Job Discussion Forums

[Warburton]

I'm seriously considering teaching in Vietnam. It looks like a country with astounding natural beauty, great food and a more relaxed culture when it comes to the stiff-upper-lipped-ness and bureaucracy that I'm used to. (Feel free to disagree on that last point, I'd rather be informed if anyone has experiences to the contrary.)

I have some questions, though. I'm reasonably well travelled but this will be my first time working in another country. (I got my CELTA last year, did some ESL teaching in the UK - my home country - over the summer, and then did a PGCE Primary course. I've decided UK state primary teaching isn't for me, and after my course I'd like to make the leap into ESL teaching overseas.) Half of this is me trying to sort the stereotypes/"bad vibes" associated with developing countries (not to mention Communist countries) from the true state of things.

I would be very grateful for any light anyone could shed on any of this, or any other advice that those reading wish to share!

1. I really want to take my laptop into the country. I've read up on Vietnamese customs and it appears that computers/electronics are subject to very heavy taxes. Will they impose these on me for bringing my laptop in? Logic would dictate yes, but surely people bringing their laptops on flights is so common that it's not a big deal?

2. I'm trying to minimise how much I'd have to ship to myself, but some of my belongings would still need to be shipped. How reliable is shipping to the country? Am I liable to have shipments searched? (Not that I'm intending on bringing anything contraband, but I'd rather not have my belongings smashed to pieces in search of drugs that aren't there.)

3. I've heard various things about this - transport. I've seen some people saying that you don't need a license to drive a small moped, some saying you don't need a license to drive any kind of motorbike at all, and some saying that you do but nobody cares and most people don't have one. I've also heard that cars are stupidly expensive (being subject to a 200% tax or something) and that they're just out of the question. How much of this is true?

4. If I do end up having to get a moped/motorbike for transport, how likely am I to have it stolen? Is it a big problem?

5. I've read up on Vietnamese internet censorship, and since I'm not planning on participating in any pro-democracy protests it seems like it doesn't affect me. Does their "great firewall" or whatever (terminology used to refer to China, I know, but humour me) inhibit speeds/transfers terribly?

6. Should I be taking malaria tablets? (Instinct says "yes", but I thought I'd check.) Any other diseases/illnesses I should be aware of, or take measures against?

7. Last but not least - I've read up a bit on Vietnamese cuisine and tried what I can. This is a stupid question, so I apologise in advance... but they don't eat snails there, do they? I have an irrational fear of them that is hilarious to everyone but me.

Thanks again to anyone who can offer any answers. I know this post is a wall of text, but it'd really help to hear from some of the folk here.

[Phinaes Gage]

I'll try to answer your questions to the best I can,

1. I don't think bringing a laptop will be a problem. I've brought mine into the country a few times and had no problem. However, I did buy it here so it wouldn't have been subject to tax anyways.

2. Shipping things to yourself should be fine, but make sure that you use your name on the shipping form. Your things will absolutely be searched. Every letter I've even received here has been opened. That being said, my Grandma used to send me cash (she was old), and it always arrived in the letter even though it had been opened.

3. By law you need a license to drive a motorbike over 50cc, most Vietnamese and foreigners alike do not have licenses. I have a license that I got here after having my license translated from my home country. Trust me when I say that you do not want to drive a car here, and yes they are subject to extremely high luxury taxes.

4. Motorbike theft is quite common, but just be careful where you park it and don't lose the ticket you get at carparks. Also always demand a ticket, as if your bike gets stolen and you have a ticket the carpark is responsible for it. Getting money from them is more likely easier said than done.

5. Internet censorship is not really noticeable but internet is very slow here.

6. Malaria tablets are not necessary if you're living in a big city. I've been in HCMC for quite a few years and never known anyone who got Malaria, but quite a few who've got Dengue Fever.

7. Vietnamese people absolutely eat snails, in fact you'd be hard pressed to find any animal that cannot be eaten in Vietnam.

