Moving to Vietnam

"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," remarked one expat in Phan Thiet, 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.

"Vietnam's culture, Vietnamese food, learning simple Vietnamese words & phrases. Do not discuss culture and politics if you don't like anything. It's their country, being a foreigner do not become judge. People are lovely, smiling, happy and helping. Love them and they will love you more. Visit awesome tourist places and you will fall in love with Vietnam. They are the best people in the world," remarked one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"Understand the culture and language. Vietnam is a country with deeply embedded cultural roots and an ancient language. Familiarize yourself with the local customs in order to avoid cultural misunderstandings. Be prepared to deal with bureaucracy. The bureaucracy and paperwork in Vietnam can be complex, so be prepared and allow enough time for the process. Research accommodation options. Living costs in Vietnam are relatively low, but you should research and budget for rental accommodation thoroughly. Be aware of the harsh climate and weather. Vietnam is hot and humid for the most part, and suffers from occasional typhoons and flooding. Prepare for hot and damp weather and know what to do in case of emergencies. Be aware of health risks. Vietnam is prone to mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria and dengue fever. Make sure to take any necessary precautions and remain vigilant when it comes to keeping yourself healthy. Familiarize yourself with the public transport system. The public transport system in Vietnam is relatively reliable and affordable, so learn about bus and train timetables beforehand to be able to get around with ease," explained one expat living in Vietnam.

"One way to find a place to live in Vietnam is to enlist the help of a real estate professional. Most cities will have reputable agents that specialize in finding rental properties for expatriates and travelers. You can also search online for rental listings in Vietnam and reach out to the posted contacts. Additionally, the Vietnamese government operates a database of available rentals open to the public. It is likely that you will be able to find a range of options, from modest apartments and small homes to upscale condominiums and villas. Finally, networking with other expats who are familiar with the housing market in Vietnam is a good way to gain insights regarding potential rental opportunities," commented one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

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

"Look for established apartments with garden, close to work and shops, accessible but quiet, on the same side of town as airport, with trees and parks," said one expat in Hanoi.

"A 2-3 bedroom apartment or small house is typical for many expats unless they choose to pay $3000 or more monthly," said one expat in Hanoi.

"Expat homes and apartments in Vietnam are typically designed for comfort and convenience. Amenities such as modern kitchens, air conditioning, washers and dryers, and digital amenities (cable TV and high-speed internet) are often included. Apartments tend to be quite large, sometimes featuring multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, perfect for families or groups of friends. Furniture may either be inspired by the traditional Vietnamese style or a mix of modern and traditional. Additionally, most expat homes and apartments will have many added creature comforts, such as a balcony, terrace, garden or pool," said one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"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$," explained one expat living in Phan Thiet, Vietnam.

"Housing cost is much lower than in Europe; my house rental (include my office) is 150 US$, electricity, water and gas and cable TV is around 150 US$; food cost me about 400 US$ / month. I don't eat meat a lot; price for pork for instance, doubled since 1 year ago. 1 night partying cost me around 100 US$ (Whiskey or cognac, soft drinks and tip for the waitress)," said one expat in Phan Thiet.

"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," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

"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," said one expat in Vietnam.

"When moving to Vietnam, it is important to pack items appropriate to the climate. Packing light and comfortable clothing such as shorts and t-shirts made of breathable fabrics will help to keep cool when the temperature rises. Additionally, bring along a few items of long sleeved clothing, light sweaters and jackets as it can still get chilly during the winter months. Furthermore, don't forget to pack comfortable shoes and sandals that can handle the hot and humid climate. Other essential items to consider include a sewing kit, small flashlight, umbrella, and sunscreen. Finally, don't forget to bring some items of home to make your new place feel more familiar," said one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"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.

"It is important to respect the local culture and traditions of Vietnam, so visitors should strive to be mindful of different customs. For instance, it is considered inappropriate to show public displays of affection, as well as dress too provocatively. Gesturing with your fingers is also seen as impolite and it is important to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as Vietnam's political regime and past wars. Additionally, it is best to take off your shoes before entering someone's home, and always accept an offer of food or drinks when offered, as it seen as disrespectful to turn it down," said one expat in Vietnam.

"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," wrote one expat living in Vietnam.

"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," commented 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 who moved to Da Nang, Vietnam.

"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," commented 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 who moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.