Hello - I would like to get more information about living in HCMC. If anyone can give me some information about living and working there, especially with regards to bringing my wife and 3 children (aged 5,3,0) there, please send me a message!
Thanks
Benn
bwalker at flyfrontier dot com

Hi Benn,

Well, working and living in HCMC with your wife and kids would really be great if the company that hires you does the following:

1. compensates you well enough (ideally, a lot more than what you are currently receiving)
2. offers to shoulder for your accommodations here in HCMC (a decent 3-br serviced apartment about usd 2.5k-5k/mo., depending on the location; a house or villa roughly about usd 3.5k-7k/mo. again depending on the location)
3. provides you and your family with a vehicle and driver at your disposal
4. takes care of the tuition fee of your kids
5. takes care of fixing all your work docs as well as your entire family's papers
6. takes care of your utility bills and club membership dues

I know of several expats that work and live with their families here in Vietnam (who are at least Associate Director level) receiving such perks from the companies that hired them.

It would be fun for your wife (whether she plans to work or not)and kids aw well, because they can interact with the other wives and kids of the huge expat population here in HCMC.

There are also a number of fairly decent international schools for your kids. Thus, their education, can be the least of your worries.

I am an expat myself. I have been here since Jan 08. I don't have my family with me, though. Generally, I find working and living in Vietnam very comfortable. The people are very friendly. Life is pretty much laid back (well compared to the Philippines, where I come from).

With all that said, I sure hope you make the right decision for you and your family.

Br,

Mike

I pretty much am in the same boat as Aussie Yank below and I found your post very informational so thank you. I was wondering though what exactly is Expats? I have seen it on here and wondering what it is and what role does it play?

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

An expat (short for "expatriate") is a term literally meaning, a person who is voluntarily absent/away from home or country. Well, in a more common application, an expat is any foreigner working and living in another country.

As for roles, expats can actually take on so many kinds of roles. I have known a few who are teachers, engineers, doctors, nurses, chefs, cooks, nannies, executives, managers, directors, etc for various industries and companies both foreign and local here in Vietnam. There are also volunteers who are here for socio-civic and medical work. What are you into?

Anyway, I am glad you found my post informational Do let me know if you need more input or help from me. You can send me mail at Cet e-mail est protégé contre les robots collecteurs de mails, votre navigateur doit accepter le Javascript pour le voir

Cheers,

Mike

Dear Mike,

Thanks for your info... it has veen like a relief to hear that from a person that is currently living there and with experience.

I am now in the negotiation process of my contract in Vietnam as General director and i was wondering about the medical insurance... coz the other aspects i think i have them well covered... (sort Of).... hahahaha

So what is your tip... reimbursing expenses with an international insurance... better to go for a "local one" ... even if it is a branch of an international group... what do you think?

Please contact me also at Cet e-mail est protégé contre les robots collecteurs de mails, votre navigateur doit accepter le Javascript pour le voir to keep on chatting about this... and I appreciate your kindness in advance.


Regards,

Juan

Hi Juan,

I dropped you mail just a while back. I gave you my two cents worth on your query; however, while I was writing my mail, I wasn't quite sure if you were referring to medical insurance or some other kind of insurance. Anyway, I am quite relieved after checking your post again, that you were referring to medical insurance. And, thanks for reminding me about the medical insurance. It usually comes as a regular benefit for expats and locals alike.

Just throw whatever questions you wish to ask me. I'll try my best to answer you and hopefully, help you at the same time.

Best regards,

Mike

Dear Mike,

Thanks for your email, i've just read it... i will definitely write you a private email and answer also your questions... trust me.. you've been extremely helpfull, so thanks from the heart.

I am sure anybody that reads the post will surely contact you and i also offer here my help with any subject or just my friendship.


Thanks again Mike,

Juan

Dear Juan,

You are very welcome. I am very glad that I was able to help you even in this very simple way.

I sent you mail. Again, I do hope it will help.

I guess, one purpose of forums is to provide a venue for people to help each other.

I wish you the best and lots of success in your journey to Vietnam. See you soon!

Best regards,

Mike