vnd or lower/daily. Thanks a bunch!
Any company that doesn't put its prices on its website should always be treated with caution as should any post here making a recommendation without actually stating WHY they recommend them. Seems more like advertising to me. Read More
Buying a new scooter in Hanoi. by Playstyle
I'm planning on staying for awhile and just moved to Hanoi on a year long tourist visa. I want to buy a new Honda PCX or Kymco scooter as a foreigner, what are my options? I have a Vietnamese friend that I can register it in their name but I ...
Indeed. But if you have a falling out with the friend who purchased the bike for you, they are unlikely to sign that document. Read More
Health insurance for VN and Hanoi Private hospitals by GuestPoster49501
Hi there, I am planning to move to Hanoi, flying this week. I currently live in Bangkok but am from the UK. I have had some health issues in the past in the UK and since moving to Hanoi / Vietnam I would like to know: 1. What is the best ...
BUPA - because it covered all my medical expenses and the better hospitals have an agreement with BUPA that means (unlike some other insurers) you do not have to pay anything out of your own pocket and then wait forever and a day to be reimbursed. I ... Read More
Buying a new scooter in Hanoi. by Playstyle
I'm planning on staying for awhile and just moved to Hanoi on a year long tourist visa. I want to buy a new Honda PCX or Kymco scooter as a foreigner, what are my options? I have a Vietnamese friend that I can register it in their name but I ...
The law as it stands right now only allows one person to register one scooter/motorbike and the only exception is for business'. Whether you get caught and what they do about it is a completely different story. A couple of years ago you could ... Read More
Customs Duty Pers. Household - Pandora Box = Car by MartinK-HN
Hi, I am actually surfing around to get a clear picture what could all happen customs duty wise if I ship a container with my personal belongings to Hanoi. Container content would be: Books, books, books - the inherited library from my dad Wood ...
Agree with previous comments. It simply isn't worth the trouble. Import tax can be anything up to 50% of whatever value they want to put on it. Receipts etc mean nothing!! I wouldn't bring books even if I knew I could bring them in without ... Read More
Health insurance for VN and Hanoi Private hospitals by GuestPoster49501
Hi there, I am planning to move to Hanoi, flying this week. I currently live in Bangkok but am from the UK. I have had some health issues in the past in the UK and since moving to Hanoi / Vietnam I would like to know: 1. What is the best ...
I use BUPA and couldn't really recommend anything else though I know there are a few companies doing health insurance in Vietnam. Just make sure it covers you to be flown outside of VN for treatment if it's needed, including repatriation. Read More
Motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter by Talented Miss C
Please recommend cheap rental for a 2-3 motorbike rental in Tay Ho or Old Quarter and can be extended long term as I will be working in Hanoi. Preferrably 100vnd or lower/daily. Thanks a bunch!
Expect to pay a minimum of 800k VND a month for an old semi-automatice. Anything lower will be very dodgy. Typically a newer model fully automatic scooter should be between 1 million and 2 million VND per month depending on the engine size, model, ... Read More
Security deposit for last month's rent? by New and improved
New ownership of delightful building hired terrible management company. Resident staff fired, building front doors and front gate left unlocked and open to the street with no security at all hours, apartments rented on short let sites to party ...
- Will anything happen to me or my belongings during those last two weeks in the building? Most probably yes if they think they are going to do a runner without paying the rent. Most landlords/agents can be flexible when it suits them but this women ... Read More
Residence by ak100
Please can you help me to choose the best area to live in Hanoi. We are retired New Zealanders want near medical, airport and safety . Angus and Elida
If you like to live in a 'bubble' then Ciputra might be fine for you but please note that whilst there are some shops there, they are typically very expensive because of their captive audience, so to speak. Unless you want to keep paying out ... Read More
How to transfer money out of Vietnam? by alisonlannon
I'm an EFL teacher looking to move to Vietnam in October. I'm hoping to save a lot of money in Vietnam and transfer it back to the UK whilst still working in Vietnam. Does anyone know of the best way to do this? I've read that it can ...
