Digital Nomad Life in Vietnam

"If you like a bit of very social running/walking, you could join the Hash House Harries (motto: Drinkers with a running problem) in Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An or Hanoi. They are a fun exercise group and with the emphasis on 'fun'. Suitable for all ages and weights, male, female, locals and expats. Look them up on the internet," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Vietnam.

"Depends on interests of course. UNIS (United nations international school) is out of town but offers courses to everyone, including language classes. L'Espace (French) Goethe (German) and other national organisations offer courses, exhibitions and events. Cinematheque offers "arthouse" films for members. Hanoi Opera House offers wonderful performances, very reasonably priced tickets so enjoy. for other information on events/organisations google Hanoi Infoshare and New Hanoian," explained one person living in Hanoi, Vietnam.

"Expats in Vietnam often join social clubs or activities such as running, art, or language classes. Open Mic nights, trivia nights, live music events and craft beer festivals are other popular social activities. Expats are also known to congregate at bars, cafes and restaurants in cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Many expats living in Vietnam use online forums, meetup websites and apps to meet other foreigners, as well as attending networking events and conferences organized by expat organizations. Finally, many expats teach English in Vietnam; these people often meet other fellow teachers in their schools, or in pubs and restaurants near their place of work," said one expat in Vietnam.

"Life of Vietnam is very young, vibrant. You will not find any negativity in like though it is their but they don't share personal problem with others. They love their family. Women are very hard working and run their family very smartly. Vietnamese females love their children very much and by all cost and sacrifice they let their children a happy life and good human being. They love foreigners and expect them to love Vietnam. They are very patriotic and love their culture and country. You will find all 365 days their national flag almost all houses. Bike riding, electricity and food is always awesome and affordable," said one person in Vietnam.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Vietnam is generally quite comfortable. Vietnam features a vibrant culture, an affordable cost of living, and modern amenities like reliable high-speed internet and quality healthcare. Expats and digital nomads in particular are well-supported by a growing tech and entrepreneurial community, making it easy to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The country’s dramatic landscapes, street food, and friendly locals make it an attractive destination for long-term expats and digital nomads," said one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"Locals definitely around family, and expats with kids have plenty of opportunity to meet people through school events, same as anywhere else. As the capital, there are many NGOs here this also makes the expat experience very interesting, you meet many people doing interesting and worthwhile things," explained one foreigner living in Hanoi, 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," explained one person living in 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.

"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," said one expat in Hanoi.

"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," remarked one member in Vietnam.

"Expats in Vietnam often appreciate the hospitality and warmth of the local people, as well as the cultural diversity that exists in this diverse country. The national cuisine and traditional dishes, such as Pho and Banh Mi, are also frequently enjoyed by expats living in Vietnam. The affordability of living in Vietnam is also appreciated by many expats, as well as the vibrant city life and the prevalence of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and exploring the rural landscape. The sheer natural beauty of the country, from its mountain and coastal regions to its cultural heritage, is also celebrated by expats in Vietnam," said one expat who made the move to Vietnam.

"There's always something happening or something to see in Ho Chi Minh City that takes you by surprise. You don't know what you're going to see when you leave the apartment. A lot of entrepeneurs here, who have a positive attitude and we appreciate that alot, having moved from the doom and gloom and miserable attitude in Europe. Also we feel safe in the city and we're able to drive around independently on our scooter - something that can't be said of every city in south east asia," explained one foreigner living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"I love this place. The people are just wonderful, teh food is amazing, everything is super cheap, there is a dynamism about the place and it is great to be a part of a country that is growing rapidly," said one in Ho Chi Minh.

"My biggest challenge was getting a visa every time. I've been here for 9 years now. I originally came here on a business visa that the Vietnamese Embassy issued. At that time I didn't know that, technically, I was supposed to apply for a work permit after getting a job. Since I was "retired", living off of savings and eventually Social Security, I didn't work. So I had to borrow $15,000 to invest in a company and get an investors visa. The length of stay for business visas keep changing. Sometimes it's a year, with a "renewal" every three months and then a border run to get a new one, and sometimes it's only 30 days. I wish they would implement a retirement visa for those of us who just want to retire and enjoy life," said one person in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Married a Vietnamese woman. Got a 5 year visa and then a 3 year ID Card. Very easy process," said one person in Ho Chi Minh.

"If you plan to stay in Vietnam for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit or a visa that allows you to reside in the country. The Vietnam visa application process is quite straightforward and usually takes only a few days to be approved. Once you have your visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit, which is a process that involves submitting relevant documents such as copies of your passport, accommodation address in Vietnam, proof of employment, bank statements, and other documentation required by the Immigration Department," remarked one foreigner 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," said one person in Bien Hoa.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Vietnam.

"Healthcare services in Vietnam are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Vietnam often use the public healthcare system, as it is generally more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats opt to use private healthcare due to the higher quality of care and services offered," said one member 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," explained one expat in Da Nang.

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

" If you want to be happy in Vietnam them live your life, be friendly, learn language, food and culture. That's it," wrote one digital nomad living in Vietnam.