First Week in Vietnam: Real Setup Costs for 2026

You've just booked your flight to Vietnam and you're wondering how much your first few days there will actually cost? Between temporary accommodation, a SIM card, your first meals and getting around, the budget can climb fast if you're not prepared.

Based on prices observed in Da Nang, the first week costs on average between 15,000,000 and 25,000,000 VND (€550-925) depending on your comfort level. But with good preparation, you can easily optimize that budget without sacrificing your peace of mind.

In this complete guide, I lay out the real day-by-day budget for your first week in Vietnam, with all prices updated for 2026, the traps to avoid and insider tips to save up to 40% on your initial expenses. Whether you land in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, this information will help you anticipate exactly what you'll need financially and start your move abroad calmly.

01Overall Budget: How Much to Plan for Your First Week?

Your first week settling in Vietnam is a separate expense from your usual monthly budget. You'll have to cover one-off costs while also taking care of your daily needs before you've found your bearings.

Realistic budget range for 7 days:

• Budget: 12,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (€445-555)
• Comfortable: 18,000,000 - 25,000,000 VND (€665-925)
• Premium: 30,000,000 - 40,000,000 VND (€1,110-1,480)

These amounts include temporary accommodation, food, local transportation, a SIM card, and your first setup expenses. They do NOT include your international flight or visa fees (already paid beforehand).

Tip: Always plan an extra 20-30% buffer for the unexpected. ATMs are sometimes out of order, and some landlords ask for cash deposits on apartment rentals.

This budget typically breaks down as follows: 50% for temporary accommodation, 20% for food, 15% for transportation and getting around, 10% for phone and internet, and 5% for miscellaneous expenses. This structure can vary depending on whether you arrive alone or with family, and on the city you choose.

To optimize your monthly budget in Da Nang over the long term, this first week should let you find your bearings without financial stress. It's an investment in your peace of mind that will make all your later paperwork easier.

02Temporary Accommodation: Your Base for the First 7 Days

Accommodation is the biggest expense of your first week. Unlike a long-term rental, you'll pay a higher nightly rate, but with the flexibility you need to visit apartments and choose your permanent neighborhood.

Accommodation options and real prices

Hostels (dorms):

• Price: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/night (€5.50-11)
• 7-day budget: 1,050,000 - 2,100,000 VND (€39-78)
• Pros: cheap, meet other travelers
• Cons: little privacy, not ideal for working

Budget hotels (private rooms):

• Price: 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night (€15-26)
• 7-day budget: 2,800,000 - 4,900,000 VND (€104-181)
• Pros: privacy, often well located
• Cons: small spaces, limited services

Comfortable 3-star hotels:

• Price: 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night (€30-55)
• 7-day budget: 5,600,000 - 10,500,000 VND (€207-389)
• Pros: breakfast included, often a pool, good comfort
• Cons: less authentic than an apartment

Airbnb/furnished apartments (short-term booking):

• Price: 700,000 - 2,000,000 VND/night (€26-74)
• 7-day budget: 4,900,000 - 14,000,000 VND (€181-518)
• Pros: equipped kitchen, "home" feeling, workspace
• Cons: sometimes a high deposit, fewer services

Tip: Book your first 3 nights from France via Booking.com or Agoda (free cancellation). Once you're there, negotiate directly with the hotel for the next 4 nights: you'll often get 20-30% off by paying cash.

Recommended neighborhoods for your profile

In Da Nang, go for An Thuong (beach + expat community), My An (quiet and residential) or Hai Chau (downtown, handy for paperwork). In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 (center) or District 2 (Thao Dien, very expat-friendly) are ideal. In Hanoi, the Old Quarter offers total immersion, while Tay Ho (West Lake) appeals to families.

The location of your temporary accommodation should make your first-week errands easier: close to a bank branch to open your account, easy access to real estate agencies, and in the neighborhoods where you're thinking of settling permanently.

03Transportation: Your Week 1 Mobility Budget

You'll get around more often, and spend more doing it, in your first week than in your later routine. You'll be going back and forth to visit apartments, go to government offices, and explore your new city.

