Guide To Moving to Vietnam as an Expat

Updated on Oct 05, 2023 | Vietnam e-Visa

For expats that want to move to the country, this post will be extremely helpful, and it covers mostly all the important points that they need to keep in mind while they are packing their bags and getting ready to visit the beautiful country. 

Many individuals and families from foreign countries consider living in Vietnam on a permanent basis for multiple purposes. According to the reports of 2022, there were roughly 1,00,000 migrants from different parts of the globe residing in Vietnam. This accounted for one percent of the total population of Vietnam. 

In this post, we will learn about all the important points one must keep in mind for moving to Vietnam as an expat. 

Vietnam Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Vietnam for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Vietnam Visa Online to be able to visit Vietnam . Foreign citizens can apply for an Vietnam Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Vietnam Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

What Is the Number Of Expats Residing in Vietnam?

According to the World Population Review site, Vietnam was placed in the ninth position in the list of top ten nations that are the best nations for tourists and travellers in the world in the year 2021. 

Vietnam is a great tourist destination for most tourists due to its calming climate, beautiful landscapes, lip-smacking food, diverse culture and much more. Vietnam is also a great country for the foreign travellers for business and commercial purposes as well. 

As of 2022, the number of individuals residing in Vietnam is more than 100,000. Vietnam has expats from roughly one hundred nations and territories globally. Most migrants in Vietnam belong to different nations that are as follows: 

  • China 
  • Korea 
  • Japan 
  • Taiwan 
  • United States and many more. 

These individuals usually reside and work in the big and popular cities of Vietnam. 

How Is the Climate Of Vietnam?

Vietnam is situated in the tropical monsoon climate zone. That's why the average humidity in Vietnam is eighty five percent. The higher temperatures in the country range from 21°C to 35°C. 

Vietnam mainly witnesses three regional climate patterns that are as follows: 

  • Northern Vietnam: The climate is cool and dry from the months November to April. Rainy from the months May to October. From July to September, Northern Vietnam witnesses the heaviest rainfall. 
  • Central Vietnam: The climate is hot and dry from the months January to August. From September to December the climate is rainy and cool. 
  • Southern Vietnam: The climate is rainy from the months May to November. And dry from November to May. 

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Vietnam e-Visa (Vietnam Visa Online) is a required travel authorization for travelers visiting Vietnam for business, tourism or transit purposes. This online process for electronic Visa for Vietnam was implemented from 2017 by the Government of Vietnam, with the goal of enabling any of the future eligible travelers to apply for an e-Visa to Vietnam. Learn more at Online Vietnam Visa.

What Is the Transportation In Vietnam?

The most common and popular vehicle in Vietnam is a motorbike. Since Vietnam may get wrapped in too much traffic, most expats are seen using public transportation in the country like buses, taxis, trains, etc. The expats can also hire a driver for themselves for going around in Vietnam. 

What Is the Culture Of Vietnam Like?

Culture is one of the most important driving forces for most foreigners to enter and reside in Vietnam. Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country. It comprises roughly fifty four ethnic groups. In Vietnam, family culture, patriotism and humanity is given a lot of importance. 

Vietnam has citizens who believe in eleven different religions. Buddhism is one of the most widespread religions in the nation. Due to the unique and well-preserved culture of Vietnam, many foreign travellers may get a cultural shock in the country. But it can also be taken as an opportunity to explore and experience different beautiful cultures. 

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Citizens of 80 countries are eligible for Vietnam Visa Online. The Vietnam Visa eligbility must be met to obtain the visa to travel to Vietnam. A valid passport is required for entry into Vietnam. Learn more at Tourist Eligible Countries for Vietnam Visa.

What Is the Language Of Vietnam?

For moving to Vietnam as an expat, knowing the language of the country is extremely important. 

Vietnamese is the national language of Vietnam. About 85% of the Vietnamese population speaks Vietnamese. Along with the Vietnamese language, it is observed that Vietnam comprises people who speak various languages that are as follows: 

  • English. English is among the most popular foreign languages spoken in Vietnam. 
  • French 
  • Japanese 
  • Chinese 
  • Korean 
  • German 
  • Russian 

What Is the Currency Of Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam: The Vietnamese Dong. The denominations in which the Vietnamese currency can be observed are as follows: 

  • VND 1000
  • VND 2000
  • VND 5000
  • VND 10000
  • VND 20000
  • VND 50000
  • VND 100000
  • VND 200000
  • VND 500000

The smaller denominations of the currency are available in paper form. Rest are available as polymers. The US dollar is also a popular currency that is used in Vietnam. However, it is mostly used in hotels, restaurants and other tourist locations. 

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Entry to Vietnam can be gained through an e-Visa. Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic or digital visa which is granted online by the Vietnam Immigration Department/Portal. Learn more at Vietnam Visa Application.

What Is the Work Permit Of Vietnam?

