Housing
Q: How many years should I or do I have to sign for in my rental contract?
A: Really, it depends on the landlord and how much you're willing to pay. Most will ask for a one-year contract; some might prefer a two-year contract, many will do a 6 month term for a higher rate. Most ask for payment in two slots of six months rent/year. However, you can often negotiate different terms, such as paying rent every three months for example.
Q: Should I live in Tay Ho or Ciputra?
A: Most teachers live in one of these two areas. UNIS is located in Ciputra, an international gated community, which is about 4-5kms away from downtown. It is safe and quiet and particularly convenient if you have a family. It is safer to let kids walk places on their own in Ciputra, and there are a few small parks, as well as the UNIS campus, at which many activities take place. It is slower-paced with a few restaurants and mini-marts. It also has fewer roosters, motorbikes, construction and barking dogs. Be aware of proximity to campus -- there are some Ciputra buildings that are a 40 minute walk from campus, and others that are a 4 minnute walk.
Central Tay Ho, the Quang An area, (located on the opposite side of the big lake named Tay Ho or "West Lake") is about a 35 minute walk or a 15-20 minute ride or bike to campus. It also about 4-5 kilometers from downtown. Many expats live here as it is a lovely blend of local culture and cosmopolitan conveniences. It is lively, with many restaurants, bars, stores, and plenty of lakeside places to hang out, including a few small parks. Many single teachers or couples choose to live here, as do some families who need a bit more action. There is serious road construction happening on some main roads, so delays and noise are more common -- unpredictably, cars may not be able to get into your street, or your 20 minute commute may take 40 minutes. It is definitely louder in general, though it depends on where you live...listen carefully when you rent your home!
In addition to Ciputra and Quang An, there are a variety of other options in the greater Tay Ho area. Take your time, look at all your options, and find the just-right combination of convenience and activity for you.
Q: Will help be offered on arrival in finding accommodation? And where will I stay on arrival before I've found something permanent?
A: There will be plenty of help offered. Do not worry! During your orientation week, there is lots of time set aside for house-hunting with the help of real estate agents who speak English. Landlords in Hanoi list their houses with these agents, and then they will take you to look at a variety in your price range. The HR department will help with this process as well, and of course if you need advice on the house or area, we will be happy to help out! For the first month in Hanoi, all new hires stay nearby at Somerset, which provides serviced apartments, while you get settled and find your own apartments/houses. This time can be extended if necessary.
Q: What can I expect to get within the housing allowance?
A: The school housing allowance is quite good. There are plenty of nice areas in Tay Ho and Ciputra. There are a variety of types of places that you can live in for the allowance, from apartments to tall Vietnamese houses with many floors. Lake views are more expensive. Apartments are often newer, but smaller and more expensive. Houses are often massive, but some are the same price as apartments. There is also a lot of variance in what is included with rent -- some properties include cleaning, wifi, and tap water in the rent; for others you will pay a building management fees and all utilities yourself. Before you sign the lease, make sure you like the neighborhood and understand fully what is or is not included in your lease. Prices are often artificially inflated in August as realtors and property owners know there is an influx of expats -- you can often get better deals if you're patient.
Q: How much does cable and broadband internet cost, roughly?
A: Internet is about 20-30 USD per month, although you can pay more if your demands are more. But often internet comes with your apartment/house. Wireless cable is often included or can be set up for you. Cable TV is cheap, and you get a few good English channels. Once again, you can pay more for larger packages and can even subscribe to extra sports channels. But a lot of teachers subscribe to Netflix, which is now in Vietnam (note that program choices vary from what may be available in your country on Netflix). If you want access to Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, etc, you will need a VPN or VPN router. (an Amzon Kindle Fire TV stick with a good VPN app will get you access to most programming).
Q: How far is downtown Tay Ho/Ciputra/UNIS? Do many people live in downtown Hanoi?
A: Depending on traffic, Tay Ho/Ciputra is about 20-30 minutes north of Hoan Kiem Lake (by taxi or motorbike), which is in the heart of downtown. It is quite rare for anyone to live downtown because of the morning/afternoon traffic and commute -- your 25 minute commute may double during peak hours.
Q: How much is it to get an apartment that would have two bedrooms? What are some other costs I should know about?
A: It depends. A basic 2-bedroom apartment can be rented from $800 and up, depending on size, age, and location. Housing can be more more expensive in Ciputra, where apartments are in high rise buildings. Overall, it depends on your needs and the location of the apartment.
Here are some typical costs per month:
House/apt: $700-1500
Electricity: $100 to $200+, depending on how much you use A/C and heat.
Internet: $30 (but often free with your rent)
Water: $15 (same as above)
Cable TV: $20 (same as above)
Phone Minutes: $10 will last you at least a month usually, depending on how much data you use
Housekeeper: $200-500 per month, depending on hours, and duties (prices increase with full time housekeeper and nanny)
The housing allowance is usually sufficient, but if you want a villa or larger apartment, you may end up going over.
Q: Is it better to get a furnished or unfurnished flat?
A: Many apartments have beds and basic furniture included, such as dining table, couch, small coffee table, refrigerator/freezer, washing machine etc. However, it can be taken out if you want to bring your bed or other stuff. It's really up to you. Furniture shops vary in price and quality. There is no IKEA in Hanoi, but JYSK and Come Home have a similar vibe, if you want to see prices for basic furniture.
Q: Is it common for singles to hire a housekeeper? If so, is it possible to hire someone part-time?
A: Definitely possible to hire a part-time helper for singles or couples. Most singles or couples in apartments hire household help for two-three days per week to do the cleaning/washing/and cooking – this is all optional and can be worked out in August when you get here. If living in a house, the help time can increase depending on the size of house. Many singles/couples share their housekeepers/cooks.
Q: Is it better to use the school address rather than a home address?
A: Some teachers receive things in the post, which often involves one's housekeeper going to pick up the parcel from the post office. Many teachers use the school postal address:
UNIS Hanoi,
G9 Ciputra, Lac Long Quan Road
Tay Ho, Hanoi 10000
Vietnam
Q: What should I note before signing the contract?
A: For your safety and protection do not sign any lease before having it reviewed by the UNIS Transport and Faculty Services Manager. UNIS offers a lease template we are encouraged to use. We will discuss in more detail on the first day of orientation before you begin house hunting.