Airport to accommodation transfer

From Da Nang airport:

• Official taxi (meter): 100,000 - 150,000 VND (€3.70-5.50) to the center
• Grab (local ride-hailing): 80,000 - 120,000 VND (€3-4.40)
• Public bus line 1: 30,000 VND (€1.10) but impractical with luggage

From Tan Son Nhat airport (Ho Chi Minh City):

• Official taxi: 150,000 - 250,000 VND (€5.50-9.25) to District 1
• Grab: 120,000 - 200,000 VND (€4.40-7.40)
• Bus line 152: 20,000 VND (€0.74) but a long ride (1h+)

From Noi Bai airport (Hanoi):

• Official taxi: 350,000 - 450,000 VND (€13-16.60) to the center (45 km)
• Shared minibus: 150,000 VND (€5.50) per person
• Express bus: 30,000 - 45,000 VND (€1.10-1.66)

Tip: Download the Grab app BEFORE you leave France and set it up with your international bank card. You'll be able to order a driver as soon as you arrive without needing Vietnamese cash right away.

Daily transportation budget (days 1-7)

For your daily trips, plan on:

• Grab/taxi: 4-6 rides per day × 50,000-80,000 VND = 200,000-480,000 VND/day (€7.40-17.80)
• 7-day ride-hailing budget: 1,400,000 - 3,360,000 VND (€52-124)

Cheaper alternative: scooter rental

• Rental price: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day (€3.70-5.50)
• Gas: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/day (€1.10-1.85)
• 7-day scooter budget: 910,000 - 1,400,000 VND (€34-52)

Warning: Renting a scooter requires an international driving permit and being comfortable in Vietnamese traffic. For your first week, stick to ride-hailing so you can focus on your errands without extra stress.

Apartment viewings and paperwork trips

Plan a specific budget for trips related to settling in:

• Apartment viewings (3-5 viewings): 300,000 - 500,000 VND (€11-18.50)
• Bank and administrative errands: 200,000 - 300,000 VND (€7.40-11)
• Shopping trips for initial equipment: 150,000 - 250,000 VND (€5.50-9.25)

Total transportation for the first week:

• Ride-hailing/taxi option: 2,050,000 - 4,410,000 VND (€76-163)
• Scooter option: 1,560,000 - 2,450,000 VND (€58-91)

This budget may seem high compared to your future cost of living in Vietnam, but it reflects how much you move around during this settling-in phase.

04Phone and Internet: Staying Connected From Day 1

A reliable internet connection is essential as soon as you arrive: you'll need it to order Grabs, communicate with landlords, use Google Maps, and stay in touch with people back in France.

Local SIM card: the best value

Recommended carriers:

Tip: Buy your SIM card directly at the airport (counters in the arrivals hall). The staff speak English and set everything up for you in 5 minutes. Avoid street resellers, who sometimes sell cards that have already been used.

Activation requires your passport (a legal requirement in Vietnam). Plans usually include unlimited calls to Vietnamese numbers, which will come in handy for contacting landlords and local services.

Network coverage and quality

Viettel has the best nationwide coverage (ideal if you travel outside the big cities). Vinaphone excels in urban areas with excellent 4G speeds. Mobifone offers the best value for standard city use.

The quality of the internet connection in Vietnam is excellent in all the big cities: you'll easily get 20-50 Mbps on 4G, more than enough for remote work, video calls and streaming.

WiFi in your temporary accommodation

All hotels and Airbnbs in Vietnam include free WiFi. Still, check the speed before booking if you need to work:

• Minimum for remote work: 10 Mbps download
• Comfortable for video calls: 25+ Mbps
• Ideal for HD streaming: 50+ Mbps

Ask the host to run a speed test (speedtest.net) before confirming your booking if your work depends on a stable connection.

Week 1 phone budget

• Local SIM card (30-day plan): 180,000 - 250,000 VND (€6.60-9.25)
• Extra call credit (optional): 50,000 - 100,000 VND (€1.85-3.70)
• Total phone: 180,000 - 350,000 VND (€6.60-13)

This amount will easily cover your communication needs for the entire first month, not just the first week. It's one of the cheapest items of your move.

05Food: Your Food Budget for the First 7 Days

Your food budget in the first week will probably be higher than your future routine. Without an equipped kitchen (if you're in a hotel) and without knowing the good local spots, you'll spend more on restaurants and culinary discovery.

