Hidden Costs of Living in Vietnam: The Real Budget in 2026

We've been through this ourselves and seen it happen to many French expats. The problem? Travel guides and general-interest blogs systematically fail to mention the hidden costs of living in Vietnam — those invisible expenses that can make up 30 to 50% of your real monthly budget.

In this in-depth article, we'll break down the 15 main hidden costs you'll run into when you move to Vietnam. You'll find precise figures for Da Nang, concrete strategies to plan for these costs, and above all how to avoid the financial traps that await newcomers.

01Underestimated Administrative Costs

Visa extensions and recurring paperwork

The 90-day tourist e-visa costs 25 USD for a single entry (about 675,000 VND), 50 USD for multiple entries. But what nobody tells you is that renewing it every three months generates much higher costs than the initial visa.

If you go through a local agency (strongly recommended to avoid mistakes), expect between 80 and 120 USD (2,160,000 - 3,240,000 VND) per renewal, including service fees and administrative "facilitation." Over a year, that comes to 320 to 480 USD (8,640,000 - 12,960,000 VND), or €290 to €440.

For a 1-year business visa (DN), the initial cost is 300 to 400 USD (8,100,000 - 10,800,000 VND), but you'll also have to pay for:

• Temporary residence card (TRC): 50 USD (1,350,000 VND)
• Residence registration: 20-30 USD (540,000 - 810,000 VND)
• Certified document translations: 10-15 USD per document (270,000 - 405,000 VND)

Tip: Negotiate an annual package with your visa agency from the start. Some offer all-inclusive packages at 500-600 USD for 12 months, which works out cheaper than quarterly renewals.

Apostilles and document legalization

Even before you leave, you'll need to have several French documents apostilled (criminal record, diplomas, birth certificate). The unit cost in France is €3.75 per document, but the real hidden cost lies in:

• Sworn translations into Vietnamese: €40-60 per document in France, or 20-30 USD in Vietnam
• Additional legalization at the Vietnamese embassy in France: €30 per document
• Express shipping if you're in a hurry: €25-40 per shipment

For a complete relocation file (5-7 documents), budget €300 to €500 in administrative fees before you even leave.

02Technology and Connectivity Costs

Fiber internet and network equipment

Listings advertise fiber at 200,000 to 300,000 VND/month (€7-11). What they don't show:

• Installation fee: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (€18-37)
• Modem/router deposit: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND (€37-74), refundable in theory but often partly withheld
• An extra quality router if you work remotely: 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND (€55-110)
• A reliable VPN to get around restrictions: 5-10 USD/month (135,000 - 270,000 VND)

The real cost of your internet connection in the first year is therefore €250 to €400, not the advertised €84.

Tip: Providers like Viettel and FPT run promotions for new customers (first 3 months free). Always negotiate, especially if you sign a 12-month contract.

Mobile plans and data

An unlimited 4G plan officially costs 90,000 - 150,000 VND/month (€3-5.50). The hidden costs:

• Initial SIM card: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (€1.85-3.70)
• Minimum top-up to activate some plans: 100,000 VND (€3.70)
• Extra data charges when traveling in rural areas or on islands: 50,000 - 200,000 VND/month
• A second SIM card if you want to keep a French number active (Free at €19.99/month or Bouygues Sensation Monde at €59.99/month)

If you keep a French number, add €240 to €720/year to your phone budget.

03Healthcare Costs Not Covered by Insurance

Health insurance for expats in Vietnam generally covers major care, but several items remain your responsibility.

Deductibles and common exclusions

Most international insurers apply:

• An annual deductible: 50 to 500 USD (1,350,000 - 13,500,000 VND)
• Dental not included, or capped at 500-1,000 USD/year
• Vision: reimbursement limited to 200-300 USD every 2 years
• Alternative medicine (acupuncture, osteopathy): not covered

A visit to a French-speaking dentist in Da Nang costs 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (€18-37). A full cleaning: 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND (€30-55). A crown: 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (€185-370).

Budget €500 to €1,000/year for dental and eye care that isn't covered.

Imported medications and Western products

Local medications are cheap, but if you need specific brands:

• Imported medications: 2 to 5 times more expensive than in France
• European sunscreen (local ones contain whitening agents): 300,000 - 500,000 VND a tube (€11-18)
• Quality dietary supplements: 30-50% more expensive than in Europe
• Specific dermatological products: often unavailable, requiring orders from France

Tip: Stock up on basic medicines when you visit France. Over-the-counter medications can be carried in reasonable quantities (3-6 months' supply).

