VISA

Visa and work permit requirements change depending on your citizenship so check with the Vietnamese embassy before you travel. Your sponsoring agency will get you work permits and visas before you arrive. Those hoping to find a job after arriving will need to acquire a tourist visa and then their company will do the paperwork after employment. To facilitate this bring your original certificates from home. A police certificate from your home country is required and it’s not easy to get once you’re here.

A visa on arrival is possible but you must go through travel agents to have one waiting at the airport on your arrival. You will not be allowed on the plane if you don’t have a visa or fax proving your visa on arrival.

VACCINATIONS

Check with your doctor and get your shots before you arrive. It’s easy to get vaccinations here at reputable clinics when you need updates. (see health) Bring any special medicines and a prescription. Although the large clinics have supplies of medicines you will be busy for the first few months getting settled.

FAMILY

Your brother in law thinks you’re crackers ? Your mother is worried about the UXO situation (UneXploded Ordinance – aka  bombs) ? Your uncle won’t speak to you ? Don’t worry – they’ll come around. It can be wrenching, especially if you have children. Look on the bright side. You may be one in a million at home, but in Hanoi you’ll find similar minded people. If you have funds guaranteed (and even if you don’t) promise to return at a certain time or date and start planning a party. In fact it makes it easier for them – not you. Pass out your e-mail address and start a travel blog.

Children, like adults, react in different ways. Take time to help them research their new country. Let them say goodbye to all their friends and family. A small digital camera will allow them to keep photos of their favourite places and people. Resources can be found in most large city libraries or the web to ease the transition.

PACKING

Be merciless – the things you keep in storage – whether in mom’s garage or a ‘pay by the month’ place will lose their value over the years. Gift your friends, the local volunteer agency or have a garage sale.

SHIPPING

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Medical insurance is essential so check with your company or home medical insurer about extended coverage. The largest insurance company in Vietnam is Bao Viet. Their packages include ‘evacuation’ which covers your flight to Bangkok should you need special care. Their prices are reasonable and well worth the investment. See the listing of medical facilities under health and insurance.

WHAT TO BRING

Original paperwork.

Police checks

Updated Drivers license

Photo copies of important documents:

Birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, medical info, tax details, education degrees, pet veterinary certificates, authenticity of antiques, passport, bank details

Special medicines and vitamins

Books for children. (although the Bookworm, 4B Yen The, is a godsend for parents)

Photos or postcards of your home town – great conversation starters

WHAT NOT TO BRING

The humidity in Hanoi damages paper so keep fine art on paper at your sisters.

Electric power is 220. If you’re coming from a country with a different current consider selling your old appliances. You can buy adaptors here on ‘light street’ – Yen Bai (it’s a small blue box) or bring some with you.

THE GOODBYES

Don’t hesitate to have numerous parties and final lunches or coffees. Promise to keep in touch via e-mail. Now, with various blogs you can maintain contact with people back home easily. Promises to visit don’t often materialize so don’t worry, you don’t need to find a mansion.

Children often assume their parents’ anxieties so find time to reassure them and encourage their sense of adventure.

7/12/08