Visas

If you are currently living in your home country and have already enrolled to study at Hong Bang International University, this section is for you.

In order to apply as a new or continuing student, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or Offer Letter, which is issued by the Hong Bang International University.

• If HIU will apply for your visa, you will require to provide supporting documents via email by scanned files:
  • A copy of your passport
  • Visa Application form for International Students
  • Letter of offer from Hong Bang International University
  • Receipt of tuition fee payment for Hong Bang International University.

Hong Bang International University will send you the soft copy of the visa pre-approved document provided by the Vietnamese Immigration Department (the process with the Immigration may take up to 15 days). Then, you collect your visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in your home country and pay the visa fee.

If you use the agency for applying for your visa, HIU will provide you an Offer Letter.

The fee of visa

• 35 USD for a 3-month single entry visa
• 60 USD for 3 months multiple entries
• 105 USD from 3-6 month multiple entries
• 145 USD from 6 months to one year multiple entries

Visa extension:

For the extension of your visa, you can only apply for 20 days before it expires.

Important notes:

• International students must have a student visa and comply with the visa conditions to study at Hong Bang International University.
• If you are on a different type of visa, you may be required to leave Vietnam in order to apply for a student visa. Hong Bang International University is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the outcome of any visa application.
• Before entering Vietnam, you need to have international health insurance.

If you have any queries, please contact international@hiu.vn

Electricity

Although it’s quite easy to buy adaptors for most countries in Vietnam, it will be more convenient for you to bring at least one from your home country, so that you can charge or use any important devices you need when you first arrive. It’s also worth considering a small UPS box (Uninterrupted Power Supply device), to avoid Vietnam’s occasional power surges damaging your electronic equipment.

» 220Volts 50Hertz.
» Power Outlet: Mostly 2 pronged plugs.
» You may want to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.
» Power outages can occur depending upon the area you are in. Accommodation with backup generator power is recommended.

WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Weather

» Ho Chi Minh City is a city of heat and humidity so give yourself time to adjust.
o Drink plenty of water
o Wear a hat and a light jacket
o Wear sunglasses for the bright sun
o Powders and antibiotic soap (readily available) prevent prickly heat.
o Don’t forget an umbrella or a rain coat for the rainy season (April to November)

» Temperature
o Ranging from 23 °C to 35°C
o Hottest months: March to May

» Rain
o Most rain falls from April to November

» Humidity
o Ranging from 55% to 80%
o Highest humidity: May to December

» Sudden changes in weather are to be expected.

» The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from low to high depending on your lifestyle. You can eat a bowl of soup on the street for US$2 or a European dinner with wine for US$ 150.

» The living standards in Ho Chi Minh City are variable in different areas. For example, in the city center and newly developed areas (District 1, 3, 10, and 7), prices are usually higher than other places (District 4, 6, Binh Thanh, Tan Phu and Tan Binh) and our campuses are in Binh Thanh and Tan Phu district.

Vietnamese Food

1. Baguette (Bánh mì): VND 15,000 – VND 35,000
2. Beef Noodle (Phở bò): VND 35,000 – VND 50,000
3. Black coffee (café đen): VND15,000 – VND 25,000
4. Coffee with milk: VND 15,000 – VND 25,000
5. A beer bottle: VND 15,000 – VND 25,000
6. A mineral water bottle: VND 7,000 – VND 15,000
7. Lunch/Dinner set: VND 45,000 – VND 70,000

Accomodations

Students may be weary of apartment and housing options in the city, but fortunately, it's not as hard as it may initially seem. Aside from Craigslist and Facebook groups, websites like Erasmusu, Student Accommodation One and Housing Anywhere are an international students' dream. These websites offer affordable student housing for those on the apartment hunt. Each of them provides links to rooms in shared houses, homestays and private studios, so it's all up to the students' budget, so this is something that needs to be planned ahead of time.

In case, you can contact HIU Student Center to have the further consult and support.