[BenE]

On the laptop question I had no issues bringing my own laptop here. If there is a tax as expats we're not subjected to it.

Your bag isn't searched on arrival here.

Transport involves getting a motorbike. A lot of people don't bother to get a license because the fine is so small. (about $3 if that)

[Warburton]

Thank you both very much for your responses! I appreciate the time taken. I've had difficulty googling for these kinds of answers.

I must say, the motorbike licensing surprises me the most - only a tiny fine for being caught without one? That's it, just an on-the-spot fine? No criminal proceedings or anything, even for foreigners? Whoa...

I don't mind having my shipments searched providing nothing gets damaged or destroyed. Phineas, it sounds like they treated your Grandmother's letters with respect, so that seems like a good sign. I'm just hoping they won't subscribe to the "smash anything hollow" school of searching my parents were subject to on their way back from Zambia.

Good to know about the laptop situation. I'm a tiny bit concerned about the internet speeds, though - I know it seems like a petty thing to labour, but having been subjected to some absolutely appalling speeds before I realise just how much they can affect standard things like browsing, downloading basic files or watching streaming videos, to the extent where an internet connection is almost unuseable. Is this what you meant when you said "very slow"? I hope not... I wonder if there's a site where I can get more exact information?

As for the snails - yech. Suppose I'll have to deal with it. I'll just learn the Vietnamese word for "snail" and watch out for it with constant vigilence when scanning menus.

[skarper]

Most of the info supplied is right as far as I know....

I find I can get reasonable internet speed. If you opt for a more expensive package you'll be fine for most purposes. The basic home option is not adequate for modern internet use - get the next one up at least. I pay about 30USD a month - depending on how much I download.

Snails are not that common here - they do eat them but it's not a restaurant dish - usually.


I wouldn't bring too much stuff too soon...just bring what you need and buy new things here - probably cheaper in the long run...

Anything you really value I wouldn't risk through shipping. You may find you don't like it here after all (though I do) and want to move on to somewhere else after a few months. Likewise, you may hate Hanoi but love HCMC and want to move it all again...

[Warburton]

[jimmiethefish]

Bring enough underwear, socks and shoes to keep you going for quite a while. Vietnam is a land of tailors so you can get clothes made to fit. You still need to bring plenty of clothes with you though as it can take a while and a bit of trial and error to find a good tailor that suits your needs and then to get things made. If you have some favourite items of clothing you can get them copied. Likewise with footwear, you should be able to find a good cobbler to make your shoes. It took me ages to find one to suit but I have an orthotic correction so I'm a bit picky.

Some friends moved here with their entire house hold effects and did not experience any difficulties although they had to provide an incentive to speed up the process at this end. Unfortunately for the husband, they will probably leave with the equivalent of two households worth of stuff as the shopping here is very good..

For info on schools to avoid etc go to saigonesl.com.

On the not so happy topic of diseases and vaccinations. Go to a specialist vaccination clinic and see an immunologist. There are shots that you definitely need like typoid, hepatitis A & B, Jap B Encephalitis and the Cholera thing but it still does depend on the individual's immune system. As previously noted, Dengue is common here. There's no shot available so the thing is to avoid bites. Also, malaria is present in some city areas of HCMC or at least reported as such in the local papers a while ago. There's just been a nationwide outbreak of mumps and measles and currently there is an outbreak of meningitis. Cholera is now present nationwide. Tuberculosis is present throughout Asia. It's a good idea to take an antiparasitic about once every 6 months so things don't get out of control. It can get a bit nasty, I can tell you. You do have to take a bit more care of yourself when living in Asia but a bit of prevention and some common sense goes a long way.

I'm not into online games but my students don't seem to have any problems with playing them. Skype is fine here.

Finally food. You can get pretty much anything and pay as little or as much as you want. My neighbourhood has some excellent goat restaurants but unfortunately also specialises in exotic and endangered animals so I'm careful.

