Welcome To Vietnam

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, which is written in Latin script. English and French are still commonly spoken second languages. Over 50 other local dialects and languages are spoken by Vietnamese citizens. Few people will communicate outside the major cities in a language other than Vietnamese. Learning at least a few key phrases will be necessary.

Excellent healthcare is available in Vietnam through clinics in major cities, although larger, full-facility international hospitals are still being developed. Quality of care can still vary significantly depending on the location and facility. High-quality care and English-speaking staff provide high-quality care at clinics. For major procedures and tests, travel to Bangkok or Singapore is typical. Tap water is unsafe to drink and it is advisable to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria.

Vietnam is considered a relatively safe country, although petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, bag snatching, and theft occur. It is best to choose accommodation with security systems in place. Traffic-related accidents are prevalent. Gambling and Prostitution are illegal. Drug laws are strictly followed in Vietnam, and the death penalty may be imposed for serious cases.

Homosexuality is legal. However same-sex marriage is not legal for Vietnamese. The government will recognize foreign same-sex marriage certificates regarding immigration.

Expats must register their address with the local police once they enter their new accommodation. Hotels and hostels will register guests automatically and only ask for a passport. Landlords or agents are responsible for registering their tenant’s addresses.

Work Permit preparation and issuance may take up to 4-5 months, which has been an ongoing situation for the past 2 years. Work Permit application rejections in favour of hiring local workers are becoming more common.

Vietnam’s public transport systems are still developing and are somewhat limited. Taxis are the most common and cheapest mode of public transport and come in many forms. There is a rail network that connects the country’s major cities. Hiring a car and driver is recommended.

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, abbreviated as VND. Both cash (VND only) and credit cards (both international and local) are commonly used. There are ATMs that accept international cards and currency exchange counters are available. Opening a local bank account is recommended for those planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 6 months. Opening an account is relatively simple and only requires 1 day (assuming a work permit has been issued). Some major global banks such as HSBC have a retail banking presence in Vietnam.