Transport

The trendiest way to get around is by motorbike.
You can rent a bike, or for individual trips you can call a motorbike taxi. To ride a motorbike of more than 50cc you need a license, and helmets are compulsory.
Buses and taxies are also available, and fares in Vietnam are unbelievably cheap.
Longer distance travel to other Vietnamese cities or into the countryside can be done by long-distance bus, train, and by air.

Nightlife

Unlike many typical college towns that can be found throughout the USA and other parts of the West, Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed with activities, day and night. There are plenty of events going on each night, and the amount of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is quite astounding. Whether it's reading a book or catching up with friends in Turtle Lake, enjoying a coffee within Saigon's apartment complex cafe on Nguyen Hue Walking Street or clubbing it up on Bui Vien, this city never sleeps.

Shopping

There are modern, air-conditioned shopping centers with top brands and cheap food courts throughout HCMC, and most items are readily available.
However, it’s best to bring your own medications and special toiletries. One problem is buying clothes in larger sizes, but this can be overcome cheaply by having your clothes made to measure at one of the many tailors.
If you love shopping in markets, then you’ll love Vietnam. Admire fresh flowers, colorful lanterns and foods and spices that you’ve never seen before!
Be ready to bargain!

Bargaining

» Most things you buy on the street or “wet” market must be bargained for. Foreigners will often be charged a higher rate, but considering the difference in income between you and the vendor, it is understandable – life is too short to worry about a few cents! It is expected that you will bargain and you will look like an easy mark if you don’t. However, be good natured about it.

» If you can, try bringing along a Vietnamese friend when you go shopping for the first time at any place so that he/she can advise you not only where to buy good quality products but also how to purchase them at a reasonable price.

Cash & Banking

Indian Restaurant in HCMC

We recommend you a list of good Indian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City near your dormitory. All restaurants have average prices

1. Natraj Restaurant
Add: 41 Bui Thi Xuan Strt., Ben Thanh ward, District 1, HCMC
2. Mustard The Indian Restaurant
Add: 18Bis 10 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Strt., Da Kao ward, District 1, HCMC
3. Bollywood Indian Restaurant & Bar
Add: 207 Bui Vien Strt., Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1, HCMC.
4. Dalcheeni HCMC
Add: 2A Ngo Van Nam strt., Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC.

Indian culture in the heart of HCMC

1. Musulman mosque
Add: No. 66, Đông Du street, District 1.
2. Sri Dandayudhapani Temple
Add: No. 66, Tôn Thất Thiệp street, District 1
3. Mariamman Temple
Add: No. 45, Truong Dinh street, District 1.
4. Jamiyah Islamic mosque
Add: No. 52, Nguyễn Văn Trỗi street, ward 15, Phú Nhuận District
5. Jamul An Ar Mosque
Add: 157 / 9B, Dương Triệu Tắc street, District 8

Pre-departure information

Living in Ho Chi Minh City

Accomodation

Student activities and Club

Internship information

HIU Buddy Program

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORTS

Please ensure you have the necessary telephone numbers to call in the event of an emergency.

Buddy for international students

HIU Buddy Club is the club of volunteers who dedicate their time and commitment to support international students with on and off-campus services. As local students, HIU buddies have strong knowledge and understanding about Vietnamese culture and would be a great hand to help you make the most of your time in Vietnam. Therefore, buddies can be the first contact point prior to departure from your home country and will stay in contact with you for the whole semester.

HIU Buddy Club plays a fundamental role in organizing activities for International Students together with HIU Student Center staffs throughout your semester in Vietnam. The activities include airport pickup services, international orientation, city tour, cooking class, welcome dinner, Vietnamese language classes, Vietnamese culture sharing, community engagement trip and city wandering trips.

Prior to your arrival, HIU will introduce your buddy to you via email with full details of contact information. Your buddy will contact and support with information that you would need before arriving in Vietnam.