Pros and Cons of Living in Vietnam

"Expats in Vietnam often appreciate the hospitality and warmth of the local people, as well as the cultural diversity that exists in this diverse country. The national cuisine and traditional dishes, such as Pho and Banh Mi, are also frequently enjoyed by expats living in Vietnam. The affordability of living in Vietnam is also appreciated by many expats, as well as the vibrant city life and the prevalence of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and exploring the rural landscape. The sheer natural beauty of the country, from its mountain and coastal regions to its cultural heritage, is also celebrated by expats in Vietnam," said a person living in Vietnam.

"There's always something happening or something to see in Ho Chi Minh City that takes you by surprise. You don't know what you're going to see when you leave the apartment. A lot of entrepeneurs here, who have a positive attitude and we appreciate that alot, having moved from the doom and gloom and miserable attitude in Europe. Also we feel safe in the city and we're able to drive around independently on our scooter - something that can't be said of every city in south east asia," explained one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City.

"It's very difficult to be a Western woman living in Vietnam. The Vietnamese culture is very male-oriented, so it took several months before I was able to make any friends - & then it was just one friend. I felt lonely most of the time," explained one expat living in Bien Hoa.

"Expats in Vietnam find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of navigating the local culture, as many locals only speak Vietnamese or limited English. Additionally, the cultural norms in Vietnam can be quite different from those in their home countries, which can cause confusion and frustration among expats. Vietnam's system of etiquette and propriety can also be confusing and hard to understand, with some topics being considered taboo even among close friends. Many expats are also unfamiliar with the local food, and while most can find family-style restaurants to provide familiar international food, trying local dishes can be difficult if one doesn't know what dishes contain," said one expat in Vietnam.

"We used to have a selection of dried herbs/spices/oils/vinegars etc for cooking at home, but very little of that exists here. We don't have time to go shopping for fresh herbs and fresh meat/fish every day like the locals do, so we eat out every night instead. It's cheaper but we miss cooking sometimes. Nothing seems to work in a logical way here. It's as if each organisation is developing in different directions and so unexpected things happen a lot. Vietnamese people can come across as very rude -but only if they don't speak english. They are embarassed to show themselves up. Otherwise, the locals who can speak english are very welcoming and will want you to stay in their country forever," said a person living in Ho Chi Minh City.