Please give me advice about living in Ho Chi Minh City?

Question

I'm moving to Ho Chi in July...

I need to buy a new mobile phone - would it be cheaper to buy here in Australia, or wait until I get to Saigon for a new quality phone?

Also, my work is in An Phu, District 2 - Is this a good area to live? Is it safe? Many expats? How close to the CBD?

Also, If I think I might hire a motorbike while I'm there, would you suggest a riding lesson in Australia?

Thanks for all your help.... I'm sure I will have plenty more questions as it gets closer to July!!!

Answer 1

i think both places has the same prices..

Answer 2

You can buy the cell phone in Australia and use in VN. Make sure it is 3 bands and use Sim card phone.

If you can ride scooter in Australia, you will be OK in Saigon. May be you will be overwhelm at first in Saigon traffic, you will get used with it. You can buy Chineses made bike (around $200) in VN

You don't have to worry, you will fit in VN's culture after while.

Answer 3

You can get great phone deals in VN, district 2 is safe, safe as down town sydney. Most expats are found in the pubs and clubs in districts 1 (sai gon) the cbd is district 1. The low numbered districts around around district 1.

Motor Scooters are the common mode of transport. Basic driving rules are the same.

I been vietnam twice before. Lived short time.

Answer 4

get a guide, or go to vietnam embassy so you can get better info re what to do in the area.

Answer 5

Mobile phone - no, you don't need to get a new one. Any phone that you use that have a SIM card would be fine. Need to unlock your phone (can be done for $2 in VN) buy a SIM card there and keep adding minutes or you can buy a plan once you get there. FYI, only cost you $ or minute if you call OUT. Most likely cheaper in Australia cuz mobil phone will cost more when it's imported in, like cars. Of course there are always black market stuffs but can you trust them?

How long r u intend to live there? If 1 yr or more then you could invest in a cheap or used motorbike (instead of rent) but save the learning till you get there. Ride with others to get the feel of traffic first. It's very chaotic. There don't seem to be any traffic law there. People do run red lights quite often!!