04Transportation: Beyond the Scooter

Buying and maintaining a scooter

A used scooter costs 8,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (€300-550), but the hidden costs add up:

• Mandatory insurance: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/year (€7-15)
• A quality (certified) helmet: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND (€37-74)
• A serious lock: 300,000 - 500,000 VND (€11-18)
• Monthly maintenance (oil, brakes, tires): 200,000 - 400,000 VND (€7-15)
• Unexpected repairs: budget 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/year (€37-74)
• Fuel: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/week depending on use (€3.70-7.40)

Real annual cost of ownership: €700 to €1,200 in the first year, then €400-600/year after that.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) looks cheap at 30,000 - 50,000 VND (€1.10-1.85) for an average ride. But:

• Rush-hour surcharges: +50 to 100%
• Rides to the airport: 150,000 - 250,000 VND (€5.50-9)
• Bad weather (rain, typhoons): fares doubled or tripled
• Frequently canceled rides, forcing you to take a more expensive regular taxi

If you don't have a scooter, expect €100 to €200/month on transportation, not the €30-50 often quoted.

05International Banking Fees

Opening a bank account in Vietnam is essential, but it generates recurring costs.

Account maintenance and card fees

Vietnamese banks charge:

• Account opening fee: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (€3.70-7.40)
• International debit card: 200,000 - 500,000 VND/year (€7-18)
• Maintenance fee if your balance is < 2,000,000 VND: 20,000 - 50,000 VND/month (€0.75-1.85)
• SMS banking: 11,000 - 22,000 VND/month (€0.40-0.80)

International transfers and currency exchange

The big invisible cost:

• Exchange commission: 1.5 to 3% on each transfer from France
• Receiving fees in Vietnam: 100,000 - 300,000 VND per transfer (€3.70-11)
• Unfavorable exchange rate: a 2-4% loss vs the real interbank rate

On a monthly transfer of €2,000, you lose €60 to €120 in fees and poor exchange rates, or €720 to €1,440/year.

Tip: Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for your international transfers. Fees are 0.5-1% at the real exchange rate. Annual savings: €500-1,000.

06Food: The Trap of Western Habits

Food prices in Vietnam can be very low if you eat 100% local. But the reality is more nuanced.

Imported products and supermarkets

A French expat will inevitably buy some familiar products:

• French cheese: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/200 g (€7-15)
• Decent French wine: 300,000 - 600,000 VND a bottle (€11-22)
• Charcuterie: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/100 g (€5.50-11)
• European chocolate: 100,000 - 200,000 VND a bar (€3.70-7.40)
• Quality coffee beans: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/kg (€7-15)

A couple who buys Western products in moderation spends an extra €200 to €400/month compared with a 100% local diet.

Western restaurants and cafes

A local meal costs 30,000 - 50,000 VND (€1.10-1.85), but:

• Western restaurant: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person (€7-15)
• Sunday brunch: 300,000 - 500,000 VND/person (€11-18)
• Western-style coffee (latte, cappuccino): 60,000 - 100,000 VND (€2.20-3.70) vs 15,000 VND for a local cà phê sữa đá

If you go to these places 2-3 times a week (the social need to see other expats), add €150 to €300/month to your food budget.

07Housing: The Extra Costs

Rent prices in Vietnam are attractive, but several items are always added on top.

Utilities and services not included

Most Vietnamese leases exclude:

• Electricity: 3,000 - 4,000 VND/kWh (€0.11-0.15), or €50-150/month depending on how much you use the air conditioning
• Water: 15,000 - 30,000 VND/m³ (€0.55-1.10), or €5-15/month
• Building maintenance fee: 20,000 - 50,000 VND/m²/month in high-end residences
• Scooter parking: 50,000 - 100,000 VND/month (€1.85-3.70)
• Car parking: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/month (€37-74)

For a 70 m² apartment with heavy air conditioning use, expect €100 to €200/month in utilities and fees.

Deposit and agency fees

When you sign the lease:

• Deposit: 2 months' rent (refundable, but often partly withheld for "damage")
• Agency fees: 50 to 100% of one month's rent
• First month paid in advance

For an apartment at €500/month, plan on €2,000 to €2,500 in upfront costs.

Tip: Negotiate the deposit down to 1 month for long leases (12 months minimum). Photograph and film the apartment in detail during the move-in inspection.

08Leisure and Social Life

Vietnam offers cheap activities, but expat social life generates its own specific expenses.

Community outings and events

The French community in Vietnam regularly organizes events:

• Networking evenings: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (€7-18) with drinks
• Community brunches: 300,000 - 600,000 VND (€11-22)
• Group excursions: 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND (€37-110)
• Membership fees for French associations: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/year (€18-37)

Taking an active part in social life costs an extra €100 to €200/month.

