Digital Nomad Life in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

"Expats in Ho Chi Minh City can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural exchange groups. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Ho Chi Minh City. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and learn more about the city," said one person in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh City is generally quite enjoyable. The city is vibrant and full of energy, with plenty of opportunities for work, leisure, and exploration. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with reliable public transportation and a wide range of accommodation options. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from, as well as plenty of cultural activities to explore. The city is also home to a diverse and welcoming expat community, making it easy to make friends and settle in," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"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 foreigner who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Finding a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City can be a daunting task. However, there are a few options available to those looking for a place to call home. One option is to look for a rental property through a real estate agent. This can be a great way to find a place that fits your budget and needs. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you find a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City. Websites such as Expat.com, Vietnam Real Estate, and Vietnam Housing offer listings of apartments, houses, and other rental properties. Finally, you can also look for a place to live through word of mouth. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any available rental properties in the area," explained one person living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"Before retiring in Ho Chi Minh City, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and the availability of recreational activities. Finally, it is important to research the visa requirements and the process for obtaining a long-term visa," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, 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," said one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"The culture is vibrant, and new. The cost of living is cheap, even in HCMC which is the viet equivalent to new York city. I actually stay in D7 which is close to Saigon South which is where most foreigners hide. Staying in Phu My Hung you could insulate yourself enough that you might forget you are in Vietnam all together. everyone speaks English there, and there are western restaurants everywhere," explained one foreigner living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"Expats in Ho Chi Minh City appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Vietnamese and modern influences. They enjoy the city's bustling street life, with its vibrant markets, street food, and friendly locals. Expats also appreciate the city's rich history, with its many ancient temples, pagodas, and other cultural sites. Additionally, expats enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which includes a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes as well as international flavors. Finally, expats appreciate the city's welcoming atmosphere, which makes it easy to make friends and feel at home," said one in Ho Chi Minh City.

"We used to have a selection of dried herbs/spices/oils/vinegars etc for cooking at home, but very little of that exists here. We don't have time to go shopping for fresh herbs and fresh meat/fish every day like the locals do, so we eat out every night instead. It's cheaper but we miss cooking sometimes. Nothing seems to work in a logical way here. It's as if each organisation is developing in different directions and so unexpected things happen a lot. Vietnamese people can come across as very rude -but only if they don't speak english. They are embarassed to show themselves up. Otherwise, the locals who can speak english are very welcoming and will want you to stay in their country forever," said one person in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Expats in Ho Chi Minh City often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's traffic can be overwhelming for those who are not used to it. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. Finally, the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City can be higher than in other parts of Vietnam," said one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"If you plan to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for a while, you will need to apply for a temporary residence card. This card is issued by the local police station and is valid for up to three months. You will also need to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a business visa, or a student visa," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"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.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and to avoid engaging in activities that are illegal in Vietnam," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"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," said one person in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Healthcare services in Ho Chi Minh City, are a mix of public and private facilities, offering various levels of care and treatment options. Public hospitals and clinics are often crowded and may have limited resources, while private hospitals and international clinics provide higher quality care with modern equipment and English-speaking staff. Expatriates and wealthier locals often prefer private healthcare facilities due to their better service and shorter waiting times. In addition to general hospitals, there are specialized hospitals and clinics focusing on areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dentistry, and traditional Vietnamese medicine. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, and many medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Despite improvements in recent years, healthcare services in Ho Chi Minh City may not always meet international standards, and patients with serious medical conditions may need to seek treatment in nearby countries such as Singapore or Thailand. It is essential for visitors and expatriates to have comprehensive health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses, including emergency evacuation if necessary," said a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Ho Chi Minh City for its low cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. They appreciate the vibrant street food scene, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes. The city's rich history and culture, along with its friendly and welcoming locals, make it an attractive destination for foreigners. The warm weather and bustling atmosphere also contribute to the city's appeal. Ho Chi Minh City's central location in Southeast Asia makes it a convenient base for traveling to other countries in the region. The city has a growing community of expats and digital nomads, which makes it easier for newcomers to make friends and find support. The availability of coworking spaces and reliable internet also make it a suitable place for remote work. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the chaotic traffic and pollution in Ho Chi Minh City. The noise and air quality can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not used to living in a densely populated urban environment. The language barrier can also be a challenge, as not all locals speak English, making it difficult to communicate and navigate daily life. Another common complaint is the lack of green spaces and parks in the city, which can make it feel crowded and stifling. Additionally, the humid climate and rainy season may not be suitable for everyone, as it can lead to discomfort and health issues for some individuals. Finally, the bureaucracy and legal processes in Vietnam can be complicated and time-consuming, which may cause frustration for expats and digital nomads trying to obtain visas, work permits, or set up businesses," wrote one digital nomad living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"Vietnam is not easy, it's got a learning curve for expats. But very worthwhile. Get out of the big cities, see the beaches and the jungles. Eat everything, the food is the best I've ever had," said one foreigner in Ho Chi Minh City.