Your life in Vietnam starts here
Make your move to Vietnam
Coastline, mountains and street-food cities make Vietnam rewarding, with a very low cost of living and very affordable property. Work and investor routes offer a welcoming way in.
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Photo: Eila Lifflander / Unsplash
At a glance
Vietnam, in brief.
How Vietnam compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Vietnam ranks among the best for cost of living (5th of 77) and property affordability (9th of 75).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~28°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Minimal
Work/investor; no retiree visa
Worldwide income, 35% top
Life in Vietnam
Hi there, my name is Laura and I'm 32 years old originally from Ontario, Canada.In 9 months I have volunteered and lived in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia,…
Health insurance in Vietnam
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Vietnam, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Vietnam into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Vietnam.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Vietnam moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Vietnam
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Vietnam share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Vietnam stories
- Ho Chi Minh City
Lyra Dacio
I’m Lyra, a Filipina living in Ho Chi Minh City with my husband and 2 boys. Where, when and why did you…
- Hoi An
Leah Clements
Ha ha, just a small opening question to begin with then! You could be a counsellor! My name is Leah and I'm…
- Ho Chi Minh City
Kerri Loughran
I’m a British Expat, living and working in HCMC, Vietnam. I graduated with a degree in English Literature from Lancaster University in…
Fresh from Vietnam
Latest articles.
Setting Up Finances: Banking and Money Tips for Expats in Vietnam
Relocating to Vietnam is an exciting prospect, filled with the allure of bustling cities, serene countryside, and rich cultural experiences. But amidst the thrill…
How To Register For Healthcare In Vietnam
Healthcare in Vietnam operates on a two-tier system of both public and private health insurance coverage, and has been improving in recent years, but…
How To Open A Bank Account In Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam, formerly known as the National Bank of Vietnam, was first established in 1961. As the country’s central bank, it…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Vietnam.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Vietnam episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Vietnam, and compare them side by side.
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