I don't think you read the OP properly. The question was about transferring money earned in Vietnam to the UK. No point taking VND out of the country because no one will exchange it for GBP. Read More
Anyone want to accompany me to search for accommodation in Minh Khai by Nancy Cao
A single mom with 3 y.o daughter is looking for flatmate together to search a flat in Skylight Tower at Minh Khai Street ( my sister is living nearby). I'm living in Singapore and will be back in Hanoi in September to stay for 2 years or more. ...
My apologies... Yes you are right, that street address is also in Hanoi. You could also try some of the Facebook groups like 'Hanoi Housing' or 'Hanoi Massive'. Usual advice applies to apartments as well as houses when dealing with ... Read More
How to transfer money out of Vietnam? by alisonlannon
I'm an EFL teacher looking to move to Vietnam in October. I'm hoping to save a lot of money in Vietnam and transfer it back to the UK whilst still working in Vietnam. Does anyone know of the best way to do this? I've read that it can ...
They basically do an online bank transfer on your behalf, through there own account and you can see the process. They should be able to transfer funds to Thailand as well. Read More
coffee beans
Just go to any cafe and ask them where the nearest coffee bean shop is or failing that, Google is your friend. Read More
Anyone want to accompany me to search for accommodation in Minh Khai by Nancy Cao
A single mom with 3 y.o daughter is looking for flatmate together to search a flat in Skylight Tower at Minh Khai Street ( my sister is living nearby). I'm living in Singapore and will be back in Hanoi in September to stay for 2 years or more. ...
Maybe have this moved to HCMC forum, not Hanoi since the street address you gave is in HCMC?? Read More
How to transfer money out of Vietnam? by alisonlannon
I'm an EFL teacher looking to move to Vietnam in October. I'm hoping to save a lot of money in Vietnam and transfer it back to the UK whilst still working in Vietnam. Does anyone know of the best way to do this? I've read that it can ...
Better to use Google maps. Here are some addresses for the jewellery/gold shops in Hanoi; Thinh Quang: 91 Ha Trung Quoc Trinh: 31 Ha Trung Shop at 31 Ha Trung All are located close to Hoan Kien lake area. In essence, you hand over your cash and they ... Read More
Relocating to Hanoi with dogs by strekoza
Hello! Relocating to Hanoi with 2 dogs and super concerned about their safety .The working location would be Dong Da . Anyone is living there with pets ? Is it a safe area or you know streets or apartment names you would recommend . Thank you in ...
Ultimately it is NOT safe. Sure you can keep them inside (assuming you are happy to pay the a/c costs to prevent them overheating?) but at some point you will want to take them for a walk (we can hope) and dog snatching is not uncommon; either for ... Read More
How much cash allowed out and into Vietnam by infoKQ
I was carrying 拢20,000 in GBP on me after a business settlement in China . I decided my best option to carry money home after going on a visit to Vietnam was to carry on my person. Problem arose when i was stopped by customs security on the ...
The question was about how much cash you can carry through customs so not sure banking processes has any significance? Read More
cloth shopping for tall europeans by GuestPoster7389
being an European and having had no issues in previous countries, however it seems to be an issues to find cloth and shoes leisure and business cloth for people above 190cm and shoes sizes above 43, perhaps someone might know a few place which have ...
The Last size issue makes sense (given the different market). I've had 2 pairs of shoes made and my wife has had 3 pairs of shoes and a pair of ankle boots made in Hoi An (cost was 35 USD for shoes, 45 USD for the boots). Most are now over three ... Read More
Cost of Furnishing a house in Hanoi ? by Ana2018
Considering all the taxes one has to pay even on used home items when moving to Vietnam, over and above shipping and insurance......I was wondering what would be the approx cost of furnishing a house. The house we have zeroed in on is unfurnished. ...
Cannot really help with prices because they vary so much but typically, if it isn't traditional, locally made Vietnamese furniture it will already be at a premium price because it will already have had import tax etc applied. Quality can vary ... Read More
cloth shopping for tall europeans by GuestPoster7389
being an European and having had no issues in previous countries, however it seems to be an issues to find cloth and shoes leisure and business cloth for people above 190cm and shoes sizes above 43, perhaps someone might know a few place which have ...
