Vietnam Expat Relocation Checklist 2026

1 City choice

I have chosen my primary landing city

I have compared Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi side by side and know where I fit.

I have researched neighborhoods in that city

I know standard expat districts, travel times, walkability indices, and safety metrics.

2 Visa direction

I know my entry visa pathway

I have a realistic plan for short-term tourist entry or a corporate sponsor path for long-term stays.

3 Housing

I have a realistic housing rent budget

I know standard local lease pricing, average deposits required, and hidden building utility fees.

I know how to avoid local deposit scams

I will never sign long-term lease agreements sight unseen online without local verification.

4 Monthly budget

I have saved at least 3-6 months of emergency reserves

I have a secure capital baseline dedicated to medical issues, paperwork backup, or exit flights.

5 Healthcare

I have active international health coverage

I have verified healthcare access constraints, medical evacuation policies, and local clinic locations.

6 Banking and money

I have open global fintech banking accounts

I have verified accounts offering low ATM fees, simple bank transfer options, and transparent exchange rates.

7 First week

I know exactly what local SIM card and transit apps to set up

I have local ride-hailing profiles set up, credit cards linked, and know where official phone stores are.

8 Local support

I have verified contacts to ask questions

I have connected with verified local relocation advisors, communities, or trust networks.

Vietnam readiness checklist

Still researching