American tourists in Hoi An ancient town in central Vietnam, April 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh

 

Economical living costs and diverse travel experiences make Vietnam one of eight most ideal countries for Americans to move to after retirement, according to the Travel+Leisure magazine.

 

"Vietnam is a very affordable place to retire, especially for adventurous retirees who appreciate the country's beaches, scenery, food, history, and culture," the U.S. magazine said.

 

VN Express reported that the overall cost of living is about 49 percent lower than in the U.S., and rents are about 75 percent lower, depending on the location, it added, citing data from Numbeo, a global database of cities and countries.

 

In Ho Chi Minh City, home to the largest expat community, the cost of living is 62 percent lower than in New York, and housing is about 83 percent lower.

 

Another plus in Vietnam is that high-quality healthcare is very affordable, with both public and private systems, according to the U.S. magazine, adding that most foreigners carry international health insurance and can take advantage of care at private hospitals.

 

However, "obtaining a visa is not as straightforward in Vietnam as in many other countries, but it's possible to apply for long-term stays or business visas," Travel+Leisure said.

 

Vietnam has one of Asia's strictest visa policies, offering visa exemption to just 24 countries and territories for a maximum stay of up to 30 days. Americans are not in the list, but they can apply for e-visas.

 

The other seven top retirement destinations listed by the magazine are: Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Portugal, and Montenegro.

 

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6 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

The other seven top retirement destinations listed by the magazine are: Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Portugal, and Montenegro.

Surprise Surprise Thailand is not number 1  in this survey must be fake news again.

 

6 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

"Vietnam is a very affordable place to retire, especially for adventurous retirees who appreciate the country's beaches, scenery, food, history, and culture,"

 Next Article will make up for missing Thailand off the list

Thailand ranks number 1 for non retiree Potheads, offering a wide variety of marijuana  at great prices with free delivery

 

Thailand ranks number 1 with the largest variety of munchies. So kick back forget about the dirty beaches, culture and history just relax and enjoy your smoke filled dreams.

 

Want to know a lot more about these visas and how easy they are able to cater for retirees, as well as at what cost?  Is it a fully legit way to stay or 'something under the table' way to stay visa/s for retirees?

 

Vietnam was a destination of choice, having resided there before (but working on a business visa).  But since retirement and difficulty it seemed to stay in Vietnam retired, I chose Thailand instead. 

Cost of living in Vietnam was very affordable.  Beers (2005-2008) were about 40 cents AUD (Beer Saigon draught) at my local corner shop.  I miss the Vietnamese Bahn Mi bread rolls, pork chops, pho soup, Vietnamese coffees etc.  

Beautiful women of course and mostly honest and hard working.