vietnam

[jubes]

Hi,
my husband is looking at a job in Hanoi. We are a family with 2 primary school children. We were wondering if anybody could give us an idea of the salary needed to survive for 4 people. Cash for accommodation is paid by the school ($12000 ) and education. We are not expecting an extravagant lifestyle but would like to do a bit of travel while we are there. Also does anybody knows what tax is paid by Aussies, it seems to be 35%.
Any info would be great.

[PsyGuy]

I'm unaware of any Aussie tax treaty with Vietnam that would apply in your situation.

Your kinda right on the Tax rate. The maximum rate is 35%, but Vietnam is a progressive tax country. Non-Residents (which youd be for the first year) pay 20%, after that the ANNUAL income table is as follows (VND=Vietnamese Dollars):

VND 0 - 60,000,000 5%
VND 60,000,000 - 120,000,000 10%
VND 120,000,000 - 216,000,000 15%
VND 216,000,000 - 384,000,000 20%
VND 384,000,000 - 624,000,000 25%
VND 624,000,000 - 960,000,000 30%
Above VND 960,000,000 35%

As far as cost of living in Hanoi, to give you some ideas. The consumer price index is 48% meaning its 62% cheaper then living in NYC (New York City). The following are some AVERAGE consumer prices (in Australian Dollars):

Restaurants:
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 3.71 A$
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 21.08 A$
Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar 2.71 A$
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 1.30 A$
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.46 A$
Cappuccino (regular) 2.01 A$
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 0.45 A$
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 0.63 A$

Markets:
Milk (regular), 1 liter 1.67 A$
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 1.00 A$
Eggs (12) 1.51 A$
Fresh Cheese (1kg) 5.17 A$
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 4.52 A$
Apples (1kg) 2.51 A$
Oranges (1kg) 2.01 A$
Potato (1kg) 0.90 A$
Lettuce (1 head) 1.00 A$
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.38 A$
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 15.05 A$
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 0.73 A$
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.01 A$
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 2.04 A$

Transportation:
One-way Ticket (local transport) 0.59 A$
Monthly Pass 7.69 A$
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 0.50 A$
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 0.50 A$
Gasoline (1 liter) 0.95 A$

Utilities (Monthly):
Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) 32.62 A$
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff 0.07 A$
Internet (6 Mbps, Flat Rate, Cable/ADSL) 21.08 A$

Sports And Leisure:
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 65.23 A$
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 4.35 A$
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 3.51 A$

Clothing:
1 Pair of Levis 501 55.20 A$
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 40.14 A$
1 Pair of Nike Shoes 72.76 A$
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 70.25 A$

[jubes]

Thank-you for both postings. Unfortunately only my husband will be able to work in a school. I was thinking of doing some ESL work, but not sure if spouses are legally allowed to work. I had heard that it gets very cold there by a friend who visited in Jan. We will see how the job fair goes, time will tell.

[jubes]

Thanks flossy moo. Just wondering how you do get any savings out of Vietnam? Also can you have it put automatically into an Australian bank account? Sorry just a bit confused.
Cheers Jubes

[PsyGuy]

Reminds me of China not too long ago when you had to save your currency exchange receipts so you could change RMB into USD.

People without financial obligations in their home country have an easier time when it comes to money. They dont have to worry about exchanging currency until they leave.

[2012teacher]

Does anyone know anything about living and teaching in Ho Chi Minh City. Can a couple survive on one salary? I am a teacher but my husband is not. I was looking into the American School of Vietnam? Any suggestions. What is housing like in Ho Chi Minh City? What about the pollution I hear about. I have allergies/sinus issues here in the states. Would it be a huge health risk for me?

[jubes]

My husband has now been offered a job at the the new International school of Vietnam, in Hanoi,which will be opening in September. As mentioned earlier we have 2 primary/elementary aged children. Our biggest concern is the travel time to get from the popular living areas- say Westlake to the campus. I have been advised that it will be a 40 minute taxi ride each way. It sounds pretty stressful with 2 kids. Does anybody living in Hanoi have a similar journey to school? Can anybody recommend any good areas to live, which are closer?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[frees1spirit]

A couple should be able to survive on one salary. We saved 1 salary when we worked in Saigon and we were not trying at all.

We also sent money directly from our bank account to the UK every month. It was very easy. We had a VND account.

[jubes]

Thanks Flossy Moo we have done a bit of research and came up with the same conclusion. The pm seems to be blocked. We are waiting for confirmation from the school and then hopefully start looking into it seriously. Is there any way we can contact you if we need more advice?
cheers jubes