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Expats enjoy a flexible lifestyle in Hanoi. Most choose to rent furnished apartments in former French districts or around Westlake, rich in  international schools, establishments and business areas.

Vietnamese culture and traditions are shaped by local, Chinese and Western influences, creating a multifaceted environment where tradition and modernity mix together.

Expats can easily find studio apartments with an indoor bathroom, kitchen and all costs covered starting at $300/month in the centre of Hanoi, from which you can easily travel to work.

To raise the standard to the next level 2-bedroom apartments in residential areas are an alternative. Although the price may be up to $700-1000, amenities, facilities and services in these places can be classified as high-class.

Most banks have offices around Hanoi, serving during office hours (8.00am – 5.00pm). Local bank staff can speak English well and can offer support to set up new accounts. International banks are also an option, there are many to choose from, including Shinhan, Standard Chartered, HSBC, ANZ, etc.

Vietnam is an inexpensive country to live in. Most items cost less than half of in the West, and anywhere from 5% to 25% less than what they would cost in many other Southeast Asian countries.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US Dollars (USD) are not usually used in transactions, but many prices are quoted in dollars.

In general, primary healthcare in Hanoi is of a satisfactory standard for expatriates with health insurance.

Most international health insurance companies offer insurance policies that cover Vietnam. We suggest cover for evacuation in the event of a serious accident or illness.

With an ever-expanding economy, the range of jobs available for expats moving to Vietnam is also growing. The majority of expat jobs are in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, but some can be found in smaller towns and cities. Any expat wishing to work in Vietnam must have a valid work permit.

Expats working in Vietnam will find that the work environment is similar to Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. The Vietnamese have a healthy work ethic and are generally hardworking and industrious. Companies in Vietnam have a very hierarchical structure and expats are expected to show the necessary respect towards their seniors in the workplace. Punctuality is valued and lateness is seldom tolerated.