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![Chelsea Gallagher](/images/avatars/default/avatar.png)
Chelsea Gallagher
Canadian expat in Vietnam
About me
Canadian
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City
Registration: 18 June 2024
Articles written by Chelsea Gallagher
![Choosing your neighbourhood in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827731-neighbourhood-in-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827731.jpg)
Choosing your neighbourhood may not be an easy task, especially if you are a newcomer to Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is a relatively cheap city, some neighbourhoods might be more expensive than others but offer a different vibe and lifestyle.
12 July 2019![Discovering Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827664-discover-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827664.jpg)
A question many expats may have before relocating to Ho Chi Minh City is whether or not theyll be able to adapt to the local culture. While Vietnam is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful country, its Southern capital, Ho Chi Minh City, is anything but serene.
12 July 2019![Developing your social circle in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827552-social-networking-in-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827552.jpg)
Expats young and old may fear not being able to develop a social network when they relocate to another country. While no city is the same, some are simply more buzzing than others. Luckily with their sights set on Ho Chi Minh City, they will be pleased to discover that making new friends within Saigon isn't terribly difficult.
12 July 2019![Developing your professional network in Ho Chi Minh](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827393-professional-network-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827393.jpg)
Although it may initially feel as though the majority of the expats living and working within Ho Chi Minh City are English as a Second Language teachers (ESL), thats certainly not the case. There are an incredible amount of professionals from various backgrounds located within Saigon, and with that comes the opportunity for business growth.
12 July 2019![Getting around Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827301-transport-in-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827301.jpg)
Of all the idiosyncrasies that come with living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, the commute has to be one of the most peculiar for expats who haven't traversed much of Asia before. Expats relocating to the wild and wonderful city can forget the traditional commute theyve grown accustomed to over the years, that's for sure.
12 July 2019![Buying property in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562827202-buy-property-in-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562827202.jpg)
As Vietnams economic boom continues to boost it towards global recognition, the more appealing it has become among property shareowners. Up until 2015, the nation didn't allow foreign investment whatsoever. Despite property investment being a relatively new market for Vietnam, it has quickly become one of the reasons neighbouring countries have expressed such strong interest.
12 July 2019![Adjusting to the culture in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562826917-local-culture-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562826917.jpg)
Adjusting to the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam isnt always an easy feat. Even the most seasoned travellers may find themselves taken aback at first. Vietnam within itself is an entirely different atmosphere compared to the rest of Southeast Asia; it is hectic, noisy and often looks a bit lawless. Although Ho Chi Minh City itself feels immensely more modern compared to the rest of the country, it does take a bit of time to find a balance. Here are some of my top tips for adjusting to the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City.
12 July 2019![Sports activities in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562850170-ports-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562850170.jpg)
While Ho Chi Minh City may not be the most nature-friendly city in its region, it certainly caters to sports fans. Expats relocating to Saigon will have the opportunity to participate in plenty of hiking opportunities, join a sports team and make new friends if theyre interested.
12 July 2019![Student life in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562850517-student-life-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562850517.jpg)
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to gain a reputation as a hub for engineering and telecommunications, more and more international students are looking at it as an attractive place to further their studies. While there are plenty of options for international students regarding accommodation, leisure and sports activities, it can be a bit daunting for young students to move to a new country without knowledge of the language. Here are a few tidbits for people coming to Ho Chi Minh City to study.
12 July 2019![Gastronomy in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1562851053-food-in-hcmc-v8_profile_author_articles-t1562851053.jpg)
One major benefit to living and working in Ho Chi Minh City is that its an ideal spot if youre a foodie. Often overlooked by neighbouring food hotspots like Singapore and Bangkok, Saigons restaurant scene is one of Southeast Asias best-kept secrets. While it is known internationally primarily for its street food scene, Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed full of interesting cuisines and unique restaurants that showcase this notion. Here's a roundup of the best restaurants Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.
12 July 2019![Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1528197833-accommodation-in-ho-chi-minh-city-v8_profile_author_articles-t1528197833.jpg)
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an ideal Vietnamese destination for travellers and expats. If you are moving to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), finding accommodation should not be a difficult task.
11 July 2019![Working in Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1528197327-work-in-ho-chi-minh-city-v8_profile_author_articles-t1528197327.jpg)
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.
11 July 2019![Tourist visa in Vietnam](https://www.expat.com/upload/guide/1566223954-visa-v8_profile_author_articles-t1566223954.jpg)
The tourist visa allows you to stay in Vietnam for a defined period. Find in this article useful information about visa application procedures.
17 October 2013