What do I need to know: Moving from Thailand to Vietnam?

[NomadStrategy]

I am bored with the recent changes in Thailand, and with the pollution becoming pretty intense I wish to relocate. I would like to pack my bags and move to Vietnam if possible. I have a standard tourist visa; but nothing else. What do I need to do? Do I need to arrange for any documents, am I ok bringing my large amount of personal belongings by plane without issue? Is it reasonable to rent a place for a month, drop my gear off, and then go find a long term rental? Where can I find places to stay online? How does banking get handled there? I asked a lot, but the lack of information out there is frustrating, and any advice would go a long way.

[NickJ]

Make sure you understand the visa situation there. It's easy to get a three month stay and then use agents to keep extending. I was told that you must use an agent and there is a bit of underhanded dealing to stay for long periods. There are only long term visas for people who are working and no extensions based on retirement or marriage...........

[Rob13]

What are you going to do when you're bored with the changes in VN? And FYI, VN is polluted too.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

Ahh.... Vietnam.... the next "it" place.

But I heard it's quite a hole unless you want to teach English. I think that's why nomades numeriques like Thailand better.

[DogNo1]

If you are planning on moving to Saigon, I suggest that you think twice. The ex-wife says that even she can't stand the city any more. She's just finished building a new house down on the Mekhong. There are some posts on the web somewhere by English teachers in Vietnam. There are a lot of complaints that it might be good to read up on.

But if you're determined to go, why, good luck....

[AJBangkok]

Vietnam is Thailand with the fun taken out. It's way more expensive to live an expat life and you have far less choices to boot. You'll have people in your face from the moment you walk out the door till you return at night and everybody you meet is going to have an angle on trying to get something out of you. If Thailand Is boring to you then I wouldn't worry too much about the long term visa situation in Vietnam as you won't be there long enough to need one.

[ggt]

Take a trip to Nha Trang and check it out...you may be pleasantly surprised...

I left Thailand awhile back for many reasons...

Not sorry I did...

[ehs818]

You can find short and long term rentals on Craigslist. Here's a link for Vietnam.

http://vietnam.craigslist.org/

[Inn Between]

Ahh.... Vietnam.... the next "it" place.

But I heard it's quite a hole unless you want to teach English. I think that's why nomades numeriques like Thailand better.

I'd be interested to know what you've heard to say, "it's a quite a hole". You could certainly be right, but I think it's fair to give at least a couple of specific reasons.

But I'd be even more curious to know how it would no longer be a hole if you want to teach there.

[gerry123]

get to bkk and turn right

[terryw]

It depends where you want to live in Vietnam. Hanoi and Saigon are overcrowded and polluted. Da Nang is ranked as one of the best developing cities in Asia. There are some great beach resorts in the south although over-development is becoming a problem (Nha Trang for example). Most places in Vietnam are cheaper than Thailand. The country is run by a control freak government, whose behaviour is far worse than what is happening in Thailand. At the end of the day people go to Vietnam either because its different or to make money (especially teachers).

[schondie]

This is of interest to me as I'm off to Vietnam next month. A friend of a friend was an English teacher here for many years but became very peed off with the Thai system. He feels so refreshed as the students, schools and visa system are much better than here.

[stewsan]

I made the move last year after my wife of 15 years decided to become a junkie. So, with my daughter in tow, off to Vietnam. We both got 2 year temporary resident cards with no hassle, she is in an International school and I enjoy being out of Thailand for the time being. Crowded? Yes, some places but not everyplace. You'll enjoy the change.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I made the move last year after my wife of 15 years decided to become a junkie. So, with my daughter in tow, off to Vietnam. We both got 2 year temporary resident cards with no hassle, she is in an International school and I enjoy being out of Thailand for the time being. Crowded? Yes, some places but not everyplace. You'll enjoy the change.

How much is international school in Vietnam?

How does your wife become a junkie after 15 years?

[aronp1]

Ahh.... Vietnam.... the next "it" place.

But I heard it's quite a hole unless you want to teach English. I think that's why nomades numeriques like Thailand better.

Definitely a major down grade from Thailand, not to mention it is a socialist state.

[mcfish]

Couldn't you just leave your stuff here and go get a feel for the place first

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[Canuk23]

Nothing like noisy Vietnam !!!

