The average salary for an English teacher in Vietnam is around $1,200 per month. This number varies depending on the school you work for, but it is generally lower than the average salary for teachers in other countries such as Thailand or Korea.
However, there are perks to teaching in Vietnam that can make up for the lower pay. For example, most people who work in Vietnam live very close to the beach and have easy access to beaches and other tourist attractions. Also, many people who teach English in Vietnam are able to use their skills to travel around Southeast Asia during their free time.
English Teacher Salary In Vietnam
How to save money teaching English in Vietnam
Now that you know how much money you could be earning as an English teacher in Vietnam, you need to know how you could start saving. While the average salary teaching English in Vietnam is handsome enough already, there’s no reason not to make it stretch. You shouldn’t only ask how much you can make teaching English in Vietnam—ask how much you can save too!
Thankfully, adopting the shrewd habits of locals will enrich your Vietnamese experience and create a more immersive experience. Whether you’re frugal by nature or you’re saving up for your next adventure, here are some ways to make the average salary teaching English in Vietnam last.
- Eat out to help out (your wallet)
bowl of pho in vietnam
We already know what you’re thinking.
This is by far the easiest route to take, because dining out in Vietnam is a delight. While you may be used to eating in to save money back home, in Vietnam you are fortunate enough to do the opposite.
A bowl of beef noodles (pho bò) or a plate of egg fried rice (com rang trung) will cost around 30k, which is £0.92 or $1.30 USD. That means, if you’re an egg fried rice fanatic earning $1500 a month, you could order up to 1729 plates (only if you really wanted to, of course).
If you’re vegan, you might opt for a plate of delicious tofu, which could cost as little as 20k or 30k. You could easily eat out for lunch and dinner without spending more than 100k.
If you’re feeling a little homesick and you’re craving comfort food from your own country, you may be turned away by the price. In cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, imported food will be significantly more expensive than the local cuisine. No one will begrudge you for indulging once in a while; however, your wallet will thank you if you stick to local food.
- Avoid shopping in tourist hotspots
While the tourist hotspots may be popular, it’s expected that things will be more expensive there. Tourists who aren’t familiar with local prices will be squeezed for as much as they possibly can. Locals will also be aware of the average salary teaching English in Vietnam, and if not, they’ll still try to sell products for as much as they can.
Thankfully, as a teacher, your local knowledge will develop and you’ll know the lay of the land. Additionally, you’ll have time to familiarize yourself with more obscure parts of the city which tourists don’t usually visit. Here, you can find hidden gems. Vintage clothes shops, cozy coffee shops, street food stalls, you name it. Spending your time and your money in these areas will go a long way.
- …If you can’t resist, haggle!
how much can i make teaching english in vietnam
Within reason, of course. No need to be stingy when you’re already making a living wage!
The tourist hotspots are hotspots for a reason. There may be many things you want to see and many cool shops, bars, or cafes there. If you do insist on shopping there, be sure to haggle with sellers. The chances are, whatever you’re trying to buy is also next door.
In Hanoi’s Old Quarter (or the 36 Streets) for example, you’ll find streets packed with identical or similar products, whether it be clothes, art, embroidery, and so on. That way, you can take your time to compare prices down the street.
There’s an unwritten rule that you could knock off around 40% from the original price if you play your cards right. If you want to maximize your bargaining potential, you should learn some Vietnamese phrases.
Instead of asking “how much?” you should ask “bao nhiêu?”. Instead of saying “too much” you can say “đắt quá”. By demonstrating a little more insight (and charisma) into the local language, the shopkeepers will be more likely to budge.
- Have the right bank account(s)
Vietnam is a cash-based society, with many shops and stalls not accepting card payments. This is why you’ll need to create a Vietnamese bank account as soon as you can. It’s likely that your recruiter or school will help you set up your Vietnamese bank account. However, this may take some time, and you’ll need enough money to live comfortably until your first paycheck.
When you’re exploring and paying for your delicious pho or spending your nights at a local bia hơi, you should think about using an international bank account. Revolut and Starling are examples of banking services where you’ll save plenty of money by avoiding significant international fees. International fees are the last thing you’ll want to worry about when you’re settling into the new culture.
- Get on your bike
bicycle leaning on a wall in vietnam
If you’re too nervous for the motorized version, this will do juuuust fine.
When you’re in Vietnam, you’ll be in awe at the amount of surging motorcycles on narrow roads. It’s mesmerizing, as well as terrifying if you’re new to the country. Motorcycles are incredibly cheap in Vietnam, and it’s an easy way to get around.
If you’re concerned about the safety of riding a motorcycle in the bustling heaving roads of Vietnam, it’s recommended that you download the app Grab. Grab is Uber’s Southeast Asian ( and much cheaper) equivalent.
You’ll have options to travel via Grab Car or Grab Bikes, and the latter will always be significantly cheaper. To ensure you have an easy transition from the airport to your accommodation, you should download it before you arrive.
If you want to go one step further, you could obtain a biking license (i.e. a CBT) and rent a bike of your own. Even by spending money to obtain a motorcycle license in your home country, you’re likely to save money in the long-term.
Renting a motorbike in Vietnam will be around 800,000 VND, £24 or $34 per month. While it’s a popular route for most expats, there are significant risks if you aren’t licensed to drive, as you won’t be covered by your insurance if you’re involved in an accident.