Thailand Vs Vietnam For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Understanding the Concept of Living in Thailand

The concept of living in Thailand is often misunderstood by the foreigner who chooses to live there. One might think that it’s about having fun, partying, and meeting pretty girls.

But, to make money, you must also look at the country for what it is, a developing nation that does not understand or care about foreigners’ morals, ethics, or way of life. This is why many foreigners living in Thailand often find themselves in trouble with the law. Some of these problems include but are not limited to:

• Being overcharged for simple items – i.e., a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, or a pack of cigarettes
• Unfriendliness from service providers, whether it’s your local corner store, the bar down the road, or the nightclub. This is because many people working in service (particularly tourist-orientated areas) are expected to act like this with foreigners
• Being cheated out of your hard-earned money. Some bars charge you for girls’ drinks even if they’re not there, and some taxi drivers will tell you it’s 300 Baht to get to the place when in fact, it’s only 80 Baht.
• People not being able to understand you. The language barrier makes a living in Thailand much harder than in other countries, especially if you are trying to talk your way out of a situation or argue about something with somebody else
• Being taken advantage of by ‘fellow’ foreigners. This happens a lot when you bar fine or pass a girl on to your friends or even when your friend does the same thing to you
• Being taken advantage of by Thai people. There have been many stories about bar owners charging customers 100 Baht for a bottle of water while they sell them drinks at inflated prices
• Staying in a country where everything is expensive. Thailand’s prices are high for foreigners because everything from drinks to accommodation must be paid for in foreign currency.
• Staying in a country that does not have the law/system you would normally have at home
• Not being able to find work easily. Maybe it’s because people do not want foreigners working in their country, or maybe it’s because of the language barrier, but getting a job in Thailand is not easy. Many employers are only willing to hire Thai people, which leaves many foreigners disillusioned about finding work
• Cultural differences between your home country and where you live. This includes everything from food to lifestyle changes that may not be suitable for your daily routine
• Loss of friends and family back home. Many people complain about not seeing their real-world lives when they are constantly surrounded by Thais every day
• High crime rate. There was a recent report released from the UN which mentioned Thailand’s high crime rate for tourists, especially against foreign females

Which One Is The Best, Thailand Or Vietnam?

Both Thailand and Vietnam are beautiful countries with their own unique identity. Thailand is often called the land of smiles due to the friendly nature of its people. It has nice beaches, great food, and cheap drinks and is one of the most visited places in South East Asia every year. A popular destination for tourists from all over the world!

Vietnam also has beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, but this article will focus on the differences between these 2 countries so that you can decide which one is best for your next vacation.

Price: Vietnam and Thailand offer great value, and you can get a really good meal, usually starting at just $2. Cheap drinks and great accommodation can also be easily found.

Safety: Thailand has a good reputation for safety, and the crime rate is fairly low compared to Vietnam. There are still petty crimes in Thailand, but they won’t cause you any trouble if you’re sensible.

However, there have been recent bombings in some of their tourist areas which have put off some travelers. The city of Bangkok in Thailand is known to be dangerous at night due to the high poverty rates and crime, but during the day, it’s very safe.

Vietnam also has a low rate of crimes against tourists; however, more serious crimes like robbery. But again you won’t have any problems if you’re sensible.

People: People in Thailand are more outgoing, and they love to have fun; even the monks you see on the street try to make you laugh. This makes it a great place to go if you want some entertainment. The people in Vietnam are also very friendly but not as outgoing as their Thai counterparts. But this may be a good thing if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday.

Relationship between Thailand and Vietnam

Both Vietnam and Thailand are located in south-east Asia. They share a common border, with the largest mutual boundary lying along the Mekong River. The exact demarcation of land boundaries was officially agreed to in February 1997 through notes between the two countries.

This laid foundation for the development of relations between Thailand and Vietnam. The two countries, under the pretext of strengthening their international trade relations, have also joined forces in mitigating regional terrorism, drug trafficking, and piracy by setting up a joint enforcement agency – Eastern Sea Borders Defence Committee (ESBDC).

This has helped to reduce crime rates in the region while improving both Thai-Vietnamese relations and the fight against regional terrorism. Thailand is also Vietnam’s largest investor in ASEAN, with over 1,200 Thai companies operating businesses in Vietnam. Each year about 4 million Vietnamese visits Thailand for tourism purposes while the number of Vietnamese migrant workers increases steadily, reaching 130,000+.

