Expat Travel Blog

Vietnam Destination Guide

Iconic Golden Bridge with giant stone hands supporting the walkway in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Vietnam
Everything you need to know about living, working, and thriving in Vietnam.
Maria
Maria February 5, 2025

Introduction

Vietnam, the "Land of the Ascending Dragon," has emerged as a hotspot for expats and digital nomads. With its stunning landscapes ranging from limestone karsts to pristine beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle, Vietnam offers something for everyone—from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the cosmopolitan energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the ancient charm of Hoi An.

Iconic Golden Bridge with giant stone hands supporting the walkway in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang

The Famous Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang - A Must-Visit Attraction

Visa Programs

Vietnam has updated its visa policies to be more favorable for expats and digital nomads. Here are the current visa options:

Visa Exemption Countries: The following countries have visa exemption agreements with Vietnam: Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and United Kingdom.
Digital Nomad Notice: While Vietnam does not offer a specific "digital nomad visa," the new 90-day multiple-entry e-visa is ideal for location-independent workers. This allows stays of up to 3 months with the ability to enter and exit the country multiple times.
Entry Points: E-visas can be used at 13 international airports, 16 land border gates, and 13 sea border gates across Vietnam. Make sure your planned entry point is on the approved list before travel.
Major Entry Points: Key international airports accepting e-visas include Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), and Phu Quoc. Major land borders include Lao Cai (China border), Moc Bai (Cambodia border), and sea ports at Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
E-Visa Application: Apply for your e-visa through the official Vietnam Immigration portal. The application process is straightforward but requires digital copies of your passport photo page and a recent portrait photo. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days.
Notice: Visa rules change frequently. Always check the official Vietnam tourism website for the latest information.

Premium Vietnam Business Visa Checklist

Planning to apply for a Vietnam Business visa? Our comprehensive checklist makes the process simple:

  • Complete step-by-step application guide
  • Business visa types and duration options
  • Sponsorship and invitation letter requirements
  • Extension and conversion procedures
View Checklist Details

Pro Tip: When applying for your Vietnam e-visa, use a laptop rather than a mobile device to prevent technical issues, and avoid applying on weekends when support staff are limited. Double-check that your passport has at least six months validity beyond your planned stay, and save your application code - you'll need it to check the status of your application.

Cost of Living

Vietnam Cost of Living Comparison

Cost of Living in Vietnam

Comparative Cost Breakdown

Based on latest data, the cost of living in Vietnam is significantly lower than in most Western countries. For comparison:

Daily Expenses

Here's what you can expect to pay for everyday items:

Money-Saving Tip: Using ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and GoJek can save you significant amounts compared to traditional taxis. For the environmentally conscious, TNGo offers bicycle rentals throughout major cities.

Cost Variation by City

Expenses vary significantly between cities:

Digital Nomad Budget: For digital nomads, a comfortable lifestyle can be maintained on $1,000-1,500 per month in major cities, including a nice apartment, regular dining out, and weekend trips.

Remember that your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices. Living like a local will significantly reduce your costs, while maintaining Western standards will increase your budget.

Digital Nomad Resources

Vietnam has become increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, decent internet infrastructure, and vibrant expat communities. Here are essential resources for digital nomads in Vietnam:

Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam - Popular with Digital Nomads

My Khe Beach in Da Nang - A Popular Digital Nomad Hotspot

Pro Tip: While Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are popular digital nomad hubs, consider Da Nang for the perfect balance of affordable living, modern amenities, and lifestyle quality. With clean beaches, less traffic, cleaner air, and a growing expat community, many long-term digital nomads find Da Nang offers the best quality of life while still maintaining fast internet and good infrastructure.

Internet & Connectivity

Vietnam offers relatively reliable internet with average speeds of 50-100 Mbps in major cities:

Internet Tips: For the most reliable connection, look for accommodations with backup power solutions, as brief power outages can occasionally occur. Many digital nomads carry a portable WiFi device as backup. Service providers like Viettel, FPT, and VNPT offer the most stable connections across the country.

Top Coworking Spaces

Each major city offers excellent coworking options:

Ho Chi Minh City
  • Dreamplex - Multiple locations, modern facilities
  • Toong Coworking Space - Beautiful design, multiple branches
  • The Hive - Rooftop views and networking events
  • WeWork - International standard facilities
Hanoi
  • UP Coworking Space - Relaxed atmosphere, good community
  • Toong - Multiple locations, stylish environment
  • Hub.IT - Tech-focused space with events
  • Clickspace - Affordable with good amenities
Da Nang
  • Enouvo Space - Beach proximity, tech community
  • DaNang Coworking Space - Central location
  • IoT Space - Tech-focused with mentoring
  • Hub Hoi An - Near Hoi An for scenic working

Pro Tip: Many coffee shops in Vietnam offer free WiFi and are suitable for occasional work sessions. Popular chains like Highlands Coffee, The Coffee House, and Trung Nguyen have outlets everywhere and provide reliable internet.

Popular Digital Nomad Areas

Digital Nomad Communities

Connect with fellow remote workers through:

Visa Considerations: For digital nomads, the e-visa (up to 90 days) offers the most straightforward option. Long-term digital nomads often use visa agents to arrange business visas with longer validity. Vietnam currently doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa, though this may change in the future.

Banking & Mobile

Banking for Expats

Setting up banking in Vietnam is relatively straightforward for expats with the right documentation:

Banking Tip: To avoid international ATM fees, consider opening a Vietnamese bank account and transferring larger sums at once. Many expats use Wise's Multi-Currency Account or Charles Schwab (for Americans) which reimburses ATM fees.

