Moving to HCMC (Saigon)

We are a family of four.....and moving to HCMC in few months. My husband's co. has given an opportunity to move to Saigon. His office will be in district 1. We need a little understandig on the cost of living there. Where to rent a house....looking at an expats area and atleast a 3 bed house. How much will be the rental...looking at a good apt/house but not a very lavish one.

How are the international schools and which are the good ones?

What is the cost of living if I consider all utility bills, grocery, maid etc....(if I am forgetting anything then pls include that as well.

What pacakage we should look at?

Thanks and looking fwd to hear soon.

Hello family of four.....



moving to HCMC in few months.

a 3 bed house...will cost anything between 850/950 to 1200/1500usd.

How much will be the rental(in truth you can negotiate at the moment - largish number of emtpt properties)...looking at a good apt/house but not a very lavish one......apts are cheaper - the location really determines the price (i.e. facilities/ shops/swimming pool/golf courses (?)

How are the international schools and which are the good ones? I couldn't possibly tell you here in case someone reads me...phone me...or else <snip>

What is the cost of living if I consider all utility bills, grocery, maid etc....(if I am forgetting anything then pls include that as well.

water ?
house maintenance 265000 to 650 000 a month?? I'm guessing we pay 265 (slight increase over a 1 yr period)\

telly (HTV) (best NOT to have tv if you hav echildren (Dissney channel sucks) 185 000 a month I think

lecky ? that is the expensive one before air con systems are expensive - the more room the more air con system you have in each room + you are guaranteed to all sneeze if u have it on for too long)
school fees 10 000 p.a. per kids (I think)

What pacakage we should look at? ASK FOR AS MUCH AS POSS FREE HOUSE + USE OF FREE CAR AND DRIVER...MAIDS ARE CHEAP tho we can't afford one

Thanks and looking fwd to hear soon. how soon is soon ? I'm surprised no one replied so far...
[We are 20/25 minutes away from epicentre - buses are cheap and reliable. to rent a bike will cost anything from 40 to 70 usd a month for an automatic scooter...petrol cost 50 000 roughly for a full tank and to run an automatic is more costly than a manual bike - you can also buy a pushbike (velo) That's it you;ve exhausted me now]

This post has been edited by Mandrunk: 03 March 2010 - 06:36 PM
Reason for edit: Removed personal details

Hi Thanx for sharing the info.........
Have heard District 2 is a good area to stay...any comments

District 2 is a huge area, much of which is currently undeveloped marsh land, so generally when expats refer to District 2 they are talking about An Phu and Thao Dien wards, where much of Saigon's western expatriates settle, as well as wealthy Vietnamese.

Despite being split in two by the massive Highway 1, the roads around An Phu/Thao Dien are fairly peaceful and not too scary to negotiate by bicycle. Many of the houses here are very large - villas with pools designed for those whose housing is included in their contracts - and some are within walled compounds - but there are still affordable houses available for rent. The number of eating and drinking options in An Phu is growing, with a number of nice bars, riverside cafes and shops, which is a good thing since the commute to District 1 is generally around 30-40 minutes, and there are several major international schools and nurseries in the area.

An Phu is certainly a friendly area, referred to as 'the village' by residents, and while some may find it rather Westernised and a little far removed from a genuine Saigon experience, others will relish the peace and quiet and safety it provides for their children.