Overview of the Interesting Facts about Vietnam

The following facts are bits of information about the wondrous land of Vietnam. In no way is this article meant to contain significant facts but rather present casual facts for you to enjoy.

The One-Legged Village

In a small village in Vietnam lives a man with seven children born with only one leg. This man has worked many jobs, one of which was as a pig farmer.

When he has money left over, he goes to the market and buys nonperishable food (rice included) that his seven children can live off of for an entire week. However, when he does not have enough money, the one-legged man drinks alcohol until all his money is gone.

The Polluted River

On one of Vietnam’s highways, a large river runs with waste and pollution. Despite this, many people use the water to brush their teeth, shower themselves, or even drink the water! People do not realize that they are poisoning themselves by doing so. There are signs over the river that warns people of the pollution, but many ignore them.

The Northern Vietnamese

People in northern Vietnam are called “North Vietnamese” to distinguish them from the other half – the population of southern Vietnam. Some say that North Vietnamese are stingy with their money, South Vietnamese are scheming with theirs, and Central Vietnamese are friendly with everyone’s money.

The Traffic Police Danger Zone

A Vietnamese man once received a ticket for entering the ‘danger zone’ of the police while they were diverting traffic – he was about to enter danger but was saved by luck when he found out that he needed to wait to avoid being fined. Also, a young Vietnamese man once received a 100,000 VND ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding his bicycle.

The Traffic Police Line

For as long as anyone can remember, there has been a white line painted on the road in Vietnam. However, no one knows what it is for – some have said that cars have to stay at least 1m away from it while going down the street, but most believe that the line indicates a ‘restricted area’ and keeps cars from going near the sidewalk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand vs. Vietnam

Why is Thailand so cheap?

Thailand is cheap for both foreigners and locals alike because the country has a low cost of living. This does not mean that everything in Thailand is extremely inexpensive, but it certainly means that groceries, restaurants, hotels, transportation options, etc., are considerably cheaper than they would be in other countries around the world.

Is Thailand safe?

Thailand is generally safe for foreigners, but some precautions to take when visiting this country. It is important to note that in addition to being one of the most visited countries in Asia, it is also one of the most widely reported on travel advisories.

Is Vietnam safe?

Vietnam has significant dangers for foreigners who do not understand the country’s social structures. It is recommended that tourists follow safety tips, as there are many phases of Vietnamese travel that could be dangerous. Moreover, there have been some reports of violence against foreigners, so it is important to be on the lookout for potential dangers.

Conclusion

Many things draw people outside their home countries to head away and start a new life in a foreign place. Usually, it’s the hope for a better quality of life, including affordable housing, low cost of living, high salaries, and even beautiful weather. However, look at the pros and cons to select the right one according to your budget and lifestyle.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance, and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Before planning to relocate to Vietnam, understanding the visa process is quite essential. Aside from this fact, knowing the cost of living and other necessary details about this country in Asia would also be beneficial. If I may ask, why exactly do you want to relocate to Vietnam? Do you have an answer?

If that sounds like a YES, or maybe NO, we’ve got you covered with everything needed to travel to this country. With excellent weather, different outdoor activities, varieties of foods, and water buffaloes, the benefits of living in this country cannot be overemphasized. There’s much to say about Vietnam in 2021.

Like many Americans, you can go to this country to connect with family history. Gorgeous swaths of lush jungle, pastoral farmlands, and vibrant cities, you’ll enjoy traveling to this country. Not to say much, you will also experience local cultures, ancient pagodas, and a variety of enthralling modern arts and foods.

Their citizens are friendly, while the country has grown increasingly popular among the digital nomad. It’s home to expats, and the cost of living in this country is extremely low. Guess what! If you’re working remotely, there are chances that you’ll enjoy the country even more than its citizens.

However, if you want to experience the fastest WiFi connection, this is one of the best in SE Asia. Also, it’s among the safer countries globally, with lower crime rates than France or Greece, and other parts of the United States of America. Now, it’s high time we talk more about the benefits of living here.

