Job Discussion Forums

[firecracker2180]

I got here 2 months ago, i have a CELTA, no degree, didnt even finish High School but i do have College education.

I was offered the first job i applied for, $18/hour, part time. I could probably get better if i could be bothered looking but... eh... It's my first job in ESL.

So, here is the non-exhaustive list that I wish I had seen before I came to Hanoi:

Rent: $400/month for a room in a share house - includes ALL bills, cable, wifi, maid 5x week, all laundry expenses and dinner a few times a week. My room is HUGE and the house is gorgeous and in a quiet location. I consider this to be reasonably expensive because i have friends paying alot less but i like the comfort of the place.

Other costs:
Food:
street stall around 5,000VND-20,000VND (if you're being ripped off)
Local vietnamese 15000-50,000VND
Western food 50,000-200,000 VND
beer 3,000 VND for Bia Hoi to 70,000 for a beer at the Sofitel, but usually around $2 a glass in most places.
spirits - 50,000 VND a shot or 17000 during happy hour
Wine - local stuff is super cheap, imported runs around 100,000VND/glass

Clothing: its getting cold here so i need to buy a jacket, i'm going to budget around 600,000VND maybe up to a mill.

Hairdresser etc
i pay around 1 mil to go to the hairdresser, around $60/USD for whatever colour and another $20 for cut, only because i go to the most expensive guy in town who speaks fluent english and does a great job...

Motorbike/taxis
finding a reliable XeOm is a pain, so i rented a bike. i pay $45USD/month, and about $2USD/week for petrol. Taxi's for nights out are usually 20,000-50,000VND depending on where you go, obviously. Take the Ma Linh group taxis ONLY.

CDs/ DVDs/ Entertainment
to buy a decent CD or DVD is around 15000, the better quality ones are 30,000.
Movies in the western style cinema is 65,000 VND for mon-thur, 75,000 fri-sun.

The worst thing about Hanoi is the nightlife...

[roym]

So, are you in front or behind?

[firecracker2180]

I can live comfortably working 10-12 hours/week. Definitely better than at home.

If i worked full time I could easily save.... But that sounds too much like hard work [/quote]

[roym]

[ajc19810]

Awesome post firecracker. I love Vietnam for everything you have mentioned in your post.

Cheap cost of living, high wages and how easy it is to find work.

If I wanted to work full time I would go home. Screw that.

[JZer]

What do you need to get a visa in Vietnam?

[hmok]