Job Discussion Forums

shoeboy · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 11

Which is cheaper to live in for a month, HCMC or Bangkok? Ill be taking the CELTA course either way and wont be going to bars or traveling around. Ill be trying live as cheaply as possible.

motown · Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Posts: 68

Just my 2 cents worth.
I've stayed in both cities for a short period of time and you can find cheap accomodation in both.
You should , however , check out the CELTA sites for both cities and you should find suggested places to live.
Remember.....cheap living is one thing but according to what I've read you will be studying non-stop until the course is over so you need a place that is both close and quiet.
If "being cheap" is your only concern Kao San Road and vicinity can provide a number of choices in Bangkok and Pham Nam Lao (sp?)and De Tham streets can give you options in HCMC. You might not get a lot of rest as these are the backpacker areas.
It's been about 4-5 years since I've been there so take this info with a grain of salt.
Hey....let us know what you thought about the course upon completion.

alohahapa · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 26 Location: HCMC

I have heard from my Vietnamese friends in Vietnam and the States that Bangkok is cheaper than HCMC.
They have told me it is more expensive to eat and party in HCMC.
Tipping is a big deal in HCMC. Everyone that works in the service industry expects a handout from a foreigner. I think the Viet kieus have really spoiled the locals there.
But like you said, you will only be there to study then it is just a matter of preference.

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

To balance the above comments for people who are considering coming to Vietnam, I've never noticed any 'pressure' for tips in HCMC or anywhere else in Vietnam. Tipping isn't a 'handout,' it is a recognition of exceptional service. Local people aren't children who can be 'spoiled.' That kind of attitude can lead to unhappy experiences in Vietnam.

alohahapa · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 26 Location: HCMC

Inky,

I understand maybe you have never been pressured in giving a tip and I believe also like you to recognize people who give good service.
I am just expressing myself from a Vietnamese-American perspective and we always are expected to give money to everyone. Like for example, on my many trips back I noticed every doorman or security guard of a bar who just opened the taxi door for you would always shake my hand. I knew he wanted a tip so I gave him 10,000 dongs and from the look on his face he thought it was too little. I don�t understand why it is almost like our duty as a Viet-kieu we have to be so generous and give money to everyone we bumped into. Although I dislike some experiences I had to deal with, I love the country and hope to work there someday.

BootOfTheBeast · Joined: 13 May 2009 Posts: 45 Location: SE Asia

OP, you can get a guesthouse in Pham Ngu Lao area of HCMC for less than $10 per night, and get a meal for..well it depends how local you want to live! The oft-quoted pho can be had at street stalls for less than $1.

You will also need to factor in transport to the training centres - perhaps $1-1.50 each way depending on which school you choose and if you go by car/bike.

Bearing in mind I've been here for only a short time, and am not Viet Kieu, I would agree with inky re tipping - I haven't experienced that at all and I wouldn't let it influence your decision. Tipping a doorman 10,000VND? He probably looked askance because he was given such a large sum for opening a door...there are xe om drivers who will take you halfway across town for that!

Boot

saigon cowboy · Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 84

Being a foreigner most vietnamese might anticipate a tip from you ,but they normally are not counting on it.

Now if you go to the same restaurant or bar everyday and the people know you, maybe you should consider giving a tip.

The average cafe girl is only making about 35,000 VND a day. If you sit there for a couple of hours drinking and eating you probably consumed more than she makes in two days.
I don't tip if the service is bad or the PHUC VU ( waiter/waitress ) has a bad attitude.

I don't tip at those little eateries on the sidewalks either.

I will tip at most cafes in Pham Ngu Lao where I know the people working there.

Remember, when you tip it's shared by all of the staff and the manager getting the biggest cut.

T.I.P. Originally it meant.... To insure promptness, and it was given before eating not afterwards.

spycatcher reincarnated · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 236

Pizza Lover · Joined: 20 Jun 2009 Posts: 13

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Bangkok!

saigon cowboy · Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 84

Yes , Pizza Lover is right, the managers take most if not all the tips.

I do slip my favorite waitress a tip without anyone else seeing it however.

Give her/him the tip before you pay the bill, because everyone is watching you and your wallet Shocked

denise76 · Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Location: TBD

travelled in Bangkok for 2 weeks, lived in HCMC for a year...I could say HCMC is cheaper, but then again I was more familiar with the area. As a traveller, I found the two similiar in costs. Living in HCMC - easy to eat for $1-2 if you're not afraid of street food. A meal in the backpacker area can range from $3-7. As far as tipping, I found it was only expected in expat and tourist bars/restaurants. Locals do not tip and laugh at us foreigners when we do. My Vietnamese friends refused to let me tip when I went out with them. Living costs - with a flatmate, $250-350/mth. some pay less or more but this seemed to be the average (based on my own and friends' experiences). Utilities...dirt cheap (at least it was for us!)