By aussiematesvietnam 
Tips for Long-Term Stays: Living Like a Local in Vietnam
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, I’ve picked up a thing or two about settling into this vibrant country. Tracy and I first came to Vietnam back in 2004 for what was supposed to be a six-month adventure. Fast-forward almost 20 years, and we’re still here, embracing the chaotic charm of this Southeast Asian gem. For you Aussie boomers looking to escape the cold winters or perhaps test-drive retirement in a more affordable paradise, I’ve put together some hard-earned wisdom on making Vietnam your temporary (or permanent) home away from home.
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Finding Your Home Base: Where to Stay
When Tracy and I first arrived, we made the rookie mistake of booking a hotel for a month. Our wallets still haven’t forgiven us. For long-term stays, you’ll want to look beyond tourist accommodations and dig into the local rental market.
In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hoi An, serviced apartments offer a good middle ground for newcomers. These typically come furnished with utilities included, and many offer month-to-month contracts. Expect to pay anywhere from $400-800 USD monthly for decent digs in desirable areas.
For the true local experience (and significant savings), consider regular apartments. We pay about half what we would for a serviced apartment in our neighbourhood in Hanoi’s Tay Ho district. Just know that unfurnished here truly means unfurnished – sometimes without basics like a fridge or washing machine.
- Facebook groups like “Hanoi Massive” or “Expats in Ho Chi Minh City” are goldmines for finding rentals
- Local real estate agents typically charge one month’s rent as commission
- Consider the seasons – prices in beach towns like Nha Trang or Da Nang fluctuate with tourist seasons
- Always negotiate – the first price is rarely the best price
Pro tip: When Tracy and I moved to our current place, we asked for a two-year lease with a fixed price, saving us from annual rent increases. The landlord was happy to secure long-term tenants, and we locked in a good rate. Win-win!
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Visa Matters: Staying Legal
The visa situation in Vietnam changes more frequently than Melbourne’s weather. Currently, Australians can enter on a tourist visa for up to 90 days (e-visa) or 30 days (visa exemption). For longer stays, you’ll need to get creative.
Many long-termers use business visas arranged through local companies. These can be extended for up to a year at a time. Alternatively, some retirees invest in local businesses to qualify for investor visas. The most straightforward (but disruptive) option is regular “visa runs” to neighbouring countries when your tourist visa expires.
I’ve seen too many grey nomads get caught out with expired visas, resulting in hefty fines or, worse, being barred from re-entry. Trust me, the immigration office in Hanoi is not where you want to spend your retirement days pleading your case!
Banking and Finances: Managing Your Dosh
Setting up your finances properly will save you countless headaches. After years of ATM fees eating into our pension, Tracy and I figured out some money-saving strategies:
- Open a local bank account with Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV
- Use TransferWise (now Wise) for international transfers to avoid ridiculous bank fees
- Keep an Australian credit card for emergencies and online purchases
- Set up automatic bill payments for utilities through your Vietnamese bank account
Remember that Vietnam remains largely a cash economy outside major cities. You’ll need to get comfortable carrying more cash than you might be used to back home. ATM withdrawal limits are typically low (around 2-5 million VND, or $85-215 AUD), so plan accordingly.
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Healthcare: Keeping Your Ticker in Check
At our age, healthcare becomes a priority concern. The good news is that Vietnam offers excellent private healthcare in major cities at a fraction of Australian costs. The not-so-good news is that public hospitals, while improving, can be overwhelming for foreigners.
Tracy and I swear by international health insurance. Yes, it’s an expense, but after my emergency gallbladder surgery at Vinmec Hospital last year, I was grateful for the coverage. The total bill would have been about $5,000 AUD – not catastrophic, but not pocket change either.
For routine care, we use Family Medical Practice in Hanoi, where most doctors speak English. Dental care here is also excellent and affordable – Tracy gets her teeth cleaned every three months for about $40 AUD, and my recent crown cost $300 compared to the $1,500 quote I received in Brisbane.
Building a Social Circle: Finding Your Tribe
Making friends becomes both easier and harder as we age. You know what you like, but you might be less inclined to put yourself out there. In Vietnam, the expat community is incredibly welcoming, especially to fellow Aussies.
When we first arrived, joining the Hanoi International Women’s Club was Tracy’s lifeline, while I found my people at the Hanoi Swans, an Australian Rules football club (yes, even in Vietnam!). These days, we host a monthly trivia night at our local Western pub, which has introduced us to a wonderfully diverse group of friends.
Don’t limit yourself to the expat bubble, though. Some of our dearest friends are Vietnamese, introducing us to family celebrations, hidden restaurants, and cultural insights we’d never find in guidebooks. My weekly coffee with Mr. Tuan, my 70-year-old neighbour who fought in the war, has taught me more about Vietnam than any history book.
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Food and Daily Life: Embracing the Local Way
Vietnamese cuisine goes far beyond the pho and banh mi you might know from Australia. Learning to shop and eat like a local will transform your experience (and your budget).
Tracy and I start most mornings at our neighbourhood market, where the vendors now know us by name. Our fruit seller always saves the ripest mangoes for “Bác Tracy” (Auntie Tracy), and we pay about a third of what we would at the supermarket.
For daily meals, street food remains the most authentic and affordable option. A bowl of bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) costs about $3 AUD and puts any fancy restaurant version to shame. That said, we balance local eating with home cooking, especially when we’re craving a proper Aussie BBQ or roast dinner.
Learning some basic Vietnamese goes a long way, particularly food-related phrases. “Không bỏ đường” (no sugar) saved me from overly sweet coffee for years, while “không bỏ mì chính” (no MSG) is Tracy’s go-to phrase as she’s sensitive to it.
Conclusion: Making the Leap
Living in Vietnam long-term isn’t always easy, but it’s endlessly rewarding. The challenges – language barriers, cultural differences, bureaucratic puzzles – pale in comparison to the joys: warm people, delicious food, fascinating traditions, and a cost of living that allows many of us to live better than we could back home.
Tracy and I have watched Vietnam transform over two decades from a country still recovering from war to a dynamic, forward-looking nation. There’s never been a better time to experience it beyond a two-week holiday.
So pack your sense of adventure (and patience), brush up on your Vietnamese, and come see what life is like on this side of the world. Who knows? Your “extended holiday” might turn