Choosing a place to live depends on a number of things, any of which may be important to you. Work, schools, nearest bia hoi (pub) availability of transport, traffic, noise level, flood zones, shopping … they all have a bearing on your choice.

Temporary accommodation is easily found. Serviced and short term lease apartments are an alternative to hotels and they include a kitchenette and living area. A lot of mini hotels will rent by the month and offer services to make your life easy in your new home.

Most of the following agencies have worked with foreigners and understand your needs, however this is not a recommendation of quality. For this service you pay a price of course. Ask around before you start searching and know what you can get at your price. Don’t be put off if they show you rather unpalatable places first, and then nicer places way over your budget. Stick to your guns or try other agencies. You may end up seeing the same houses, as the landlords often list with a few places … but the price may change.

A deposit is required but the days of 6 month or 1 year paid in advance is gone. If you require any changes make sure they are done before you move in.

Should you wish to circumvent the agencies check out the notice boards at Dan’s Place (Kim Ma Street next to RMIT), L’s Place (1 Xuan Dieu), Moca Café (14 Nha Tho), Western Canned Goods (66 Ba Trieu) and the Bookworm (4B Yen The).

Another option is to troll the English language schools. Teachers are genetically programmed to know where the best (read cheapest) areas are and who is moving out (or in). Often group homes (not for recently released prisoners – a group of teachers) can be found in the ‘filing cabinet houses’ that sprung up after Doi Moi. The prices range widely but suffice it to say they are the least expensive. These homes could also be transmogrified into single family dwellings.

If you’ve found the ideal neighbourhood, write down (in Vietnamese of course) that you’re looking for a place to live. Then just wander around your (hopefully) future neighbourhood asking all and sundry. Tea stall ladies and xe oms have a finger on the pulse of their area and often hear of apartments for rent. Hopefully the landlord will give them a bonus should you rent. You may also want to thank them. They are, after all, your new neighbour.

www.newhanoian.com also has listings – some from agencies but they also have a great map to pinpoint where it is.

We had the bright idea to list the approximate costs but with inflation at a rumoured 19% (spring 2008) we decided that was totally foolish. Remember that prices first quoted to you are usually negotiable.

Before setting out on your epic journey of discovery, check out our check list. Jot down the things that are important to you and – happy house hunting.

CHECK LIST
Services
lobby
fire safety
lifts
maintenance and repair
security
restaurants
transportation services
laundry
housekeeping
car/motorbike park
babysitting
shopping

Leisure Amenities
library/lounge
gym
swimming pool
children’s play area
balcony
health club
Internet access

Equipment
furniture
curtains
air conditioning & heating
bed
telephone
TV with satellite channels
Iron & ironing board
Washer/dryer
cooker
oven
water heater
fridge
microwave
refrigerator
rice cooker !

CHECK FOR
Light
Noise (weekdays and weekends)
Condition of furniture and equipment
Power safety switch
Water meter
Electricity meter (inside or outside)
Pest control (i.e. cat)
Past costs for electricity and water.