Breakfast (7 days)

Local option (street food):

• Phở (traditional soup): 30,000 - 50,000 VND (€1.10-1.85)
• Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich): 15,000 - 25,000 VND (€0.55-0.92)
• Vietnamese coffee: 15,000 - 25,000 VND (€0.55-0.92)
• 7-day budget: 420,000 - 700,000 VND (€15.50-26)

Western option (expat café):

• Full breakfast: 100,000 - 180,000 VND (€3.70-6.60)
• Latte: 50,000 - 80,000 VND (€1.85-3)
• 7-day budget: 1,050,000 - 1,820,000 VND (€39-67)

Tip: Alternate between local breakfasts (excellent and cheap) and Western brunches on the weekend. You'll save 50% while discovering authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Lunch and dinner (14 meals)

Local restaurants (cơm bình dân - popular canteens):

• Full meal: 40,000 - 70,000 VND (€1.48-2.60)
• 14-meal budget: 560,000 - 980,000 VND (€21-36)

Neighborhood restaurants (mid-range):

• Main course: 80,000 - 150,000 VND (€3-5.50)
• Drink: 20,000 - 40,000 VND (€0.74-1.48)
• 14-meal budget: 1,400,000 - 2,660,000 VND (€52-98)

Expat restaurants (international cuisine):

• Main course: 150,000 - 300,000 VND (€5.50-11)
• Drink/dessert: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (€1.85-3.70)
• 14-meal budget: 2,800,000 - 5,600,000 VND (€104-207)

Snacks, drinks and groceries

• Bottled water (6×1.5L pack): 25,000 - 35,000 VND (€0.92-1.30)
• Fresh fruit at the market: 50,000 - 100,000 VND/week (€1.85-3.70)
• Snacks: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/week (€5.50-11)
• Local beer (if you drink): 15,000 - 25,000 VND/can (€0.55-0.92)

7-day groceries/snacks budget: 300,000 - 600,000 VND (€11-22)

Total food budget for the first week

Budget profile (mostly local):

• Breakfast: 420,000 VND (€15.50)
• Lunch/dinner: 1,400,000 VND (€52)
• Snacks/groceries: 300,000 VND (€11)
• Total: 2,120,000 VND (€78)

Comfortable profile (mix of local/international):

• Breakfast: 1,050,000 VND (€39)
• Lunch/dinner: 2,660,000 VND (€98)
• Snacks/groceries: 450,000 VND (€17)
• Total: 4,160,000 VND (€154)

Premium profile (international restaurants):

• Breakfast: 1,820,000 VND (€67)
• Lunch/dinner: 5,600,000 VND (€207)
• Snacks/groceries: 600,000 VND (€22)
• Total: 8,020,000 VND (€296)

These amounts are well above the long-term cost of food in Vietnam, because they include the discovery phase and the lack of an optimized routine. After a few weeks, you'll have found your favorite spots and will cut this budget by 30-40%.

06Administrative Expenses and Initial Equipment

Beyond day-to-day costs, your first week involves one-off expenses related to settling in and your first administrative steps.

Immediate administrative fees

Temporary residence registration:

• Free if done by your hotel (legally required)
• 50,000 - 100,000 VND (€1.85-3.70) if you have to go to the police station

Opening a bank account:

• Free at most Vietnamese banks
• Minimum initial deposit: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (€18.50-37) depending on the bank
• International bank card: 200,000 - 500,000 VND/year (€7.40-18.50)

Check out our complete guide on opening a bank account in Vietnam to make this step easier and choose the best bank for your profile.

Essential equipment

Power adapters:

• Vietnam uses type A, C and G outlets (220V)
• Universal adapter: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (€3.70-7.40)
• Tip: Buy 2-3 in your first week, you'll need them

Toiletries and essentials:

• Basic kit (shampoo, soap, toothpaste): 150,000 - 300,000 VND (€5.50-11)
• Western products (if you prefer): 300,000 - 500,000 VND (€11-18.50)
• Basic medicine: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (€3.70-7.40)

Linens and towels (if your accommodation isn't equipped):

• Bath towels: 150,000 - 300,000 VND (€5.50-11)
• Travel sheet: 200,000 - 400,000 VND (€7.40-14.80)

Apartment deposit (if you sign at the end of week 1)

If you find your permanent apartment during the first week and sign the lease:

• Standard deposit: 1-2 months of rent
• For an apartment at 8,000,000 VND/month: deposit of 8,000,000 - 16,000,000 VND (€296-592)
• First month's rent: 8,000,000 VND (€296)
• Total to plan for: 16,000,000 - 24,000,000 VND (€592-888)

Important: This sum is NOT an expense but a temporary outlay (the deposit will be returned at the end of the lease). Still, you need to have this cash available.

