Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!

Ho Chi Minh City was named after Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese statesman, who served as Prime Minister and Chairman of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). Ho Chi Minh led the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War to Americans it ended in 1975. Ho Chi Minh died September 2, 1969. followed the unification of Vietnam and the former capital of Vietnam South, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honor.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The center is located on the banks Saigon River, 37 miles (60 kilometers) from the South China Sea and 1.094 miles (1.760 kilometers) south of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

On the last decade, Vietnam has been improving its legal infrastructure, banking systems and the overall economic environment and social. On January 11, 2007, the country became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization. Today, the local business community is equally enthusiastic about the country's growth and future potential foreign investors. In fact, foreign direct investment in Vietnam is expected to reach 15 billion in 2008, which represents more than double the same period in 2007.

Ho Chi Minh City is the financial hub of Vietnam with more than 300,000 businesses in sectors such as technology, electronics and construction. It is a fast-paced city that grows rapidly in both its industry and population. The city vibrant culture and historical ambience – combined workforce optimistic (many of which have no direct memories of the war with America which ended in 1975), propelled the city into one of the most dynamic economies in Asia.

The metropolitan area, which includes the downtown and surrounding cities, is home to more than 9 million people, making it the largest metropolitan area in Vietnam and Indochina. Walking the streets of Ho Chi Minh, you get an idea of the modern atmosphere with traditional Asian.

The local language is Vietnamese, but English is spoken almost everywhere. All foreign restaurants have English-speaking staff and most taxi drivers speak some English. The street and shop signs are in Vietnamese. Learning at least a few Vietnamese life easier and efforts to do so will be appreciated by the local population.

All foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa. An alien who comes to live and work in Vietnam generally gets a visa from their sponsor. For a period of three or visa work six months, a passport and an invitation or a letter of assignment will be produced. The passport with a visa in question is the most important document for an alien Vietnam. We recommend that all visitors register with their local embassy or consulate upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.

The local currency is Vietnam Dong (VND). The dong is available in notes and coins, which range from 200 to 500,000 VND. It is advisable to take U.S. dollars in Vietnam and the exchange upon arrival. U.S. dollars can be used and modified well dong is the most commonly used payment everyday purchases such as food. Large establishments accept credit cards, but they charge a service fee of 3-5%. Small markets Local accept cash.

There are many foreign banks in Ho Chi Minh City and the accounts are easy to open. Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm. There are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock around Ho Chi Minh City.

Expatriate looking for accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, near schools and the degree of security are the most important issues. Most expatriates choose live in expatriate communities. Inside Ho Chi Minh City are a mixture of more French-style villas and modern apartments. Expatriates who seek to live in houses tend to live outside the city, where there are large villas with elaborate gardens and swimming pools. International schools are also located in these areas outside the main city. Expats usually rent their homes. The leases require a deposit which is equal to three months rent and the tenant must pay rent for six months in advance.

Utilities are extra and must be paid separately and usually with money. furnished apartments are tastefully decorated by the owner, and such styles may not appeal the typical expat. It is sometimes possible and increasingly common to negotiate with landlords unfurnished and buy furniture and that your own taste, depends on the duration of your lease.

Ho Chi Minh City is not, in all, a dangerous city. However, thefts and house burglaries involve many expatriates. A security system at home is not very expensive and is recommended.

The International schools are very popular with HCM City expatriates. British, Australian, French, Japanese and Korean international schools are available, but they can be very expensive. There are many choices but it can be difficult to get a seat. The British International School and International School Ho Chi Minh City have preschool programs. The school year begins in late August and ends in early July.

The water in Ho Chi Minh City is not unsafe to drink tap water, but is safe for brushing teeth and cleaning dishes. Bottled drinking water is delivered at home or bought in a store. "Pharmacy" in Vietnamese is "Nha Thuoc Tay" and they can be found throughout the city. The Vietnamese word for "doctor" is "Bac Si".

