Moving to Vietnam

Vietnam has modernised its visa system with e-visas. Work permits require employer sponsorship. The Digital Nomad visa is not yet formal, but long-stay options exist.

Vietnam's economy is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia, driven by manufacturing (Samsung, Intel, and hundreds of factories in industrial zones), technology (a booming startup scene in HCMC and Hanoi), English education (massive demand for foreign teachers), tourism, and increasingly, professional services. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi dominate the professional job market, with Da Nang growing as a secondary hub. English is the working language in most international companies and all foreign-facing education roles.

Vietnam's healthcare system has improved dramatically in recent years. In HCMC and Hanoi, international-standard hospitals provide excellent care: FV Hospital and Vinmec International Hospital are the top choices, with English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and JCI accreditation. Family Medical Practice (FMP) operates well-regarded international clinics in HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Public hospitals (Cho Ray in HCMC, Bach Mai in Hanoi) offer competent care at very low cost but are extremely crowded, with limited English, and involve lengthy waits. Most expats use a combination of private hospitals for routine and acute care and international insurance for major procedures. Health insurance is mandatory for work permit holders (employer-provided), but the coverage level varies; supplementary international insurance from providers like Cigna, Bupa, or Pacific Cross is common for those wanting broader coverage. Pharmacies are abundant and many medications (including antibiotics) are available without prescription, though quality control can be inconsistent. Dental care is affordable and improving rapidly.

Vietnam is one of the most digitally connected countries in Southeast Asia. Mobile internet penetration exceeds 70%, and 4G/5G coverage from Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone blankets urban areas. Home fiber internet (VNPT, FPT, Viettel) delivers 50-150 Mbps in cities at very low cost ($8-15/month). Cashless payments have exploded since 2020, with QR codes accepted everywhere from street food vendors to luxury hotels.

Vietnamese culture is shaped by Confucian values of respect for elders, family loyalty, education, and social harmony, overlaid with a distinctly Vietnamese resilience and entrepreneurial spirit forged through centuries of conflict and rebuilding. Family (gia dinh) is the fundamental unit of society; multi-generational households are common, and major decisions involve family consensus. The concept of 'face' (the mat) governs social interactions: public criticism, displays of anger, or causing embarrassment are serious social transgressions. Vietnamese communication is often indirect, and 'yes' may mean 'I hear you' rather than 'I agree.' Food is central to social life and identity; meals are communal, shared from common dishes, and the question 'An com chua?' (Have you eaten rice yet?) is a standard greeting equivalent to 'How are you?' The Vietnamese are pragmatic, industrious, and possess a dry, self-deprecating humor. Haggling is expected in markets but not in shops with fixed prices. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. The lunar calendar governs the most important holiday, Tet (Lunar New Year), which effectively shuts the country down for 1-2 weeks.

• •Tet (Lunar New Year, usually late January to mid-February) is the most important holiday. The entire country pauses for 1-2 weeks. Flights, trains, and buses sell out months in advance. Many businesses close, and workers return to their hometowns.
• •Always remove your shoes before entering Vietnamese homes and some businesses. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as your cue.
• •When handing or receiving anything important (business cards, gifts, money), use both hands. This shows respect.
• •Avoid pointing with your finger or the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects. Use an open hand to gesture instead.
• •Vietnamese names are written with family name first (e.g., Nguyen Van An). Address people by their given name (the last word) with an appropriate title (Anh for older brother, Chi for older sister, Em for younger person).