Vietnam · Southeast Asia
Moving to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City quick facts
Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City
Getting set up in Vietnam
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
The TRC ends the visa-run treadmill — live in Saigon for 1–3 years on one card. But it's gated by your work permit, and the police registration nobody mentions is where people get stuck.
Read the full step-by-step guideConvert your driving licence
Most foreigners ride on an international permit Vietnam doesn't even accept — and find out the hard way after a crash. Converting your licence (no test) is the fix.
Read the full step-by-step guideOpen a bank account
A 2025 rule change quietly killed tourist-visa bank accounts. With a TRC you're a 'resident' in the bank's eyes — and that unlocks USD accounts, real limits, and working online banking.
Read the full step-by-step guideHealth & social insurance
As of July 2025, compulsory social insurance applies to most foreign workers — it's payroll-deducted, not something you apply for. Here's what's taken from your salary and where the gaps are.
Read the full step-by-step guideGet a local SIM
Vietnam shut down ~12 million unregistered SIMs and now enforces passport registration on every line. The cheap data is real (a few dollars a month), but the pre-activated SIM a street vendor hands you can go dark without warning.
Read the full step-by-step guidePersonal income tax (PIT)
Cross 183 days and Vietnam taxes your worldwide income on a 5–35% sliding scale; stay under it and it's a flat 20% on Vietnam income only. Your employer withholds either way, but you still need a tax code and, as a resident, an annual finalization.
Read the full step-by-step guideEach guide has verified costs, timelines, required documents, and the non-obvious gotchas — sourced from official government pages.
Essential Vietnamese phrases
What to know before you go
Cross the road slowly and steadily
CriticalDon't run or stop — move at a predictable pace and the motorbikes flow around you.
Use both hands for respect
ImportantPass business cards, money, and gifts with both hands to elders or in formal settings.
Remove shoes indoors
ImportantTake your shoes off when entering homes and many traditional shops or temples.
Bargain with a smile
Good to knowHaggling at markets is expected — keep it light and friendly, never aggressive.
Dress respectfully at temples
ImportantCover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas and religious sites.
Coffee is a culture
Good to knowCà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) is a daily ritual and a great way to meet locals.
Top industries & employers
Technology
FPT, VNG, Grab
Southeast Asia's fastest-rising software and startup scene.
Manufacturing
Samsung, Intel, Nike
A global factory floor drawing major foreign investment.
Finance
Vietcombank, Techcombank
Rapidly digitizing banking and fintech sector.
E-commerce
Shopee, Tiki, Lazada
Explosive growth in mobile-first online retail.
Tourism & Hospitality
Saigontourist, Vinpearl
A booming sector as Vietnam opens up to global travel.
Logistics
Gemadept, ITL
Critical hub for regional supply chains and exports.
Where to go in Ho Chi Minh City
Bến Thành Market
Neighborhood · District 1
The iconic central market for food, fabrics, and souvenirs.
Local tip: The surrounding night street-food stalls beat the tourist-priced stalls inside.
Notre-Dame & Post Office
Landmark · District 1
French-colonial architecture at the city's historic heart.
Local tip: Best photographed early morning before crowds and heat.
War Remnants Museum
Culture · District 3
Sobering, essential museum on the Vietnam War.
Local tip: Go first thing; allow two hours and prepare emotionally.
Thảo Điền
Neighborhood · District 2 (Thủ Đức)
Leafy expat enclave with cafés, craft beer, and riverside spots.
Local tip: Where most newcomers end up living — great for settling in.
Bùi Viện Walking Street
Nightlife · District 1
The backpacker nightlife strip — loud, cheap, and chaotic.
Local tip: Fun once; locals prefer the rooftop bars in District 1 instead.
Bình Quới / Saigon River
Hidden gemNature · Thanh Đa
Green riverside escape with garden restaurants.
Local tip: Take a weekend river boat — a side of Saigon tourists miss.