Trips and regional getaways

Vietnam is made for domestic travel:

• Domestic flight: 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND (€18-74)
• Mid-range hotel: 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night (€22-44)
• Organized excursions: 800,000 - 2,000,000 VND/day (€30-74)

Two weekends a month away from your home city add €200 to €400/month to your budget.

09Equipment and Furniture

Appliances and adjustments

Furnished apartments don't always include:

• A quality washing machine: 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (€185-370)
• An extra refrigerator (the one provided is often too small): 8,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (€300-550)
• A water purifier: 3,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND (€110-300)
• Extra fans: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND each (€18-55)
• Multiple power adapters: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (€7-18)

Initial equipment budget: €800 to €1,500.

Bedding and Western comfort

Vietnamese mattresses are often very firm:

• A comfortable imported mattress: 10,000,000 - 20,000,000 VND (€370-740)
• Quality pillows: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND each (€18-37)
• Western-style bed linen: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND a set (€37-74)

Comfort investment: €500 to €1,000.

10Services and Home Help

Housekeeper and recurring services

Many expats hire a housekeeper:

• Housekeeper 2-3 times a week: 50,000 - 80,000 VND/hour (€1.85-3), or €100-200/month
• Dry cleaning for shirts and delicate clothes: 20,000 - 40,000 VND per item (€0.75-1.50)
• Occasional babysitting: 80,000 - 150,000 VND/hour (€3-5.50)

These services, almost essential for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, add €150 to €300/month.

11Additional Insurance

Beyond health insurance, several types of coverage are recommended.

International liability insurance

Your French home insurance doesn't cover your activities in Vietnam:

• International liability insurance: €150 to €300/year
• Dedicated repatriation insurance: €100 to €200/year
• Trip cancellation insurance: €50 to €100/year

Tip: Some premium bank cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold) include this coverage if you pay for your tickets with them. Check your terms.

Legal protection and assistance

In a dispute with a landlord or an employer:

• A French-speaking lawyer in Da Nang: 200-300 USD/hour (5,400,000 - 8,100,000 VND)
• Translation of legal documents: 50-100 USD/page

International legal protection insurance costs €200-400/year but can save you thousands if something goes wrong.

12Education and Ongoing Learning

Vietnamese lessons

Learning the local language is strongly recommended:

• Private lessons: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/hour (€7-15)
• Group classes (language school): 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 VND for 3 months (€110-220)
• Premium apps (italki, Preply): 10-20 USD/lesson

Learning budget for 1 year: €500 to €1,000.

Professional training

For digital nomads and entrepreneurs:

• Coworking spaces with training rooms: 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 VND/month (€74-150)
• Professional conferences and workshops: 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND/event (€18-74)
• Online certifications (Coursera, Udemy): 30-50 USD/course

13The Unexpected and Emergency Funds

Unplanned trips back to France

A family emergency, an administrative problem, a need for documents:

• Last-minute plane ticket: €800 to €1,500 round trip
• Emergency accommodation in France: €60-100/night
• Miscellaneous costs there: €500-1,000

An emergency trip home costs €2,000 to €3,000.

Major health problems

Even with good insurance:

• Paying upfront before reimbursement: €1,000-5,000
• Medical repatriation if not covered: €15,000-30,000
• Treatment in Thailand or Singapore for complex conditions: €5,000-20,000

Tip: Build an emergency fund of €5,000 to €10,000 that you can access immediately (savings account, credit card with a high limit).

14Summary Table of Hidden Costs

These figures come on top of your basic monthly budget in Da Nang (rent, local food, basic transportation).

15How to Anticipate and Minimize These Expenses

Preparation phase (3-6 months before departure)

1. Build up starting capital of €8,000 to €12,000 on top of your first 3 months of living expenses
2. Optimize your banking setup: open a Wise account and get a card with no fees abroad (Fortuneo, Boursorama)
3. Take out your insurance in France: it's often cheaper than once you're abroad
4. Buy your essential equipment in France: computer, smartphone, technical clothing, medication

The first 3 months in Vietnam

1. Live in "discovery" mode: don't commit to a long lease right away; try out different neighborhoods
2. Record all your actual spending for 90 days to build your personalized budget
3. Build your local network: the best tips come from expats who have been here for several years
4. Negotiate everything: rent, internet plans, services. Vietnamese culture values negotiation

After 6 months: optimizing your budget

1. Switch to a hybrid lifestyle: 70% local, 30% Western to balance cost and comfort
2. Automate your transfers with Wise to get the best rates
3. Share some costs: shared streaming subscriptions, group purchases of imported products
4. Develop local income if possible: consulting, French lessons, freelancing for Vietnamese clients

16Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Some mistakes can be very expensive. Here are the 10 costly mistakes of moving abroad that relate specifically to hidden costs:

Underestimating the initial budget

Arriving with only 3 months of living expenses isn't enough. Setup costs (deposit, equipment, administrative fees) add another €3,000 to €5,000.

