u/jjjjc29

Hi, i got offered an Exterior Lead Engineer role at VinFast in Hanoi and I'm currently trying to figure out if it's worth uprooting my family from the UK. I have a background in established automotive OEMs, but I know this is a totally different beast.

​I'm hoping to get some honest, unfiltered advice from current or former expats about a few things:

​1. Realistic Salary & Expat Package: What is the going rate for an Exterior Lead Engineer expat right now? I know packages generally cover housing (Vinhomes) and flights, but what about international school fees? Are those typically fully covered or strictly capped? Also, is it standard practice to negotiate a 'Net' salary rather than 'Gross' to avoid getting hammered by the local income tax?

​2. The "Toxic" Environment: I've done a bit of research and have seen a lot of rumors about the working culture being incredibly toxic and chaotic. I've read about insane deadlines, working every Saturday, massive turnover, and constantly changing organizational structures. Is it really that brutal for foreign experts, or is it manageable if you keep your head down?

​3. Job Security: Given the high pressure and restructuring, is job security basically non-existent?

​I want to make sure I know exactly what I'm walking into and what I should be negotiating hard for. Any insights or warnings would be massively appreciated!

Hi everyone! 👋

My husband recently received an offer for a Lead Engineer position at VinFast over in Hanoi. We are currently based in the UK and are seriously considering the move, but it's obviously a massive decision for our family! We have two wonderful kids (a 7-year-old and a 10-month-old baby), so I really want to make sure I have a realistic picture of everything before we take the leap. I’ve been doing quite a bit of research online, but I’d absolutely love to speak to someone who is actually living there right now to get a true expat family perspective.

I’d be so grateful for any firsthand insights on a few specific things:

Work Culture: I’ll be honest, I’ve read some mixed reviews online about the working culture and the intense hours at VinFast. Can anyone share what the day-to-day reality is actually like?

Expat Packages: What is the standard expectation for their expat packages right now? We are particularly curious about how housing allowances are handled and if international school fees are usually covered.

Taxes: I'm trying to wrap my head around the tax system in Vietnam. How do the taxes actually affect an expat's take-home pay in reality?

Any honest advice, tips, or just sharing your personal experience about raising a young family in Hanoi would be incredibly helpful and so appreciated. Thank you so much in advance! ❤️