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Hi all,
I'll be heading to Hanoi in a few weeks and I'll be living / working there for at least five months. I'm starting to think about what to pack and I was just wondering if any of you have packing regrets?
ie. "Dammit! Why didn't I bring my *insert desired item here* with me??!" Or maybe even something along the lines of "What the hell was I thinking packing *insert stupid item here*??!"
Cheers,
Jess
packing (add tags) Why? Details of tags
answered about 13 months ago by Stosskraft
Just about anything you need can be found in Hanoi. If you wear larger size clothes then bring a good supply, but it is easier and cheaper to get things custom made for you here. For guys it does seem hard to find decent boxer shorts but that is the only thing I have have trouble finding. Also if you have specific reading habits you may want to have family of friends send over any reading material you want (ie. magazine subscriptions). For packing ideas, try to go light and buy what you need here. Also try to bring some personal stuff and small unique gifts from home, stuff that is unique to your country. It doesn't need to be expensive but these little gifts can have a big meaning for many of your Vietnamese friends and co-workers.
answered about 13 months ago by sandyg
I totally agree with all of the above but just wanted to add that sometimes I find it difficult to get shoes and other friends with slightly larger feet have said the same - not sure about mens but for womens it seems to be the case - you can get them made but sometimes you just want to be able to buy them off the shelf.
answered about 13 months ago by kristen
if you have a shoes size over 8 (38 EU) then bring shoes from home. only up to C for bras too. also, if you're particular about lotions, bring a good supply as well. it's really hard to find good moisturizer here that isn't whitening and isn't 40$. bring a good pair of slippers too, as tile floors are really cold (if you are renting a house). i underestimated how cold it would feel here. at night on a motorbike i need to wear a scarf and a warm jacket, so if you don't want to invest in new cold weather clothes, bring them from home (as they can be a bigger investment).
answered about 13 months ago by cheapie
I agree with Kristen on the drugstore stuff (for the other suggestion.. well, I'm no Marv Albert). It is really difficult to find lotion, and the winter here, even though it's damp, gives me dry skin for some reason. Also, five months means you should think about sunblock. If you like a particular brand, then bring it. It is very easy to find the gloopy stuff, but if you like the dry or sport type, then bring your own. Same story for your preferred over the counter pharmaceuticals, such as vitamins or whatnot.
answered about 13 months ago by Tamvong
Vitamins if you take them and warm jammies if you're here before April.
answered about 13 months ago by aussiejess
Great, thanks for those answers guys :) I guess you'll be seeing me more around the traps when I arrive in Hanoi! Jess
