Moving to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

"Before moving to Ho Chi Minh City, expats should be aware of the city's tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. It is important to be aware of the local customs and culture, as well as the language, as English is not widely spoken. Expats should also research the cost of living in the city, as it can be quite expensive. Additionally, expats should be aware of the traffic and transportation system, as it can be quite chaotic. Finally, expats should research the availability of healthcare and medical services in the city," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Find a couple of real estate agents in the area and look at a lot of apartments before choosing. Consider whether you need to be close to a supermarket. Consider whether you'd like to be near a swimming pool. Consider your transport options: taxis, rent a scooter or is there a bus route close by?," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Having spent the past 6 years doing a long commute to work I decided to live close to my job if it was feasible - and it was. I live in District 7 of HCMC on the 14th floor of a group of 25 storey apartment blocks. In the centre of the 4 blocks is a sort of village square with several swimming pools, a gym, small shops/cafes/ hairdressers, a large good supermarket and two tennis courts. More shopping centres are within 5 minute's taxi ride, and I can get into District 1 shopping in 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. I used a local real estate office to find my apartment, someone recommended by a work colleague," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Finding a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City can be a daunting task. However, there are a few options available to those looking for a place to call home. One option is to look for a rental property through a real estate agent. This can be a great way to find a place that fits your budget and needs. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you find a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City. Websites such as Expat.com, Vietnam Real Estate, and Vietnam Housing offer listings of apartments, houses, and other rental properties. Finally, you can also look for a place to live through word of mouth. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any available rental properties in the area," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"I have a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment; mostly 1 or 3 seemed available at the time and I occasionally have overseas friends to stay. The people who live in my apartment blocks include western expats but are mainly Korean expats or Vietnamese people," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Expat homes and apartments in Ho Chi Minh City are typically modern and spacious, with air conditioning, high-speed internet, and other amenities. Many expat homes and apartments are located in the city center, close to restaurants, shops, and other attractions. Expat homes and apartments often come with a balcony or terrace, providing a great view of the city. Many expat homes and apartments also come with a swimming pool, gym, and other recreational facilities," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"The cost of housing in Ho Chi Minh City can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and location. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in the city center is around $500 to $1,000 per month, while outside the city center, the cost can be as low as $200 to $400 per month. Additionally, the cost of buying a house in Ho Chi Minh City can range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and location," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Rental costs are slightly lower than in my area of Australia and much lower than cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Depending on the size and standard of apartment in HCMC, median apartment costs would be 400-800 USD a month in my area. I think they are slightly higher in District 1," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Buying a home in Ho Chi Minh City can be a great investment, as the city is growing rapidly and property values are increasing. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in the city, as well as the availability of rental properties. Renting a home in Ho Chi Minh City can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Ho Chi Minh City should be based on individual needs and preferences," said one expat in Ho Chi Minh City.

"In 2013 I retired and moved permanently to Viet Nam. I had met a Vietnamese woman and married her in 2014. I purchased a 4 story, 4 bedroom 3 bath home in HCMC for $140,000 and I have been living here happily ever since. I live in a Vietnamese district where there are very few foreigners, but I have met some at the pool I go to and at my gym. I also have a number of Vietnamese friends," remarked one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh.

"When moving to Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that is appropriate for the hot and humid weather. It is also a good idea to bring a few items of clothing that are more formal for special occasions. Additionally, pack any necessary medications, toiletries, and personal items that you may need. Don't forget to bring a few items that will help you feel at home, such as photos, books, and other items that will make you feel comfortable in your new home," replied a member in Ho Chi Minh City.

"I wish I'd brought more clothes suitable for a VERY warm climate. The climate here is hotter than I anticipated (C32 degrees in the wet season and C37+ in the dry). I am an average size in Australia but all the clothes are too small for me here and I have them made. Everything else is pretty much available. I wish I'd left behind the two pairs of 500 thread-count sheets I filled a small suitcase with - and brought clothes instead," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Cultural errors include: buying flowers for my girlfriend that are intended for dead (yellow daffodils are for the Buddhist lunar shrine, not to show your girl you love her---big faux pas). Not knowing that "good girls" cannot go to play pool (Bida) or sit and watch a band in a bar. Since most girls don't want to say "no" and make you lose face, they will go, but be really embarrassed. Once you are closer, she will give you an earful! Better to know these mistakes first," said one expat in Ho Chi Minh City.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and to avoid engaging in activities that are illegal in Vietnam," remarked one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Ho Chi Minh City is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and excellent job opportunities. The city is known for its bustling nightlife, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Additionally, the city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from historical sites to modern shopping malls. The city is also well-connected to other parts of the country, making it easy to explore the rest of Vietnam. With its low cost of living, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal destination for expats looking to experience a new culture while still being able to save money," said one expat.

"Healthcare services in Ho Chi Minh City, are a mix of public and private facilities, offering various levels of care and treatment options. Public hospitals and clinics are often crowded and may have limited resources, while private hospitals and international clinics provide higher quality care with modern equipment and English-speaking staff. Expatriates and wealthier locals often prefer private healthcare facilities due to their better service and shorter waiting times. In addition to general hospitals, there are specialized hospitals and clinics focusing on areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dentistry, and traditional Vietnamese medicine. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, and many medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Despite improvements in recent years, healthcare services in Ho Chi Minh City may not always meet international standards, and patients with serious medical conditions may need to seek treatment in nearby countries such as Singapore or Thailand. It is essential for visitors and expatriates to have comprehensive health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses, including emergency evacuation if necessary," replied one expat when asked about moving to Ho Chi Minh City.

"Medical services in Ho Chi Minh City, are a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals are often crowded and may have outdated equipment, while private hospitals and clinics offer higher quality care with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. International hospitals are also available, providing a range of specialized services and treatments. Pharmacies are widely accessible throughout the city, but it is recommended to bring any necessary prescription medications from home. It is important for visitors to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as the cost of treatment at private facilities can be high," remarked one expat in Ho Chi Minh City.

"In Vietnam, most medication can be purchased just by going to the pharmacy, no doctor visit needed. Cheap, high quality, and convenient. Dental care was extremely high quality and very cheap. Basic medical care was also very high quality and very good prices. Specialist care was difficult because of language barriers," wrote one expat living in Ho Chi Minh City.