Job Discussion Forums

[TheBee'sKnees]

If I were to head off to Hanoi or HCMC, how much money should I plan to take with me to set myself up before I recieve my first pay? I realize the answer to this question can vary tremendously so I'd like to hear some personal experiences. Thanks!

P.S: I'm thinking in US dollars.

[AnnMouse]

This really does depend on too many factors to give anything other than a very general reply - for example, are you travelling alone, are you looking to get yourself set up in long term accomodation as soon as possible, or happy to stick with temp. are you properly qualified and experienced for the type of work you are looking for, i.e. how long do you anticipate before you find a job????

Okay so other than that an incredibly generalised amount would be:
+1 month's accomodation = approx. $200-300
+1 month's living/travel/ expenses = approx. $400-500

Of course, to be on the safe side I would be looking at the higher end of that scale if not a bit more. You'd need to bring approx. $1000 to be guaranteed of supporting yourself for about 5-6 weeks.
That allows you to take motorbike taxis and eat and drink in Western style places and will get you a decent guesthouse room for about a month. Of course you could rough it a bit and go a bit cheaper on everything, meaning you'd need a bit less or you could make the money last longer.
Bear in mind though that when you move into more permenant accm. you landlord may expect a couple months rent or more up front, though this is usually negotiable and, hopefully, you'd be in full time employment by then.
Good Luck

[kigolo1881]

Bring at least twice of what Annmouse suggested to be on the safe side, and oh yes. A FULLY PAID RETURN TICKET HOME.

[TheBee'sKnees]

[kigolo1881]

I'm just a very precautious person.

ANYTHING could happen.