< Back Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Is the water safe to drink? Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? You will need vaccinations for hepatitis and Japanese encephalitis, but is good to check with your doctor beforehand. Also note that you should bring an extra supply of any prescription medications you take, as these might be hard to come by in Vietnam. ↑ Top Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? You can obtain international medical insurance coverage either prior to or upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City as there are international medical insurers represented in Vietnam. ↑ Top What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? Bac Si ↑ Top What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? There are a few foreign health care providers that have different things to offer. These include International SOS, Family Medical Practice, the Franco/Vietnamese Hospital and more. ↑ Top Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? If the scope of care needed is beyond what's offered at Ho Chi Minh City's foreign hospitals, an expatriate can go to Singapore or Thailand. ↑ Top What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. International SOS: 3823 6520 Family Medical Practice: 3822 7848 FV Hospital: 5411 3333 ↑ Top What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? Go to the closest local hospital, or call a foreign doctor at the above-mentioned hospitals, which all have 24/7 emergency numbers to call. It's a good idea to locate this information as soon as you move into your new home -- and before an actual emergency takes place. ↑ Top How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? "Pharmacy" in Vietnamese is Nha Thuoc Tay. They are everywhere. The international hospitals have their own pharmacies and it's recommended that you get the medication from them. If you need any special medication, please check with the hospitals before your move as to whether you can get it here or if you have to bring it with you. ↑ Top Is the water safe to drink? No. You can, however, have bottled water delivered to your home or purchase it at stores. ↑ Top IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.