Ralph in Nha Trang: "The Vietnamese lifestyle is relaxed and friendly"

Where are you from, Ralph, and what are you doing nowadays?

I'm from Australia. I used to work in the Australian public service. Nowadays, I am living in contented retirement in Nha Trang.

Why did you choose to move to Vietnam ?

After marrying my Vietnamese wife in 2002, we decided that it was cheaper and easier to live in Vietnam.

What were the procedures to follow for an Australian national to move there?

Most long-term expatriates use business visas which are now renewable every three months, but they have to leave the country first. For my part, I use family visit visas which are renewable each year without having to leave Vietnam.

How long have you been in the country?

I have lived in Vietnam most of the time since 2002.

What has attracted you to Nha Trang ?

My wife comes from Nha Trang. The climate is good and the people friendly. Nha Trang also has fine beaches, and these days it has the facilities of a bigger city.

Was it difficult to find accommodation there? What are the types of accommodation which are available there?

As a tourist city, Nha Trang has all types of accommodation, ranging from cheap hostels all the way up to five star hotels and specialist resorts. Foreigners looking for long-term accommodation should inquire with other expatriates who may know good value houses and flats that are available for rent.

How do you find the Vietnamese lifestyle?

The Vietnamese lifestyle is relaxed and friendly.

Have you been able to adapt yourself to the country and to its society?

I have liked Vietnam and its people ever since my first visit to Vietnam as a soldier in 1968. Vietnam is now at peace and is an express train heading towards the future. It is easy to adapt and live here.

What does your every day life look like in Nha Trang?

I look after my wife and daughter and relax, relax, relax... I don't need to do much if I chose not to.

What has surprised you the most at your arrival?

When I first arrived in Vietnam in 1968, what surprised me most was poverty. Having been to Vietnam so many times over the years and watched Vietnam modernize, nothing surprised me anymore when I decided to come and live here.

Any particular experience you would like to share with us?

Sunrise and sunset on Halong Bay are simply spectacular.

What is your opinion on the cost of living in Nha Trang? Is it easy for an expat to live there?

The cost of living depends on your lifestyle. My wife and I live very comfortably on around US$ 800 a month. I'm sure it would be easy to spend double that amount without too much trouble. A Yorkshire friend of mine who lives out in the countryside with his Vietnamese wife lives on only $200 a month, but I want to enjoy life a bit more than that.

How do you spend your leisure time?

During the day, I might take the dog for a walk, cycle, swim, do some household chores or take my wife out for an outing. In the evening, I might have a few beers with friends or family, watch TV, read, surf the internet, or go to aikido training.

Your favorite dishes?

Cha gio - Saigon rolls (always listed incorrectly as spring rolls on menus)
Goi cuon - cold salad in rice paper rolls
Banh cuon - soft rice rolls filled with meat, with salad
Bun thit nuong - rice noodles with charcoal grilled pork and salad
Pho bo- beef noodle soup, Vietnam's gift to international cooking.

What are the differences between life in Vietnam and in Australia?

It is so much cheaper to live in Vietnam, and this takes most of the stress out of life. Almost everyone seems to be relaxing up here, to the point where I often ask myself, "Who does the work in this country?".

Do you miss your home country?

I did when I was here in the Australian Army during the war period. I used to missed bush-walking when I first moved here to live, but not any more.

Would like to give any advice to soon-to-be expatriates?

Research first, and then visit Vietnam to see if it is good for you. Go to several cities to see which one suits you best. You must learn to stay alive on the roads, which are frightening. If you do decide to stay here for a long-term, learn the Vietnamese language. You will then see many doors opening up for you.

What are your plans for the future?

My wife and I will take our daughter back to Australia for a few years to improve her English. We will then come back here and send her to international school in Nha Trang.