Pro Tip: For the best exchange rates when converting currency in Vietnam, avoid airports, hotels, and tourist areas. Instead, use reputable gold/jewelry shops in city centers which often offer rates 3-5% better than banks. In Ho Chi Minh City, try the shops on Nguyen Hue street, and in Hanoi, check the gold shops near Hoan Kiem Lake. Always count your money carefully before leaving.

Mobile Payment Solutions

Cash is still king in many places, but Vietnam is rapidly embracing digital payments:

Currency Considerations: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) uses large denominations (100,000 VND is about $4). Take care when handling cash as 100,000₫, 500,000₫, and sometimes even 50,000₫ notes look similar. Some places accept USD, but local currency is preferred and usually offers better rates.

Mobile Phone Services

Getting connected in Vietnam is affordable and convenient:

Internet Tip: International roaming can be expensive. Purchase a local SIM upon arrival for the best rates. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free WiFi, making it easy to stay connected.

Money Transfer Services

Popular options for sending/receiving money internationally:

For better exchange rates, gold shops in city centers often offer more competitive rates than banks for currency exchange, especially for USD, EUR, and other major currencies.

Tax System

Vietnamese tax office building

Hanoi's vibrant cityscape

Key Tax Information for Expats

Important: Tax laws for expats can be complex. Consult a tax professional or visit the General Department of Taxation for the latest information.

Job Market and Salaries

Vietnam's growing economy offers various opportunities for expats, particularly in these sectors:

Job search sites: VietnamWorks, LinkedIn Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City skyline at night with illuminated skyscrapers reflected on the Saigon River

Ho Chi Minh City

Aerial view of Hanoi with Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River surrounded by dense urban development

Hanoi

Hoi An ancient town at night with traditional yellow buildings and colorful lanterns reflected in the river

Hoi An

Pro Tip: When choosing where to base yourself in Vietnam, consider that each major city offers a distinctly different experience. Ho Chi Minh City provides the most international environment with modern amenities but more pollution and traffic. Hanoi offers the most authentic Vietnamese cultural immersion. Da Nang balances beach lifestyle with city conveniences. Visit each for at least a week before deciding on your long-term base.

Culture and Lifestyle

Vietnamese culture is deeply influenced by Confucian principles, Buddhism, and a respect for community and family. The culture emphasizes harmony, respect for elders, and the importance of saving face. This creates a generally peaceful and respectful social environment, though cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Pro Tip: Understanding the concept of "saving face" is crucial for successful integration in Vietnam. Avoid public criticism, confrontation, or causing embarrassment to others. If there's a problem, address it privately and indirectly. This cultural nuance extends to business settings too - Vietnamese colleagues may say "yes" to avoid disappointing you, even when they mean "maybe" or "it's difficult."

Healthcare

Healthcare quality in Vietnam varies significantly between urban and rural areas and between public and private facilities. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have several international-standard hospitals and clinics catering to expats.

Recommended international-standard facilities include:

Pro Tip: For quality healthcare in Vietnam, consider membership with International SOS or establish a relationship with a trusted international clinic before you need urgent care. For prescription medications, bring a 3-month supply plus your prescription details. Many medications are available over-the-counter in Vietnam, but quality can vary - stick to larger, reputable pharmacy chains like Pharmacity or Long Châu.

Entertainment and Activities

Emerald waters of Halong Bay with dramatic limestone karst formations and traditional wooden boats

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tips for New Expats

  1. Visas: Plan your visa strategy early, especially for long-term stays.
  2. Health: Secure good health insurance, be cautious with street food initially, and stay hydrated.
  3. Transport: Consider a motorbike for local transport or use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
  4. Language: Learn basic Vietnamese phrases – locals appreciate the effort!
  5. Housing: Consider short-term rentals initially to explore different neighborhoods before committing long-term.
  6. Community: Join expat Facebook groups and networking events to build your social circle.
  7. Internet: Invest in reliable internet and a local SIM card with data - both are affordable and widely available.
  8. Respect: Learn about Vietnamese customs (removing shoes indoors, appropriate dress at temples).

Pro Tip: When first arriving in Vietnam, don't rush to sign a long-term apartment lease. Instead, stay in a serviced apartment or Airbnb for 2-4 weeks while you explore different neighborhoods and understand the city's layout. Local knowledge is critical for finding the best accommodations - join expat Facebook groups and ask for recommendations or a reliable local agent, as many of the best rentals aren't listed online.

Safety Information

Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for expats and tourists, with low rates of violent crime compared to many Western countries. However, like any destination, it's important to be aware of common safety concerns:

Emergency Numbers in Vietnam:
  • General Emergency: 111 or 115
  • Police: 113
  • Fire: 114
  • Ambulance: 115

Expat Communities & Networking

Vietnam has vibrant expat communities in all major cities, making it easier to settle in and find support:

Many expats report that the community aspect is one of the most rewarding parts of living in Vietnam, with the open and welcoming nature of both locals and fellow expats making it relatively easy to build a social network.

Vietnamese Language Resources

While many expats in major cities can get by with English, learning basic Vietnamese will greatly enhance your experience and open more doors:

Vietnamese is a tonal language with six tones that can change the meaning of words, making it challenging but rewarding to learn. Most expats find that even basic phrases are appreciated by locals and help build goodwill in daily interactions.

Conclusion

Vietnam offers expats a unique blend of ancient traditions and rapid modernization, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant urban environments. With its affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and improving infrastructure, it's no wonder Vietnam has become a favorite destination for digital nomads, retirees, and adventurous professionals.

While there are challenges – including visa processes, language barriers, and cultural adjustments – most expats find the rewards of living in Vietnam far outweigh the difficulties. With proper preparation and an open mind, living in Vietnam can be an enriching and transformative experience.

*Note: All prices and information are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current information from official sources.*