The Ultimate Guide for Digital Nomads Moving to Vietnam

 

So, you’ve decided to move to Vietnam to work and travel for a few months, immersing yourself in a new culture while enjoying the tropical heat. While the idea can seem daunting, it’s also incredibly exciting, and the time spent planning your trip can be just as enjoyable as the adventure itself. However, there are definitely a few important things to sort out before you leave, as some tasks can be quite tricky to handle once you're in the country. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a quick checklist of what to consider before making the move, helping you avoid unnecessary stress and ensuring you have a smooth transition into your new adventure.

 

Points Covered in This Guide 

• Choosing a location within Vietnam 
• Getting a visa prior to arrival 
• Getting some basic health insurance 
• Getting a banking app with low transfer / withdrawal fees 
• Finding Accomodation 

 

 

 

Location 

 

Vietnam has a wide variety of locations to suit every need. So when choosing a location you should decide whether you like city life , beach life or a mix of both. In this section we will give a non-exhasutive list of locations to choose in Vietnam if you feel we have missed any important ones out feel free to contact with a description. 

 

City Life

First we will start with city life, and of course Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is at the top of the list here. With large shopping malls and plenty of nightlife, for those seeking city life with a distinctly Asian feel to it Saigon is your best bet. 

 

 

Saigon is an ideal destination for anyone looking to do business in Vietnam. The city is home to a community of tech-savvy young professionals and a diverse group of international expats. Whether you're a first-time digital nomad or a seasoned traveler, you'll quickly feel at home in this dynamic and welcoming environment. On the downside there is quite a lot of traffic and pollution in Saigon so that is one thing to be aware of. 

 

 

Beach Life

Vietnam offers a wide variety of beach destinations, and Phu Quoc, an island in the south, stands out as a prime example. Known for its stunning beaches and diverse range of activities, Phu Quoc is a popular spot for tourists from around the world. It's the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed, beachside lifestyle.

 

 

For those dreaming of renting a beachfront bungalow and enjoying activities like fishing and diving, Phu Quoc could be the ideal destination. While the island offers limited shopping, with stores opening late and closing early, flights to Saigon are affordable, and the island’s airport is easily accessible.

 

Mix of City and Beach

 

Danang strikes a nice balance between city and beach life, making it a popular destination for digital nomads. It can be referred to as the 'Chiang Mai' of Vietnam as it is incredibly popular with remote workers, Danang offers a vibrant blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty. The city’s growing expat community enjoys the mix of fast internet, coworking spaces, and easy access to stunning beaches. Whether you’re looking for an active urban lifestyle or a relaxed day by the ocean, Danang caters to both, all while maintaining an affordable cost of living.

 

 

Living in Danang is a great option, especially for those new to the digital nomad lifestyle. You're likely to meet others in a similar situation, and sense of community is important it will make the transition easier. Plus, the city offers plenty of travel opportunities, making it an exciting base for both work and exploration.

 

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Visa

 

Vietnam offers an online visa application service, making it easier for travelers to obtain visas without visiting embassies. This system was introduced in 2017 as part of the government's effort to modernize its immigration process and attract more international tourists and business visitors. The move was aimed at boosting tourism and investment by streamlining the visa process, reducing paperwork, and making Vietnam more accessible to a global audience. Since then, the online visa system has become a convenient and widely used option for visitors from eligible countries.

 

 

While it's always a good idea to check with your nearest embassy or visa agent, most countries are eligible for a 90-day multiple-entry visa. The online service offers both business and tourist visas, so it's important to carefully review the requirements and eligibility before applying to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, numerous visa agent services are available to assist with the application process for a fee

 

For those familiar with Thailand's visa system you may be inclined to think that the multiple entry for the tourist visa means you get an additional entry upon doing a border run however, this is not the case in Vietnam it simply means you can leave and come back within the 30 or 90 day window for which your visa is valid. 

 

In summary the Vietnamese visa application process is very easy to do and at approximately $50 it is quite affordable. Although make sure to apply well in advance and ensure you have the correct photo sizes and paperwork scans ready to submit so as to avoid delays in your application. Also it is important to note that applicants are unable to apply for the visa whilst in the country i.e. you must leave and apply for a new one. 

 

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Health / Travel Insurance

 

It's essential to secure health or travel insurance before leaving, as many insurers won't cover you once you're already in the country. Look for a plan that covers multiple countries, especially if you're planning to travel extensively. Seasoned travelers often hear horror stories of people facing huge medical bills due to accidents or illness, which can be financially devastating.

 

 

 

This is particularly important for those planning to ride motorcycles, as accidents are common, and medical care can be expensive without proper insurance coverage. And worst case scenario you really want some sort of package that can transport you to your home country for medical care whilst around your family and friends. 

 

 

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International Banking App

 

It is rather difficult if not impossible to sign up for a Vietnamese bank account on a tourist visa, so you are going to want to ensure you have a suitable bank account that charges minimal fees for cash withdrawal. The traditional banks, at least those in the UK exchange currency at rates that should be illegal in a civilised country and this isn't even to mention the added fees they will add for this 'service'. These excessive charges really start to add up over time, especially if you want to make a larger purchase, transferring money from a traditional bank will a) be costly b) very slow. 

 

So what is the alternative? 

 

Well there are a number of start-up banking apps that offer a great service with very reasonable fees. In this part we will give a brief introduction to some of these apps that we use personally. 

It is highly recommended to sign up to as many of these apps as possible before you leave your home country, as getting a debit card to withdraw cash is going to be nearly impossible to do once you leave. Personally I have them all, and carry around one card in wallet and then store the others securely. 

 

Wise

Wise certainly comes to the top of this list, with an easy to use app, transparent and competitive exchange rates, it is a must have for those travelling abroad. When using Wise you also have the added benefit of being able to rapidly transfer money in to a local bank account with the most competitive fees in the world, making it an excellent option for larger purchases. 

 

 

Wise also offers a debit card that you can use for contactless / chip and pin and cash withdrawals whilst in Vietnam. Another cool thing about Wise is they have a service in the app that allows you to create a virtual card for paying for stuff online, when you no longer need to use it you can simply freeze the card. Sign up for Wise today!

 

Revolut

For digital nomads, the Revolut referral program is a great way to earn extra perks while sharing a useful service. Revolut offers multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and easy international transactions, making it highly relevant to nomads who travel frequently and need flexible banking solutions.

 

 

Revolut is great for those that travel frequently, with the perks of the app including discounted rates for airport lounges for when you have a long layover and want somewhere comfortable to work from. 

 

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Finding Accomodation 

 

Once you've chosen your destination and booked your flight, finding suitable accommodation should be a top priority. As a digital nomad, you'll spend a lot of time in your apartment or house, so reliable internet, functioning air conditioning, and a comfortable bed are essential. While you may be tempted to secure long-term housing before leaving home, this can be risky. Photos often don’t reflect the true condition of the property, and you won’t know if the location is convenient for your daily needs, like supermarkets or coworking spaces.

It’s generally a better idea to book a hotel or short-term stay for a week while you explore the area. Although this may be more expensive upfront, it could save you money in the long run if you avoid committing to a place that doesn’t meet your standards or is in an inconvenient location.