How far in advance should I plan my move to Vietnam?

For a smooth move, allow 4–8 weeks of preparation. The e-visa itself only takes 3 business days, but getting degree certificates apostilled, obtaining police clearance, arranging international health insurance, and planning your housing search all benefit from more lead time. If you're planning to teach or work from day one, 2–3 months advance preparation is ideal.

Should I ship furniture to Vietnam or buy locally?

Buy locally in almost all cases. Shipping furniture internationally incurs freight costs, customs duties, and significant hassle. Vietnam has excellent furniture options at all price points: IKEA Vietnam (HCMC), local furniture streets (Lê Văn Sỹ in HCMC, Bà Triệu in Hanoi), and online platforms like Chợ Tốt and Tiki. A fully furnished apartment setup typically costs $500–$2,000 depending on quality.

Can I bring my pet to Vietnam?

Yes, with the right documentation. Dogs and cats require: ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (blood test at least 30 days before travel), government-issued health certificate endorsed by your national veterinary authority, and import permit from Vietnam's Animal Health Department. Work with a specialized pet relocation company — the process is manageable but paperwork-intensive. Quarantine is not required if all documentation is in order.

What is the best first city to move to in Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh City is the easiest entry point for most expats: largest expat community, most international services, best hospital infrastructure, and the widest range of employment opportunities. Hanoi is ideal for those in government, NGO, or diplomatic work, or who prefer a more culturally rich, slower-paced city. Da Nang is the best choice for digital nomads, retirees, and families who prioritize beach lifestyle and lower costs over city amenities.

Do I need to register with my embassy when I move to Vietnam?

It's strongly recommended but not legally required. Most embassies offer a voluntary registration service (the US has STEP — Smart Traveler Enrollment Program; the UK has FCDO registration). In emergencies — natural disasters, civil unrest, or personal crises — registered citizens receive consular notifications and assistance first. Registration takes 5 minutes online and is worth doing.

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🇻🇳 Vietnam

Moving Guide

Moving to Vietnam is logistically straightforward — no advance visa appointment needed (e-visa applies online), no quota on expats, and a thriving infrastructure of relocation services. The main tasks are securing your e-visa, finding accommodation (ideally 2–4 weeks in a serviced apartment while you search), shipping or buying furniture locally, and setting up banking and utilities.

$25 online

E-Visa Application

Approved in 3 business days

$300–$800

Air Freight (small shipment)

For documents + essentials

$1,500–$4,000

Sea Freight (full container)

4–8 weeks shipping time

$500–$1,500/mo

Furnished Apt (short-term)

Serviced apt for first 4–8 weeks

$300–$800

Relocation Agent

Optional but highly useful

$5–$15

SIM Card Setup

Viettel or Mobifone prepaid

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Ho Chi Minh City 🏛️Hanoi 🏖️Da Nang

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Apply for your 90-day e-visa at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — do this 1–2 weeks before departure
Most expats ship only essentials (electronics, personal items, clothing) by air freight ($300–$800 for a suitcase-equivalent air shipment)
Day 1: Buy a local SIM card (Viettel or Mobifone) at the airport — $5–$15 for a starter plan with data; essential for Grab and Google Maps immediately
Landlords are legally required to register foreign tenants with the local ward police (công an phường) within 24–48 hours of arrival

Before You Arrive

Good preparation in the weeks before your move makes the transition significantly smoother.

Apply for your 90-day e-visa at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — do this 1–2 weeks before departure
Book a serviced apartment for 4–8 weeks to give yourself time to find long-term accommodation without pressure
Research your target neighborhood thoroughly using Expat Facebook groups, PropertyGuru, and YouTube neighborhood tours
Join 'Expats in Ho Chi Minh City', 'Hanoi Expats', or 'Da Nang Expats' Facebook groups — invaluable for pre-move questions
Arrange comprehensive international health insurance before you arrive; do not rely on travel insurance for long-term stay
Get important documents apostilled in your home country (degree certificates, police clearance) if you plan to work — this takes 2–4 weeks

Shipping Belongings to Vietnam

Vietnam has no formal household goods import exemption for expats. All imports are subject to customs duty, which affects your shipping decisions.

Most expats ship only essentials (electronics, personal items, clothing) by air freight ($300–$800 for a suitcase-equivalent air shipment)
Sea freight for a partial or full container is possible ($1,500–$4,000); transit time 4–8 weeks depending on origin
Used electronics: import duty can be significant; many expats buy locally at Nguyen Kim, FPT Shop, or Tiki (Vietnam's top e-commerce platform)
Furniture: buying locally is usually more cost-effective than shipping; IKEA Vietnam (opened 2023, HCMC), local furniture districts, and online platforms (Chợ Tốt) all offer great options
Customs clearance: hire a licensed freight forwarder for sea shipments to navigate customs procedures; expect 2–5 business days for clearance after arrival
Pets: Vietnam allows cat and dog imports with vaccination records, microchip, rabies titer test, and government-issued health certificate; work with a pet relocation specialist

Your First Weeks in Vietnam

The first month is about getting your foundation in place — housing, banking, SIM card, transport, and community.

Day 1: Buy a local SIM card (Viettel or Mobifone) at the airport — $5–$15 for a starter plan with data; essential for Grab and Google Maps immediately
Week 1: download Grab (motorbike + car + food delivery), Google Translate with Vietnamese language pack downloaded offline, and VinMEC/FV Hospital contacts saved
Week 1–2: visit neighborhood wet markets, discover your closest phở spot, locate nearest international pharmacy and clinic
Week 2–3: begin apartment search in earnest; use PropertyGuru + Facebook groups + local agents simultaneously
Week 3–4: open bank account (HSBC or Techcombank recommended for English-language service) once you have a fixed address
Ongoing: attend expat meetups in your first month — the community effect accelerates settling in dramatically

Registering Your Residence

Foreigners staying long-term in Vietnam should register their place of residence with local authorities through their landlord.

Landlords are legally required to register foreign tenants with the local ward police (công an phường) within 24–48 hours of arrival
This 'residence registration' (đăng ký tạm trú) is handled by the landlord — remind them to complete it
Keep a copy of your registration certificate; it may be required by banks, employers, or immigration when applying for TRC
TRC holders must also notify immigration of any change of address within 30 days of moving
Hotels and serviced apartments handle registration automatically — another reason they're ideal for the first weeks
Failure to register has no immediate consequence for foreigners, but can complicate TRC and work permit applications

FAQs