This is a late response but your best bet is probably towns like Hoi An where you can get clothes and footwear made to measure and at prices far less than their 'western' off-the-shelf counterparts. Last time I was there I had a suit, two ... Read More
Customs Duty on a Household shipment? by Ana2018
Is it true that Expats have to pay customs duty/tax when moving to Hanoi on a shipment of: used furniture, paintings, artefacts I would like to bring in my own things rather than buy new furniture, is it true there is customs duty ?No ...
If they want to charge you import tax, they can and will. It could be 40% to 100% depending on how low their tea/coffee reserves are. Please keep in mind that as Colin mentioned, some items are prohibited or you may need a special import license for ... Read More
Work permit required with PRC or TRC? by Rikka
Hi, I'd like to know - as I already have a 'XNC' Visa exemption from marriage (and have kids here) thus I could probably get a TRC or PRC - why would I need to apply for a business visa and get a work permit and then a TRC? I guess the ...
Never mind, question already answered Read More
Teachers salaries by 11judyc
Hello all, I was looking for information on maximum salaries for teacher in VN. I have 20+ years of teaching various subjects in high schools (American, Canadian and IB) and have advanced degrees. I have noticed a couple of schools have ...
To be honest, the only places that ask for demo lessons are those that are employing teaching staff without the correct qualifications to met the work permit and visa requirements, or places that are not registered as businesses. Read More
Overseas College Education
Thanks all for the great feedback. Read More
Overseas College Education
Thanks, I appreciate the input.!! Yes they use the British curriculum and all the students got A and A* (over 95% got A*) in the last academic year for the British A Level exams. A positive response, so thank you again. Read More
Overseas College Education
I hope you can help me out a little as I start my research. Full disclosure: I am doing some social media marketing for a UK based 6th Form College that specialises in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for gifted children in ... Read More
How to transfer money out of Vietnam? by alisonlannon
I'm an EFL teacher looking to move to Vietnam in October. I'm hoping to save a lot of money in Vietnam and transfer it back to the UK whilst still working in Vietnam. Does anyone know of the best way to do this? I've read that it can ...
If you can prove where you get your money from - wage slips, work permit, contract of employment etc, it is fairly straight forward to transfer money out of Vietnam if you have a Vietnamese bank account. Ideally, your employer should pay your wages ... Read More
Teachers salaries by 11judyc
Hello all, I was looking for information on maximum salaries for teacher in VN. I have 20+ years of teaching various subjects in high schools (American, Canadian and IB) and have advanced degrees. I have noticed a couple of schools have ...
In theory it might be 'tax free' if you do not meet the threshold for paying personal income tax (PIT) but that sort of salary would be nowhere near enough to live on. Read More
How much cash allowed out and into Vietnam by infoKQ
I was carrying 拢20,000 in GBP on me after a business settlement in China . I decided my best option to carry money home after going on a visit to Vietnam was to carry on my person. Problem arose when i was stopped by customs security on the ...
I can confirm, at the time of writing this, that the maximum amount of undeclared cash you can carry through Customs/Immigration in Vietnam is 5,000 USD, whether you are entering or leaving the country (Source: Vietnam Customs and Immigration). The ... Read More
Teaching in Ha Noi without a degree
Lots of jobs for teachers without degree's but you may not able to satisfy the Business Visa requirements unless you can provide evidence of over 5 years teaching experience. Read More
Time of year to be looking for Teaching work?
As with everywhere else in the world, you are better of applying just before the end of school terms. August seems to be popular. Read More
English Teaching in Hanoi. Where to apply? by miadurano
Hello! I'm Mia, and I'm coming to Hanoi pretty soon! I heard about all these teaching posts available, and since I'm already an English teacher myself, I figured that this would be a great way to be able to sustain my stay in Hanoi for a ...
Lots of English teaching jobs in Hanoi if you meet the Business Visa requirements. If you don't meet the requirements, you'll still find work at the less reputable teaching centers but pay and other perks will be much less.. Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Vietnam can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent homesickness? How ...
I left my home country over a decade ago and have lived in a number of countries since then. I must admit, I have never once felt homesick. I think the key, at least for me, is to have no expectations and no preconceptions. After all, if you ... Read More
bringing my cat to Hanoi by Alice1
Hello, Does anyone know where I can get information on bringing my cat with me to Hanoi? We are moving there in mid-July and the Vietnamese embassy here tells me it is ok, but, no other details. Does anyone have any advice? He has all his shots, ...
