TEFL Locations in Vietnam - Jobs & Contracts
Banking, General Facts, History, Language, Medical Insurance, People & Culture, Qualifications, Sending Money Home, Things to bring, Things to do, Getting Around, Getting There
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There are a number of international banks operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Some of the banks have 24 hour cash withdrawal facilities too. Cash can be withdrawn with Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus. ANZ bank in Hanoi and HSBC in Ho Chi Minh City are the more prominent banks. Please note that under Vietnamese law, ATMs’ can dispense cash only in Vietnamese Dong.
ANZ and Vietcombank ATMs enables you to withdraw cash from VISA, MASTER CARD, CIRRUS, PLUS, MAESTRO, JCB, DINNER CLUB through its network, 24 hours per day. Travelers’ checks in Vietnam are very useful. You can cash USD checks in banks at Hanoi for a 1.5% charge.
Most of the banks are open from 08:30 am to 04:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
ESL teachers will be happy to note that you can open a bank account while you are in Vietnam. But please note that all banks in Vietnam will require you to prove the source of the funds for over the counter deposit. If you are transferring funds internationally into the account, then there is no problem.
Vietcombank - No minimum balance required, free ATM withdrawals, but you have to show a local pay stub to prove the source of the funds. Take you passport. A small amount is needed to start the account.
Vietcombank
Operations Center: 198 Tran Quang Khai, Hanoi
Tel: 84-4-824 9748/825 9859/824 8922
Fax: 84-4-824 1395
ANZ - $300USD minimum balance required no charge for ATM’s. Internet banking is free, and there are more than 25 ANZ ATM’s in Saigon alone now. Everything is in English and pretty easy for international transfers. The ATM card they issue you is a Visa Debit card.
ANZ
Email: enqanzvn@anz.com
Phone: 1800 1559 24 hours, 7 days (Toll free in Vietnam)
Calls from overseas: +84 4 8258190, then extension 3
14 Le Thai To Street, Hanoi (84-4) 8258 190 (84-4) 8258 188
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English, French, Chinese and occasionally Russian and German are spoken.
Religion: Buddhist majority. There are also Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Caodaist and Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) minorities.
Photography: There are restrictions at ports, airports and harbors, and in similar areas elsewhere. It is courteous to ask permission first before taking photographs of people.
History
The first Vietnamese states Au Lac and Nam Viet are formed in the third
century BC. These states come under control of China between the second century
BC and ninth century. However, in 935 the state of Dai Viet becomes independent
and develops into one of the most powerful feudal states in South-Eastern Asia.
In 1472 Dai Viet conquers the kingdom of Champa. Dai Viet becomes an empire
named Viet Nam Realm in 1804, and is renamed Dai Nam Realm or Great South Realm
in 1839.
France conquers the south of Vietnam in 1862 and establishes the colony of Cochinchina. In 1883, also the central and northern regions come under French control and the protectorates of Annam and Tonkin are founded. These possesions are united in 1887 with Cambodia into the Union of Indochina. In 1893, also Laos is incorporated into Indochina.
Between 1940 and 1945, Indochina is occupied by Japan, that establishes in 1945 the Vietnam Empire. The empire collapses later that year and in Vietnam the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, a communist dictatorship, lead by the Dang Lao Dong Viet Nam (Vietnamese Workers' Party, DLDV) of HĂ´ ChĂ Minh, is proclaimed. France recaptures the south in 1945 and in 1946, the south becomes the independent state Republic of Vietnam. France's post-World War II unwillingness to leave Vietnam leads to failed talks and an 8-year guerilla war between the communist-led Viet Minh on one side and the French and their anti-communist nationalist allies on the other.
In 1961, at the request of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, the United States send military advisers to South Vietnam to help the government there deal with the Viet Cong campaign. In 1963 the United States increase its military support for South Vietnam and in 1965 the first United States combat forces are sent to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is in the north succeeded in 1969 by Tón Dúc Tháng. Peace talks lead in 1973 to the Paris Accords. As a result, the south is divided into a patchwork of zones controlled by the South Vietnamese Government and the Viet Cong. The United States withdraw its forces, although United States military advisers remain.
In early 1975, North Vietnamese regular military forces begin a major offensive in the south, inflicting great damage to the south's forces. The communists take Saigon in 1975 and announce their intention of reunifying the country. Both Vietnam's are unificated into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976.
'Vietnamese' is the official language of Vietnam. Having a similarity with Cambodia's official language 'Khmer', Vietnamese is a bit difficult language especially for the foreigners. Other than Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other tribal languages are also spoken in Vietnam. Spoken by about 68 million people in Vietnam, Vietnamese is an Austroasiatic language. Apart from Vietnam, Vietnamese is also spoken in countries like Australia, Cambodia, Finland, France, Laos, Germany, Netherlands, Senegal, UK, USA, China, Canada, Norway and Philippines.
Insurance is a must for Vietnam, as the cost of a major medical treatment is prohibitive. Although you may have medical insurance in your own country, it is probably not valid while you are in Vietnam. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is the best bet. There is a wide variety of policies available. Some insurance policies specifically exclude such dangerous activities as riding motorbikes, diving and even trekking. Before purchasing a policy please ensure that the policy covers emergency evacuation in case of a serious injury. Immediate cash payment is expected for services.
The people of Vietnam have a unique and fascinating culture that has been shaped by thousands of years of history. Their culture has been influenced by many other civilizations: the ancient peoples that once inhabited the land, the Chinese, the French, and most recently, the Americans and Russians. From all these outside influences, and centuries of war, oppression, and hardship, they have formed, and maintained their culture. The people of Vietnam are hard working and feel strong ties to their families. They are well versed in the arts, and have made several contributions to the world of literature. Aside from their painful history, the Vietnamese people have a culture and many customs, all their own.
