Digital Nomad Vietnam: An Ultimate Guide For Remote Workers
Becoming a digital nomad in Vietnam is on the wishlist of many remote workers. Vietnam has various appealing reasons for both travellers from around the world to visit and digital nomads to move to the country. Low cost of living, friendly locals, diverse culture and plenty of attractions are among the top reasons.
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Cheapest countries for digital nomads
Working as a digital nomad in Vietnam offers a unique balance between work and life. You can work comfortably in various coffee shops and co-working spaces across the country then unwind by immersing in Vietnam's stunning landscapes and enjoying the country's vibrant culture.
Moving to another country is an exciting experience. The highlighted perks of working as a remote worker are flexibility and freedom to work wherever you wish. As there are many things to consider before moving to Vietnam, be sure to find useful information about Vietnam in this comprehensive guide.
Vietnam has emerged as a top choice for digital nomads seeking a balance of affordability, culture, and adventure. Photo by hit1912 - stock.adobe.com
Visa For Digital Nomads In Vietnam
Even though Vietnam does not have digital nomad visas, these friendly visa policies toward foreigners are positive signs for digital nomads who wish to come and work in Vietnam.
Note: You do not need a work permit since you are not working for any Vietnamese-based company. Also, keep in mind that you are not supposed to be working on a visa exemption or tourist visa. It’s a legal grey area. Most people do visa runs.
Starting from 15th August 2023, Vietnam introduced new and friendlier visa policies for citizens of all countries, according to Resolution 127/NQ-CP from the Vietnamese government. Every nationality is eligible for an e-visa with a 90-day stay duration and multiple entries. Check how to apply one here.
E-visas are applicable for visitors who enter Vietnam via international airports, land border gates and sea border gates. Therefore, you can always conveniently travel out of the country and re-enter to renew your visa.
Citizens from the 13 countries listed below can enjoy unilateral visa exemption and are allowed to stay in Vietnam up to 45 days.
- Belarus
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Norway
- Republic of Korea
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- The United Kingdom.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax In Vietnam?
Most of the time, the answer is no since you are likely to work for a company outside of Vietnam. According to PKMG, "Tax non-residents in Vietnam must pay tax on their Vietnam-sourced income only, at the flat rate of 20 percent." Since you have no ties to any Vietnamese government, you don’t have to pay taxes. The whole digital nomad bussiness in Vietnam is more or less in a gray area, but if you want to be sure, just check with a tax agent.
Vietnamese Tax Law states you will pay tax like a local if you stay in the country for 183 days or more in a calendar year, or if you have a permanent residence in Vietnam (you will be regarded as 'tax non-residents'). When you do stay here for more than 6 months/or you are working with/for a Vietnamese company, be aware of the Personal Income Tax (PIT) and other relevant policies.
How Much Does It Cost To Live In Vietnam As A Digital Nomad?
Vietnamese Coffee - an essential to any digital nomad in Vietnam and its strong coffee culture. Photo by Quang - stock.adobe.com
The new 2024 InterNations report reveals that Vietnam is the most affordable country for expats for 4 consecutive years. According to Numbeo, cost of living in Vietnam ranks 88th in the world. To put in perspective, Vietnam's cost of living is about 59% lower than the United States.
Everything from renting to food and entertainment is less expensive than in the United States, European countries or even Asian countries such as Korea and Japan.
You can enjoy street food in almost every corner of big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They typically range from $2 to $3 per meal and Vietnam is world-famous for its vibrant street food.
- A Vietnamese bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) can cost as little as $1.
- A beer in Vietnam can cost less than $1 in supermarkets and convenience stores. In the bars, it can cost about $5 per beer or cocktail.
Rental prices in Vietnam can vary from $300 to over $1,000 per month, depending on your chosen type of accommodation. In main cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a small studio apartment with furniture and modern amenities typically ranges from $300 to $500 while a one-bedroom apartment in luxury apartment complexes can range from $600 to $900.
All in all, you can live in Vietnam for around $1,000 per month. It is certainly one of the cheapest places for travel and work. However, be aware that the living conditions may be not on par with what
Reasons To Be A Digital Nomad In Vietnam
The beautiful landscape, for one, is one of many reasons to locate here. IG: @basspejs
Vietnam is a beautiful country and it has quickly become a popular destination for digital nomads to live in for various reasons. When it comes to selecting a new country to move to, digital nomads tend to prioritise quality of life, Internet reliability and cost of living. Here are attractive reasons that made Vietnam an ideal destination for digital nomads from around the world.