[blateson]

"a country with astounding natural beauty". I would characterize Vietnam more as an endless stream of vehicles and human bodies, with telephone poles and wires, cables blocking your views to anything pleasant.

The next term, "a more relaxed culture", I would not use in any paragraph pertaining to Vietnam, although I see you are talking about bureaucracy or something. I don't know about that one, but did someone tell you there isn't bureaucracy here?

Regarding your computer, I brought a small "netbook" here on the plane. I wasn't questioned but I think that as long as you prove it's your personal possession, you should be free.

[mickeyrex]

Computers? Bringing them in isn't a problem. Within days, if you aren't careful, a cash-strapped Vn, too many to be counted, will relieve you of that burden.

[jimmiethefish]

Sorry, I forgot to mention computer stuff before. If a laptop is obviously for personal use and you bring it on the flight/train with you, then there is no problem. Where you can run into probs is with sending anything computer related through the mail. It becomes an import and could well be seized until you go through a painful process to sort it all out, even though it is quite clearly part of your personal effects. There is an English version of the customs website but when I was planning on coming here I couldn't find any info on what import categories things fall into.

[thomas123]

I took my laptop to Vn a few times, no problem. If you were Vietnamese and carrying a laptop, they would hassle you. But since you are white/western, they won't dare mess with you.

That's one nice thing about Vn, they only hassle their own.

You can buy or rent a motorbike and ride around, and have no trouble. Long term, you should get a license. I've rented motorbikes and ridden around plenty with no problem. They are serious about the helmet law though.

Food in Vn: I ate snails in Hanoi and drank snake blood in the Mekong Delta. You can find any kind of food you want there, Vn, American, Italian, Mexican, sushi, whatever. When you want something "normal", go to any Highland Coffee and order a club sandwich and french fries (its comforting).

In my opinion, you don't need malaria pills or anything else. I've visited Vn more times than I can remember, never taken anything and never gotten sick. My advice - drink plenty of bottled water and eat fresh oranges every day. Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, and eat fresh fruit, and you won't get sick.

Good luck. Vn is a blast, as is neighboring Cambodia (my favorite place).

[Warburton]

Thank you to everyone! I've decided that despite the potential difficulties, I'm going to go for it and try to get a place out there. (Probably Hanoi.)

Only one thing causes me serious concern...

[jimmiethefish]

well W, although unpleasant, the wee beasties are a fact of life and most humans have them. Once you have symptoms, it can take more than one go at knocking them off and quite some time so it's best to get in first before you have symptoms. There is plenty of info around at official medical sites like http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/travel.htm.


Hygiene standards here are not what you are used to, and these things can be food and water bourne, along with hepatitis and cholera, so as I said before, some prevention and some common sense go a long way, especially if you want to enjoy the local food. I've known people who have gotten all uptight and obsessive about food hygiene and have had a miserable time here. Anyway, it's not like the West is immune to these critters.

[inky]

Re: vaccinations, you must at least get vaccinated for typhoid and hepatitis A and B. When you hear someone say 'I didn't get vaccinated and I didn't get sick' as evidence that you don't need vaccinations, you are hearing anecdotal evidence based purely on luck, not science.

Malaria is generally not a problem in urban areas, and the side effects from the various medications mean that you should carefully research where exactly malaria is an issue before opting for the meds. Remember that most mosquitoes do not carry the malaria parasite.

Intestinal parasites, as stated above, are common but not dangerous to a healthy person. We aren't talking about foot-long tapeworms, just tiny hookworms that are barely visible. They are most-often contracted from contaminated soil through the skin, especially the feet, and make their way to your digestive tract. It is very unlikely that you would get them from food unless it was really dirty. In the city, you are most likely to get them if you slosh around the sidewalks in dirty water during a rainstorm, for example, wearing sandals. Most often they don't cause major symptoms so you might not even realize they are present. That's why it's suggested to self-treat every 6 months with inexpensive 1-or-2 dose medications like albendazole or mebendazole.