Thank you for taking the time to let us know you and your cat arrived safely. If there was any specific paperwork or process you had to undertake I;m sure the community here would like to know about it so we could use it as a reference point for ... Read More
Considering a move from US to Vietnam with family. What to know? by Carma32
I have thought about relocating to Vietnam from US we are a family of three including myself and my two daughters ages 4 and 12 I want to move for the experience of living abroad for my kids and myself I would like to connect with other expats ...
"if you need any help just ask" - I think that was what the opening post was for wasn't it? Read More
Considering a move from US to Vietnam with family. What to know? by Carma32
I have thought about relocating to Vietnam from US we are a family of three including myself and my two daughters ages 4 and 12 I want to move for the experience of living abroad for my kids and myself I would like to connect with other expats ...
"what am I not thinking of [....]" State run education is pretty poor so you'll need to invest in private education for your kids. Medical insurance is expensive and very much needed for peace of mind. You'll find owning and ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Vietnam is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Vietnam? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
Not sure I can add much to that which has already been written but for me, it isn't about the temperature, it is the humidity that makes acclimatisation more difficult. Read More
bringing my cat to Hanoi by Alice1
Hello, Does anyone know where I can get information on bringing my cat with me to Hanoi? We are moving there in mid-July and the Vietnamese embassy here tells me it is ok, but, no other details. Does anyone have any advice? He has all his shots, ...
Cannot help with your question, though I have a friend who brought his cat over from Saudi without any problems - getting it back out of the country might be more difficult. I only answered because if you are bringing a cat or dog into the country, ... Read More
Vegetarianism in Hanoi by hippylizuk
Hi, I am moving yo Hanoi to live and work soon. I have heard many mixed views and ideas about being vegetarian in Vietnam in general. Is it difficult to adjust? Is vegetarianism that uncommon? Any thoughts or views will be much ...
There are a number of vegetarian eateries in Hanoi but please keep in mind that the actual number of vegetarians in Hanoi will be quite small compared to the UK so don't expect a huge variety of dishes. Getting your hands on a great variety of ... Read More
Organising a small shipment of personal effects to Hanoi by m86
Hello I realise there are a few threads with similar questions, but some of them are quite old, or asking for slightly different information. I was hoping someone with recent experience can perhaps help. My partner and I will relocate to Hanoi in ...
If import duty is applied, it can be up to 40% of the items value. I haven't done it myself but some colleagues and friends have. Most have had no problem but occasionally, a shipment goes missing. You'll have a higher success rate if the ... Read More
Buying, Building or Renting by ancientpathos
My Vietnamese friends tell me I should buy or build a house. I have a nice place that I rent in Da Nang with utilities cost me around $300 per month on the beach. If I was to build a house, it would be a single story 3 bedrooms, outdoor toilet and ...
You are very lucky to get an indefinite tenure! Some friends I know in my local area around the Tay Ho/West Lake area (and my landlady) who have bought property and have now had their land re-classified for commercial development as there are plans ... Read More
TESOL certificate or Bachelor degree by GuestPoster6458
Hi I was browsing for some jobs in Nha Trang and came across TESOL, bachelor degree certificate or equivalent. I want to know if we have a bachelor degree in education but have also studied actual TESOL course in the degree, do we still need to have ...
Not to detract from THIGV's post (I'm not a teacher and am not employed by a VN company) but maybe another option would be to also contact VN immigration or your local VN Embassy to clarify things for you. Things change here all the time and ... Read More
TESOL certificate or Bachelor degree by GuestPoster6458
Hi I was browsing for some jobs in Nha Trang and came across TESOL, bachelor degree certificate or equivalent. I want to know if we have a bachelor degree in education but have also studied actual TESOL course in the degree, do we still need to have ...
