Job Discussion Forums

Chicagonaut · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Chicago, for now.

I know the basics from travelling the region over the years, but I'd love to hear some advice from those who've lived in HCMC awhile(I'm mostly concerned with clothing, but other suggestions are certainly welcome):

-- Is there anything particularly difficult to buy at a reasonable price in HCMC that I should stock up on before making the move?

-- Should I bother with packing a suit at all? I don't like the thought of ever having to wear a suit in HCMC, but realize it may be necessary at some point...

-- What clothing items(footware included) are easily obtainable at a reasonable price in HCMC? What items can be tailored nicely at a reasonable price?

-- Are there any other non-clothing items that I should load up on for my own sanity before leaving?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Chicagonaut · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Chicago, for now.

...I hadn't looked closely enough before but found an older thread which answered most of my questions. I'm still all ears if anyone has something to add...

Coats2Coast · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Posts: 15

Don't worry about too many socks, especially sport socks. That is, if you don't mind wearing sandals or flip-flops which would be the ideal footwear in this climate. If you wear dress shoes for teaching than bring a half dozen pairs of black socks, otherwise you'll just be taking up space for other things. Bring Q-tips!!! The good kind (name brand) as I have not found any of good quality. They all seem to be hard plastic sticks with a thin layer of cotton. And if you like Coca Cola, the real thing, bring a couple cans or bottles as the coke they make is inferior to north american coke. In fact bring a couple cans for me. Very Happy

Proffeshnial Teachman · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 60

A return ticket.

Wink

Seriously?

Not my bag but Rizlas (papers for smoking) seem overpriced here so stock up in Cambodia before you come.

You don't need any clothes or shoes as you can get that stuff out here for 30% of the cost back home.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Chicagonaut · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Chicago, for now.

How about the suit? Should I bother bringing it or not?!

Proffeshnial Teachman · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 60

lizarddoctor · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 141 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Do bring any electronics that you want to have. Costs here for low quality stuff is just too crazy.
Do bring all your work permit paperwork.
Do bring shoes if your size is larger than size 10 US.
Do bring real Camel cigarettes or Crown Royal whisky if they are your flavors. There are others to be found, but I have mine flown in from others traveling outside of Vietnam. Smile

Do bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn from a new culture. Too many naysayers spend all their time in District 1 or at the Pham Ngu Lao bars and only see some of the negative aspects of HCMC on a daily basis and say that is the whole Vietnam experience.

Do not bring a suit. Custom made clothing here is reasonable.
Do not bring Q-Tips. There is a Medicare store on Tran Hung Dao in D.1 HCMC that has all kinds of stuff just like a Rite-Aid back in the States with good prices.
Do not worry about finding most other things as this is a black market system in every corner of the city and you just need to know where to look.