Benefits of Living in Vietnam

Through various research and methodology, we can confidently tell you that Vietnam is an easy place to visit in Asia. The majority of the expats in this country do so on a tourist visa, which can be acquired easily via any number of online services. Without further ado, below are the pros of living in Vietnam.

Affordable Cost of Living (Vietnam)

This is one of the reasons for choosing to stay in Vietnam. This country has a low cost of living, making more expats wanting to relocate to the country.  The goods and services are cheap, and you’ll see a low rental cost that you’d never experience in another western world. I’m sure you’re planning now, right?

Heaven for Foodie Lovers

Hands down to the best cuisine I’ve ever had a chance to try in Vietnam. They have an excellent food culture that makes everyone wondering about mouthwatering dishes in the country. Their food is exceptionally fresh and diverse. Not only that, but you can’t end up without the idea of what to eat.

A Lively Expat Arena/Community

If you’re looking to form meaningful connections with fellow expats or travelers, you’re lucky if you found yourself in Vietnam. In fact, don’t be surprised to get around with westerners all the time in this country. Also, if you’re a digital nomad, you can meet up with an active DN group to form a relationship.

Exciting Pleasant Weather

While the weather in this country could differ, it’s known to have a cold winter and a dry summer. At first, you may be new to the weather, but in the long run, you’ll experience sunny weather perfect for the beach. Moreover, you can expect sunny and stable weather from match to October.

Best Location to Travel

If you’ve ever been looking for the best opportunity to travel abroad, Vietnam is the perfect location for you.  It’s a gateway to both Southeast Asia and larger countries like Japan, China, South Korea, and many other countries, to mention a few. While people in Vietnam are extremely eager to provide a service, you’ll have plenty of apartment choices for apartments.

Different Travel Options

As of today, there are so many exciting Vietnam adventure travel options. Moreover, you could trek through rolling hills, explore the UNESCO World Heritage city, and have an exciting moment on the beaches and island. Aside from that, you can participate in experiential education courses with local communities.

A Home to Dynamic Population

While it’s true that the language culture can be difficult to grasp, it must be recognized that it’s quite easy to master. This country is also very active, full of youth, and you’ll see children on every street corner in Vietnam. As a result, streets and houses could be busy while they enforce certain disorders.

Cons of Living in Vietnam

If you’re thinking about living and working in this country, you should also consider the cons. In an effort to remain transparent, we’ve compiled the cons to assist you in getting the right information about living in Vietnam. With this in mind, you’ll be able to weigh your options before getting a visa.

Language Barrier in Thailand

One of the cons of living in this country is the language barrier. This is because; you could find it difficult to pick few words or learn few sentences quite easily. And if you truly want to travel to this country for business, the language barrier could be a bump on the road. Alternatively, you can meet many locals who can speak fluent English but understand that there are significant benefits if you can speak the language.

Air Pollution in the Country

Another problem facing the people living in this country is air pollution. More so, if you want to cross the road, wait for a green sign, look at your left and right, take a deep breath, and walk ahead. This is because; it’s not all vehicles that’d stop, but they will maneuver around you. And because of this air pollution, we recommend wearing a mask and avoid peak office hours in the country if you can.

Intellectual Property Problem

While Vietnam has legislation in place to protect intellectual property rights, there emerges notoriously lax compliance. Also, the country has misuse of IP, and this has remained a problem in the country. This way, the government is taking steps to resolve the issue and enact new laws to protect IP rights, including copyright, varieties of plants, and intellectual property.

Corruption in Vietnam

Despite the country’s reform, corruption still remains prevalent and everyone doing operations in the market is likely to experience it or hear about it at some point. Also, the Vietnamese government is committed to tackling the problem, establishing anti-corruption policies, and ratifying the UN Convention on Organist Corruption (UNCAC).

Traffic Could Be a Problem

If you’re not used to traffic or probably to come from a nation with no traffic, surviving in Vietnam could be hard. This is because; the roads are crazy, and sometimes the cities are busy, making everyone drive crazily. Not to talk much, it took me a couple of months to cope and drive in Vietnam.

2021 Travel Tips to Hanoi, Vietnam

Given the country’s historic past, Vietnam offers a unique perspective for travelers and emigrants. They are blessed with an insanely diverse landscape, and you could be sliding down dunes in the morning. Also, you can take a stroll by the beach. Let’s quickly walk you through the travel tips.

