How to Find Accommodations While Teaching in Vietnam
Moving to a new country can spark a lot of initial questions…
What do I need to do before I go?*
How will I find a job?*
Where will I live?
Fear not! Accommodations are fairly easy to arrange once you’ve arrived in Vietnam.
Most people start out by booking a hotel, hostel, or AirBnB for a short-time period before beginning their apartment search upon arrival.
It’s a good idea to secure your job before long term accommodation because cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are very large and you could end up stuck with a lease to a place a long commute from your job.
Pricing for accommodation varies depending on neighborhood, type of accommodation, size etc. That being said, on a teaching English salary in Vietnam you can afford some great options.
Pricing
A room in a sharehouse can be as low as USD $200 per month. Apartment typically ranges from about $300 – $600 and you can find some great studio apartments (living area and bedroom combined) around the lower end of that.
Of course, like anywhere in the world, there are high end options which are far more expensive but we’ve found most people can secure great accommodation options for in this price range.
Where To Look For Accommodation?
You can start your search by using online resources like:
- Facebook groups dedicated to accommodations, like this one
- Real estate websites like Terra Nova
- Classified websites like Craigslist, or its Vietnamese counterpart Chotot (This one can be tricky as it’s in Vietnamese and you’ll need to either speak the language or use a translator to understand. In addition, property owners must have special licenses/registration to rent a building to foreigners, so some properties listed on Chotot will not be available for expats.)
Once you’ve located a few properties you’re interested in viewing (or a few real estate agents who have selections to show you), schedule a time to go by and see the place(s).
What To Look Out For?
Make sure you clarify what’s included in the price, what additional costs you’ll need to cover each month, and any other questions you’re curious about.
Example questions to ask during your viewing:
- What is the rate for electricity? What other utilities will I be responsible for paying (outside of my monthly rent payment)?
- How do I make the payment each month?
- What is the deposit for this room?
- Is there a curfew in the building, or can I access it at all hours?
- If I have any questions or problems after I move in, who do I contact?
The housing market here moves fast, and rentals come and go quickly. It’s very possible to complete your housing search within a week or two – especially if you have an idea of where you’d like to live, what you’re looking for, and what your budget is.
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