Working in Vietnam
With an ever-expanding economy the range of jobs available for expats wishing to move to Vietnam is also growing. The majority of expat jobs are in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but some can be found in the smaller towns. Most jobs are in IT industries, construction and tourism, however there is also a large English teaching community and there are many NGOs operating out of Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi.
Most companies will offer relocation packages of some sort, however the type of package will often be a reflection on skills level as well as negotiation ability. Salaries in Vietnam are lower than other large expat locations, however the cost of living in Vietnam is also lower, meaning that expats will be able to maintain the same quality of life as in their home country. Learning to speak basic Vietnamese will stand you in good stead with your colleagues and associates as well as enhance your spare time when exploring Vietnam.
While it is possible to find a job from within Vietnam, the government is beginning to implement stricter visa regulations which may make it more difficult in the future.
Expats doing business in Vietnam will find that the work environment here is similar to that of other Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. Business is a very formal occasion and pride and tact are key. Vietnamese business people prefer to be recommended by a friend or another business contact rather than approached directly. Expats in Vietnam will soon find that a broad social network does wonders in the world of business.
Vietnam has an interesting and complex history, with war and famine occupying a significant part of the social memory. As such, tact and caution are prized in a business environment and negotiations and settlements can be a long and drawn out process as businesspeople examine and interrogate all the risks. Business meetings are formal and expats should dress accordingly, regardless of the hot and humid Vietnamese weather. In summer a linen suit or slightly more casual attire is passable.
Punctuality is important and lateness is seldom tolerated kindly.
When addressing colleagues and business contacts Vietnamese people tend to use Mr., Mrs. and Ms followed by personal names rather than family names or surnames, but if your host does differently then it is best to follow his or her example. Older members of the Vietnamese population tend to greet by bowing, however younger business people greet with a warm and firm handshake using both hands.
As with the rest of Asia, business cards are vital and handed out in abundance; they are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting using both hands when given or received. Always handle a person’s business card with respect and examine it before placing it in your business card holder.
Business hours in Vietnam run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday with a lunch hour during the hottest part of the day. Saturdays are treated as a half-day and businesses are generally open from 8am to 11.30am. Vietnamese people are incredibly warm and sociable, dinner or drinks after work are the norm and can often run quite late. The bill is usually taken care of by the most senior person at the table, but not before a polite argument has been had as people vie to pay the bill.
Most companies will offer relocation packages of some sort, however the type of package will often be a reflection on skills level as well as negotiation ability. Salaries in Vietnam are lower than other large expat locations, however the cost of living in Vietnam is also lower, meaning that expats will be able to maintain the same quality of life as in their home country. Learning to speak basic Vietnamese will stand you in good stead with your colleagues and associates as well as enhance your spare time when exploring Vietnam.
While it is possible to find a job from within Vietnam, the government is beginning to implement stricter visa regulations which may make it more difficult in the future.
Business culture in Vietnam
Expats doing business in Vietnam will find that the work environment here is similar to that of other Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. Business is a very formal occasion and pride and tact are key. Vietnamese business people prefer to be recommended by a friend or another business contact rather than approached directly. Expats in Vietnam will soon find that a broad social network does wonders in the world of business.
Vietnam has an interesting and complex history, with war and famine occupying a significant part of the social memory. As such, tact and caution are prized in a business environment and negotiations and settlements can be a long and drawn out process as businesspeople examine and interrogate all the risks. Business meetings are formal and expats should dress accordingly, regardless of the hot and humid Vietnamese weather. In summer a linen suit or slightly more casual attire is passable.
Punctuality is important and lateness is seldom tolerated kindly.
When addressing colleagues and business contacts Vietnamese people tend to use Mr., Mrs. and Ms followed by personal names rather than family names or surnames, but if your host does differently then it is best to follow his or her example. Older members of the Vietnamese population tend to greet by bowing, however younger business people greet with a warm and firm handshake using both hands.
As with the rest of Asia, business cards are vital and handed out in abundance; they are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting using both hands when given or received. Always handle a person’s business card with respect and examine it before placing it in your business card holder.
Business hours in Vietnam run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday with a lunch hour during the hottest part of the day. Saturdays are treated as a half-day and businesses are generally open from 8am to 11.30am. Vietnamese people are incredibly warm and sociable, dinner or drinks after work are the norm and can often run quite late. The bill is usually taken care of by the most senior person at the table, but not before a polite argument has been had as people vie to pay the bill.