[dunks]

I am bored with the recent changes in Thailand, and with the pollution becoming pretty intense I wish to relocate. I would like to pack my bags and move to Vietnam if possible. I have a standard tourist visa; but nothing else. What do I need to do? Do I need to arrange for any documents, am I ok bringing my large amount of personal belongings by plane without issue? Is it reasonable to rent a place for a month, drop my gear off, and then go find a long term rental? Where can I find places to stay online? How does banking get handled there? I asked a lot, but the lack of information out there is frustrating, and any advice would go a long way.

Having lived in VN from 2002-2010 and having tired of the Noise, pollution, constant theft, racism, rudeness, traffic congestion, corruption and distinct lack of education/intelligence/manners of the people (just about in that order). I would STRONGLY advise you not to make the mistake that it seems you are about to make.

Vietnam is fairly easy to travel but very difficult to live there. They do not speak as much English as they do here in Thailand. They will rob you at EVERY GIVEN OPPORTUNITY. In case of any problems, you will always lose.

I would strongly suggest that you take an extended holiday of a few months, travel around. Enjoy an extended visit there and answer all the questions that you have and also see if you feel you could live there.

I am personally much happier here in Thailand, even taking into consideration 'recent changes'. Here I am able to be fully in control of my company and my business, afford a decent house and have a licence for and drive my car legally.

I would wait until at least 1 week after Tet/Chinese new year before you go as everything is closed.

Chuc vui ve va Chuc mung nam moi!!

[fireplay]

I feel you OP and I was thinking the same pssible trajectory...whats the deal with opening a bank account and being a digital nomad? How about the visa...and whats the best beach town near a biggish city? My american mates lived in hanoi and loved it...they were making 30 bux usd an hour teaching...

[mikiea]

What are you going to do when you're bored with the changes in VN? And FYI, VN is polluted too.

pound sand ..........

[mikiea]

I made the move last year after my wife of 15 years decided to become a junkie. So, with my daughter in tow, off to Vietnam. We both got 2 year temporary resident cards with no hassle, she is in an International school and I enjoy being out of Thailand for the time being. Crowded? Yes, some places but not everyplace. You'll enjoy the change.

How much is international school in Vietnam?

How does your wife become a junkie after 15 years?

guy , why are you interested in off topic personal info ? are you like the old gossip ladies that sit around every afternoon and talk smack about their dead husbands ? or are you some kind of perv ? you need to unbuckle the seat belt on your bar stool and walk around a little , i fear all the blood in you body settled in your keester , resulting in your brain death ........... ..........

[mesterm]

From one closed country to an even more closed one. You must like your repression strong and hard.

[MyFriend You]

Nomad - first things first, go visit for a month, few months and check it out - I have been living here on and off between Thailand & Vietnam about nine years and still don't know all the ins & outs.

• You can't ship any household belongings to Vietnam, even I can't with as many visa's as I have had, you have to be Employed, if you are married to a Vietnamese she can import what you ship, but is liable if there is anything the Govt objects too. I know a guys wife that actually went to jail for a month because he shipped an office Cigarette Lighter that was a replica of a .45 Govt pistol. They considered it a military weapon. There is however no limit on clothes, there is a freight forwarder in Savarnubumi Airport, all the way to the far right that can arrange shipping personal items, much cheaper than excess baggage.
• Choose wisely where you want to live - I always thought I'd like living in Saigon, spent three weeks there and know I really wouldn't like living there - the city never sleeps,of course I stayed mostly in Ben Thanh, Bui Vein area - Nha Trang on the East Coast, Danang or Hoi An further north coast are nice places. Mui Ne is full of cheap hairy Russians, but has a lot of massage parlors and bars since it is on the back packers circuit. Travelling through Vietnam if cheap, cheap, cheap with modern busses and trains.
• Its easy to open a Bank Account, I ship in money ever month - I use Sacom Bank, my girlfriend uses Vietin Bank its also quite easy and they both have good interest rates ( 6-7% ) but Vietnam Dong only, you can ship in $$ and take $$ out but they will charge a little.
• Tourists at this time cannot get a drivers license, but I think that will change soon - strange, you can buy a motorcycle but can't get a license without a long term resident Visa.
• Long Term residents can purchase land (50 year ownership with option to extend 50 more) to build a house on - Thats why I am going up to Danang to scope it out.
• Same rules as Thailand - never put anything into a second or third party name, even a lawyer

Come to Vietnam, scope it out, then make a decision, I came here for five years short trips before I decided to live here permanently.

