Relocation guide vietnam by Ben Quinton

Relocation Guide: Vietnam Our guide to living and working overseas

Vietnam Overview

Vietnam is a treat for the senses; it is beautiful, frenetic and fascinating. The Vietnamese are friendly and generous, and travelling the country is a delight. The cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are both chaotic and captivating: the capital Hanoi is the focus for arts in Vietnam and has been since its foundation in the year 1010, while Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by locals, is the business hub, but no less interesting. The imperial city of Hue offers a well-preserved insight in to Vietnam’s proud past.

Electricity: 220/110 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin flat plugs are used. Timezone: GMT +7 Area: 331,689 sq km (128,066 sq miles) Population Density: 261.9 per sq km Capital: Hanoi Language: Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, occasionally Russian and German Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hoa Hao, Caodaist, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) Population: 86,900,000

Life in urban Vietnam is conducted on the streets. In bia hoi’s (pavement pubs) men sup ice-cold beer and nibble on boiled quails eggs. Along nearly all the moped-clogged streets, produce is sold. Tubs wriggle with live sturgeon, crabs and frogs (still a delicacy from French colonial days), baskets are top heavy with colourful and bizarre fruit, and every possible cut of a pig is on sale. Rural Vietnam is entirely different. Just

a short distance from the cities, water buffalo wallow in green rice paddies and elegant women wearing traditional conical headwear cycle along dusty paths. Vietnam’s remarkable geography, from the lush Mekong Delta in the south to the remote Sapa valleys in the north, demonstrates a traditional way of life.

Oil and Gas in the Region

Over the course of two decades, Vietnam has emerged as an important regional producer of oil and natural gas in Southeast Asia. The country has boosted exploration activities, allowed greater foreign company involvement in the oil and gas sectors, and introduced market reforms aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s energy industry. While these efforts have helped Vietnam expand production, domestic consumption of these resources has also increased as a result of rapid economic growth. The country’s GDP has grown by an average 7.3% over the last ten years. Half of Vietnam’s domestic energy consumption comes from oil, with hydropower (20%), coal (18%), and natural gas (12%) supplying the remainder.

Geography

Vietnam lies in the tropics and is mostly agricultural with a central tropical rainforest. The ‘S’-shaped country shares borders to the north with the People’s Republic of China and to the west with Laos and Cambodia. The eastern and southern shores are lapped by the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Northern Vietnam is dominated by the Red River plains that bisect Hanoi, and the Lo and Chay rivers. To the north and west of Hanoi are green hilly areas; particularly well known is the Sapa Valley. East of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay features a stunning natural formation of more than 3,000 limestone islands jutting sharply out of the South China Sea. To the south is

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the Mekong River and its fertile plain that governs the geography and consequently the rice industry. Among the plains, in the middle of the thin country and to the southwest are the highlands, where farmers grow rubber, tea and coffee.

Climate

The climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south. Tropical monsoons occur from October to April in the north and south and from May to September in the centre, this is when most of the country’s rain falls. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. It can get exceptionally hot, but the north has a cooler time between October and April. It is best to travel between the shifting of seasons. Temperatures around the country often reach 40°C in the height of the hot and rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and Hanoi can often seem chilly in the winter. Wear loose, natural fabrics all year, but warmer clothing is required in the highlands, and in the winter in North Vietnam. Rainwear is essential during the wet season.

Social Etiquette

Handshaking and a vocal greeting is normal. Clothing should be kept simple, informal and discreet. Avoid shorts if possible as they are usually only worn by children. Footwear should be removed when entering Buddhist pagodas. Vietnamese people should not be touched on the head.

Business Etiquette

Smart lightweight casuals would usually be worn for meetings as suits are needed for only the most formal occasions. English is not spoken by all officials and a knowledge of French will be useful. Business cards should have a Vietnamese translation on the back. Appointments are required and should be made several weeks in advance. The © Air Energi 2013

Vietnamese are punctual and expect others to be so too. Dress conservatively. Handshakes are used upon meeting and departing. Handshakes only usually take place between members of the same sex. Some Vietnamese use a two-handed shake, with the left hand on top of the right wrist. Always wait for a woman to extend her hand. If she does not, bow your head slightly. Hierarchy and face manifest in different ways within business meetings. For example, the most senior person should always enter the room first. Silence is also common in meetings where someone disagrees with another but remains quiet so as to not cause a loss of face. Relationships are critical to successful business partnerships so always invest time in building a good relationship based on both personal and business lines. Any initial meeting should be solely used as a “getting to know you” meeting. Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go through a lot of red tape and also group consultation, so it pays to be patient. Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honour of your business associates - something with your company logo or something typical from your country both make excellent gifts. Office hours: Mon-Fri 07:30-08:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:30/17:00. Some offices are open on Saturday mornings.

