Moving to Hanoi

Passport 

If your passport is nearly full or will have less than 6 months validity on it when you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to get a new one as a matter of urgency. 

IMPORTANT: If you renew your passport while you are in Vietnam, please ensure you keep the expired passport in a safe place. You will need to show your first Vietnamese visa when you depart from the country and request a Police Clearance certificate for your time in the country. 

Please note that the UK is in the process of changing passport renewal procedures. Specific requirements can be checked on this link: 

What to bring?

It is possible to buy most things you are likely to need in Hanoi. However, you may wish to consider bringing personal items with you, to at least see you through the early weeks while you source your preferred supplier. For example: prescrition medications (at least 3 months supply), contact lens equipment (if you use it), passport photographs, etc. 

International Movers 

Below are some relocation companies with offices in Hanoi you can contact for more information: 

Where do expatriates live?

In Hanoi, there are some areas with a higher concentration of expats with a network of amenities that you might need.

Tay Ho district: This district has the most expats of Hanoi, it provides many conveniences for Westerners such as gyms, restaurants, and bars.

Ba Dinh district: This district is next to Tay Ho district to the south. It’s more “Vietnamese” than the previous one, but you can find a lot of people who speak various languages there.

Dong Da district: From Dong Da district, you can easily reach other areas of Hanoi. 

How do I find an apartment or house?

Finding a suitable place to live takes time and patience. Our Human Resources team will provide you with a list of houses & apartments available before you arrive to choose from it. Do your research and make the most suitable decision. 

Of course, you can find your own preferred house/apartments. Here are some well-established and English-speaking real estate companies: 

FAIR Real Estate

Expat Housing

Vietlong Housing

Other Useful Information 

Currency

Vietnamese Dong - approx. 30,000VND = 1 GBP

Local Time 

GMT +7 hours 

Electricity

The electricity supply in Hanoi is 220/240V AC with standard European 2 pin sockets. Adapters are easy to find and cheap, although you may want to bring some with you. 

Water

The tap water is not drinkable. You should use bottled water (from La Vie for example) instead. Apartment reception can arrange delivery for you.