How to Move to Vietnam and Survive

How to Move to Vietnam and Survive

Thinking about moving to Vietnam - but want the reality, not the fantasy?

How to Move to Vietnam and Survive is a practical, honest guide for anyone considering a new life in one of Southeast Asia's most exciting, affordable and fast-changing countries.

Written in a conversational, down-to-earth style, it goes beyond beaches, cheap food and travel highlights to explain what everyday living in Vietnam can actually feel like once the holiday ends and real life begins.

Whether you are a digital nomad, remote worker, retiree, couple, family or simply someone looking for a fresh start overseas, this book helps you work out whether Vietnam genuinely fits the life you want to build.

Inside, you will discover how to choose between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Hue, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong, Mui Ne and other locations - with practical discussion of lifestyle, weather, rent, transport, healthcare, international services and the different personalities of each place.

You will also learn about visas and immigration, finding the right apartment, realistic living costs, banking and tax considerations, private healthcare and insurance, transport, working in Vietnam, remote work, food, shopping, Vietnamese culture, friendships, dating, family life, education, retirement and the common mistakes that make an overseas move harder than it needs to be.

This is not a book that tells you Vietnam is perfect.

It explains the trade-offs.

You will learn why the cheapest apartment is not always the best value, why choosing the right neighbourhood can matter as much as choosing the right city, why a tourist visa is not the same thing as permission to work, and why healthcare, insurance, savings and a sensible backup plan matter just as much as rent and lifestyle.

There is also a detailed 90-day Vietnam test designed to help you experience the country like a resident before making a long-term commitment, followed by a practical guide to navigating your first year in Vietnam once the excitement of arrival begins to turn into ordinary life.

Prices throughout the book are shown in Vietnamese dong, US dollars and British pounds, making costs easier to understand for international readers. The legal and practical information in this edition was checked in September 2026, while recognising that visa, tax, employment, property and healthcare rules can change.

If you are asking questions such as:

• How much does it really cost to live in Vietnam?
• Which Vietnamese city would suit me best?
• Can I work remotely from Vietnam?
• How do visas and work permits actually work?
• What is renting an apartment really like?
• Is private healthcare affordable?
• Could Vietnam work for retirement?
• What is everyday life like beyond the tourist areas?
• How do I test the move before committing?

This book was written for you.

How to Move to Vietnam and Survive is part of The Life Without Borders Series - practical guides for people who want more freedom, more choice and a realistic understanding of what it takes to build a life overseas.

Vietnam can be exciting, beautiful, affordable and full of opportunity. But the best move is not the one that looks good on social media.

It is the one that works on an ordinary Tuesday.

Start with the facts. Test the life. Then decide whether Vietnam could become home.