Currency

Dông (VND; symbol ₫). Notes are in denominations of ₫500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of ₫5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. The US Dollar is the most favoured foreign currency, and many menus and shops will quote prices in dollars. Australian, British, Japanese, Singaporean and Thai currency,

as well as the Euro, can usually be changed in the larger cities; great difficulty may be encountered in trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a commission charge for changing money in banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Credit Cards and ATMs

An increasing number of outlets accept MasterCard and Visa. However, outside main towns and cities, it is wise to carry cash. There are ATMs in many major towns, but not in rural areas.

Banking Hours Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00.

Import Restrictions

The following items may be freely imported into Vietnam by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty: • 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco. • 200 cigarettes. • 2l of alcohol • A reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings. Note: Foreign currency over US$3,000 has to be declared on arrival, but the amount is unlimited.

Prohibited Imports

The importation of non-prescribed drugs, firearms, anti-government literature and pornography is prohibited. CD and tapes may be kept for screening and then returned after a few days.

Drug Laws

Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities. You should be aware that drugs are likely to have been ‘tampered with’ or spiked. Drug trafficking and possession carries heavy penalties, including the death penalty, which is enforced in Vietnam.

Health

Vaccinations

Regulations can change at short notice. Please seek medical advice before you travel. Vaccination Required? Diphtheria Hepatitis A Malaria Rabies Tetanus Typhoid Yellow Fever

Yes Yes Seek advice* Seek advice* Yes Yes No*

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from area with risk of yellow fever transmission..

Other Risks

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised. Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have led to over 50 reported human fatalities. As a precaution, travellers should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. Dengue Fever is endemic to Vietnam and can occur throughout the year. There is no vaccination. There has recently been an increase in the number of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Vietnam due to some unseasonal periods of heavy rain, and there have been a number of serious cases, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Bring a small first-aid-kit. Your personal kit must have solution to stomachache, headache and dehydration. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, as It is difficult to find and expensive. Additionally, the dust rate in the air is quite high in industrial cities; it is advisable you wear a dust mask on some occasions, for instance if cycling or travelling on dusty roads.

Health Care

There are excellent hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and health care centres in all provinces, but facilities are limited and there is a lack of medicines. Note that not many pharmacists can communicate in English. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation by air. Immediate cash payment is expected for services.

Emergency Numbers Police: 113 Fire Brigade: 114 Ambulance: 115 International SOS: 9340555 Vietnam International Hospital: (24-hr): 5740740

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Food and Drink

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. The HCMC and Hanoi Health Departments have suspended bottled water producers for violating regulations on safety and hygiene. Some bottles were found to contain Pseudomonas aerugionosa bacteria, which can cause infections and sepsis in humans. Unpasteurised milk should be boiled. However, pasteurised milk is widely available now. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Vietnamese cooking is varied and usually superb. It is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French traditions, with a plethora of regional variations. As in all countries of the region, rice or noodles usually provide the basis of a meal. Not surprisingly, fish is cheap and plentiful.

National specialties:

• Breakfast is often congee (rice porridge) or a meaty noodle soup locally known as Pho. • Nem (spring rolls: pork mixed with noodles, eggs and mushrooms wrapped in rice paper, fried and served hot). • Banh chung (glutinous rice, pork and onions wrapped in large leaves and cooked for up to 48 hours, to be eaten cold at any time). • nuoc mam (Vietnamese dishes are not complete without this fermented fish sauce). • Bun cha, (grilled pork, cold rice noodles, deep fried rolls and a big bowl of salad leaves).

National drinks:

• • • •

Green tea is refreshing and available everywhere. Lotus tea is an important ritual and strong in caffeine. Coffee: The French culinary legacy embraces rich, filter coffee, usually brewed on the table in front of the customer. Bia Hoi (local draught beer available at street stalls everywhere. It is not only cheap, but free of additives.) Rice wine is also a favourite throughout the country. It is generally extremely potent.

