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Expat life in Vietnam made easier by new concierge service
| Published: | 27 Feb at 6 PM |
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Tagged: Jobs
Expats in Vietnam will now find life in an unfamiliar city far easier, thanks to a new city concierge service launched in Hanoi and Saigon.
Although it’s now a popular destination for expatriates looking for new jobs and new experiences, it has to be admitted Vietnam is not the most straightforward of expat locations, especially for new arrivals. However, getting used to living in this fascinating country is now much easier due to Chameleon City, a new ‘city concierge’ service first unveiled in 2016 in Hanoi and now operative in Saigon as well.
It’s a simple, straightforward 24-7 lifesaver for both new and more experienced expats living and working in the country’s two major cities. Individuals as well as companies can sign up, after which a 24-7 helpline connects the enquirer with one of a team of ‘experts’ who’ll provide answers to a range of queries. The team is made up of long-term expats and English-speaking Vietnamese, all of whom are happy to help.
The charge for individuals is $19 per month, and new arrivals can often save that amount easily by using the service. There are, of course, informal expat networks in both cities, but Chameleon City’s draw is its 24/7 availability as well as its usefulness in answering delicate questions newly arrived expats might not want to share with recently met acquaintances.
According to the group’s founder, Petra Petracca, having a diverse mix of locals and foreigners is part of the idea’s success, as locals know everything there is to know about the cities, and expats can offer an international perspective to enquirers. Chameleon City is proving especially popular with corporate clients employing a number of foreign workers, as it demystifies Vietnam’s cultural aspects as well as the day-to-challenges experienced by new arrivals.
The company is US-registered and is planning to expand to a number of other Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Their market research shows there’s a need for their service in Western countries as well, and the digital age gives them freedom to work almost anywhere.
Although it’s now a popular destination for expatriates looking for new jobs and new experiences, it has to be admitted Vietnam is not the most straightforward of expat locations, especially for new arrivals. However, getting used to living in this fascinating country is now much easier due to Chameleon City, a new ‘city concierge’ service first unveiled in 2016 in Hanoi and now operative in Saigon as well.
It’s a simple, straightforward 24-7 lifesaver for both new and more experienced expats living and working in the country’s two major cities. Individuals as well as companies can sign up, after which a 24-7 helpline connects the enquirer with one of a team of ‘experts’ who’ll provide answers to a range of queries. The team is made up of long-term expats and English-speaking Vietnamese, all of whom are happy to help.
The charge for individuals is $19 per month, and new arrivals can often save that amount easily by using the service. There are, of course, informal expat networks in both cities, but Chameleon City’s draw is its 24/7 availability as well as its usefulness in answering delicate questions newly arrived expats might not want to share with recently met acquaintances.
According to the group’s founder, Petra Petracca, having a diverse mix of locals and foreigners is part of the idea’s success, as locals know everything there is to know about the cities, and expats can offer an international perspective to enquirers. Chameleon City is proving especially popular with corporate clients employing a number of foreign workers, as it demystifies Vietnam’s cultural aspects as well as the day-to-challenges experienced by new arrivals.
The company is US-registered and is planning to expand to a number of other Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Their market research shows there’s a need for their service in Western countries as well, and the digital age gives them freedom to work almost anywhere.
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