Check the city as a family
| Factor | What to check in the neighbourhood | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| School or nursery | Morning and afternoon journey time | A shorter route reduces daily strain |
| Paediatric clinic and hospital | Travel time to urgent care | Access matters during illness or injury |
| Playground and pool | Fences, entry controls and water supervision | Unsecured water and access create risks for children |
| Heat and rain | Shade, ventilation, flooding and safe walking routes | These affect daily routines and outdoor time |
| Transport | Seat belts and a suitable child restraint | Safer trips by taxi or car |
Documents and school planning
Prepare each child's passport, birth certificate, vaccination record, medical history and school transcript. Ask the school whether translations, certified copies, placement tests or previous reports are required. Confirm the child's immigration documents with the relevant authority; do not assume a parent's visa automatically covers the child.
Choose a school before signing a long lease
Shortlist schools by curriculum, language, age group, admissions capacity and full cost. Ask for the application deadline, deposit, annual or term fees, bus, meals, uniforms and activity charges. Visit the campus and test the commute. See the school and kindergarten guide for published examples and admissions questions.
Housing and daily transport
Check the apartment's ventilation, stairs and balcony safety, window guards, pool access, water supply and flood history. Ask whether the building has a lift, backup power and a secure entrance. Test the route to school and healthcare at the time you would travel. Do not assume every taxi has a child restraint; arrange suitable transport where required.
Health, food and water
Before moving, ask your insurer which paediatric visits, medicines, emergency treatment and medical evacuation are covered. Save the nearest clinic and hospital contacts. Use safe water for drinking and food preparation. For fever after mosquito exposure, seek medical advice and do not give aspirin or ibuprofen if dengue is suspected.
Build a monthly budget from actual quotes
| Cost | How to calculate it |
|---|---|
| Rent | Suitable apartment plus deposit, utilities and management fees |
| School or nursery | Tuition plus one-time fees, bus and meals |
| Healthcare | Insurance premium, deductible, dentist and an unscheduled visit |
| Transport | Taxi or car with a safe child seat |
| Activities | Classes, sport, swimming and seasonal costs |
First two weeks
- Confirm residence documents and keep digital and paper copies.
- Register with a school or arrange a temporary learning plan.
- Find the nearest clinic, pharmacy and emergency department.
- Set up safe drinking water and child-safe locks or guards at home.
- Save emergency numbers and the insurer's assistance contact in each caregiver's phone.
Emergency preparation
Write the home address in Vietnamese, keep the child's medication list and allergies on a card, and agree who will collect the child if a caregiver is delayed. For a serious medical emergency, call 115. The emergency numbers are handled in Vietnamese, so ask a local adult to help with the call if needed.
Questions and answers
Is Vietnam suitable for a family with a young child?
That depends on the city, neighbourhood, healthcare access, school plan and family's needs. Visit and check the daily route before committing.
How do I choose a school for one year?
Compare curriculum, language, admissions capacity, total fee, commute and transfer records for the next school.
What if my child has diarrhoea?
Offer safe fluids and contact a clinician if the child cannot drink, becomes unusually sleepy or has signs of dehydration.
Can a child drink tap water?
Use sealed bottled or appropriately treated water. CDC travel guidance says tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink.
Does a child need a separate visa?
Check the child's own passport and immigration status. Do not assume a parent's visa covers the child.