Administrative and equipment budget

Without signing a lease:

• Administrative fees: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (€1.85-3.70)
• Bank account (initial deposit): 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (€18.50-37)
• Essential equipment: 700,000 - 1,400,000 VND (€26-52)
• Total: 1,250,000 - 2,500,000 VND (€46-92)

With a lease signed in week 1:

• Add deposit + first month's rent: 16,000,000 - 24,000,000 VND (€592-888)
• Total including lease: 17,250,000 - 26,500,000 VND (€638-980)

07Day-by-Day Budget: A Detailed Week 1 Plan

Here's a realistic projection of your daily expenses so you can plan your cash flow as well as possible.

Day 1 - Arrival (Sunday)

• Airport to hotel transfer: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Hotel check-in (1 night): 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Local SIM card: 200,000 VND (€7.40)
• Dinner (restaurant near the hotel): 150,000 VND (€5.50)
• Water and snacks: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Day 1 total: 1,500,000 VND (€55)

Day 2 - Exploring and scouting (Monday)

• Breakfast: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Grab rides (4 rides): 250,000 VND (€9.25)
• Lunch at a local restaurant: 80,000 VND (€3)
• Visiting 2 potential neighborhoods: 0 VND
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: 200,000 VND (€7.40)
• Coffee/drink: 60,000 VND (€2.20)
• Hotel night: 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Day 2 total: 1,640,000 VND (€61)

Day 3 - Paperwork (Tuesday)

• Breakfast: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Trip to the bank (round trip): 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Opening a bank account (deposit): 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Lunch: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Buying adapters and essentials: 300,000 VND (€11)
• Trips to real estate agencies: 150,000 VND (€5.50)
• Dinner: 180,000 VND (€6.60)
• Hotel night: 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Day 3 total: 2,880,000 VND (€106)

Day 4 - Apartment viewings (Wednesday)

• Breakfast: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Trips to viewings (5 rides): 350,000 VND (€13)
• Lunch: 120,000 VND (€4.40)
• Coffee break with a real estate agent: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Dinner: 200,000 VND (€7.40)
• Hotel night: 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Day 4 total: 1,820,000 VND (€67)

Day 5 - Housing decision (Thursday)

• Breakfast: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Trip to revisit your favorite apartment: 80,000 VND (€3)
• Signing the lease (deposit + 1st month): 16,000,000 VND (€592)
• Celebration lunch: 250,000 VND (€9.25)
• First grocery run: 500,000 VND (€18.50)
• Dinner: 150,000 VND (€5.50)
• Hotel night: 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Day 5 total: 18,030,000 VND (€667)

Day 6 - Moving into the apartment (Friday)

• Breakfast: 50,000 VND (€1.85)
• Hotel check-out and transfer: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Shopping for apartment equipment: 1,000,000 VND (€37)
• Lunch: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Buying linens/kitchenware: 800,000 VND (€30)
• Delivery dinner: 200,000 VND (€7.40)
• First night in the apartment: 0 VND (already paid)
• Day 6 total: 2,250,000 VND (€83)

Day 7 - Rest and getting organized (Saturday)

• Breakfast at home: 40,000 VND (€1.48)
• Exploring the neighborhood on foot: 0 VND
• Lunch at a neighborhood restaurant: 150,000 VND (€5.50)
• Groceries for the week: 700,000 VND (€26)
• Dinner at home: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Relaxing evening out: 200,000 VND (€7.40)
• Day 7 total: 1,190,000 VND (€44)

7-day budget summary (comfortable profile with lease signed)

• Day 1: 1,500,000 VND (€55)
• Day 2: 1,640,000 VND (€61)
• Day 3: 2,880,000 VND (€106)
• Day 4: 1,820,000 VND (€67)
• Day 5: 18,030,000 VND (€667) — including deposit + rent
• Day 6: 2,250,000 VND (€83)
• Day 7: 1,190,000 VND (€44)

WEEK 1 TOTAL: 29,310,000 VND (€1,085)

Without signing a lease (temporary accommodation only): 13,310,000 VND (€493)

08Traps to Avoid and Money-Saving Tips

Here are the most expensive mistakes to avoid during your first week.

