Vietnam
Everything you need to know about moving to Vietnam.
Imagine waking up in Vietnam
Why Vietnam keeps attracting expats
Vietnam has become one of the most popular places in Southeast Asia for foreigners to live and work. People come for the growing economy, the low cost of living and a food culture that is hard to leave behind, and many stay far longer than they planned.
The appeal comes down to everyday things that make life easier and more enjoyable.
Healthcare is affordable. International hospitals and clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang have English-speaking doctors and cost a fraction of what private care costs in the US, UK or Australia. Most expats combine local private care with international health insurance.
The climate depends on where you live. The south is warm all year, with a rainy season roughly from May to November. The north has four seasons, including a cool winter. The central coast has its wettest months in autumn.
Day-to-day costs are low compared with Western countries. Rent, local food, transport and domestic help cost far less, although international school fees and imported goods can be expensive.
Vietnam is also well placed for travel, with short flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Seoul.
By the Numbers
- Over 100 million people, the 15th largest population in the world
- UTC+7 all year, with no daylight saving time
- Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND)
- E-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
- Temporary Residence Card: valid for 1 to 10 years depending on category
- About 3,260 km of coastline
- Under 2.5 hours by air from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok or Singapore
- Official language: Vietnamese, with English common in business and tourist areas
Major Advantages
Low cost of living
Rent, local food, transport and household help cost far less than in North America, Europe or Australia. A comfortable life is possible on a budget that would be tight at home, although international schools and imported goods are exceptions.
World-famous food
Street food, markets and a fast-growing restaurant scene mean eating well is cheap and easy. Fresh produce is available everywhere, and every region has its own specialities to discover.
Welcoming and generally safe
Vietnam is generally considered safe for foreigners, and violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft such as bag snatching happens in big cities, so the usual care applies.
A growing economy
Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia for years, which creates opportunities for professionals, founders and investors across manufacturing, tech and services.
Affordable private healthcare
International hospitals in the major cities offer English-speaking doctors and modern equipment at prices well below private care in the West. Many expats pair this with international insurance.
Easy travel across Asia
Short, inexpensive flights connect Vietnam with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Korea, and domestic flights link the main cities in one to two hours.
Warm weather and beaches
The south is warm all year and the long coastline has beach towns from Da Nang to Phu Quoc. If you prefer seasons, Hanoi and the north have a cool winter.
Is Vietnam
right for you?
Vietnam suits people who value a low cost of living, great food, warm weather and an energetic pace of life, and who are comfortable with paperwork that can feel slow and unpredictable.
It works especially well for remote workers, entrepreneurs, families looking for a lower-cost international lifestyle and retirees who want warm weather and affordable care.
The trade-offs are worth knowing. Visa rules change often, there is no dedicated retirement visa, traffic and air quality in the big cities can be hard to get used to, and English is less common outside business and tourist areas.
If you are considering the move, we can help you work out whether Vietnam is the right fit and, if it is, how to do it properly.
Take a Deeper Dive
Learn more about Vietnam in our guides, from visas and housing to healthcare and schools.
Our Featured Vietnam Videos
Moving to Vietnam in 2026: where to start
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Vietnam e-visa explained
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Temporary Residence Card, step by step
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Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City
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Best neighbourhoods for expats in Saigon
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