Xin chào! Now that I’ve been in Vietnam for six weeks, I feel like I’ve been getting the hang of how to navigate daily life as a foreigner. I may not know everything, but here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Language: While there’s a larger English presence in Vietnam than I initially thought, navigating the language barrier still takes some creativity. Simple and direct language, hand gestures, and google translate have especially been lifesavers. However, Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases is definitely useful to have in your back pocket. Even just knowing how to say “hello” (xin chào) or “thank you” (cảm ơn) can help you engage with locals and feel more connected to the culture.
One memorable language moment I’ve had in the last few weeks was with Tony, one of the staff who work at our apartment building. Blaine and I were chatting outside when I sneezed– and his natural reaction was to say “bless you!” to me. However, Tony was very confused and tried to ask us what that meant. After some back-and-forth, we explained that people say “bless you” after someone sneezes as a sort of well-wishing/protection against illness. It was such an interesting interaction, and it made me realize how something as small as a sneeze can highlight cultural differences that we don’t usually think about.
Transportation: There are lots of ways to get around Vietnam, but Grab, Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing app, has definitely been the most convenient and affordable. Grab bikes are quick and can cut through traffic easily, though you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather because rain can make your commute take much longer. Traffic here is chaotic, and rules essentially do not exist. The key to crossing the street is confidence— move with the traffic, and don’t hesitate.
Food: People often say that one of the highlights of Vietnam is its food, and I couldn’t agree more. While I don’t have the most adventurous palate, I’ve found a few go-to dishes – my favourite being Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with rice noodles). The street food culture here is vibrant, but something I’d recommend is to know your limits when it comes to trying new things. Assessing the turnover rates, reading reviews, or giving your cutlery a quick wipe are some good precautions you can take to safeguard your health, regardless of where you go to eat. On another note, there are also plenty of Western food options for when you’re craving a little taste of home. And the coffee is amazing! My favourite has been the Bạc xỉu (white coffee), made with fresh and condensed milk.
Money: The cost of living here is much lower than in Canada, but it’s still important to budget wisely. Bring Canadian dollars to exchange as you go; we have found great rates at laundromats and jewelry stores. ATMs are also an option if you run out, but I’d advise that you find a reputable branch or location in your area. Bartering is common at markets, which I’m still getting used to, but a good rule is to offer 20% less than the asking price.
This is not an exhaustive list of everything you need to know about life in Vietnam, but rather just a few snippets of what I’ve learned so far. Although I’m only going to be a foreigner for a few more weeks, I’m grateful that I get to keep learning about and experiencing more of this amazing country for the time being 🙂
Natalia