Guide For Living Abroad In Vietnam for Expats
Vietnam is a great place for Americans looking for an affordable place to live or retire. The cost of living in Vietnam is much lower than in the United States. Vietnam will issue temporary residence cards to eligible applicants, and later, permanent resident cards to qualified people.
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If you’re planning your next adventure abroad, this Pacific Prime article will explore the cost of living, assess the quality of life in Vietnam, highlight key cultural differences between the two countries, provide essential visa information, and why securing international health insurance is key.
Most Important Information For Living In Vietnam
Anyone moving abroad needs to determine whether or not they can afford their desired destination, so we will compare the average cost of living in the United States to Vietnam. You’ll also need to be aware of other key factors for moving to Vietnam.
If you want to live in more than one country over time, or you want to decide if Asia is the right area for you, check out our guide to living abroad in Asia.
Cost Of Living In Vietnam Vs. The USA
For a single person, the average cost of living in Vietnam is 70.9% less expensive than in the United States. For a family, the average cost of living is 63.9% lower in Vietnam than in the USA. We’ll break down the major budgeting categories for you to see more details.
Methodology For Comparisons
To compare the cost of living in Vietnam to the United States, we used crowd-sourced data. This data is an average based on recent responses from users. It averages major cities in each country, so the actual cost differences will depend on specific locations.
Housing Cost Comparison Vietnam Vs. The USA
Housing in Vietnam is less than half the cost of what you would pay for a similar unit in the United States. Be aware that the interest rate on purchases is much higher in Vietnam. Their current mortgage rate is 9.99%, while it is typically under 5.5% in the USA.
Renting In The City Center/Downtown
For a downtown single-bedroom apartment in Vietnam, the rent price is 75.8% lower than in the United States. For a three-bedroom downtown apartment, the rent price is 68.1% less expensive than in the United States. That’s a lot of savings in the city center!
Renting In The Suburbs
The rental price for a single-bedroom apartment is 80.5% less costly in Vietnam compared to the USA when you compare average suburb prices. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average savings is 72.8% in Vietnam.
Food Cost Comparison Vietnam Vs. The USA
Food is much cheaper in Vietnam than in the United States. Foodies who love eating out will love the massive savings on restaurant dining in Vietnam. For others who love to cook at home, you’ll still appreciate the cheaper grocery prices in Vietnam.
Eating Out In Vietnam
Here are the average savings you may find in Vietnam when you compare the prices of eating out in both countries:
- The lunch menu in Vietnam is 87.2% more affordable in Vietnam than in the United States.
- A dinner for two in Vietnam is 67.5% less expensive in Vietnam compared to the USA.
- A fast food meal is 47.3% more affordable in Vietnam.
Grocery Prices In Vietnam Vs. The USA
As you’ll see from our list of common grocery items below, most things are much cheaper in Vietnam than in the United States. The only exception is milk.
- Bread is 65.8% more affordable in Vietnam.
- In Vietnam, rice is 74.7% cheaper.
- Eggs are 60.1% less expensive in Vietnam.
- Chicken is 68.6% less costly than in the USA.
- Beef is 28% cheaper in Vietnam.
- Apples are 38.2% cheaper on average in Vietnam.
- Bananas are 33.7% less expensive than in the USA.
- Oranges are 60.7% more affordable in Vietnam.
- Tomatoes are 74% cheaper than in the United States.
- Onions are 49% less expensive in Vietnam.
- Milk is 39% more expensive in Vietnam than in the United States.
Transportation Cost Comparison Vietnam Vs. The USA
Gas is similarly priced in Vietnam when compared to the United States. There’s only a 3% difference on average. For monthly public transit passes, you’ll find an average savings of 88.6% in Vietnam. A taxi ride is 68.8% cheaper in Vietnam than in the USA.
Salaries In Vietnam Vs. The USA
The average salary in Vietnam after taxes is $459; enough to cover 0.7 months of expenses. In the United States, the average after-tax salary of $4223 is enough to cover 1.9 months of expenses on average. The average salary in Vietnam is 89.1% lower than in the USA.
Is Vietnam Expensive to Live In?
Vietnam is not an expensive country to live in. The average cost of living in Vietnam is much lower than in the United States. By securing health insurance and planning your budget, you can afford an expat adventure in Vietnam easily.
