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

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

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORTS

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