Vietnamese is the official language although other languages such as French, Chinese, English, Khmer and tribal languages are also spoken. English is common in larger cities and is taught in schools. French is also spoken in various parts of the country. With an 88% literacy rate, the national script in Vietnam is Quoc Ngu. The script was introduced by European colonists, and utilizes the Roman alphabet.
Vietnam has a very rich culture that has been shaped by many different civilizations throughout history. Through many long struggles, the Vietnamese have created their unique culture. Only half of the people of Vietnam belong to organized religions, religion, and the beliefs arising from religions play large parts in the lives of most Vietnamese. The Vietnamese are often superstitious and believe things must be done in a certain way or the family would suffer. Ancestor worship is also a common practice. There is a small alter in many homes, where people burn incense, have food offerings, and pictures of their deceased family members. Religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, animism and Catholicism are part and parcel of the people's lives.
Vietnam is an extremely food conscious culture. The ingredients and styles of preparation are distinct from both China and other Southeast Asian countries. This defines Vietnam and Vietnamese. Vietnamese food is comparatively low fat and high in carbohydrate. Cooking was traditionally done over a fire, so common modes of preparations are boiling, steaming, barbequing and frying. A popular Vietnamese meal is the 'pho' noodles, which is basically noodle soup, topped with beef, chicken or fried fish occasionally.
While in Vietnam, you have a variety of options to send money home but we prefer that you choose Xoom. Sending money worldwide with Xoom (www.xoom.com) is quite easy. You can do the transfer of money from any internet-enabled computer to friends and family in over 36 countries. Paypal and major credit cards are readily accepted. Moreover, you can directly transfer fund from your bank account. The recipient can receive cash either in local currency or US dollars.
In Vietnam, the dress code is usual. So there is no need to bring smart casuals to the country. There are lots of things available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi so taking lots of clothes is not really a wise decision. Good quality, ready to wear clothes are easily available, though larger sizes may be hard to find.
There are problems of mosquitoes in Vietnam but it is not so profound. A couple of repellants would be useful, though. Good sun protection is important. Bring your own, as the ratings of locally obtainable preparations are not reliable. Women who use tampons should bring an adequate supply as they can be difficult to locate in Vietnam, even in the cities. Sanitary towels are freely obtainable. Another essential item is a good sun hat- there are plenty to choose from in Vietnam. There is no need to stock up with films for conventional cameras. Unless you use unusual formats, all the popular ranges, including APS, are available at reasonable prices.
Here are some of the interesting activities travelers to Vietnam can indulge in.
Visit the monuments
Take a walk down part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail that was used as supply routes by
the North Vietnamese during the war. Also go underground into the claustrophobic
network of tunnels used by villagers and guerrillas during the war at Cu Chi.
This will give you an experience of the war sights.
Visit to Dalat
The city of Dalat is the main centre of the Southern Highlands region. As the
economy booms and life speeds up, Dalat is losing its charm as a green city.
Nonetheless, Dalat is definitely worth a visit and it's a good base for trips
into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. In Dalat, worth visiting
is the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed by locals the Crazy House.
Dalat is famous for its coffee shops, and is extremely popular with domestic
tourists and honeymooners. You can fly to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City. The
airport is 30km from town; express buses also link the two cities. Dalat is one
place you can get a feel of the interesting tribal villages in Vietnam. Although
most are located further out of town, you can visit the villages of some of the
hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of
a chicken) close to Dalat itself. Photo opportunities are endless during the
trip.
Beaches & Islands
Beach holidays are booming in Vietnam. A vast and strikingly beautiful coastline
stretches the entire length of the country, along with pleasant weather all year
round. A visit to the Vietnamese islands and beaches is a trip not to be missed.
There are no less than 71 islands, and dozens of pristine diving and snorkelling
locations. The famous limestone formations of Halong Bay should not be missed as
well. Other beach paradises in Vietnam include Nha Trang, known as the Riviera
of the South China Sea and Phu Quoc, an island that technically lies south of
Cambodia, but belongs to Vietnam.
Boat trip along the Mekong Delta
To get to the Mekong Delta, you will first have to arrive at My Tho which is the
capital of the province of Tien Giang. This city serves as the Mekong Delta's
gateway. Once in My Tho, a boat tour can be arranged by your hotel. They will
find a local with a boat that will take you wherever you want at a per day rate.
Getting Around
Getting around in Vietnam is not very easy as the roads are not very good and
the population density is very high. However, there are multiple options for
transportation like, taxis, trains, buses, flights and cycles. There are
domestic flights between major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha
Trang and Hue. Trains are another very comfortable way of transportation in the
country and the two big cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well connected by
the Vietnam’s Reunification Express which also stops at many important cities.
There are few luxury trains, which go from Hanoi to different parts of Vietnam;
the most popular among these is the luxury train service from Vietnam to Sapa.
Bus services in Vietnam, though regular, are not very comfortable as these are
crowded and slow but are the cheapest. Another form of transportation in this
country is the Cyclos which are three wheeled bicycle. These are good to travel
around the city though most of the time they are prevented from going to the
main roads of the big cities. There are two taxi companies in Vietnam, the
VinaTaxi and the Airport Taxi Co., the former is yellow in color and cheaper and
the other is white.
Getting There
It is possible to get to Vietnam by road and by Air. Major airlines like,
Aeroflot, Lao Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Eva Air,
United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Qantas
has flights to the major cities of Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Air
Asia, Jetstar and Tiger Airway operate the cheapest flights to this country. The
visitors can come to Vietnam by road from Cambodia, China and Laos. From Phnom
Penh is Cambodia Vietnam is also connected by Mekong River. The Hanoi- Beijing
passenger train connects Vietnam with China.