Not planning an emergency fund

A medical or family emergency can require €2,000 to €5,000 available immediately. Without this reserve, you'll be forced to borrow at prohibitive rates or go home in a hurry.

Ignoring exchange fees

Losing 2-4% on each transfer adds up to €500-1,000/year on a €2,000/month budget. Use Wise or Revolut to save that money.

Neglecting additional insurance

An emergency hospital stay where you have to pay upfront can reach €5,000-10,000. Check that your insurance covers upfront costs, or set aside a dedicated fund.

Keeping a 100% Western lifestyle

Trying to recreate your French life exactly will double or triple your budget. A successful move abroad requires cultural adaptation, including when it comes to food.

17Comparison with Other Destinations

Are hidden costs higher in Vietnam than elsewhere? Here is a comparison with Thailand and Bali:

Vietnam remains cheaper overall, but the gap narrows if you keep a Western lifestyle.

18Tools and Apps to Manage Your Budget

Several tools will help you track these hidden costs:

Budget tracking apps

• Tricount: free, perfect for tracking shared expenses as a couple
• YNAB (You Need A Budget): 14.99 USD/month, excellent for long-term planning
• Splitwise: free, ideal for shared housing and group expenses
• Excel/Google Sheets: create your own spreadsheet with custom categories

Alerts and notifications

• Set up alerts on your bank account for every transaction > €50
• Use Wise to get a notification for every currency conversion
• Join expat Facebook groups for deals and price alerts

Tip: Create a shared spreadsheet with your partner to log every expense in real time. Do a weekly review for the first 3 months.

19FAQ: Hidden Costs in Vietnam

What total budget should you plan for your first 3 months in Vietnam?

For the first 3 months, plan your living budget (€1,500-2,500/month depending on your lifestyle) + €5,000 to €8,000 in setup costs and hidden expenses. That's total capital of €9,500 to €15,500 to get started with peace of mind. This budget covers the housing deposit (2 months), initial equipment, administrative fees and an emergency fund. Expats who arrive with less often run into financial difficulties by the 2nd month.

Are the hidden costs the same in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang?

Administrative fees (visa, documents) are the same throughout Vietnam. Housing costs, however, are 20-30% higher in Ho Chi Minh City than in Da Nang (more expensive electricity and parking). Imported products are slightly cheaper in Ho Chi Minh City (better distribution) but more expensive in Hanoi. Transportation costs more in Hanoi (longer distances, heavy traffic). Da Nang offers the best overall value for money.

How can you cut international banking fees by 50% or more?

Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for all your international transfers: fees of 0.5-1% vs 3-5% with traditional banks. Open a Wise multi-currency account to receive payments in EUR, USD and VND without conversion fees. Use a bank card with no fees abroad (Fortuneo, Boursorama, N26) for withdrawals. Stick to 1-2 large transfers a month rather than frequent small ones. Annual savings: €500-1,000.

Should you take out international or local health insurance?

For French expats, international insurance (CFE + a supplemental plan, or April International, Chapka) is strongly recommended. Local Vietnamese insurance is cheap (€50-100/month) but offers limited coverage and low caps, and doesn't cover repatriation. International insurance costs €100-300/month depending on age and coverage, but covers care throughout Southeast Asia, repatriation, and often part of your care in France. The extra €600-2,400/year is an essential investment in your security.

Can you live in Vietnam on €1,000/month including hidden costs?

On €1,000/month, you'll have to adopt a 90% local lifestyle: a modest apartment on the outskirts (€250-350), an almost exclusively Vietnamese diet (€150-200), getting around on a used scooter (€50), few outings to Western places (€100), and limited travel. This budget doesn't let you build up savings or deal with the unexpected (health, trips back to France). To live comfortably with a safety margin, aim for €1,500-2,000/month.

20Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Make the Most of It

The hidden costs of living in Vietnam amount to €750 to €1,570 a month — 30 to 50% of a French expat's total budget. These invisible costs turn a theoretical budget of €1,500/month into a reality of €2,250 to €3,070/month.

The good news? Once they're identified and planned for, these expenses become manageable. The expats who succeed in settling in for the long term are the ones who:

1. Arrive with enough starting capital (€10,000-15,000)
2. Track their spending rigorously for the first 3 months
3. Gradually adopt a hybrid lifestyle (70% local, 30% Western)
4. Optimize their banking and insurance setup from the start
5. Build an emergency fund of €5,000-10,000

Vietnam remains an exceptional destination for moving abroad, with a cost of living 40-60% lower than France even including these hidden costs. But transparency about the real costs is essential to avoid disappointment and build a stable, fulfilling life.