Pros and cons of moving to Vietnam

Vietnam is a popular travel destination with a range of attractions and pull factors luring both tourists and foreign nationals looking to work and live in the country. From the diverse natural scenery of tropical beaches, caves and rivers to the cosmopolitan city lifestyle, there’s a lot on offer. Understanding the pros and cons of living in Vietnam is crucial before making the move, although you may also realise some surprising benefits and drawbacks after arriving.

At the end of the day, much of your experience will be determined by your willingness to adapt to your new environment and your perceptions and responses to both the good and the bad. To help you in your decision-making process, here is a selection of the pros and cons of moving to Vietnam.

Cost of living in Vietnam

+ PRO: Affordable cost of living

One of the biggest draw factors making Vietnam a popular destination is its low cost of living in Vietnam. The different currency (Vietnamese Dong) may take some getting used to, and the large denominations may make it seem like enormous amounts are being spent, but most goods and services are cheap. Beer and local wine are especially affordable, and low rental costs are also welcoming when searching for accommodation.

- CON: Increased prices and scams in tourist areas

New arrivals should be aware of the touristy areas in the large cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Although goods in these areas may initially appear cheap, tourists are often charged higher prices than a Vietnamese local would be for the same product or service. We recommend shopping around with a local to get familiar with fair prices and being aware of scams on tourists to avoid losing money.

- CON: Imported goods and Western products are expensive

While local Vietnamese products remain affordable, imported goods and familiar Western brands come with hefty price tags. Items like cheese, Western cereals, international cosmetics, and electronics can cost as much as or more than they would back home. This means you’ll need to adapt your shopping habits and embrace local alternatives to keep costs down.

Cost of Living in Vietnam
Banking, Money and Taxes in Vietnam

Transport and driving in Vietnam

+ PRO: Many transport options

There are many options for getting around, especially in Vietnam’s major cities, and buses and trains allow easy travel around the country. The most common mode of transport in Vietnam is the motorbike. Many people report that it’s easy to rent a motorcycle – the challenge is riding it in the chaotic traffic. Modern metro systems now operate in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while ride-hailing apps like Grab offer convenient alternatives to traditional taxis.

+ PRO: Convenient and easy to travel to other Southeast Asian countries

If you have an urge to travel, you’ll find Vietnam to be a great base country from which to live and travel to other destinations. Affordable airline tickets can be found, and the country is home to several international airports, including Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

- CON: Serious safety risks

Most forms of getting around have safety implications, but motorbikes pose particular dangers. 90 percent of Vietnam’s traffic fatalities involve motorbikes, with accident rates four times higher than with cars. Rules of the road appear non-existent, and drivers must be vigilant of all obstacles, including other vehicles and pedestrians. Motorbikes are everywhere, including the pavements, and in busy traffic, crossing the road and even walking on the pavement prove to be daunting tasks. New traffic laws implemented in 2025 aim to improve the situation, but traffic safety is an ongoing concern.

Transport and Driving in Vietnam 
Safety in Vietnam 

Working in Vietnam

+ PRO: Easy to find a job

For global nomads and travellers, finding a job in Vietnam can prove easy, especially in teaching. Teachers are in high demand in Vietnam, with competitive salaries that have grown significantly as the market has recovered post-pandemic. Teachers can quickly find well-paid positions after arriving in Vietnam through social media and networking, although finding employment before arriving has its benefits too. Teaching English as a foreign language remains popular, but there are also opportunities in other sectors like technology, hospitality, and business services.

- CON: Applying for visas and work permits is complicated

Many applicants struggle with the paperwork when applying for visas and work permits for Vietnam. Recent regulatory changes have added extra steps to the process, and work permits are now valid for a maximum of two years with a possible extension. The process requires extensive document authentication and can be subject to change, which adds to the confusion. Going through a relocation company could be the best solution, although an expensive one at that.

Finding a Job in Vietnam
Visas for Vietnam 
Work Permits for Vietnam 
Relocation Companies in Vietnam 

Culture shock and lifestyle in Vietnam

+ PRO: Healthy and diverse food options

Foodies will love tasting authentic Vietnamese cooking and are sure to appreciate how easy it is to eat healthily, thanks to the many vegetable-based dishes. From tasty noodle fare to spring rolls, dumplings and pho – traditional Vietnamese soup – you’ll never be short on meal options, whether home-cooked, street food or eating at a restaurant. You can also find a range of cuisines from many cultures around the world. People in Vietnam are hospitable and will happily invite you to eat with them too.