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Low Cost Of Living
Again, Vietnam is among the cheapest countries in Asia for work and travel. Everyday services such as transportation, laundry, and personal care are notably affordable in Vietnam. You can hire a cleaning lady for your apartment for about $100-200 per month. Having food delivered to you and getting around on a bike costs next to nothing. Expect to spend around $1,000-2,000 for a comfortable life here, with even some spares for a night out here and there.
Reliable Internet Connectivity
Vietnam has one of the highest Internet users in the world, with a nearly 80% Internet penetration rate in the population, according to the Statista Research Department. The Ookla Speedtest Global Index also ranks Vietnam 47th in the world for fixed Internet speeds and 59th for mobile speeds as of March 2024.
Vietnam also has numerous free Wi-Fi spots in coffee shops and public Wi-Fi at local businesses, ideal for digital nomads to work comfortably in cafes. Viettel Telecom and FPT Telecom are two of the biggest Internet providers in Vietnam. They both provide mobile data and Internet subscription plans at affordable prices. Their plans start from 150Mbps speed with only $10 per month for home Wi-Fi and $6 per month for mobile data up to 1GB per day.
Vibrant Expat Community
Home to many vibrant expat communities, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by pressmaster on stock.adobe.com
Connecting and networking with like-minded people are always inspiring for most digital expats. With over 100,000 expats living in Vietnam and many working as digital nomads, it is not difficult to make friends and find promising projects to work with.
Where to meet digital nomads in Vietnam? You can meet other digital nomads in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang at co-working spaces and networking events or join digital communities on social media.
Popular groups on Facebook for you to explore are Digital Nomads Vietnam, Digital Nomads and Travel Lovers Vietnam, Digital Nomads in Da Nang and Saigon Digital Network. You can join events on Meetup like Digital Nomads in Da Nang or interest-based events on social media.
CabinZero's Tips: It is easier to find events to attend and meet other like-minded digital nomads in major cities rather than suburban areas.
Warm And Sociable Locals
Vietnamese culture values politeness and kindness towards others. It is no surprise that travellers and foreigners feel welcomed by friendly Vietnamese locals. Sometimes, language barriers can be challenging to overcome by expats. However, more and more young Vietnamese can communicate in English so it is not too difficult for expats to connect with the locals.
It is helpful to note that there might be cultural differences in etiquette, body language, traditions and customs between your culture and Vietnamese culture. For example, Vietnamese people are expected to be respectful towards the elderly, displays of affection in public places can make locals uncomfortable and conservative clothing is required in religious places.
Things To Know As A Digital Nomad In Vietnam
Before embarking on a promising adventure to live in Vietnam as a digital nomad, you should come prepared by knowing all the basics of life in Vietnam. For example, do you know that Vietnam is predominantly still a cash country? Even though bank transfers and card payments are becoming more widely accepted by local businesses, it is best to have cash with you most of the time. Here are important things that you should know before living as a digital nomad in Vietnam.
Scooters are the most common way to travel in Vietnam as it. Photo by Paylessimages on stock.adobe.com
Food Safety In Vietnam
To stay safe and healthy, it is vital to be aware of common practices regarding food safety in Vietnam. Follow the usual guidelines such as avoid eating raw and undercooked food, wash fruits and vegetables before eating and practise personal hygiene. You should also only drink boiled water, filtered water or bottled water instead of unsafe tap water in Vietnam.
To dine out safely, check online reviews beforehand and opt for street food vendors that are popular among locals. With busy restaurants and eateries that do not have an extensively long menu, chances are the ingredients are more fresh. It is also worth observing the hygiene practices of the place, including the cleanliness of the eating area and food preparation area.
CabinZero's Tips: If you are sensitive to foodborne illnesses, it is better that you choose hot dishes and avoid undercooked food as heat can kill baterias and make your meals safer. Having over-the-counter medications with you is a proactive way to protect yourself as well.
Transportation Options In Vietnam
Vietnam, especially in major cities, offers a myriad of transportation options for locals and travellers including buses, taxis, cars and scooters. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Xanh SM, Be and Gojek are popular ride-hailing service providers in Vietnam. You can conveniently book a bike or a car to move between places with ride-hailing apps. Connecting your bank card to ride-hailing apps is an easy way to pay without having to carry cash at all times.
If you enjoy travelling by yourself and having better flexibility, it is easy to hire a scooter of your choosing with a valid motorcycle licence from your home country and a valid passport. There are daily, monthly and yearly rental options for you to choose from. Both automatic and semi-automatic scooters are affordable to rent with an average of $150 to $300 per month, depending on the type of scooter, your chosen rental duration and the location.
