◆ Tool · April 2026

Vietnam Relocation Checklist

Twelve steps between "I'm thinking about it" and "I live in Vietnam now." Check them off as you go — your progress saves automatically.

0 of 12 complete
  1. Check visa requirements
    Find out if you need a visa and how to apply.
    Open Visa Checker →
  2. Book flights
    International airports: SGN (Ho Chi Minh), HAN (Hanoi), DAD (Da Nang).
  3. Get health insurance
    International coverage with evacuation. SafetyWing and Cigna Global are popular with nomads.
  4. Install a VPN
    Vietnam intermittently blocks Facebook, Instagram, and some banking sites. Set up before you fly.
    Get NordVPN →
  5. Buy an eSIM or plan your SIM card
    Get data on landing day. eSIM before you fly, or tourist SIM at the airport.
    Read the SIM guide →
  6. Research neighborhoods & housing
    Don't book long-term before arriving. Get 1-2 weeks temporary, then look in person.
    Best neighborhoods guide →
  7. Notify your home bank
    Set a travel flag. Otherwise they'll freeze your card on the first Vietnamese IP login.
    Banking guide →
  8. Open a Vietnamese bank account
    Needed for rent, QR payments, Grab. Requires 3+ month visa. Techcombank or Vietcombank.
    Banking guide →
  9. Get a local SIM with phone number
    Walk into a Viettel store with passport. $6/month, 10+ GB. Needed for Grab, banking apps.
  10. Set your monthly budget
    $700 minimal, $1,300 comfortable, $3,000+ premium. Know your tier before you commit to rent.
    Monthly budget guide →
  11. Find a coworking space or café routine
    Day passes $5-8, monthly $50-100. Or café-hop — Da Nang wifi is generally reliable.
    Coworking guide →
  12. You're settled — enjoy Vietnam
    You made it. Time to explore, eat phở, and figure out the scooter traffic patterns.
    Explore all guides →
Going to Vietnam? Get NordVPN before you fly →