Hey there!
This time, I want to share the challenges I encountered during my three-month stay in Ho Chi Minh City, along with solutions.
I hope these will be helpful for friends who are planning to travel to Vietnam or are considering moving here. 👀☺️
Three Major Challenges of Living in Vietnam
Water Supply Issues
One of the challenges I faced during my time living in Vietnam was regarding the water supply.
There were no issues with cooking or laundry, but after three months, I noticed that my hair became frizzy when washing it. This is because the water in Vietnam is hard, and the chlorine content in the tap water is higher than in Japan, causing more damage to the hair texture. 😓
It's quite different for me coming from a country with soft water. I recommend bringing your favorite hair care products or getting a showerhead that removes chlorine!!! 😻 Please note that liquid products such as shampoo and conditioner cannot be carried in quantities exceeding 100ml on flights! Additionally, those planning to stay long-term in Vietnam can consider bringing or purchasing water filtration equipment for added peace of mind!
It's worth mentioning that although prices may be higher in Vietnam, many supermarkets or pharmacies sell shampoo made in Japan, so even if you forget to bring it, there's no need to worry!
Also, pay attention to the drinking water provided by stores, as it may contain a high concentration of magnesium, which could cause diarrhea. 😥 Especially in local shops or street stalls, they may use tap water! ❗️
I suggest bringing gastrointestinal medicine or general travel medicine! 😉
2. Language Barrier
he second challenge I encountered during my time living in Vietnam was language!
English is widely spoken in most areas of Ho Chi Minh City, but in local eateries or with taxi drivers, English may not be commonly understood. Even Grab drivers may not speak English, so be particularly mindful!
Learning some basic Vietnamese greetings can make communication with locals friendlier and more enjoyable, making life more interesting, right? Here are some simple Vietnamese phrases!
Xin chào ＝ Hello
Cám ơn ＝ Thank you
Chờ một chút ＝ Wait a moment
Especially the third phrase, "Wait a moment," is crucial. When you use the Grab app to order a ride, taxi drivers usually call you immediately upon arrival. At this point, this word becomes essential! If they don't understand English, try using this word.
Thanking in Vietnamese will bring a smile to the locals' faces! ☺️ Try saying "Xin Chao," " Cam on!"
3.Hygiene Concerns
The third challenge I encountered during my time living in Vietnam was about environmental hygiene!
There are many mosquitoes in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, where the climate is warm year-round, making mosquitoes more prevalent! Not paying attention to environmental hygiene, especially in places with water, can easily breed mosquitoes... 😵
I used to live on the 11th floor of a building, and there were ants in the rice bin. 😂 Especially during the rainy season from November to March, the influence of rainwater makes the mosquito situation worse, so be especially careful!
You can also buy mosquito repellent, mosquito coils, and other mosquito repellents in Vietnam. Because Japanese brand mosquito repellent is slightly more expensive here, I suggest friends traveling here to bring mosquito repellent or anti-itch medicine for mosquitoes. 😉
By the way, in most restaurants in Vietnam, whether high-end restaurants or street stalls, the wet wipes placed on the table are chargeable. Just opening and using them will usually incur a charge of 2,000 to 5,000 Vietnamese dong at checkout, and many of them are scented wet wipes. If you're not used to it, please remember to bring your own wet wipes!
The above information is provided for friends planning to travel to Vietnam to refer to!
Star Kitchen offers Vietnamese souvenirs, including the Best seller Banh Mi Rusk⭐️⭐️
While these are souvenirs from Vietnam, they also embody the attention to detail inspired by Japanese culture. Check out this article for more information👀
The link below introduces the Star Kitchen sales points across various locations in Vietnam.
We share various useful information about Vietnam travel and local life, on Star Kitchen's blog 💁♀️✨
We are committed to writing articles that let everyone to experience the charm of Vietnam. Be sure to check them out! ☺️
Comments