CabinZero's Tips: Using public buses and walking are both affordable, eco-friendly and easy ways to navigate the city centres. However, if you live in a more rural area in Vietnam, it is more practical to explore other transportation options such as scooter rental, motorbike taxis (also known as "xe om") or rail-hailing services.
Housing Options In Vietnam
There are plenty of options to choose from. Photo by Frederic - stock.adobe.com
For digital nomads and expats in Vietnam, there are various housing options available for every preference and budget range. However, some agents may use misleading photos for some bait and switch. One tip we’ve learned is to find a building you want to live in, then and then reach out to agents for available rooms there.
Overall, there is a wide range of housing options for you to choose from in major cities and popular tourist hotspots like beach cities in Vietnam's coastal area. In remote areas and peaceful suburban areas, you can enjoy a more immersive experience by staying with the locals and enjoying working in beautiful nature.
However, it is worth noting that the infrastructure in these areas might be less developed than in major cities. This might affect the quality of your Internet, the availability of co-working spaces or the accessibility to thriving expat communities.
Cities To Live In Vietnam
As more people choose to live and work in Vietnam, it is clear that there are favourable cities in the eyes of digital nomads when it comes to where to live. Important things for digital nomads to consider before moving to a new city are infrastructure, access to proper healthcare, the availability of co-working spaces and working spaces and the existence of expat communities. Since most people enjoy fun-filled activities after work, the availability of entertainment options to choose from are just as important. Here are a few ideal cities in Vietnam for you to consider.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is a dynamic metropolis. Photo by Quang Ho - stock.adobe.com
This city is beaming with life and bustling streets. There is an increasing number of 24-hour coffee shops in recent years, thus, making it convenient for digital nomads who work in different timezones.
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts with distinctive characteristics. There are many creative international communities and hidden gems in each area.
- District 1 is the most centralised district with edgy restaurants, historic landmarks and working opportunities.
- Thao Dien neighbourhood in district 2 is a thriving international community.
- Phu My Hung neighbourhood in district 7 is home to many Korean and Japanese expats.
- District 5 has unique cultural significance with its Chinese heritage.
CabinZero's Tips: From the city centre, grab your laptop and backpack and take short day trips to nearby areas such as Vung Tau for sea breeze, Tay Ninh or suburban areas around the city for a change of fresh air.
Hanoi
Hanoi is chiller than Ho Chi Minh city. Photo by efired - stock.adobe.com
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with rich ancient history and cultural diversity. There are many expats relocate here to work so it is not difficult to meet new friends and connect with like-minded digital nomads. The possibility to travel to the stunning mountainous north and the tourist hotspots such as Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh can guarantee great adventures beyond work.
Living in Hanoi as a digital nomad can be a thrilling experience as there are many attractions such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Some say that the Quang An area of Tay Ho is better than the Old Quarter - a tourist spot. This area is where most exparts/English teachers locates and more suitable for day to day living.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a livable city with thriving nightlife and multiple attractions. Photo by wanna - stock.adobe.com
Da Nang is a commercial hub of central Vietnam with a spectacular view of the picturesque My Khe Beach and plenty of co-working spaces to choose from. Do you know that Da Nang is considered as one of the most livable cities in Vietnam? For digital nomads, you can find vibrant expat communities in expatriate neighbourhoods like Son Tra and My An.
With good weather all year-round and a balanced mix between culture and nature, Da Nang is a perfect city to work while enjoying the laid-back vibes of a typical beach town. The rental cost in Da Nang is considered less expensive than Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, according to Numbeo's cost of living comparison.
Nha Trang
How about taking a dip outside work hours? Photo by saiko3p - stock.adobe.com
Living by the beach is a dream for many of us. And digital nomads are luckily blessed with the option to move to a beachside neighbourhood to live and work. Nha Trang is a perfect coastal city with a mix of stunning beaches, a pleasant tropical climate and a relaxed pace of life. There is easy access to amenities, housing options, and working places in the city, such as Tran Phu and Bai Dai.
With rich cultural heritage and a number of attractions to choose from, including Po Nagar Cham Towers, Hon Tam Island, Monkey Island and VinWonders Nha Trang, there are plenty of fun things for you to do outside of work.
Digital Nomad Vietnam: An Ultimate Guide For Remote Workers
Vietnam is undoubtedly an ideal country for digital nomads for obvious reasons. Are you looking forward to living and working in Vietnam as a digital nomad? Be sure to consider living in a few places to experience the differences between regions in Vietnam. Be open-minded and try new things such as eating new dishes everyday, visiting local markets, unwinding at scenic locations and making new friends in Vietnam. Find this article useful? Share it with your friends or follow us for more useful travel tips!
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