We were all newcomers to Hanoi once and we know how hard it can sometimes be to find all the information you need. We hope you can find useful information here and it can help you get started with your moving plans.
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:
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.
Below are some relocation companies with offices in Hanoi you can contact for more information:
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.
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
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.
British International School Hanoi
Hoa Lan Road, Vinhomes Riverside
Long Bien District
Hanoi
100000
Vietnam
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