Mistake #1: Exchanging too much money at the airport

Airport exchange offices apply poor rates (5-8% hidden commission). Solution: exchange only €50-100 for your first few hours, then withdraw from ATMs in town with your bank card (official rate + fixed fees of €2-3).

Mistake #2: Booking all your accommodation from France

You'll pay 30-50% more than if you negotiate on site. Solution: book 3 nights maximum from France (for security), then extend directly with the hotel, paying cash to get a better rate.

Mistake #3: Always taking taxis instead of Grab

Metered taxis can "forget" to start the meter or take detours. Solution: use Grab exclusively for transparent, traceable fares. Savings: 30-40% on your trips.

Mistake #4: Eating only in tourist restaurants

Tourist areas charge 3-4× higher prices. Solution: walk 2-3 streets back from the main roads to find authentic, affordable local restaurants. The same dish will cost 40,000 VND instead of 150,000 VND.

Mistake #5: Signing a lease without having visited the neighborhood

You could end up in a noisy area, poorly served by transportation or far from what you need. Solution: spend at least 3-4 days exploring different neighborhoods before committing. Visit them at different times of day (morning, noon, evening) to gauge the noise and atmosphere.

Tip: Make a comparison table of the apartments you've visited with: rent, deposit, included utilities, distance from the places you go, noise level, WiFi quality, and your overall "feeling." You'll make a rational decision rather than an emotional one.

Mistake #6: Underestimating hidden expenses

Many expats forget to budget for: international bank fees, tips (optional but appreciated), delivery fees, or the small daily purchases that add up. Solution: always plan a 20% buffer above your calculated budget.

Expert money-saving tips

1. Negotiate EVERYTHING: rent, hotel rates after 3 nights, market prices (except supermarkets). Vietnamese culture values respectful negotiation.

2. Pay in cash: you'll often get 5-10% off rent, equipment, and even some restaurants.

3. Learn 10 words of Vietnamese: "Xin chào" (hello), "Cảm ơn" (thank you), "Bao nhiêu?" (how much?). Locals will appreciate it and treat you like a resident rather than a tourist (= better prices).

4. Join expat Facebook groups: "Expats in Da Nang", "Saigon Expats", "Hanoi Massive". You'll find deals, shared rentals, and real-time advice there.

5. Buy local: choose traditional markets over Western-style supermarkets (Big C, Lotte Mart) for your fruit, vegetables and fresh produce. Savings: 50-70%.

To avoid these traps and optimize every step, read about the 10 fatal mistakes to avoid when moving to Vietnam in our dedicated guide.

09Financial Checklist: The Essentials Before You Leave

To make sure your first week goes smoothly financially, here's the checklist of preparations to take care of BEFORE you leave France.

Documents and means of payment

• International bank card with raised limits

  • Tell your bank about your trip (to avoid it being blocked)
  • Raise your withdrawal limits (minimum €1,000/week)
  • Check the fees for withdrawals abroad (usually €3-4 per transaction)

• Backup card (Revolut, Wise, N26)

  • These neobanks offer better exchange rates
  • No fees on withdrawals up to €200/month
  • Handy mobile app to manage your budget

• Emergency cash (€200-300)

  • Keep it in a separate, secure place
  • In case your cards are lost or stolen

• Digital copies of documents

  • Passport, visa, international driving permit
  • Bank statements (proof of funds if requested)
  • Stored in a secure cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Must-have apps to download

• Grab: transportation, food delivery
• Google Maps: navigation (download offline maps)
• Google Translate: with the offline Vietnamese pack
• Wise or Revolut: multi-currency management
• XE Currency: real-time currency converter
• Zalo: Vietnamese messaging app (the local WhatsApp)

Recommended budget to have available

For a stress-free first week, here are the amounts to have on hand:

Budget profile (solo, shared accommodation):