Transport

Public Transport

There are local bus services in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi. It is also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorised version also exists). Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but it is welcomed. Hopping on the back of a moto (moped) is the cheapest way to travel, if you have the 3

stomach for the crazy driving. Agree the price first and make sure they have a helmet.

Coach and Bus

Services are often poor and overcrowded, although long-distance buses are sometimes more modern and air-conditioned. Saigon Passenger Transport Company tel: (08) 920 3623 or 829 7278 operates inter-province services from Ho Chi Minh City. Otherwise go in person to the bus station in advance to purchase tickets.

Roads throughout Vietnam are designated by numbers and the main north to south route is Highway 1 connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City. In theory, traffic drives on the right but in practice drivers take the most direct path avoiding the many thousands of bicycles, motorbikes and animals wandering along the road. Regulations: Seat belts are not compulsory in Vietnam. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are required for long-term residents.

Car Hire

Rail

Express long-distance trains are faster than local services, more reliable and more comfortable. Although a few carriages now have air conditioning, facilities are still short of international standards. The main rail route connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the journey can take between 30 and 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang and Lao Cai. Contact Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 942 2770; www. vr.com.vn for more information. Tickets should be bought at railway stations.

Driving

The road network throughout Vietnam is reasonable but the standard of the roads varies dramatically from good to appalling.

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It is possible to hire chauffeur-driven cars from travel companies. Self-drive car hire is non-existent.

Main Airports

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

35km (21 miles) north of Hanoi. To/from the airport: Buses and metered taxis are available to Hanoi with a journey time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Facilities: Cafes, shops, duty-free and bureau de change.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) 7km (4.5 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. To/from the airport: Metered taxis are

available with a journey time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes into the city. Facilities: Snack bar, shops, duty-free and bureau de change. Departure Tax: At Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh: US$14. At Da Nang: US$8.

Main Sea Ports

Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Haiphong, Da Nang. International cruise facilities are available. There is a ferry service from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta and tickets can be booked through local travel agents or at the dock. In additional there is a service from Can Tho to Phnom Penh offered by Tourism & Passenger Ship Company Vinasin (tel: (071) 888 960).

Accommodation Serviced Apartments

There is a full range of accommodation options to suit most budgets. The biggest cities also have high quality serviced apartments. A one room studio, probably in a guesthouse or similar, can be had for around US$400 per month and would include aircon, hot shower, cable TV and WiFi Internet. This would probably only be suitable if you’re on your own. If you go any cheaper than this, you’ll be approaching backpacker status. Economic growth invariably brings with it more expensive accommodation and recent years have seen housing costs in the expatriate sector being driven up by high demand. Larger apartments start at around US $1000 - 1,500 with a couple of bedrooms. Serviced apartments in prime central locations start at around US$3000 and can

be in excess of US$ 10,000 per month. These are best for expats on short term contracts, or where the longevity of their stay is uncertain. You will also benefit from good security. To summarise, accommodation in the major cities can be as expensive as you want it to be and expatriates often end up paying far higher than average rates.

Hotels

In the major towns, there is a full range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have excellent standard hotels and international chains such as Hilton www.hilton.com Sofitel www.sofitel.com and Movenpick www. moevenpick-hotels.com with the facilities expected in 4 to 5 star hotels such as air conditioning, room service, swimming pool, health club and good restaurants. Even in budget accommodations, for less than US$20 a night you can expect a TV and air conditioning and a very clean room. There are also a number of beach resorts with deluxe hotels in excellent locations - the most well known is the Nam Hai near Hoi An www.thenamhai.com. Most towns frequented by tourists have at least one good standard hotel, although it may not always have facilities such as swimming pool or room service. Visit http://www.businessin-asia.com/vietnam/costs_of_living_ vietnam.html for more information.

Communications

Telephone / Mobile phone

Country code: 84. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone

companies. Coverage is available throughout large parts of the country. Internet Internet cafes are widely available throughout the country.

Postal Service

Postal services can be slow. Airmail to Europe can take up to three weeks. Post office hours: Daily 07:00-21:00.

