What I Got Right (and Wrong) In My First Week Here

I thought I’d prepared for my move to Vietnam. But in my first week, I learned preparation only takes you so far.

The Visa Debacle

The trip started with a hiccup at Manchester airport. The check-in staff weren’t thrilled that I didn’t have a return ticket. I handed over my visa approval letter (since I was collecting the actual visa on arrival in HCMC), but they weren’t impressed.

They warned me it could be fake, that immigration might not let me in, or that I’d need to buy an onward flight on the spot. Their final advice? Don’t show the letter at all. At the time, I thought: well, they must know best.

So I did as they said. I landed, kept the letter tucked away, and immigration waved me straight through. They gave me a one-month visa, and I walked away thinking, brilliant, problem sorted.

Except… it wasn’t. Because future me is now (literally) paying the price, having to fly out of the country just to sort out the visa mess I accidentally created. But that’s a story for another day.

Grab to the Rescue

My company had promised me a shuttle, but it never showed. The thing is, when you walk out of Tan Son Nhat airport, you’re immediately surrounded by drivers offering “taxi, taxi!” and it’s easy to feel like a lost tourist.

Because I had Grab already downloaded, I saw straight away that my ride wasn’t coming, skipped the haggle, and ordered a car in minutes. No drama, no stress, no standing in the rain clutching my suitcase. Honestly, a lifesaver.

Download Zalo Early

Another app worth getting before you arrive: Zalo. It’s Vietnam’s go-to for messaging, especially with landlords, agents, and sometimes colleagues.

People may use WhatsApp here, but for anything practical, Zalo is the default. It’s not glamorous, but if you want to get things done, you’ll need it.

The eSIM That Saved Me

One thing I did get right: buying an eSIM before flying out.

It meant I landed with working data—no faffing about at the airport, no desperate hunt for WiFi. Honestly, that small decision made my first few days so much easier.

Phone Safety

Of course, the downside of having data is carrying your phone everywhere. Guidebooks love to warn you about motorbike snatches, and yes, it’s a real risk.

But you can’t exactly navigate a new city without Google Maps. My fix was simple: a cheap strap that clips onto my case. Not chic, but neither is losing your phone on day one.

Finding a Flat

Housing was surprisingly smooth. My company covered a hotel for the first week, but I started flat hunting almost immediately.

I found a great agency who actually listened to what I wanted (including my oddly specific request for somewhere near a running spot). They were professional, patient, and even took me for coffee between viewings. No pressure, no scams—just a straightforward process, which I honestly hadn’t expected.

The Sandal Situation

My sandals survived the move just fine, but here’s the thing, not all of them will.

If you’re like me and like to walk everywhere, you’ll want sandals that can handle both distance and weather. Saigon has a rainy season that doesn’t give much warning, it can be blazing hot one minute and absolutely throwing it down the next.

So, take it from me, bring sturdy sandals that can cope with long walks, sudden downpours, and a lot of humidity. Cute holiday flip-flops and trainers won’t cut it here.

Jet Lag Reality

I thought I’d breeze through jet lag and head straight out exploring. Instead, the combination of heat, humidity, and time difference knocked me flat.

In the end, I realised there was no prize for powering through. The city isn’t going anywhere. Pace yourself, take naps, drink water.

Looking back, my first week wasn’t flawless. But that’s the point: you don’t come here to have everything figured out from day one. You come here to figure it out as you go. And every small challenge—whether it’s a missing shuttle, a cut-up foot, or a sleepless night—turns into part of the story.

In the end, the chaos isn’t what makes Saigon hard, it’s what makes it unforgettable.

With love from Saigon,
Anaïs