Things to Know Before Moving to Vietnam

Moving to Vietnam: What I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Came

If you are thinking of moving to Vietnam, this is the version I wish someone told me after living here for nine months. This is my third visit to the country, and I have spent time in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and mostly in Hanoi. I have traveled north to south and back again, and I have changed my mind about where I would live more than once.

This is not a two-week pass-through write-up. It is built from trial, error, and real life in Vietnam. If you are planning a move or a longer stay, here are the things I wish I knew before I arrived.

Watch the Full Story

Here is the video version of this story if you prefer to watch it before reading. The points below expand on what I cover in the film.

Vietnam Is Not Just “Hot All the Time”

Hanoi has seasons. At times I have been in a jumper at 24 degrees, and mornings can dip down to 16 degrees with nights as low as 8 to 10 degrees. Ho Chi Minh City is the opposite: warm and humid year-round. Coastal cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang bring intense wet seasons. There will be weeks where the streets flood and you barely leave your apartment.

Weather shapes everything in Vietnam. It affects your productivity, your mood, and the kind of day-to-day lifestyle you actually experience.

Visas Are Easy , But Details Matter

Vietnam’s tourist visa is typically 90 days, with single or multiple entry options. The official government site is the only place I recommend applying. Some look official but are not. The process is simple, but your name must match exactly across your visa, flights, and bookings. If you have a middle name, include it everywhere. Airlines like VietJet are strict and will deny boarding if it does not match.

If you need a step-by-step guide, I have a dedicated breakdown in my Vietnam e-visa guide.

Get a Vietnamese SIM Card Immediately

Vietnam runs on Zalo. It is how locals handle deliveries, landlords, services, and most informal communication. Without a local number you lose access to the default ecosystem. I relied on an eSIM and it created more friction than it was worth. If you are staying longer than a month, get a local SIM card early and make your life easier.

Don’t Commit to a City Before You Test It

I thought I would settle in Da Nang after seeing it called the next Bali. It is beautiful, but for me it felt quieter and a little flat after the novelty wore off. Your experience depends on who you are and who you move with. A solo move can feel lonely without an existing community.

Try cities first. If you want a base that feels active and social, Hanoi has been that for me. If you want a different pace, Ho Chi Minh City has the year-round heat and a more modern energy. Test them in person before you sign anything long-term.

Why I Chose Hanoi (For Now)

Hanoi feels alive. I can walk into the Old Quarter, Beer Street, or Hoan Kiem and something is always happening. Tay Ho, where I live, has an expat ecosystem of teachers, creatives, and freelancers that makes settling in easier.

If you want to explore the city deeper, these guides might help: Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi, Best Cafes in Tay Ho, and Hanoi by Night.

Renting Is Shockingly Easy

In Hanoi, I used Hanoi Living Hub and toured six apartments in one day. I chose one and had the keys that same day. No income checks, references, or paperwork. It is the opposite of back home.

The main warning: construction noise can appear overnight. Do not lock into a long contract until you are sure the area feels right.

Dating Comes With Cultural Layers

Dating locals can be amazing, but it comes with language barriers and cultural differences. Long-term, it can lead to visa and relocation conversations quickly. Even daily humor and cultural references do not always translate. It is not bad, just different.

Cash Is Still King

Vietnam is still a cash economy. Many places take cards, and QR payments are common, but they require Vietnamese banking and a local number. ATMs often limit withdrawals to 3–5 million VND, which adds fees if you are using foreign cards. A local bank setup is worth it if you are staying longer term.

Money and Payments

Keep local cash and a backup card, and compare the full cost of moving money from home. A Wise account does not replace a local account for services that require local banking access.

Western Comforts Are Expensive

Vietnamese food is incredible and affordable. Western items like parmesan, steak, or canned tomatoes are pricey. The more you eat locally, the more your budget stretches. Tofu, seasonal vegetables, and local markets will save you a lot of money.

Pollution Is Real , And Serious

Hanoi’s air quality can hit very high pollution levels compared to places like Cairns or Sydney. You feel it in your lungs some days. If you have respiratory issues, coastal cities like Da Nang or Nha Trang might be a better fit.

Healthcare Is Cheap , Until It Isn’t

Everyday healthcare and dentistry are affordable, but long-term illness or retirement care is a different decision. Vietnam is manageable for young, healthy travelers, but think carefully if you are planning to settle long term.

Learn Even a Little Vietnamese

I met a traveler who took lessons before arriving, and the response he got from locals was overwhelmingly positive. Basic Vietnamese goes a long way for trust, pricing, and respect. It is worth investing in.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is affordable, but more importantly it is layered and real. It is not a fantasy. It is chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and rewarding if you show up with your eyes open. I am heading somewhere new when this project ends, but Vietnam will remain part of my story.

If you are already living here and think I missed something, drop it in the comments. Until next time , keep on adventuring.