GENERAL
- YOUR PASSPORT. This must have at least 6 months validity.
- YOUR VISA invitation letter, dated for your arrival day.
- $US dollars in cash to pay for the visa and the taxi to the city. (Many hotels offer airport pick up if you’ve pre-booked).
- Luggage labels
- Remember to bring a hard copy of your airline ticket, travel insurance and important numbers- just to be sure.
- Have copies of important documents on a removal disc/ hard-drive (see pre-departure info.)
- Any medication required
- A world-wide or South East Asian adaptor- or three!
- A day bag is always useful, especially one which can be used to transport a laptop.
- A basic medical/ first aid kit
- An un-locked mobile phone if you don’t intend to buy one in Vietnam
- Entertainment for your personal time e.g. music, books.
- A small day bag for weekends away/ taking to work
- A towel (can be bought in Vietnam if required)
- If you’re keen on learning the language a Vietnamese Phrase book will be helpful
WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE
- Take some cash for when you first arrive. This can be in US dollars (and exchanged upon arrival) or in Vietnamese Dong. I would recommend bringing about $100 US and withdrawing the rest from an ATM.
- Bring a travel card which won’t charge huge fees, so you can withdraw money when needed. (Your school/language centre will help you set up a bank account upon arrival in Vietnam and then you will be able to withdraw local currency after your first pay day).
CLOTHES
- Pack clothes for all weather. Clothes in Vietnam are hard to come by because Vietnamese people are so small in comparison to the West, so finding the correct size is almost impossible.
- The weather in Vietnam changes a lot. In Hanoi, you will need clothes for rain, intense heat and bitter cold. In Ho Chi Minh the weather is much milder all year round, but you will still need clothes for when it rains and for intense heat. When it rains, all Vietnamese people have ponchos to use with their motorbikes, which can be purchased cheaply and easily in Vietnam. When it’s cold in Hanoi, a warm coat is necessary, but shouldn’t come down lower than your waist if you intend to ride a scooter/bike or this can be very difficult! A fleece with outside raincoat always works well. You may also want to bring waterproof trousers… when it rains, it pours! (These can also be purchased cheaply in Vietnam).
- As a teacher men will be expected to wear jeans and a shirt, or a suit. Some schools are more casual and you can wear jeans and a t-shirt but best to come prepared.
- For women, it is best to wear a dress/ skirt which must be at least knee length and you must cover your shoulders. Being smart and presentable at all times for all teachers is very important for Vietnamese employers. Your job will usually provide you with a dress code.
- For casual wear Vietnam is very liberal, so feel free to wear whatever you want- including short shorts, crop tops, board shorts etc. Obviously, like in the west, it depends on the occasion and your company.
- Shoes are also hard to come by in the right size, so bring a good pair of sturdy shoes for both teaching and general wear- especially if you have larger feet!
- Finding underwear for both men and women which actually fits can also be hard, so bring plenty. (Also, girls, bring a well-fitting Bikini!)
TOILETRIES
- You can get all toiletries and general convenience items easily in Vietnam, so don’t pack too much because it saves you carrying it!
- However, make-up is another issue so if you have a particular favourite then I suggest you stock up.
HOME COMFORTS
- Bring some of your favourite home comforts- your favourite shirt, a family photo, a small keep sake. It’s always nice to have a slice of home with you!
- Some common cravings in Vietnam are cider, tea, biscuits, gravy granules, spreads and chocolate.
TEACHING MATERIALS
- A laptop will be very useful when teaching and preparing and planning lessons.
- Bringing gifts from your home country is always a good way to break the ice when meeting locals and making friends. You can also always use them at the end of your trip or for special occasions!
- For teaching, coins from your home country will be hugely appreciated- Vietnamese currency does not use coins. Also, funky stickers are always appreciated and can be bought online in mass for a cheap price.
- Don’t worry about bringing too many teaching resources. Most language centres and schools are well prepared. Also, you can buy teaching resources easily when in Vietnam- with the exception of some smaller cities.
Remember: Although Vietnam is a developing country you can buy almost anything in the shops- with the exception of clothes which fit! So don’t over pack.