Any foreign individual who wishes to be an expat needs to keep in mind that they will require a work permit to reside in the country. The validity of this document is two years. Here are conditions that must be followed to gain a work permit in Vietnam: 

  • The traveller should be beyond the legal age of 18.  
  • The traveller should be employed. And they must be tied up with a sponsoring enterprise or organisation. 
  • The traveller should be having enough work experience. And professional qualifications as well. 
  • The traveller should be healthy and in good physical condition. 
  • The traveller should ensure that they have no past criminal records on their name. 
  • The traveller should be holding a permit issued by a competent Vietnamese organisation. 

What Are the Careers in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a country in which the expats are found working in the following industries and sectors the most: 

  1. The educational sector. 
  2. The manufacturing and engineering sector. 
  3. The marketing and communication sector. 

The foreign travellers who have brilliant skills in the managing, executive, expert or technical fields will get better and higher work opportunities in Vietnam. The profession of teaching language, especially the English language has become widespread among the foreigners due to the lucrative salaries and many more factors. 

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Foreign nationals without a valid working visa or temporary residence card who will be working with or for a company in Vietnam, attending a meeting or negotiation, or signing contracts will be granted a short-term business visa to Vietnam. Learn more at Vietnam Business Visa.

What Are The Accommodation Arrangements In Vietnam Like?

For moving to Vietnam as an expat, it is very important to know about the accommodation arrangements in the country. 

Many expats are provided accommodation from the company or organisation in which they are working. However, many expats will have to arrange accommodations for themselves on their own. Vietnam had many options for comfortable and affordable accommodations such as: 1. Budget-friendly hostels. 2. Hotels.3. Fully-equipped apartments and houses. 4. Resorts and many more. 

The big cities of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, the expats will be able to easily find good accommodations and job opportunities as well. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are also the most popular Vietnamese cities for expats to stay and work in. Expats will also be enabled to find accommodations for themselves through the reference of friends and family members who may be residing in Vietnam. 

What Is the Moving And Living Cost In Vietnam?

It is not very expensive or inconvenient to move to Vietnam. The most popular and convenient ways of moving or travelling to Vietnam is by the airways or the sea-ways.

The cost of living in a country like Vietnam is highly dependent on the expat's manner of spending and how much they earn. Besides that, since Vietnam is a pretty affordable country in most aspects, the living cost is also pretty low. The living cost of Vietnam is much affordable and economical as compared to the living cost of other western countries. 

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A Vietnam tourist visa is something you should keep in mind if you are planning a vacation there because failing to obtain one could seriously jeopardize your trip. Learn more at Vietnam Tourist Visa.

What Is the Healthcare And Insurance System In Vietnam?

For moving to Vietnam as an expat, we need to educate you about the healthcare and insurance system of Vietnam. 

Vietnam's healthcare and insurance services are getting better each passing day. Vietnam offers preventive healthcare services such as immunisation free of cost. Apart from that, the people living in Vietnam will have to pay for the medical examination. And other treatment services as well. 

Many expats from western nations may think that the public healthcare services in Vietnam may not be up to their expectations. For this purpose, they can go for the private healthcare services that are much better than the public services with better equipment and an English-speaking staff. 

The expats entering and planning to reside in Vietnam will have to ensure that they have bought private health insurance for themselves before entering the country. They also need to make sure that the insurance they hold will cover healthcare services and treatments in it. 

What Is the Educational System Of Vietnam?

As an expat who is thinking of settling in Vietnam with their family that has kids, then they should gain good knowledge about the educational system of Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese educational system comprises of five fundamental levels that are as follows: 

  • Kindergarten 
  • Primary school 
  • Secondary school 
  • High school
  • University

With the increasing number of expats entering and staying in Vietnam, the number of public and private educational organisations have increased in the country. The private educational sector in Vietnam puts a lot of focus on practical experience as compared to academics. 

This is what most expats with children enrol their children in the private schools and other private educational institutions. 

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When speaking of Vietnam, individuals from 80 counties can gain E-Visa for multiple purposes in Vietnam. Here is a detailed guide on the complete process of gaining a Vietnam visa online. Learn more at Vietnam Visa Online Overview.

What Are the Pros Of Living In Vietnam?

In this post about moving to Vietnam as an expat, we will be looking at the pros of staying in Vietnam that are as follows: 

  1. Affordable living cost 

One of the best pros of living in Vietnam is the affordable living costs. The goods and services sold in Vietnam are mostly cheap and of good quality as well. Many times, if the expat is smart enough in transactions, they will be able to save a lot of money that way too! 

Most foreign travellers who are doing jobs in Vietnam will have good salaries as they will be required to cover the expenses of living there. 

  1. The transportation facilities are convenient and comfortable.

Vietnam comprises twelve international airports. And 10 domestic airports too. Due to this, the expats are enabled to travel to the country, from the country and within the country in the most comfortable and convenient transportation mediums. 

