From the entire team at Saigon Cribs, we wish you a prosperous, healthy, and happy New Year! Whether you have been in Vietnam for years or this is your very first Tet (Lunar New Year), this season brings unique challenges for renters.

To help you start the year on the right foot, we have compiled a list of essential maintenance tips and holiday preparations.

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1. The “Air Con” Health Check

In Ho Chi Minh City, your Air Conditioner is the most hardworking appliance in your house. Neglecting it is the #1 cause of leaks and high electricity bills.

2. Tet Holiday: What to Expect

The Tet Holiday is upcoming and for a couple of weeks, the entire city will slow down. While groceries and essentials will still be available, your favorite boutique shops and local restaurants may be closed for specific dates.

Prepare to stock up on your favorite things in case you need them. If you are looking to escape the city, visiting beach sides or cool towns like Da Lat is amazing during the Lunar New Year.

3. Secure Your Home Before You Travel

If you plan to be away, a few simple steps can ensure your home remains secure and peaceful.

• 🔒 Lock It Down:
  Double-check all balcony doors and windows. In high-rise apartments, balcony doors are often left unlocked by mistake. Double-check especially if you are on low floors.
• 💡 The “Lived-In” Look:
  For our clients who live in Villas and houses, the Rosies Family uses a smart trick: they set up a few WiFi smart lights in their living room and bedrooms on timers controlled by their phone app. If you don’t have smart lights, simply leave a bathroom light on and close curtains to prevent people from seeing inside your house, especially for those outside secured compounds.
• 🧧 The Joy of Giving:
  Our client Chris says he gives the guards a gift envelope with a 500k bill. Last Tet, he even gifted a case of beer and a whole grilled chicken. That got some big smiles! It’s a holiday for sharing, and nothing beats the joy of giving.
• 👀 Notify Security:
  If you live in a serviced apartment or building with a reception, let them know you’ll be away so they can keep an extra eye on your unit. Giving them a heads-up helps them notice any strange activity.

4. Humidity & Mold Prevention (The “Mold Patrol”)

The Tet holiday often aligns with seasonal shifts that can bring humidity. Returning to a moldy apartment is a terrible start to the new year.

• Ventilation: Leave windows open in your loggia areas. If you have exhaust windows in bathrooms, laundry areas, or side kitchen windows, keep them slightly open just for a little air to enter—but not fully open in case of heavy rain. Just a little airflow prevents stagnation.
• Villas & Mansions: You have higher requirements for ventilation, especially if you have interior gardens, attached swimming pools, or water features. Keep side windows open and ensure bathroom vents are clear.
• Dehumidifiers: If you have one, set it to “Auto.” If not, use moisture-absorbing boxes (available at supermarkets) in your closets to protect leather goods and suits.
• Empty the Fridge: Unless you have a backup generator at your villa or compound, consider clearing out perishables! A power outage (rare, but possible) while you are away could turn your fridge into a science experiment.

5. Cash is King (Banking Freeze)

During Tet, banking services are limited as they close for the official holidays.

• ATM Limits: ATMs often run out of cash during the holiday due to high withdrawal demand for Li Xi (Lucky Money).
• Prepare Cash: Withdraw enough cash before the holiday starts for taxis, street food, and tips. Online transfers usually work, but physical cash is essential for the local economy which stays open.
• What’s Open? In Saigon, about 80% of places close, but adventure out at different times. Some restaurants open just for lunch or dinner. Most importantly, visit your friends and associates! Bring gifts that bring good luck—even a small token like a box of snacks, a bottle of wine, or lucky money envelopes for the children is deeply appreciated.

6. The “Garbage” Situation

Collection services often stop or run on a reduced schedule for a few days during Tet depending on your area.

• Clear it Out: Take out all trash before the cleaners leave for their holiday break. Speak with your reception desk for that date. Leaving food waste in your bin or the community trash bins for 5 days will attract ants and cockroaches instantly.
• Building Schedule: Check your building’s notice board for the specific trash collection schedule during the holiday.

7. Emergency Contacts List (Save These Now!)

Since many offices close, knowing who to call in an emergency is vital.

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We wish you a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!