Most expats bring much less to Vietnam than they expect. Most rental apartments come fully furnished, furniture and household goods are affordable, and customs rules for shipping personal effects are strict. Replacing many items locally is often cheaper and simpler than shipping them.
The core question is volume. Four options cover most relocation situations.
Your Logistics Options
Bring it on the plane (up to a few extra bags): The fastest and simplest approach if you don’t have much to bring. Most airlines let you buy extra checked bags, and your personal belongings arrive with you. Keep within the duty-free allowances for new goods, alcohol and tobacco, and expect customs to check bags that look like commercial quantities.
Air freight (a few boxes, quickly): Specialist movers can send boxes by air, arriving in one to two weeks. It costs more per kilo than sea freight, but it’s useful for the things you need soon after you arrive.
Shared sea freight (LCL) (roughly 10–50 boxes): Your belongings share a container with other shipments. It’s a practical middle ground for people with more than will fit on a plane but not enough to fill a container. Expect around two to three months from door to door, including customs clearance.
A full container (FCL) (larger households): The choice for anyone bringing large furniture, family heirlooms or a whole household. Movers usually quote door to door, including packing, shipping, customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
Duty-Free Import of Personal Effects
Foreigners who come to Vietnam to work can usually import their used household goods and personal effects free of import duty and tax. In general, you need a work permit valid for at least one year, plus a visa valid for several months or a temporary residence card. The exemption usually covers one air shipment and one sea shipment, and the sea shipment should arrive within six months of your work permit being issued.
The Work Permit Requirement: If you don’t have a work permit, for example if you are retired, a digital nomad or living on a family visa, you generally can’t use the exemption, and your shipment may be taxed. Customs also inspects every shipment, and limits electrical items to one of each type per household, so list brands, models and serial numbers on your packing list. You must have entered Vietnam before your shipment can be cleared. Check the current rules with your mover before you ship. XploreVietnam can connect you with experienced, licensed international movers who handle Vietnamese customs — reach out here.
What to Bring and What to Buy
Bring with you: Enough prescription medication for the first one to three months, in its original packaging with your prescription. Also bring personal electronics like laptops and phones, important documents, and clothes and shoes in larger sizes, which can be hard to find in Vietnam.
Buy in Vietnam: Furniture, kitchenware and most household appliances. Vietnam uses 220V/50Hz electricity, and most sockets take two-pin plugs (Types A and C), so appliances designed for 110V North American power need a converter. Most rentals already come furnished, and online shops like Shopee and Lazada deliver almost anything within days.
Do not bring: Weapons, drugs, antiques, used motorbikes, and books, films or other materials that could be seen as politically or culturally sensitive, which can be confiscated. Books, DVDs and computer disks may be checked by the authorities before release, which can delay your shipment.
Importing Your Vehicle
In practice, you can’t import your own car or motorbike to Vietnam. Only diplomats and staff of international organisations can import a personal car, and the import of used motorbikes is banned.
The Practical Reality: Most expats don’t need a car. Grab, taxis and motorbike taxis are cheap and available everywhere in the big cities, and many expats rent or buy a motorbike locally.
The Cost of Buying a Car: Cars in Vietnam are expensive, because of import taxes, special consumption tax and registration fees, and a car can cost much more than in your home country. If you need one, leasing or hiring a car with a driver is often better value than buying.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shipping to Vietnam
Should I ship my belongings or buy new in Vietnam?
For most expats, a mix works best: ship things of sentimental value and hard-to-replace items, and buy furniture and appliances locally. Most rentals come furnished, so many people ship very little.
How long does sea freight take to Vietnam?
Allow around two to three months from door to door, including customs clearance. It depends on where you ship from and whether you use a shared or full container.
Who can import household goods duty-free?
Generally, foreigners with a work permit valid for at least a year, and a visa or temporary residence card. The exemption usually covers one air and one sea shipment.
What documents are needed to clear my shipment through customs?
Usually your passport with entry stamp, visa or temporary residence card, work permit, your employer’s business documents and a detailed packing list. Your mover will confirm the exact list.
Can I ship my belongings before I arrive in Vietnam?
You can send them ahead, but you must have entered Vietnam before customs will clear them, and storage charges can build up while you wait.
Will I pay import duty on used household items?
Not if you qualify for the exemption. Without a work permit, you may have to pay duty and tax on your shipment, and electrical items over the allowance can be taxed heavily.
Can I bring my car to Vietnam?
In practice, no. Only diplomats and staff of international organisations can import a personal car, and used motorbikes can’t be imported at all.