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First, you might want to search this site for pre-existing answers to the same question, which is often asked.

Some people will tell you to just come to Vietnam (without the correct Visa or a work permit) because "jobs are everywhere".

I like the answer this poster gave in this thread. Perhaps you will too...

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=631616

tsshapiro wrote:

Government regulations require that all foreign employees have the proper visa and work documents. This is for three reasons:

1) So immigrants from poorer countries (Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar) are not "taking" jobs from Vietnamese citizens. Same as in your country.

2) So unqualified individuals are not in a position to do societal damage. Could you imagine if Gary Glitter was teaching English to children, or the unibomber working for a de-mining operation?  Again, it's the same in your country.

3) Taxes. You (or your employer) are supposed to pay income tax on your earnings. Obviously, the government wants that money. Yet again, the same as in your country.

That being said, you probably won't find a problem finding a job in major population centers where demand is high. However, you need to be aware of a major risk: being scammed.

The reputable schools won't hire you without the proper documentation as schools face severe fines for illegal laborers. This means you could end up working for an untrustworthy school. These establishments take many forms. Sometimes they're only open for a few weeks. Sometimes they're desperate and failing businesses.

Your pay could be drastically less, chronically late, or both. Also they may make unexpected deductions from your paycheck for "documents". There are many stories on this forum about teachers not getting their due.

Consequently, as an illegal laborer you can expect no legal recourse and the employer knows this.

Happy hunting, but be careful what you wish for.

Thanks heaps mate.

Valid points and totally understand.

If you can do it for 3 months on savings, that's the best way to sample really living here. Besides searching the forum for specific topics, checkout FB groups with Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City in title.

Thanks Gobot.

3 months stay is most likely. Will continue to research and get advice from this page and other related forums.
I've got family and friends overthere that are telling me the good stuff. But of course they all have jobs and are already settled there. They probably telling me all the good stuff so I can get my butt overthere as quick as possible hehe.

I don't know anything about work visa or teaching qualifications, but I do know that as an offspring of Vietnamese parents, you're qualified for VEC (Visa Exemption Certificate) which allows you the legal and inexpensive multiple entry 5-year visa (maximum 6 months per stay).  That should help for your transition to a work visa later if needed.