[humqdpf]

If you want to escape pollution and live in a friendly place in Vietnam, check out Da Nang. Not long ago Danang was very provincial but now plenty of nice bars and cafes, plenty of cheap but good quality hotels.

Hoi An is nearby if you want to join the tourists. A little further south you can find plenty of deserted beaches.

Others have commented on Saigon/HCMC and they are right. Suits a certain kind of person. Hanoi has a lot of character but is now very large and hugely polluted. The northern Vietnamese character takes some getting used to - some foreigners take to it easily but some do not. The Southerners are much more businesslike and pragmatic. Danang is in the south.

You should try to learn some Vietnamese. More and more are able to speak English but a few words of the local language is important.

During my extended stays in Vietnam I always either had a work visa or was invited by a company - so I had no problems on that score but unable to advise you. You will need to do some research on the visa issues and much will depend on what your circumstances are (will you want to work, start a business or do you want to retire?) but there are plenty of foreigners living in Vietnam and so there must be ways of getting long term visas. Having a slightly more difficult visa system is actually a positive thing as it keeps out the criminals and low-life types.

It would make a lot of sense for you to visit Vietnam on a visitor's visa, hang out where the expats are and they will tell you how things work. You will also get a feel for the place. After a few weeks you will know whether you can function there or not.

[AGLV0121]

As many noted, Saigon (aka HoChiMinh City, HCMC) is polluted.

Thousands of scooters and motorcycles in the streets spew exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide.

Crossing a street is dangerous too.

If you really want to live there and close to the center, District 1, is the place.

District 2, cross the river, is quiet (Thau Dien)

I heard Hanoi is more laid back.

But if you want to live out of these cities, you have a choice between Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hue.

I especially like Hue, the citadel, you literally 'live in a postcard'

HTH

Gerry

[buythisdashcam]

Yes, good choice, you can be sure that life is better there :-)

[NomadStrategy]

Couldn't you just leave your stuff here and go get a feel for the place first

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I have, I loved the central areas particularly Da Nang and Hoi An, oceans, extremely fresh seafood, good beer for ~8 baht/glass, cheap, and the people are friendly. I wouldn't mind HCMC but it is very crowded and noisy. I am sure the quality of life will be higher than in Thailand if the visa situation is easier.

[mcfish]

Couldn't you just leave your stuff here and go get a feel for the place first

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I have, I loved the central areas particularly Da Nang and Hoi An, oceans, extremely fresh seafood, good beer for ~8 baht/glass, cheap, and the people are friendly. I wouldn't mind HCMC but it is very crowded and noisy. I am sure the quality of life will be higher than in Thailand if the visa situation is easier.

Then do it! You have nothing to lose, it's not like you can't come back here after a year if miss it and it sounds like you need a change of scenery

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[stewsan]

Actually, I did get a 5 year VN drivers license with just a tourist visa and I drive a van all the time. I do live in Thao Dien which was mentioned earlier and it's quiet, not polluted. We ride our bicycles daily on the main road without any fear of getting hit. It's about 10 minutes or so to District 1.Of course District 1 and pretty much of the rest of Saigon is nuts as far as traffic. There is a nice beach area south of Saigon which is about a 30 minute drive or 1 hour by hydro-foil. Vung Tau. Very quiet area. The guys are right about the language but I'm learning the basics, use a couple Apps on my phone, and I get along fine. My daughter prefers living here also. My biggest complaint is the MC drivers.

[weegee]

Well!...everyone forgot to mention the best place i lived for 5yrs....Vung Tau. It's down the river from HCMinh about an hour by fast ferry. On the coast, and really the surronding beaches and places a little further up the coast are fantastic, if you want somewhere nice and quiet. You should consider a visit to there at least and look. Good bunch of expats to mix with too....

No problems with bank Accounts and stuff....but i am not up to speed on visa anymore. Used to slip the local I. M. Officer $50 and got issued with 6 or 12 month visa, no worries....

Why Take all your clothes....Vietnam has cheap more modern clothing everywhere in shops and better made than Thailand....not rubbish from footpath stalls.

The food is great, and the ladies are far more prettier the further North you go.....