Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic capital of the country. This relatively modern city has a rapidly expanding labour market and many job opportunities available for expatriates.
The economy of Ho Chi Minh City
The flourishing economy in Ho Chi Minh (HCMC) is mainly based on the industry, electronics, and technology sectors. The fields of agriculture, the free trade zone, and the production of construction materials also contribute to its high GDP. Local, national, and international companies are encouraged to invest more in this city, especially in the expanding areas of ICT, services, and real estate.
Lifestyle in HCMC
The lifestyle that you will experience in Ho Chi Minh City is what you make of it, but will typically be attractive to those who enjoy a thriving, fast-paced and exciting rhythm. There are plenty of shopping opportunities for mall-lovers, as well as a variety of clubs, bars and craft breweries to relax and unwind after a hard week's work.
Good to know:
To find your designer work outfits, Diamond Plaza is a great place to go. At this famous mall, you will also find a variety of leather goods and interior decor supplies. If you want work outfits for more affordable prices from European favourites such as Zara, Mango, H&M, Pull and Bear or Stradivarius, be sure to explore the Vincom Center, located near the famous Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Vietnam is well-known for its coffee culture, and HCMC is no exception. Coffee shops are plentiful around the city, many of these come with free wifi, ensuring there is always a spot for you to pop in and get some work done with a tasty hot cup of Vietnamese joe. Be careful, though! Vietnamese coffee is brewed with Robusta beans, giving even the smallest cup a big kick. If you want to ask for coffee with condensed milk and ice, which is probably the most common form, look for cà phê sữa Äá on the menu. If you don't want milk, ask for cà phê Äá .
The local labour market
Ho Chi Minh City's unemployment rate is relatively high despite the numerous job opportunities available. This is due primarily to the fact that locals do not have the required skills and competencies for certain positions. Local skill development is highly encouraged but still has a long way to go.
A sector with particularly high employment potential, for both locals and expats, is tourism and hospitality. People with the necessary skills and qualifications are invited to apply.
For those looking to teach English, there are many opportunities available, provided that you speak the language fluently and have the necessary qualifications. Some of the most popular companies to work for are EMG Education, Apollo, Compass Education, VUS, and ILA. The hours and salaries vary; some of these companies operate within the public education sector, and others are supplemental English language centres. Expats can search for jobs on Dave's ESL, Vietnam Teaching Jobs or the several Facebook groups that cater to ESL job seekers in Ho Chi Minh City.
Finding a job in HCMC
Depending on your preferred industry, it is possibly easier to find a job in Ho Chi Minh City from abroad. The company wishing to hire you will fill in all the necessary formalities to obtain an authorisation for entry. To find a job from abroad, you can search the internet or go through a recruitment agency. The Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam can also advise and assist you here.
If you are already in the country, you can check the classified ads section in local newspapers, ask your local contacts, as well as do an online search.
Useful links:
Giga Job
Career Jet
Facebook group (for ESL/TEFL jobs)
VietnamWorks
CareerLink
Career Builder
Recruit.net
Monster
Glassdoor
Robert Walters
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