+ PRO: Lots of things to see and do

There is much to see and do in Vietnam, and locals are always keen to take a newcomer on all sorts of adventures. New arrivals interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage can visit the many museums and Buddhist pagodas or temples. The country’s natural attractions are well worth visiting, from boating on the Mekong Delta and tropical beaches to Ban Gioc Waterfall as well as Hang Sơn Đoòng, the world’s largest natural cave.

+ PRO: Welcoming expat community and social integration

You’ll find Vietnam surprisingly welcoming for foreigners, and 85 percent of expats report feeling welcome in the country – well above the global average. Making local friends proves easier than in many destinations. The growing expat community in major cities provides a strong support network, while Vietnamese locals are generally curious and friendly towards newcomers, making social integration more manageable than you might expect.

- CON: Major language barriers

New arrivals find it difficult to integrate into their new environment without speaking or understanding Vietnamese, especially in more rural areas. Vietnamese is a tonal language, so how a word is pronounced can greatly change its meaning, and getting the right tone takes practice. Language learning resources remain more limited compared to other popular expat destinations. We recommend you familiarise yourself with basic greetings and phrases; a little goes a long way.

- CON: Little personal space and privacy

Limited personal space and privacy are common elements of culture shock in Vietnam for Western arrivals. Vietnamese locals tend to physically position themselves close to the person they are talking to. Conversation topics can be quite direct and seem like prying into your private life when, in reality, people may just be curious and want to be friendly and get to know you. This culture of closeness can make someone unfamiliar with Vietnamese customs feel uncomfortable.

Local Culture in Vietnam

Healthcare in Vietnam

+ PRO: Private healthcare offers good standards

The Vietnamese private medical system offers good facilities (mainly in the cities) and surpasses those of the public healthcare system in Vietnam. Private healthcare professionals and doctors are often from the USA, South Korea, Japan, France as well as Vietnam; all are well-trained and experienced, and their diverse backgrounds also help reduce language barriers. Health insurance coverage has reached about 90 percent of the population, making healthcare more accessible than in many regional neighbours.

- CON: Pharmacies may not stock all medications

While pharmacies are relatively well stocked in Vietnam and finding common prescription medicine is not too hard, not all medicines, vitamins and minerals are readily available. There are also restrictions on medicines that Vietnam categorises as ‘addictive’ or ‘psychotropic’, and treatments for anxiety, depression, and other conditions often fall under this classification. We recommend you do your research and ask your nearest embassy for specifics.

- CON: Serious air pollution concerns in major cities

Living in a major city such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City comes with severe air pollution problems that have worsened significantly. Hanoi topped global pollution rankings in early 2025 with dangerously unhealthy air quality levels. The government has ordered both cities to improve air quality to safe levels within five years, recognising the severity of the issue. Air pollution has major health implications and is a push factor for many, especially children, older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

- CON: Mosquito-related diseases remain prevalent

Mosquito-borne diseases are a year-round concern in Vietnam, with dengue fever being the primary threat. While malaria risk is now limited to specific rural areas, dengue transmission occurs throughout the year, with peaks during the rainy season. Health risks aside, the annoying buzz of mosquitoes and their itchy bites are a negative aspect of life in Vietnam. We suggest you take the necessary precautions against mosquito bites and consider vaccination where available.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Vietnam 

Weather in Vietnam

+ PRO: Warm weather

If you hate winter, you’ll enjoy the warm weather in Vietnam, and residents don’t need to worry too much about layering up in colder seasons. While this is a pro for many, there is a catch: the high humidity. Be prepared for the humid climate, which can make things feel uncomfortably hotter than they are and can be unpleasant.

- CON: Unpredictable extreme weather and flooding

The weather in Vietnam is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. The country is vulnerable to typhoons and tropical cyclones, with heavy rains typically arriving between June and September each year, bringing flooding, flash floods and landslides. La Niña conditions are making weather patterns especially erratic, meaning you’ll need to prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and be aware of the serious health implications of floods and heat waves.

Weather in Vietnam 

Education and schools in Vietnam

- CON: International schools are expensive and competitive

While international school options have expanded significantly, they remain expensive and competitive to enter. The fee range is vast, with some schools costing significantly more than others – differences can reach tens of thousands of dollars annually. Waiting lists are typically long, and application processes must be done well in advance. One of the biggest issues limiting entry to international schools is the high cost: parents must often stretch their budget considerably to ensure a private international education for their children.

+ PRO: Good quality schools with diverse options

The standard of education in Vietnam is high, and there are various options to suit different needs and budgets. Some expat parents with young children may opt for a public school, where the language of instruction is primarily Vietnamese and the costs are low. Private and international schools offer higher standards of schooling, with international schools offering familiar curricula in your home language.

Education and Schools in Vietnam 
Best International Schools in Hanoi 
Best International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City