How to perform essential tasks in Hanoi

Performing essential tasks in Hanoi when first looked at can be frustrating due to the lack of English spoken, however, most travellers soon learn to quickly deal with this and take it in their stride.

Probably the best way to perform essential tasks in Hanoi is with the help of a local friend or colleague who can speak Vietnamese.  There are services which are aimed at assisting foreigners perform essential tasks for free, as they earn a commission from the service provider. A service like this can come in very handy when renting an apartment, as locals have been known to charge foreigners prices at a higher price.

Renting or buying a motorbike in will significantly make life easy when performing essential tasks in Hanoi, and these can be rented for as little as 800,000 VND a month, for a small automatic bike.  A motorbike provides the freedom to travel everywhere, as there is pretty much no public transportation except for taxis or motorbike taxis, which are locally known as xe om.

Another important essential task is arranging visas and work permits.  Most expats living in Hanoi are on three-month business visas, which can be purchased online prior to arrival.  Those who work in Hanoi who require a work permit understand the difficulties of obtaining one.  This is best left to an agent who can do the running around, queuing up and dealing with the required authorities.

Shopping in Hanoi is a convenient and cheap, and there are a large number of western-style supermarkets scattered around town, such as Lotte Mart and Carrefour.  Both of these chains offer a large variety of food and household items at reasonable prices.

Most utility bills can be paid online with a credit card or through an ATM with a credit card or with internet banking.