Education and Schools

The school system in Vietnam as in many other countries is strong on symbolism and weak on substance. Students who were graded ‘level A’ in English studies when asked simple questions sometimes will stare or smile and answer in such a way that one would think the student never studied English at all. The student will be happy to produce a large certificate of completion from a local public school but in reality be totally unprepared for a productive life. The public schools while long on seemingly conservative teachings (uniforms and many rules) in fact fall far short of the mark for educating the children to compete later in life. The same holds true for some of the very expensive International Schools. All this creates a void in the education system and a few of these International Schools are taking steps to ensure the availability of a quality education, albeit for a price, and the Vietnamese are becoming highly aware of the competitive nature of the new global environment and what they lack in available mainstream schools they are making up for with extra hours spent reading, online and in local book stores and private schools.

Visa Information

It is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam. A Vietnamese entry visa is required for all foreigners wishing to visit Vietnam except citizens of countries having visa exemption. Cost of visas and validity of visas are very complex and subject to frequent change. It is therefore advisable to contact the consular section at the embassy before any travel to Vietnam. Tourist visas are valid for one month from proposed date of entry. Visas can usually be extended for another month, at extra cost, in the larger towns.

Nightlife

Vietnam definitely isn’t Thailand when it comes to the nightlife, but Ho Chi Minh City has a vast range of bars, clubs, live music venues and restaurants from gloomy little establishments to some rather upmarket venues. Hanoi’s nightlife is on the up, and there is an increasingly good selection of bars and restaurants, although the city can still seem a little quiet after 22:00 when a government curfew comes into effect. It is rarely enforced, and some after-hours bars can be found. Elsewhere there are bars and

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restaurants but the choice is limited. The bia hois (pavement pubs) offer the best social experience and the friendly locals will often talk to visitors. Food and snacks such as boiled quail’s eggs are also usually available. Government restrictions mean that venues are unable to stay open very late and there are occasional police raids should a bar flout the unspecified regulations. Imported drinks are considerably more expensive than local ones, and alcohol sold in the more upmarket places is even more expensive again. There is never any entrance fee to bars, but nightclubs generally charge around US$5. The dress code is very relaxed with no restrictions on jeans or trainers. Gambling is illegal in Vietnam for the Vietnamese but is allowed by foreign passport holders.

Pets

Each pet should be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with it’s own scanner attached to the top of the crate. All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain – some are good for two years, others are only good for one. This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine. Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001)– This is 5

the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA accredited Veterinarian. Must be issued within 10 days of the flight. USDA Endorsement: The above referenced forms: • Microchip Implantation Record, • Rabies Certificate • Vet Health Certificate Must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your local representative on the best way of handling this.

Shopping

Vietnam is a bargain hunter’s paradise and the streets are awash with shops selling all manner of items. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is particularly excellent for visitors, with shops selling clothes, gold, embroidered tablecloths and handbags. Markets are always great places to enjoy the local flavour and buy souvenirs. Silk goods are particularly prominent, however the quality can differ vastly. Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan market in Hanoi are worth a visit. Local specialities include lacquer painting, reed mats, embroidery, tailor-made ao dais (female national costume) and mother-ofpearl inlay on ornaments and furniture, not to mention the ubiquitous conical hat. Water puppets are also popular and great cheap souvenir.

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The hill tribes of the Central Highlands and the north of the country now sell colourful woven bags and clothing, often from cooperatives of women workers. Good souvenirs are marble figurines and vases, ceramics from Bat Trang village, silk paintings and hand-painted greetings cards. VAT is included on most items sold, but at the moment there is no system for foreign visitors to be able to claim this back. Bargaining is expected in markets and many souvenir shops. Shopping hours: Daily 08:00-21:00.

Taxation

Individual income is subject to a progressive tax ranging from 0% to 50%. For corporations with not foreign-owned capital, the top rate is 32%. For companies with foreign-owned caption the top rate is 25%. Indirect taxes include a turnover tax ranging up to 30% of gross receipts; a special sales tax on tobacco products, spirits, beer, and other items ranging from 15–100%; royalty taxes from 1–20% in most cases, and customs duties. A value-added tax (VAT) was introduced in 2000 with a rate of 10%.

Tipping

Tipping is now quite customary, especially in tourist areas. Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a 5 to 10% service charge to the bill.

Tra vel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/ or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the© Air Energi 2013

counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Lost Luggage

Your health on long-haul flights

Personal Safety

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!