Salaries in Vietnam tend to be much lower than in the United States on average. However, for digital nomads or retirees who are living off of income earned in another country, then Vietnam is a great place to relocate!
Living In Vietnam As An American
To live in Vietnam, it is best to learn some Vietnamese phrases and practices. Be aware that there are different pronouns and phrasing depending on the age and gender of the person you are speaking to or about.
Healthcare In Vietnam For Americans
Vietnam has a public and private healthcare network. The public healthcare network tends to be underfunded and short-staffed. Many of these services fall short of what Westerners are accustomed to. The private healthcare network provides mainly outpatient clinics and services.
To make sure that you will have your medical needs met, find an international health insurance plan that will cover you in Vietnam. You can also find a plan with medical evacuation to help you get any emergency or inpatient care you may need while abroad.
Cultural Adjustments For Americans In Vietnam
As an American moving abroad, it is important to be familiar with the customs and etiquette of your destination country. In Vietnam, modesty is an important value. This is reflected in the way you dress, speak, and act. Wear clothing that covers you from shoulders to knees, and avoid boasting.
Respect the Elderly in Vietnam by using the correct phrasing in greetings, giving them deference, and removing your hat when speaking to someone older than you.
Become familiar with the language and learn enough Vietnamese to conduct your day-to-day business. Only 16% of residents in Vietnam speak English, so don’t rely on others knowing your language there.
Avoiding Disrespectful Behavior In Public
Here are some behaviors you should avoid in public while in Vietnam:
- Public displays of affection
- Losing your temper
- Criticizing others
- Using a single finger to point (use your whole hand if you must gesture.)
- Touching anyone on the head (This is the most sacred body part in Vietnam.)
- Crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips
- Flaunting wealth or money
Visiting Others’ Homes In Vietnam
There are things you should be aware of if you are a guest in someone’s home. For example, remove your shoes and bring a gift. Wrap the gift in brightly colored paper.
Visiting Religious Sites
Vietnam is home to many beautiful temples and religious sites that visitors love to visit, but you should know the proper etiquette for visiting the sites.
- Remember that there will be others worshipping at these sites, so you should allow them to continue their religious practice and avoid becoming a distraction.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin from shoulders to knees. Avoid anything form-fitting or revealing.
- Remove any hats.
- Do not point the soles of your feet toward statues or people.
- Do not touch the head of another person.
Retiring In Vietnam From The USA
Many people consider retiring in Vietnam from the USA because the lower cost of living can be a way to stretch your retirement money. Be aware of your tax liability to both countries and consult a tax professional.
Be aware that there is no Social Security Agreement between Vietnam and the United States. This means that you must have worked the minimum amount in the USA to obtain any Social Security Benefits from the United States.
As with any country abroad, being a resident of Vietnam is not enough to qualify you for retirement benefits in the country.
Moving To Vietnam From The USA
Planning your move to Vietnam will help you make the most of your time abroad. Make sure you are familiar with some basic phrases in Vietnamese and the customs. Work with the Immigration Department in Vietnam to finalize residence cards or visas.
Don’t forget to have a location in mind for moving to Vietnam! If you’re undecided, check out our most recommended places in Vietnam for expats.
Visa Requirements For US Citizens In Vietnam
For expats, retirees, or American citizens hoping to stay in Vietnam longer than a tourist visa allows, they will need first to obtain a temporary residence card. Once you have been approved for a TRC and meet the requirements for a permanent residence card, you may apply for a PRC.
To apply for a temporary residence card, you will need to submit an application and supporting documents, called a dossier, to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a great place for expats who are ready for an immersive adventure in a lush, green country. Its low cost of living and affordable cuisine make it a great place for expats or retirees hoping to escape the expense of living in the United States.
To give you peace of mind as you settle into your new life in Vietnam, we recommend you seek comprehensive expat insurance from Pacific Prime. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, we can also help you find an international health insurance plan that will meet your requirements.
Contact us to get started on your next expatriate journey, or get an obligation-free quote from our online quote tool!
If you are still considering your options abroad, check out our guides for Thailand and Indonesia!
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What are the best ways to find housing in Vietnam as an expat, and are there any trusted websites or agencies to use? How does health insurance coverage for expats in Vietnam work, and are there specific providers that are highly recommended for comprehensive coverage?
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