Best time to Travel to Vietnam

Generally speaking, you can travel to Vietnam all-year rounds, but due to the global pandemic, you’re bound to experience certain restrictions. Later in this article, we will walk you through the effects of moving to Vietnam during covid-19. However, the best time to relocate to Vietnam is from February to April and August to October. This is because; the temperatures are not as intense, and the rainfall is milder.

What to Pack While Traveling

As we’ve always said in all our packing list guides, you don’t need to overpack while traveling. Similar to when traveling to other Southeast Asian countries, you really don’t need to take a lot with you as you’ll also buy things in the country. Meanwhile, whatever you do, make sure you bring a few quick-dry clothes, a sturdy rain jacket, and a pair of hiking boots to Vietnam.

Pre-Order Unlimited Data Sim Card

While you’re traveling to Vietnam for the first time, it’s quite okay to have a data sim card to make everything easier. Imagine meeting new friends, making travel plans together, but you’re missing out on the internet. Besides, we all know that having a working phone with the internet is like having a world at your fingertips; that’s why you need to skip the hassle of looking around and pre-order an unlimited data sim card.

Beware of Fake Gurus

Being a foreigner in Vietnam can definitely get you into some tricky situations among the locals. That’s why we advise you not to enter all the taxis in the country. This is not saying that they won’t take you to where you’re going, but they will definitely overcharge you. Therefore, take a look right people that’d lead you through the process when you arrive in Vietnam for the first time.

Avoid Underestimating the Weather

This is among the things you should put into consideration. Vietnam can be a country of extremely hot weather and cool summer. Between May through October, you should be prepared for both weather situations. That’s why; you should never underestimate the weather in this country.

Cost of Living in Vietnam in 2021

It’s no doubt that Vietnam is an inexpensive country to live in. Also, most items would cost less than half of what you’ll likely pay in the west and anywhere from 5% to 25% less than what they’d cost in other countries. Meanwhile, if you live outside of the two of Vietnam’s largest cities, prices will be much less.

Of course, your lifestyle will determine how much you’ll have to spend in this country. If you live within your budget, you’ll enjoy that you relocate to Vietnam. In fact, you can reduce your monthly budget and enjoy a full local-style meal of rice or noodles and a couple of draft beers for less than $7.

Interesting Facts Every Expats Should Know

Vietnam is slowly becoming a hot travel destination for expats in different countries. With unspoiled Islands, beautiful beaches, fascinating cultures, and amazing history, this country is waiting for you to explore everything it has. Now, we’d love to walk you through interesting facts all expats should know.

Average Local Salary

We’ve been explaining the expat guide to Vietnam, but we’re yet to explain the average salary in the country. However, the average salary in this country today is about $149 per month. However, other high-paying jobs can afford to give out up to $500 per month.

Visas in Vietnam

While our explanation will go beyond the cost of living in Vietnam, we’ve taken our time to explain what this article is all about. You’ll understand more about the expat visas in the country and their current situation. While the common visa for Vietnam is a single-entry three-month visa, six-month and twelve-month visas are also available. Read further as we’ve unleashed the different types of visas in this article.

Water and Child Friendliness

In Vietnam, tap water is not drinkable. More so, when you live there, you’ll probably buy reusable 19-liter jugs for about 10,000 VND. So, if you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, make sure you consider this factor. Meanwhile, don’t be alarmed as Vietnamese are very child-friendly, especially when you’re an expat.

Teachers Are Highly Respected

One of the professions that respect people the most in Vietnam is teaching jobs. There’s even a national holiday that’s meant to honor teachers in this country. On this special day, the Vietnamese Teacher day, the students express gratitude and respect for their teachers. Again, this holiday is usually celebrated at schools with different social activities, including dancing, sports, recitals, and exhibition.

Vietnam Food in Oxford Dictionary

Don’t be surprised to see Vietnam cuisine in the oxford dictionary. For example, you can find the two words Banh mi and Pho translated in the Oxford English dictionary. Aside from this fact, you can see other foods in the dictionary as well. They have a rice noodles soup served with a variety of raw or cooked beef and herbs. Not only that, but always know that the Pho is eaten at any time of the day.