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If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mal account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Malaria Awareness The Mosquito - Disease Carrier

Mosquitoes transmit the viruses responsible for yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, several forms of encephalitis and, most famously, malaria. Mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever there is standing water, ponds, salt water marshes, or even puddles and discarded containers. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they require blood to produce their eggs.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most deadly strain being plasmodium falciparum. The mosquito unwittingly transmits this parasite when biting its victim. These parasites then spread to the liver where they take one to four weeks to multiply. Once mature, they spread throughout the red blood cells resulting in the first symptoms - a flu-like fever, which, if left untreated will lead to liver failure, coma and ultimately, death.

Symptoms

Malaria symptoms are very similar to flu, however you may not suffer from all of them: • • • • • •

High Fever Headache Vomiting General ill feeling Muscle and joint aches Jaundice / yellow skin tone

Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have any symptoms that could be malaria. Ensure that you can get to medical facilities 24 hours a day, and know your options when in developing countries. Bear in mind that once malaria symptoms strike, you will not feel like travelling very far. Malaria can kill within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Risk Areas

Mosquitoes have been found all over the world, however not all mosquitos carry malaria. The countries below are malaria hotspots, if you are travelling to them, it is necessary to take medicinal precautions. Malaria is one of mankind’s oldest known killers, dating back almost 5000 years.

What attracts mosquitoes?

• Carbon Dioxide - we exhale it when we breathe and also secrete it from our pores. • Fragrances such as deodorant, soap, shower gel, even cosmetics on the skin • Body heat and sweat • Dark Coloured clothing 7

Repel Mosquitoes

• Cover up after dusk. • Use a repellant on your skin. • Close doors and windows at night. • Avoid lingering near stagnant water. ponds, lakes, and old containers are breeding grounds. • If you are out after dusk, wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers in a closely woven fabric and cover feet with socks. • If you must wear thin clothing, buy a fabric friendly insect repellent, as mosquitoes will bite through the fabric.

On Skin

Choose insect repellents with DEET, on any exposed skin highly effective against all biting insects. Do not put your trust in products without DEET, no known natural remedies have been scientifically proven to provide a barrier for your skin. When visiting countries high in temperature or humidity, choose a repellent with 50% DEET protection, as humidity coupled with sweating will evaporate the repellent and reduce its effectiveness. Read labels carefully and do not be complacent with re-application.

Aroma Repellants

• Buy a pyrethroid coil or a plug-in insecticide. • Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella are natural fly repellents. It is not recommended that you rely on them as their potency wears off quickly, but they may be of use alongside the above. • Ultrasonic devices and bug ‘zappers’ are not effective against mosquitoes • Make sure window and door screens are intact so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Mosquito Nets

If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, a mosquito net is advised. Nets come in a range of mesh weaves - choose wisely depending on your situation. Heavy-duty nets get hot and uncomfortable, whereas others may not offer enough protection, so do some careful research into the climate your are going to be in. A permethrin spray can be used on a mosquito net and sometimes clothing. It will instantly kill any mosquito that lands on it. This, coupled with a skin repellant creates a formidable barrier.

minimise allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter for the first time.

If you think you have Malaria

Seek advice from a medical professional to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for your needs. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for emergency treatment. If you go to an area where a wellequipped hospital cannot be reached within 24 hours, take emergency medicines with you.

Precaution Summary • Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed • Screen doors and windows • Sleep under a mosquito net • Spray your room with insecticide • Wear long trousers and sleeves after dusk • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors

Awareness

of the risk of malaria if you are travelling to a foreign country.

ites Avoid bites and reduce the chances of getting malaria.

omply with the appropriate drug regimen for the area you are visiting.

iagnosis Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective.

Antimalarial Drugs

There are several different types of medication depending on such factors as area to be visited, length of stay, type of travel, your own medical history and drugs you may already be taking. Highly sensitive persons may consider antihistamines to www.airenergi.com

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam? Yes we will make these arrangements for you in advance and keep you informed at all times. Do I need a local bank account? Most banks offer a ‘migrant account’ while in the UK. You can transfer funds to it for your arrival. It is also useful when obtaining a driving license, or credit. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for, before you go. Will you provide medical insurance? No, you will need a personal medical insurance scheme, but we will help you where possible to set this up.

Contacts Air Energy Vietnam Ltd Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Prey Nokor, Vietnam Bến Nghé, Prey Nokor Ho Chi Minh Vietnam Phone: +848 3821 9188 Fax: +848 3821 9847 asiapacific@airenergi.com