You are now officially a Hanoi expat ! When you first arrive temporary housing may be needed. These range from Somerset Towers with all the amenities or to a guest house in the old quarter that caters to long term renters for $300 a month. (low season and hard bargaining)
Sign up with your embassy, but remember, they are not here for you. Their job is to promote your country to Vietnam. However, they sometimes have functions or important information to pass on. Join clubs – or start your own. The hometown sports teams need cheering squads – attend the events.
Peruse, at your leisure the following offerings,  Education includes Language Schools, Kindergartens to High Schools and Adult Education. Check out our Housing check lists for your new home: Serviced Apartments and Housing Agencies. You may need Domestic Help (life can get hectic) a Bank Account, Drinking Water and Insurance. And to keep your head above water at those momentous times, from our Barcelona correspondent, Culture Shock.

21/09/08