Moving to Vietnam

What do I need to know before moving to Vietnam?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Vietnam, they said:

"There are only a few areas where most expats live in Hanoi. You can live in town but then the noise can be a factor. Most kindergardens and schools are out of the centre. There are a few real estate companies and they generally have very good networks. I would recommend picking two or three and just spending time driving around to see what is on offer. You should never tell them your real budget and ask around to see what others are paying. You will probably change houses at some time during your stay and will know better the second time," remarked one expat in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"Choose to bring things that make you happy and leave the rest in storage. Buy everything you need in Hanoi or on trips through Bangkok or Hong Kong. Make good friends with your household helper, who always knows where to find what you seek and will often get it for you. Carefully consider a house in terms of traffic, play space for children, industrial noise and air pollution. Look for trees, garden, park nearby. If there is mildew on the walls, it will probably return. Can you avoid using a car every time you want to pick up something at the shop? How easy will it be for guests to find your house? Ask at the local international school for good neighborhoods to begin your search," said one expat in Hanoi.

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How do I find a place to live in Vietnam?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Having spent the past 6 years doing a long commute to work I decided to live close to my job if it was feasible - and it was. I live in District 7 of HCMC on the 14th floor of a group of 25 storey apartment blocks. In the centre of the 4 blocks is a sort of village square with several swimming pools, a gym, small shops/cafes/ hairdressers, a large good supermarket and two tennis courts. More shopping centres are within 5 minute's taxi ride, and I can get into District 1 shopping in 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. I used a local real estate office to find my apartment, someone recommended by a work colleague," remarked one expat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"Pure business matter; we could lease an industrial land plot on good conditions; housing was more difficult because of regulations at that moment," said one expat in Phan Thiet.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Vietnam?

"I have a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment; mostly 1 or 3 seemed available at the time and I occasionally have overseas friends to stay. The people who live in my apartment blocks include western expats but are mainly Korean expats or Vietnamese people," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"I live in a 1 bedroom house in the back of my office, for the sake of security. this is not typical for expats, for a 2 bedroom house in this area you pay around 500 US$," commented one expat who made the move to Phan Thiet.

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What is the average cost of housing in Vietnam?

If you are thinking about moving to Vietnam, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Expat housing is higher, from $800 for an unfurnished apartment and from $1500 for a small house," replied a member in Hanoi.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Vietnam?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Vietnam, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"It depends on your personal preferences and financial situation. Buying a home in Vietnam can be a good option if you plan on staying in the country for a longer period of time, as it could be a sound investment opportunity. On the other hand, renting a home in Vietnam provides more flexibility and you are not tied to the maintenance and other financial responsibilities that come with buying a property. Ultimately, you should consider your particular circumstances when making your decision," commented one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"In 2013 I retired and moved permanently to Viet Nam. I had met a Vietnamese woman and married her in 2014. I purchased a 4 story, 4 bedroom 3 bath home in HCMC for $140,000 and I have been living here happily ever since. I live in a Vietnamese district where there are very few foreigners, but I have met some at the pool I go to and at my gym. I also have a number of Vietnamese friends," remarked one expat in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

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What should I pack when moving to Vietnam?

We asked people living in Vietnam to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"I wish I'd brought more clothes suitable for a VERY warm climate. The climate here is hotter than I anticipated (C32 degrees in the wet season and C37+ in the dry). I am an average size in Australia but all the clothes are too small for me here and I have them made. Everything else is pretty much available. I wish I'd left behind the two pairs of 500 thread-count sheets I filled a small suitcase with - and brought clothes instead," said one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Everything can be bought here so there is no need to take anything with you; unless quality clothes and shoes. I arrived 10 years ago with 1 suitcase of clothes and 5 kg chocolate," explained one expat living in Phan Thiet, Vietnam.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Vietnam?

We asked people in Vietnam if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Cultural errors include: buying flowers for my girlfriend that are intended for dead (yellow daffodils are for the Buddhist lunar shrine, not to show your girl you love her---big faux pas). Not knowing that "good girls" cannot go to play pool (Bida) or sit and watch a band in a bar. Since most girls don't want to say "no" and make you lose face, they will go, but be really embarrassed. Once you are closer, she will give you an earful! Better to know these mistakes first," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"I probably did, but you get away with a lot in Vietnam. They just figure you're weird because you're a foreigner. For example, Vietnamese women don't drink or smoke unless they're prostitutes. But I could do both without consequence because I'm a foreigner," remarked one expat in Bien Hoa, Vietnam.

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Why do people move to Vietnam?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Vietnam, they responded:

"One key attraction that draws expats to Vietnam is its rich culture and heritage. The country offers a variety of fascinating attractions from vibrant cities to lush, mountainous areas. Expats also find Vietnam to be an exciting and safe place to live, with friendly locals, excellent medical care, low cost of living and a developing economy. Furthermore, the country has a flourishing expat community that gives newcomers the chance to meet people from all over the world who are also experiencing the Vietnamese lifestyle. Lastly, given its tropical climate, Vietnam is a fantastic and diverse destination for those looking for a new adventure in Southeast Asia," stated one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

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How are healthcare services Vietnam?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Vietnam, they replied:

"If you have a serious issue, travel to Bangkok or, Singapore for medical care. In Da Nang, there is a woman at the Pasteur Clinic who can treat women's issues but, I would go to BKK for more urgent/serious issues," wrote one expat living in Da Nang.

"I don't have experience with a hospital stay, so I cannot give an opinion on that topic," commented one expat living in Da Nang.

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What are medical services in Vietnam like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Vietnam, they replied:

"Medical services in Vietnam are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of modern facilities and equipment available. The country has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of the larger cities have international hospitals that offer a range of treatments and services, including specialist care. In addition, there are a number of private clinics and medical centers that provide quality care at an affordable price. Vietnam also has a number of traditional medicine practitioners, such as herbalists and acupuncturists, who offer alternative treatments," wrote one expat living in Vietnam.

"In Vietnam, most medication can be purchased just by going to the pharmacy, no doctor visit needed. Cheap, high quality, and convenient. Dental care was extremely high quality and very cheap. Basic medical care was also very high quality and very good prices. Specialist care was difficult because of language barriers," commented one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City.

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