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Your Expat Community in Vietnam

  • Connect with fellow expats in Vietnam

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Vietnam

  • Alain Nguyen

    The business contacts I made through InterNations, especially with other expats in Vietnam, proved to be invaluable.

Welcome to Our Network of Expatriates in Vietnam!

Hoan nghênh and a spirited welcome to our expat community in Vietnam! As part of the InterNations expat community you can connect and network with expats in Vietnam. As you are planning your awesome adventure of working and living in Vietnam, this group of people are happy to help you on your exciting journey. Before you leave for Vietnam you may have a number of questions that need answering, like, “what's the education system like in Vietnam?”, “how do I find a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City?”, or “are there reasonable and safe places to live in Hanoi?”. Whatever your questions may be and however trivial they may seem, the our expat community in Vietnam is always happy to help in answering them. With their comprehensive knowledge of life in Vietnam, who better to call on than people who have experienced moving to the country and who currently live there? Many of the expats in Vietnam understand the Vietnamese culture, from where to grab the best banh mi to when and where the traditional festivals, such as the Tết Nguyên Đán, are celebrated. Their insight into life in Vietnam will be invaluable in making your first connections in the country and experiencing everything Vietnam has to offer.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like France or Bahrain.

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Living in Vietnam: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Vietnam, you may have questions about what to expect in this fascinating country. To help you get started, we've answered seven common questions about life in Vietnam. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, where you'll find a supportive community of expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While English is increasingly spoken in Vietnam's larger cities and tourist areas, learning Vietnamese will help you better connect with locals and navigate daily life. Speaking the local language will make it easier to handle administrative tasks, shop at local markets, and immerse yourself in the culture.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Single-room flat: 5,000,000–10,000,000 VND (217–434 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 15,000,000–30,000,000 VND (651–1,303 USD) per month

Hanoi:

  • Single-room flat: 4,500,000–9,000,000 VND (195–391 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 12,000,000–25,000,000 VND (520–1,085 USD) per month

Da Nang:

  • Single-room flat: 4,000,000–8,000,000 VND (173–347 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 10,000,000–20,000,000 VND (434–867 USD) per month

3. How safe is Vietnam for expats?
Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for expats. However, as with any destination, it's essential to practice common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, being cautious with your belongings, and staying informed about local security updates.

4. How does the healthcare system work in Vietnam?
Vietnam has both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is often crowded, and the quality of care may vary. Many expats prefer private healthcare due to higher standards and shorter wait times. It's essential to have health insurance to cover medical expenses in private facilities.

5. How can I open a bank account in Vietnam?
To open a bank account in Vietnam, you'll typically need to provide identification (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill), and a valid visa or residence permit. Some banks may require additional documentation, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Vietnam?
The cost of living in Vietnam is generally lower than in many Western countries. Housing, food, and transportation are relatively affordable, although imported goods can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Vietnam?
Foreigners can drive in Vietnam using an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their foreign driver's license. However, if you plan to stay in Vietnam long-term, you'll need to obtain a Vietnamese driver's license. This process may require taking a driving test, depending on your nationality and the type of license you hold.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in Vietnam

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in Vietnam and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Dear Friends, I hope you had a great time during Lunar New Year and I wish you all a year with amazing moments in Saigon. I had a long holiday back in Hanoi and miss Saigon so much, especially its
Looking for an unforgettable experience connecting with global minds in person? Look no further than our event at Landmark 81 - the tallest and most impressive skyscraper in Vietnam, offering unriva
If you have been to any events organised by me, you know what to expect! If you have not yet been to any of my events so far, I have four questions for you: 1) Do you enjoy fine dining, along with a
If you have been to any events organised by me, you know what to expect! If you have not yet been to any of my events so far, I have four questions for you: 1) Do you enjoy fine dining, along with a

Want to see all the upcoming events in Vietnam?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Vietnam

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    From Switzerland, living in Hanoi
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    From Austria, living in Hanoi
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    From Denmark, living in Ho Chi Minh City
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    From Portugal, living in Hanoi
  • Community Member
    From Portugal, living in Ho Chi Minh City
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    From Australia, living in Hanoi
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    From Poland, living in Hanoi
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    From France, living in Hanoi

Meet other expats like you in Vietnam

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Embark on Your Life as an Expat in Vietnam

The fascinating land of Vietnam may be remembered for the wrong reasons, but the patriotic nation has since rebuilt itself and its beautiful landscape and its bustling cities are now more developed than ever. From the commercial center of Ho Chi Minh City, that actually feels more like a small town, to Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, with new construction projects starting every day, you can start a prosperous career in one of Vietnam's cities and enjoy the lush forest landscapes of the rest of the country during your down time. Poverty in Vietnam has declined significantly, and Vietnam's labor force is growing by more than one million people every year. Ranked as the third-best place for expats to live in terms of cost of living, Vietnam's housing, food, and eating out are well below the average. Vietnam is a popular destination for retirees for this very reason; pensioners can live comfortably in Vietnam without the financial worries they may have had in the West. Over 80% of expats in Vietnam are happy with their financial situation, which is good news for any new expats making the move to Vietnam.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Qatar or China, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Get to Know Expats to Share Your Adventure in Vietnam With

Don't worry about discussing your move with our InterNations members, every member has been approved by us and is dedicated to upholding our guiding principles of fair, open communication, an open-minded and welcoming mindset, and friendly and helpful behavior. At InterNations, nobody stands alone! Knowing this makes it easier to connect with your expat community in real life. Join one of the many expat groups and events in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and get involved with real expat life. From the Arts and Culture Group in Hanoi to learning Vietnamese with other expats in Ho Chi Minh City, these groups are a great way to integrate into the Vietnamese culture and meet locals. By meeting up with people in Vietnam you will start your new life with a new set of friends. It can be easy to think that you don't need people around you, but having support and people to relate to can be the most important thing to making your new expat life in Vietnam a true success.

  • Alain Nguyen

    The business contacts I made through InterNations, especially with other expats in Vietnam, proved to be invaluable.

  • Sneha Gupta

    Absolutely recommendable: Not only did we find the best places to go out in HCMC, but also great people and expats to meet up with.

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Like-Minded Expatriates in Vietnam

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