Plus, the airports enable the expats to travel to neighbouring nations like China, Singapore, Campuchia, Malaysia, etc very easily. To travel to places on a daily basis within the country, the expat will be able to use various transportation forms such as buses, coaches, trains, high-speed trains, and many more mediums which are not only quick but affordable too. 

  1. Great job opportunities for English speakers

In Vietnam, there is always a high demand for native English speakers and non-native English speakers too who can work in the country as teachers. The job of teaching English as an English teacher is among the highest paying jobs in the country and is pretty popular amongst expats too. 

  1. The Vietnamese cuisine is delicious 

Vietnamese cuisine is pretty unique and different from other cuisines across the globe. The local food of Vietnam or the cuisine of Vietnam is delicious and healthy. Not only that, the food sold in Vietnam locally is pretty affordable and hygienic as well. 

As food lovers in Vietnam, if the expats think that they will have a good time devouring different kinds of Vietnamese food, then they are absolutely right! The cuisine is hands down one of the best reasons why many expats and visitors visit Vietnam. 

  1. The weather of Vietnam is pretty pleasant and beautiful 

Weather is one of the most important factors considered by many expats before they move to Vietnam and start living in the country. Well, since it is an important factor, many expats are glad to learn that the weather of Vietnam is extremely pleasant and beautiful as compared to the weather of any other nation in the world. 

Although the expats are expecting heavy rains or mild storms in Vietnam, the occurrence of natural disasters is pretty rare in the country. 

What Are The Cons Of Living In Vietnam?

In this post about moving to Vietnam as an expat, we will be looking at the cons of staying in Vietnam that are as follows: 

  1. Scams happening regarding the costs of products and services for foreigners 

Although the goods and services sold in Vietnam are pretty cheap and affordable, there are scams happening all the time regarding the prices of certain goods and services for foreigners. This means that the prices of products and services may be less for locals in Vietnam as compared to the prices paid by the expats living in the country. 

  1. Traffic and air pollution is a minor problem 

Vietnam is a country that faces a lot of air pollution. Apart from that, many expats complain about the never-ending traffic in the country which causes a lot of other problems and issues in their daily life. Mostly, the traffic is caused by motorbikes and other public transportation.

  1. The administrative procedures and not simple 

If an expat wants help with fulfilling the residence card, passport procedures, Visas, etc then they are advised to go for private services that are quick and simple. 

The reason why it is an easy method is because it not only saves a lot of time, but it provides a simplified understanding to the expat about how the procedures of the different formalities regarding passport, Visas, residence card, etc work in the country. 

  1. The expats may get a culture shock 

The Vietnamese locals follow age-old traditions and rituals even in the modern age as they have remained in the country for more than thousands of years. 

Even though the Vietnamese culture has changed a bit and have become more adapted to different cultures, the expats who are staying in the country in the initial days need to take some time out to learn the culture and get used to it as well. 

  1. Varied weather in Vietnam 

As discussed above, the weather of Vietnam is varied from North to South. The expats who have started to live in Vietnam for the first time may find that there is snow in the winter season. And over forty degrees in the summer season of Northern Vietnam. In the South, there will be warm weather all the time in the year. 

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Many people travel to Vietnam today for leisure, business, education, etc. People who visit Vietnam for the first time frequently wonder which port they can enter through. This article discusses every port of entry for foreigners into Vietnam. Learn more at Vietnam Ports of Entry.

A Helpful Guide to Moving To Vietnam As An Expat Summary

Since Vietnam offers many opportunities to not only work and earn in the country, but to explore some beautiful and incredible places, it is a very attractive country for most foreigners. Vietnam is surely a worthwhile country and a good choice for tourism, business, and work purposes. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Vietnam as an Expat  

  1. What is the currency of Vietnam? 

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. The denominations in which the Vietnamese currency can be observed are as follows: 

  • VND 1000
  • VND 2000
  • VND 5000
  • VND 10000
  • VND 20000
  • VND 50000
  • VND 100000
  • VND 200000
  • VND 500000
  1. What are the perks of staying in Vietnam? 
  • Affordable living cost. 
  • The transportation facilities are convenient and comfortable. 
  • Great job opportunities for English speakers.
  • Vietnamese cuisine is delicious. 
  • The weather of Vietnam is pretty pleasant and beautiful. 
  1. What is the weather of Vietnam?

Vietnam is situated in the tropical monsoon climate zone. That's why the average humidity in Vietnam is eighty five percent. The higher temperatures in the country range from 21°C to 35°C. 

READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vietnam Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Vietnam. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Vietnam E-Visa.

Check your eligibility for Online Vietnam Visa and apply for Online Vietnam Visa four (4) - seven (7) days in advance of your flight. US citizens, British citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Vietnam Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Vietnam Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.

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