Q: What should I know about my Vietnamese neighbours?
Asked: Nov. 14, 2019 by: citypassguide
Answers
The relationship with your neighbours, especially if you’re an expat in Saigon is very important. Vietnamese people are naturally kind to their neighbours and it is not uncommon for them to do small favours such as paying the electricity bill for you if you are away, or share some rice if you forgot to buy it. Having said that, for every kind neighbour, there might be the nightmare who sings karaoke until 1am or puts rubbish in front of your door.
How can establish and maintain good relations with your Vietnamese neighbours?
In general, good relations with Vietnamese neighbours do not require much effort compared with other nationalities. Apart from the principle that you should treat others the way you wish to be treated and the general rules about Vietnamese culture, note the following:
››Be sure that the neighbourhood is suitable for you before buying/renting a house or flat. Go there in the evening when people return from work and use your observation skills (i.e., listen for loud karaoke).
››Say hello and goodbye to your neighbours with a sincere smile every time you meet. Show interest in their lives by asking a few questions, including questions that might seem strange for expatriates.
››If there is a dispute, be patient and firm. Don’t raise your voice or make them “lose face.” If a suitable agreement cannot be reached, ask for help from the residence management board, Tổ dân phố, or the ward’s People’s Committee. They will handle the mediation/conciliation.
››Offer your best wishes for special occasions such as Tết (and don’t forget to give some small lì xì – lucky money – for children in the family).
››Offer small gifts when returning from a long trip (not necessarily a bottle of Chanel No. 5 – it is the thought that counts).
››If invited for a meal or drink, remember it is most polite to accept the invitation.
For information on Vietnamese traditions go to Vietnamese New Year Traditions
Tags
Related
- 0 Should I learn basic Vietnamese words while living or visiting Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 How do I navigate the roads in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the different places to live in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is it like to live in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Is there a tipping culture in Vietnam?
- 0 What is the role of the family while dating in Vietnam?
- 0 How do I cross the streets in Ho Chi Minh City without getting hit?
- 0 Why do people love living in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the basic honorifics and pronouns used in Vietnam?
- 0 What's the financial aspect like when dating a local in Vietnam?
- 0 What electric sockets, plugs and adaptors are used in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Do I have to pay taxes in restaurants while in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the benefits of taking a public bus in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is it like to live in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What do we dislike about living in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 How to avoid being robbed on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is it like to live in District 2 and Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What’s it like living in Phú Nhuận District of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What’s it like living in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What to do during a blackout or power cut in Vietnam?
- 0 What’s it like living in District 4 of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What happens if I don’t pay my electricity bill while living in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What’s it like living in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Why do the Vietnamese ask personal questions?
- 0 What to consider when grabbing a cab in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 How can I catch a bus in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What’s it like living in the Bình Thạnh District of Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the different ways to call abroad in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 How is rubbish collected in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What do I need to know before driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What practices should you pay attention to when living with a Vietnamese family?
- 0 Can I recycle in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is a xe ôm?
- 0 Is ice safe to consume for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I order gas in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 How do I get drinking water in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What can I expect at a Vietnamese wedding ceremony?
- 0 How much do you have to pay for your gas cylinder in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What emergency numbers should I know in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the family stereotypes, traditions and expectations when marrying a Vietnamese person?
- 0 What are the average prices for everyday items and services in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What parks are in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What are the common confusions for foreigners and first time residents when it comes to VND banknotes in Vietnam?
- 0 What is the climate like in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is the quality of high-speed internet connection in Ho Chi Minh city?
- 0 How do you get Internet access and TV access in your house in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can you find an Evangelical Christian Church in Saigon?
- 0 What is the code of conduct in pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What is unique about the ”a high dias” or Cao Đài religion in Vietnam?
- 0 What are the main religions in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find a Mormon Church in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can you find famous pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find famous churches in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What can I do if I forgot something in a taxi while in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can you find an English Catholic mass in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find the two important Cao Đài shrines in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 What attractions are there in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find Muslim mosques in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find a Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I find a Jewish synagogue in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Where can I buy a SIM card in Ho Chi Minh City?
- 0 Is Ho Chi Minh City a safe place to live?
- 0 Where to go if I encounter a road accident in Ho Chi Minh City?