Top 10 mistakes newcomers make in Vietnam

In no way do I want this article to be taken as a denigration of Vietnamese peculiarities. I just want to share what an unprepared person like me might encounter a few months ago. After living in Vietnam for an extended period of time, one begins to get used to and even appreciate moments that may have seemed strange at first.

1. Underestimation of local climate

Underestimating the local climate is a common mistake made by newcomers to Vietnam. It seems that +30°C is a tolerable temperature, but the humidity is off the charts and even a short walk can be a challenge.

Many people think: "Come on, it's hot, I'm going to the sea!" But high humidity, intense sun and high UV index can have a big impact on your health. You get tired quickly, dehydration, and even sunburn. The daily sun is not spared here.

My advice is don't underestimate the power of the local climate. Wear water, use sunscreen with a high SPF and try not to spend a lot of time under direct rays. Being prepared is the key to a comfortable stay in Vietnam.

2. Neglect of insurance

Neglecting insurance is one of the common mistakes made by newcomers to Vietnam. Many people think that since life here is cheap, medical services will be affordable. But the reality is that the cost of medical care in private clinics may not be cheap at all, especially if something serious happens.

For example, imagine you have a minor bike accident and get injured. Without insurance, hospital treatment can easily cost several thousand dollars, and even more if you need surgery. With regular insurance, these costs can be reduced to a few hundred dollars or even covered in full. Saving money on insurance can end up costing you a lot of money.

Therefore, you should not risk your health and budget. Insurance is not just a formality, but an important precautionary measure. It is better to spend a little time and money on insurance than to regret not having considered such an important aspect of your safety in Vietnam.

3. Use of tap water

💧 Vietnam is not a place where you can safely drink tap water. Many newcomers who are used to clean tap water in their home countries may make this mistake and quickly face unpleasant consequences. Here, tap water is not of high quality and can contain a variety of harmful substances, from heavy metals to bacteria.

🚰 Drinking such water or using it for cooking is definitely not worth it. The best option is to buy bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive. It's much safer and guaranteed not to bring any unpleasant surprises to your health.

🔍 In addition, you should think about water filtration even for household needs, such as washing vegetables or fruits. Health is something you definitely shouldn't skimp on, especially in a foreign country. Take care of yourself and don't risk trusting the water supply, which can fail at the most inopportune moment.

4. Exaggerated or lowered expectations

😊 Many people who come to Vietnam for the first time have certain stereotypes in their minds. For example, that it is a dirty, backward country where people live in poverty and only big brand factories are around. But this is far from true. Vietnam is a country with a rapidly developing economy, modern cities here are adjacent to natural beauty, and many aspects of life are surprising with their level of comfort and civility.

🤔 On the other hand, you should not come here with inflated expectations and think that everything here will be affordable for you. Yes, prices in Vietnam are indeed lower than in Europe or the USA, but it doesn't mean that you can live on a high without counting money. For example, quality services and goods here also have their cost, and they are far from always cheap.

💡 It is important to remember that Vietnam is a country where harmony between expectations and reality plays a key role. Too low or too high expectations can spoil your perception of this amazing country.

5. Eating street food too often

🍜 Street food in Vietnam is part of the culture and it's definitely worth trying. The local dishes are incredibly tasty and the prices are pleasantly satisfying. But if you eat out too often, there's a chance you'll run into some problems. People in Vietnam, as in other Asian countries, do not always strictly follow sanitary standards, and this can lead to unpleasant consequences for your stomach.

🤔 Of course, there is always a risk, but that doesn't mean you should completely give up on local food. The key is to strike a balance. Try alternating between street food and cooking at home or choosing tried-and-true cafes and restaurants. Plus, don't hesitate to ask locals or other expats where you can eat out safely - the tips will help you avoid unpleasant situations.

6. Wrong approach to renting

🏠 Renting a home in Vietnam is a different story compared to what we are used to. If your rental budget is 200-300 dollars, you shouldn't expect too much. These apartments are often in less than ideal condition, as the owners usually don't take much care of them. These apartments exist only to bring money, not for the comfort of tenants.

💸 If your budget allows you to consider housing from 500 dollars and above, the search will be easier, but even here not everything is so simple. It is important to consider many factors, such as the possible presence of unwanted neighbors in the form of insects or rodents, the proximity of noisy bars or cafes, and the general living conditions. You'll have a better chance of finding a decent option, but it pays to check all the details carefully before signing a contract.

📄 To avoid unpleasant surprises and make the right choice, I recommend reading my article "How to find accommodation in Vietnam", where I talk in detail about the pitfalls and nuances of renting. There you will find everything you need to know to make your accommodation comfortable and pleasant.

7. Waiting for quick service

⏳ In Vietnam, people have a very different attitude to time and work. If you are used to fast service, you will have to revise your expectations a bit here. Vietnamese appreciate "smoothness" and often take their time, whether in work, socializing, or just in life. Of course, in fancy restaurants or expensive establishments you will be served quickly and efficiently, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

🍲 But in ordinary cafes, workshops or small shops everything is different. You can expect your dish or service to not be ready right away. It's just part of the local culture and it takes some getting used to. So if you're not in a hurry, you can enjoy the leisurely pace of life.

From personal experience: once I ordered fried rice with egg in a decent cafe-restaurant and continued working, expecting that in 15-25 minutes the dish would be ready. To my surprise and slight annoyance, the rice was cooked for an hour despite the fact that there were not many people in the cafe.

8. Unwillingness to bargain

💬 One common mistake in Vietnam is not wanting to bargain. Many newcomers are shy or think it will be disrespectful, but Vietnamese people, on the contrary, value the haggling process. It is not just a way to bring down the price, but an opportunity to establish a rapport and create a friendly atmosphere. So don't be afraid to engage in dialog, because sometimes it can help you save money on many different aspects of life.

9. Expectation of comfortable conditions in transportation and hotels

🚗 Expecting comfortable transportation and hotels in Vietnam can sometimes lead to surprises. Cab drivers here are not always friendly and may stop a couple of houses away from the desired place or take you a little further away. Such situations are rare, but it is better to be prepared for them. You can always ask the driver to drive closer or turn on the air conditioning.

🏨 In hotels, too, problems can arise: the reception is sometimes slow to resolve issues or offers to come back later. On rare occasions, hotels with a bad reputation may have room thefts. So choose hotels wisely and read reviews before booking.

🌟 To avoid unpleasant surprises, be wary, politely ask for your wishes to be honored and pay attention to reviews when choosing a place to stay.

10. Ignoring local rules of behavior

😅 In Vietnam, loud talking is commonplace, and if you decide to make a remark, it can look strange, to say the least. Locals are used to talking in raised tones, especially on the street, and no one pays attention to it. So, if you hear a boisterous conversation, it's better to just accept it as part of the local culture and move on.

Also, you should not forget about the rules of decorum in temples and sacred places. For example, when entering a pagoda, be sure to remove your shoes and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This is a show of respect for the local culture that the locals will appreciate as well.

Finally, don't ignore the customs of giving and receiving gifts. This is very important in Vietnam, especially in business and family relationships. Even a small gift can greatly strengthen your relationship with the locals.

Traveling or living in Vietnam can be a real adventure, but as with any new place, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected. By avoiding common mistakes, you will be able to enjoy this amazing land to the fullest, bypassing unnecessary difficulties and misunderstandings.

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