Legal Drinking Age in Vietnam

The legal drinking age in Vietnam as of today is unknown. This means that there’s no legal drinking age in the country. While it is 21 in America, 19 in Canada, 16 in other countries in Europe, you can drink in Vietnam as long as you can get the alcohol. This may be why Vietnam is the third-largest consumer of beer in Asia, aside from Japan, and China which consumes about three billion annually.

Motorbikes Are King in Vietnam

You can quickly tell when you touch down in Hanoi that motorbikes rule the roads in the city. And by rule, that’s one of the best means of transport considered in Vietnam. According to the country’s ministry of transportation, over 50 million people have registered motorbikes. They are everywhere, and if you even open your Google maps, you’ll see that there’s a specific option providing routes destination times for motorbikes.

Expats Visa and Updated Situation in 2021

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on some countries. As of July 8, 2021, the country’s health control had confirmed 23,385 cases of Covid-19 with an estimation of about 102 deaths, while 8,557 of the patients had recovered.

As an expat traveling to this country, it would be better that you’re aware of the latest restrictions before you begin your relocation process. The following are some of the rules you should know while traveling to Vietnam during this summer period.

• The country has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of the global pandemic. However, some measures will not apply to students, foreign investors, skilled workers, diplomats, and experts wanting to travel to Vietnam.
• Approximately ten provinces and cities have suspended flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City until further notice as a result of the current outbreak
• The Ho Chi Minh City authorities have extended social distancing measures for another day under the stricter directive 16 from July 9, 2021
• The health ministry of the country has mandated that anyone coming or returning to the country  should undergo home quarantine for seven days and be tested for at least three-time
• The country’s immigration department has announced the automatic visa extensions until July 31, 2021, for foreigners that entered the country on visa waiver programs, e-visas, or tourist visas.
• The country’s Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed the government consider gradually resuming international flights in the three stages throughout the year
• Foreign employees coming to Vietnam will only be allowed  to quarantine at the company’s factory, designated hotel, or their company’s headquarters
• While Vietnam Airlines began one-way flights to Japan, carriers will release specific air routes after the official confirmation from the authorities. However, all foreign expats must comply with all these measures and follow their scheduled itinerary
• Travelers that are still in Vietnam can call the tourist helpline at +84378173371 for guidance on visas, accommodation, embassy, or consulate details to mention a few
• In addition, Vietnam has suspended visas on arrival for all foreign nationals except for those on an official trip to the country. Again, those that are assessed to have symptoms of the epidemic will be transferred to designated health facilities in the country for isolation
• Do not travel to Vietnam if you’re sick, as you might undergo series of tests and quarantine measures
• Travelers that are permitted to enter Vietnam from China will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon their entry while the flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao remains operational
• All Vietnam carriers have suspended flights to South Korea, while other foreign airlines have reduced the number of flights between several countries, including South Korea
• Finally, additional restrictions are possible for travelers when they return to their country of origin, including entry quarantine, and restrictions

Types of Vietnam Visas You Should Know

It’s no doubt that foreigners who want to visit Vietnam will surely apply for a Vietnam visa. Of course, if you do need a visa, there are many ways you can apply for it. Besides, the Vietnamese government has facilitated the process greatly by issuing a Vietnam Visa on arrival as well as the well-known eVisa.

Meanwhile, those who are not eligible for visas should note this fact before they travel that; a visa is compulsory in Vietnam except if you’re from a visa-exempt country. This article will explain the Vietnam visa policy, the application process, the types of Vietnam visas, and its requirements in 2021.

Tourist Visa Type (DL) – This tourist visa type is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism and recreational purposes

Business Visa Types (DN) – This tourist visa type is a short-term visa issued to business people who will enter the country for business meetings, and other business-related purposes

Student or Internship Visa Types (DH) – this type of visa is meant for students who are entering the country either to study in a Vietnam educational institution or to do an internship in the country

Diplomatic Visa Types (NG1-NG4) – The diplomatic visa type is issued to foreign diplomats or government officials and their family members

Vietnam transit Visa – This kind of visa allow you to change plane in a Vietnamese airport and leave the airport international transit area

Conclusion

Many foreigners are stressed with the uncertainty of their present and future situation in Vietnam. However, with this expat guide, you don’t need to stress yourself again. We’ve got you covered with everything needed, so take time to read this article before you begin your application to Vietnam.