It is recommended that travelers in Vietnam have a variety vaccines such as hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis and typhoid fever, malaria and more capsules. Visitors should bring an additional supply of prescription medications as they may be difficult to find in Vietnam. Health facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are limited, but are steadily improving with the opening of international clinical.

There are some foreign health care providers who have different things to offer. These include International SOS, British Saigon clinical and Franco-Vietnamese hospital. If the scope of Care is needed beyond what is offered in foreign hospitals Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can be evacuated to Singapore or Thailand. It is recommended that all research visitors this information when they move into their new home.

The rapid growth of the city created unbearable traffic throughout the city. Since the traffic laws are not strictly enforced and driving education is limited, patience on routes is required. Visitors who wish to drive must obtain a license in Vietnam. Generally, expatriates have their own car and driver. People drive on the right side of the road. Ho Chi Minh City has buses, but they are very crowded.

The bikes are by far the form most common transport. It is not uncommon to see whole families on a motorcycle. They are incredibly difficult to cross the street. Visitors must have the confidence find a gap in traffic, make eye contact with drivers to oncoming everything and move slowly through, always walking forward, and do not hesitate step back.

For travel outside the city, there are trains leaving every day and there are rental cars available. Take a mini-bus is another option. They are small, air-conditioned and clean.

Expats may want to bring their favorite clothes designer label, cosmetics and sporting goods – as the genuine articles are difficult to find in Vietnam. There are more choices when purchasing in Ho Chi Minh City there has in other cities. For larger clothing or shoes, it is recommended that expatriates bring enough clothes to last through their stay. Find clothes that match can be very difficult, although the tailoring is an option.

The stores apartments sell foreign articles. Local markets are used to produce fresh dairy products and where bargaining is the norm. It's a good idea to teach numbers in Vietnamese and it is best not to seem too interested in an item. When negotiating, we should make an offer and if leave is not accepted. If the seller changes his mind, he will call the person back. A good rule of thumb when bargaining is to give cons-offer half the price originally offered and then negotiate a middle point. In addition, a smile goes a long way!

Counterfeit goods – from handbags to mineral water – is everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. It is better to buy these items from stores or other retailers rather than official street vendors. For other household items such as cleaning materials and accessories House, Ben Thanh Market and Diamond Plaza are two places to find such items in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is home to everything you might need such as clothing, footwear, home furnishings, souvenirs as well as fruit, vegetables and other foods very interesting.

Spouses are allowed But at work, finding a job can be difficult. In addition, there are professional associations for women. For recreation, join a golf and tennis group is a popular option. Bars and restaurants are popular meeting places. Beside expat groups, clubs, like the International Ladies of Vietnam Friendship of the French (a French association) and professional organizations are very different people.

Play or watch sports, travel to Local beaches and riding in carts are also among the favorite pastimes of the city for children. school-related activities are ideal for teenagers looking for something to do. Clubs and sports are very popular. You can play tennis, squash, swimming, badminton and Rugby (Aussie rules) are only few.

Written by:
Chris Draeger, Group Vice President of Marketing of Crown Relocations

Crown Relocations has provided target = "_blank" title = "Movements of the Crown"> Movers Travel and "Relocation Services> since 1965. With 200 offices in 50 countries, the Crown has "people on the ground" in all communities of expatriates Major worldwide. Crown provides a range of services to help expatriates and their families move and settle in their new home from Tours guidance, to find the home, school research and more. Crown also organizes Expat clubs with regular events for helping people to meet and socialize with other expats.

We also serve corporate clients in the development and management of resettlement policies and benefits programs for employees traveling abroad. Services include management expenses, program development, advice on political, customized online reporting and departure and destination of services for employees.

Crown is a private organization based in Hong Kong, with European headquarters in London and the Americas headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

Crown provides free moving quotes on its website at http: / / www.crownrelo.com

About the Author

Christine Draeger is Group Vice President of Marketing for Crown Worldwide. The Crown Relocations divisions help corporates, employees, private individuals and their families move and settle in to new locations around the world. Visit the Crown Relocations Web site at http://www.crownrelo.com