
Last updated on Nov 27, 2021
Summary: Moving to Vietnam: Expats, retirees and digital nomads talk about everything you need to know before moving to Vietnam.
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Vietnam, they said:
"Find a couple of real estate agents in the area and look at a lot of apartments before choosing. Consider whether you need to be close to a supermarket. Consider whether you'd like to be near a swimming pool. Consider your transport options: taxis, rent a scooter or is there a bus route close by?," remarked another expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.
"Try to find an expat with experience and ask advice and assistance. One can not prepare himself for what he, or she, will find when you arrive in Vietnam. Knowing the right people, especially if you come here to conduct business, is very important! Vietnam is not waiting for expats to come and live here. 1 wrong gesture can break your dream without you realizing it; until you run out of cash," explained one expat living in Phan Thiet, Vietnam.
"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," said another expat in Hanoi.
"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," added another expat who made the move to Hanoi.
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Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 8 Best Places to Live in Croatia and the Living in Mexico Guide. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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It's an exciting time to live in Vietnam - with more and more tall buildings crowding the city skylines and rural areas developing rapidly as well. Learning Vietnamese poses a major challenge for most expats, but Vietnam's warm, welcoming people make up for the challenge.
Vietnam Forum
Join our Vietnam forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Vietnam.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Vietnam.
Thinking of retiring in Vietnam? Here are 5 of the best places to retire in Vietnam.
If you're moving to Vietnam, healthcare and health insurance require careful consideration. This article covers the quality of healthcare at hospitals and clinics in Vietnam, the availability of prescription medications, vaccinations and more.
Expats who have moved to Vietnam report a positive experience living in the Southeast Asian nation. They cite the culture, the food, the people as some of the things they love about Vietnam.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Vietnam.
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Thinking of retiring in Vietnam? Here are 5 of the best places to retire in Vietnam.
Expats who have moved to Vietnam report a positive experience living in the Southeast Asian nation. They cite the culture, the food, the people as some of the things they love about Vietnam. The heat is a challenge for some!
If you're moving to Vietnam, healthcare and health insurance require careful consideration. This article covers the quality of healthcare at hospitals and clinics in Vietnam, the availability of prescription medications, vaccinations and more.
Expats talk about the good and bad experiences they had giving birth in Vietnam. This article is a must read for any expecting expat parents who are considering having a baby in Vietnam.
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
It's an exciting time to live in Vietnam - with more and more tall buildings crowding the city skylines and rural areas developing rapidly as well. Learning Vietnamese poses a major challenge for most expats, but Vietnam's warm, welcoming people make up for the challenge.
Vietnam Forum
Meet other expats and talk about living in Vietnam.
Thinking of retiring in Vietnam? Here are 5 of the best places to retire in Vietnam.
If you're moving to Vietnam, healthcare and health insurance require careful consideration. This article covers the quality of healthcare at hospitals and clinics in Vietnam, the availability of prescription medications, vaccinations and more.
Expats who have moved to Vietnam report a positive experience living in the Southeast Asian nation. They cite the culture, the food, the people as some of the things they love about Vietnam.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Vietnam.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Vietnam.
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