Stage 1. Before departure
- Check your passport and legal basis for entry.
- Buy insurance that matches your actual activities.
- Book temporary accommodation for 7-14 days.
- Prepare at least two independent ways to access money.
- Save document copies both in the cloud and offline.
- Install Grab, maps, and a translation app.
Stage 2. The first 72 hours
Get a SIM/eSIM, obtain some VND, inspect your immediate neighbourhood, set up transport, and find a nearby supermarket and pharmacy. Do not schedule ten apartment viewings immediately after a long flight: fatigue makes it easy to accept a poor option just to get the task over with.
Stage 3. The first two weeks
Walk different areas at different times of day. Compare commute time, noise, cafés, shops, gyms, healthcare, and transport. If you work remotely, make real work calls from a prospective apartment before signing the lease.
Stage 4. Long-term housing
Check the contract, deposit, utility rates, internet, parking, and temporary-residence registration. Evaluate rent together with all recurring costs. Use city-level averages as a starting point, then check the rent, utilities and other recurring costs for the specific property.
Stage 5. Work and legal status
If you take a job in Vietnam, work-permit questions should be handled with the employer under current law. Since 7 August 2025, key rules for foreign workers are governed by Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. Do not start working simply because you hold a tourist e-Visa.
What not to buy immediately
- A motorbike before you understand documents and your daily route.
- Large furniture before you know where you will live long term.
- A one-year gym membership before you test the neighbourhood.
- A long internet contract before the rental situation is clear.
- A large amount of household stuff before you have lived in the city for at least a month.
Questions and answers
Where should I start when moving to Vietnam?
Start with documents, a financial buffer, and temporary accommodation. Choose a long-term apartment after arrival.
How long should I book temporary housing for?
Usually 7-14 days is enough to test neighbourhoods and avoid signing a lease blindly.
Do I need to open a Vietnamese bank account immediately?
No. It depends on your length of stay, legal status, and the requirements of the specific bank.
Can I start working immediately on a tourist entry status?
The right to stay in Vietnam does not replace work-law and work-permit requirements.