Living in Vietnam
Last updated on Jan 07, 2024
Summary: People often describe life in Vietnam as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. Expats love the friendly people, the delicious food, the beautiful scenery, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. Vietnam has a population of approximately 97 million people, and the largest cities are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. The cons of living in Vietnam include the language barrier, the lack of infrastructure in some areas, the high levels of air pollution, and the difficulty of obtaining visas. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City.
What do I need to know about living in Vietnam?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Vietnam, they said:
"Expats planning to retire in Vietnam should research their visa options, as different types of visas are available for expatriates depending on their particular situation. They should also consider learning some Vietnamese, as this will improve their ability to travel and interact with the local people. Expats should also familiarise themselves with the local customs in Vietnam, as this will help them to adapt and integrate better into the local culture. Furthermore, it is important to consider the cost of living in Vietnam, as this can vary greatly from city to city. Finally, it is recommended to get health insurance coverage in Vietnam, as this will help ensure that any medical bills incurred during their stay will be covered," wrote a member in Vietnam.
"Be prepared for lots of noise and pollution. Most people find learning Vietnamese very difficult. But other than that, it is a very interesting place to live, also lots to see outside the city especially if you have a motorbike! Most Hanoians are very nice to foreigners," commented one expat who made the move to Hanoi.
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How do I meet people in Vietnam?
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Vietnam?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Vietnam?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Vietnam?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Vietnam accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Vietnam like?
- Is the cost of living in Vietnam high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Vietnam?
- What are healthcare services like in Vietnam?
- Is the cost of living in Vietnam high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Vietnam?
- What is the weather like in Vietnam?
- Are there good restaurants in Vietnam?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Vietnam?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Vietnam?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Vietnam?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Vietnam?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Vietnam?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?