Apart from housing, choosing household help may be one of the biggest decisions you make when settling into life in Hanoi.
For approximately $200–$1000 USD per month, many families hire local household support either a few days per week or full-time. Depending on your needs, they may assist with:
cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and floors,
laundry and ironing,
tidying bedrooms and making beds,
grocery shopping and household errands,
cooking meals (either following your preferences or preparing local dishes),
paying bills and helping manage household tasks,
contact local service providers if issues arise with electricity, water, internet, or other services.
Some families also hire help for childcare or choose to employ a nanny.
Depending on your lease agreement, your apartment building may already include basic cleaning services a few times per week. In that case, you can decide whether you would also like additional support, such as a nanny, cook, or house manager.
House managers who speak strong English often charge higher rates. However, many non-English-speaking helpers work very successfully with expat families using translation apps or with assistance from a friend or relative who can help translate when needed.
One helpful tradition at UNIS Hanoi is that departing teachers often pass along trusted recommendations for household help. This helps maintain a network of reliable and experienced people within the UNIS community.
A good house manager or nanny can become not only practical support, but also a valuable resource in helping you navigate daily life in Hanoi.
You can find recommendations from UNIS staff in the sheet below. Once you arrive, you can begin reaching out and arranging interviews.
House Helpers for Hire (26-27)