For the purposes of obtaining a Business Visa/Work Permit, the TESOL Certificate must be for a TESOL course that has assessed classroom time and must be of at least 160 hours duration. No stipulation is made regarding a Degree other than 'a ... Read More
Helmets by Guestposter822
These days I see a few people riding around without helmets, mainly foreigners. They probably think it looks cool or cant be bothered putting it on. For a start it is illegal in Vietnam not to wear a helmet so ignoring this rule is a sign of ...
@70 years old is spot on regarding helmet standards. When the helmet laws were first introduced, any helmet was legal and everyone had to wear them. Then some misinformed, dubiously qualified 'quack' said children shouldn't wear helmets ... Read More
Buying, Building or Renting by ancientpathos
My Vietnamese friends tell me I should buy or build a house. I have a nice place that I rent in Da Nang with utilities cost me around $300 per month on the beach. If I was to build a house, it would be a single story 3 bedrooms, outdoor toilet and ...
The original post was made back in 2013 so this is just in case someone comes across this thread using the search function. The Vietnamese Government have made it easier in the last couple of years for 'foreigners' to buy land/property. That ... Read More
Moving to Vietnam, HaNoi, to open a Daycare... Help!! by L&JHaNoi
Hello all!! My name is Laura and I am 29 years old. My boyfriend and I are moving to be closer to his family in Vietnam next year. My plan is to open up an all day child daycare. I plan to teach some English and do my best to stand out from the ...
There are a number of day care places in Hanoi and I'm sure there is room for more. Many already offer staff who will speak English to the kids, though mostly this is because it is cheaper to pay for 'day care' than to employ an English ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Vietnam face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
You do not want to be in Hanoi without medical health insurance so that should be a priority. Then find which 'western' style hospitals will accept your insurance without you having to pay up front. If you need emergency medical help, money ... Read More
Visa 2nd extension by mrs.kind8765
Hello! Can somebody give me advice where should I extend my visa for the 2nd time. Other agencies cost a lot. They asked me too much. My first extension was around $50 only. If there is no agency who offers cheap price, how can I extend my visa on ...
@Hana1234 It may depend on the type of Visa you have. If you have a 15 day visa exemption you cannot renew it at all, you'll need to leave the country for 30 days before returning. If you have a 3 month tourist visa it can be a bit hit and miss ... Read More
good international school in Hanoi by kbhattarai
Hi, Any tips on good international school in Hanoi for a second grader? Thank you!
I don't have children so am not able to answer you question directly plus, it might depend on your nationality - their are French schools, Korean schools, Japanese schools etc BIS and UNIS seem to be the most respected schools and Hanoi ... Read More
Work in Hanoi by Lucy2108
Hi there, I'm hoping to join the ranks as an English teacher in Hanoi and am currently looking for work. I do not hold a degree or a tesol certificate currently so I am taking a week to look into whether I can find work without it, because ...
There are a number of schools/language centers in Hanoi that are always looking for English Teachers but I cannot specifically recommend any. It's clear from your opening post you know what the Business Visa requirements are so please keep in ... Read More
Any Updates on the newly passed 12 month tourist visa for US citizens by ChrisRug
My name is Chris. I've lived here with my wife and two children for almost a year now. I read all news VN, and read a few months ago that the VN govt was going to change the way tourist visa's were issued for Japan, AU and US. I then read ...
Has anyone contacted the Vietnamese or US Embassies? If anyone has the up to date facts, surely it would be them? Read More
Any Updates on the newly passed 12 month tourist visa for US citizens by ChrisRug
My name is Chris. I've lived here with my wife and two children for almost a year now. I read all news VN, and read a few months ago that the VN govt was going to change the way tourist visa's were issued for Japan, AU and US. I then read ...
Well it was definitely ratified, now it's a waiting game to see how long the changes take to filter down through the system. I'm sure there will be caveats though like providing evidence you can support yourself whilst in Vietnam so ... Read More
Teaching English in Hanoi by NicholeO
Hello! I am looking to relocate from Bali to Hanoi next month in hopes of finding a job teaching English. I have a few a questions that I have yet to find answers to so I thought I would ask you guys! I have a bachelors degree but no TEFLA. That ...
OK here we go... Legally, to work as an English Teacher in Vietnam you need a TEFL Certificate and a Degree. You will also need a criminal records check from your home country dated within the last 3 months. If you have not been living in your home ... Read More