• Weekly budget: 12,000,000 VND (€445)
• Safety buffer: 3,000,000 VND (€111)
• Recommended total: 15,000,000 VND (€555)

Comfortable profile (solo, hotel/Airbnb, no lease):

• Weekly budget: 18,000,000 VND (€665)
• Safety buffer: 5,000,000 VND (€185)
• Recommended total: 23,000,000 VND (€850)

Comfortable profile with lease signed:

• Weekly budget: 29,000,000 VND (€1,075)
• Safety buffer: 5,000,000 VND (€185)
• Recommended total: 34,000,000 VND (€1,260)

Family profile (2 adults + 1-2 children):

• Multiply the budgets above by 1.5-2
• Plan for 40,000,000 - 60,000,000 VND (€1,480-2,220)

Tip: Split these amounts as follows: 30% in cash (exchanged gradually), 70% available on your bank cards. Never carry more than 5,000,000 VND in cash on you.

Final administrative checks

• Valid visa for at least 30 days (e-visa or visa on arrival)
• International health insurance active from day 1 (see our guide on health insurance in Vietnam)
• International driving permit if you plan to rent a scooter
• Up-to-date vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid recommended)
• Emergency contacts: French embassy, international hospitals, local contacts

10FAQ: Common Questions About Setup Costs

How much cash should you have when you arrive in Vietnam?

It's recommended to have the equivalent of €200-300 in cash (VND) for your first 24-48 hours, or about 5,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND. That will cover your airport transfer, first hotel night, meals and SIM card. Beyond that, favor ATM withdrawals in town, which offer better exchange rates than airport exchange offices. ATMs are everywhere in Vietnamese cities and accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Always keep an emergency reserve of 2-3 million VND in a secure place separate from your main wallet.

Can you negotiate hotel prices once you're there?

Absolutely, and it's actually highly recommended! After spending 2-3 nights in a hotel booked online, go to the front desk and ask for a "long stay" rate for the following nights, paying cash. You'll usually get 20-30% off the online rate. The magic phrase: "I'm staying longer, can you offer a better rate for cash payment?" This works especially well in low season (May-September) and midweek. Hotels would rather guarantee their occupancy rate with a smaller margin than leave rooms empty. Don't hesitate to compare with 2-3 nearby places to create some competition.

Is it better to rent an apartment in the first week?

No, it's usually a costly mistake. Take the time to spend at least 5-7 days in temporary accommodation to explore different neighborhoods, understand commute times, identify your real needs and visit several options. Signing a lease too quickly can lock you in for 6-12 months in a neighborhood that doesn't suit you. On top of that, you'll need administrative documents (sometimes a Vietnamese bank account, an employment letter, or a temporary residence registration) that you won't have right away. Use this first week to build a network (expat Facebook groups, recommended real estate agents) and refine your criteria. Investing in a few extra hotel nights will save you thousands of euros in the long run.

Do prices vary a lot between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, significantly. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the most expensive city: expect 20-30% more on accommodation and restaurants in the expat neighborhoods (District 1, District 2). Hanoi falls in a similar range for the city center, but with more affordable budget options in the outer neighborhoods. Da Nang offers the best value: an equivalent apartment will cost 30-40% less than in Saigon, while offering a better quality of life (beaches, less pollution, smoother traffic). For a first week, expect to spend 25,000,000 - 35,000,000 VND (€925-1,295) in Saigon/Hanoi versus 18,000,000 - 25,000,000 VND (€665-925) in Da Nang for an equivalent comfort level. Check out our detailed Da Nang vs Ho Chi Minh City comparison to make the best choice.

Should you take out health insurance before arriving?

Yes, it's ESSENTIAL and non-negotiable. Healthcare costs in Vietnam can be very high at international hospitals (a consultation costs €80-150, a hospital stay can reach several thousand euros). Your bank card usually includes travel insurance for 90 days maximum, but it's often insufficient (low caps, many exclusions, no repatriation). Take out international health insurance BEFORE you leave, with minimum coverage of €100,000 and including repatriation. Expect €50-150/month depending on your age and coverage level. This expense isn't optional: a scooter accident or dengue fever can cost €5,000-15,000 without insurance. Read our complete guide on health insurance for expats in Vietnam.