International Moving to Vietnam: The Complete 2026 Guide

01Introduction

You've decided to move to Vietnam, and now comes THE logistical question that stresses out every future expat: how do you organize your international move? Between sorting your belongings, choosing a mover, dealing with Vietnamese customs formalities and working out the budget, the whole thing can quickly become a headache.

This complete guide walks you step by step through your international move to Vietnam. You'll discover real 2026 prices, the traps to avoid, reliable movers and, above all, how to keep your budget under control while keeping your belongings safe. Whether you're leaving alone, as a couple or as a family, with a few things or a lot, you'll find all the practical answers here to prepare your departure with peace of mind.

02International Moving to Vietnam: Your 3 Main Options

For your move to Vietnam, you have three options, each with its own pros and cons. The choice will mainly depend on the volume of your belongings, your budget and your timing.

The Full Shipping Container (FCL)

A full container (Full Container Load) is the ideal solution if you're moving the entire contents of a furnished home. You get an exclusive 20-foot (33 m³) or 40-foot (67 m³) container.

2026 prices from France:

• 20-foot container: €3,500-5,500 (port to port)
• 40-foot container: €5,000-8,000 (port to port)
• Door-to-door supplement: +€1,500-2,500
• Transit time: 35-45 days

Pros: Your belongings travel alone (maximum security), ideal for families, you can load a vehicle. Cons: Expensive if the container isn't full, long lead times.

Groupage Shipping (LCL)

Groupage (Less than Container Load) means sharing a container with other shippers. You pay only for the volume you take up (per m³). It's the most popular option for single expats and couples.

2026 prices from France:

• 1 m³: €150-250
• 5 m³: €800-1,200
• 10 m³: €1,500-2,200
• Transit time: 45-60 days (consolidation + shipping)

Tip: Groupage becomes less cost-effective above 15 m³. At that volume, compare it with a full 20-foot container.

Air Freight

Reserved for urgent situations or small volumes of valuable items. Air freight costs 5 to 10 times more than sea freight but arrives in 5-10 days.

2026 prices: €8-15/kg from Paris to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. For 100 kg (equivalent to 0.5 m³), expect €800-1,500. Only worth it for important documents, urgent professional equipment or irreplaceable sentimental items.

For most expats settling in Da Nang, 3-8 m³ of groupage shipping is the best compromise between cost and convenience.

03The Real Budget for an International Move to Vietnam

On top of the sea freight, many other costs add up. Here is a detailed budget for a typical move (a couple, 6 m³ of groupage, Paris to Da Nang):

On top of this come Vietnamese customs duties (see the next section). For an expat arriving with a work visa and personal effects, an exemption is generally granted, but allow a safety margin of €500-800.

Tip: Negotiate an "all-inclusive" package with your freight forwarder. "Port to port" quotes often hide 40-50% in extra charges that you discover on arrival.

To better understand your overall setup budget, see our detailed guide to the cost of living in Vietnam.

04Vietnamese Customs: What You Absolutely Need to Know

Vietnamese customs are known for being strict but predictable. The key: follow the rules scrupulously and prepare a complete file.

Conditions for a Customs Duty Exemption

To get the exemption on your personal effects, you must meet these conditions:

1. A valid long-term visa: work visa (LD, DT), temporary residence card (TRC) or investor visa. Tourist visas do NOT qualify for the exemption.
2. First-time move: you must prove this is your first move to Vietnam (or that you're returning after 12+ months away).
3. Used goods for personal use: no new goods in commercial quantities.
4. Arrival within 6 months: your belongings must arrive no more than 6 months from your first entry into Vietnam (before or after).

Documents Required for Customs Clearance

• Passport (certified copy)
• Visa or TRC (certified copy)
• Proof of employment in Vietnam (offer letter, contract)
• Detailed inventory in English and Vietnamese (provided by the freight forwarder)
• Packing list with the estimated value of each item
• Customs form (Declaration of Personal Effects)
• Proof of residence in Vietnam (lease, accommodation certificate)

Tip: Have your key documents translated and certified BEFORE you leave France. Translations done in Vietnam by non-accredited agencies can be rejected by customs.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

Strictly prohibited:

• Drugs (very severe penalties, up to the death penalty)
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives
• Pornographic material
• Anti-government publications
• Vietnamese antiques (export prohibited)

Restricted (special authorization required):

• Prescription drugs (max 3 months' supply, translated prescription required)
• Transmitting devices (drones, walkie-talkies)
• More than 2 new computers or 2 new phones
• Alcohol (max 3 L) and tobacco (max 400 cigarettes)

Heavily taxed if new:

• Electronics (TVs, computers, tablets)
• Household appliances (washing machine, refrigerator)
• Motor vehicles (prohibitive taxes of 100-200%)

Our advice: do NOT import large new appliances. Buy them in Vietnam, where prices are competitive, and you'll avoid customs hassles.

05The Best Movers for Vietnam (2026 Comparison)

Choosing the right freight forwarder makes all the difference between a smooth move and a logistical nightmare. Here is our selection:

International Movers Specializing in Asia

1. Crown Relocations

• Specialty: High-end moves, excellent service
• Price: Premium (20-30% more expensive than average)
• Strengths: Network in Vietnam, personalized follow-up, customs handling included
• Contact: crown.com - Offices in Paris, Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang

2. AGS Déménagement

• Specialty: Good value for money, worldwide presence
• Price: Mid to high
• Strengths: Solid experience in Southeast Asia, comprehensive insurance
• Contact: ags-demenagement.com - Branches in France and Vietnam

3. Demeco

• Specialty: International moves since 1945
• Price: Mid-range
• Strengths: French company, good customer follow-up, flexibility
• Contact: demeco.fr

Budget Freight Forwarders (Groupage)

4. Fretbay / Upela

• Specialty: Online comparison platforms
• Price: Budget (30-40% cheaper)
• Strengths: Instant quotes, competitive bidding
• Limits: Less hand-holding; you handle more of the steps yourself

5. Local Vietnamese freight forwarders Companies like Saigon Movers or Hanoi Movers offer attractive rates if you organize the export from France yourself. Worth considering for tight budgets and resourceful expats.

Tip: ALWAYS ask for 3 detailed quotes. Check that insurance, customs clearance and final delivery are included. Be wary of "too good to be true" quotes that balloon with hidden fees.

06What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for Vietnam

The golden rule: the less you bring, the less you spend and the less stress you have. Here is our tried-and-tested sorting method.

Things You MUST Bring

Documents and paperwork:

• Original diplomas + certified translations
• Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled)
• International vaccination certificate
• International driving permit
• Important medical records

Irreplaceable personal belongings:

• Family photos, sentimental keepsakes
• Quality clothing (large sizes are hard to find in Vietnam)
• Shoes (same issue: European sizes are hard to find)
• Books in French (hard to find and expensive)
• Specific prescription medications (3 months max)

Professional equipment:

• A high-performance laptop (pro models are harder to get in Vietnam)
• Licensed software
• Specialized equipment you can't find locally

Things to BUY in Vietnam

Don't waste your precious moving volume on:

• Furniture (plenty of local manufacturers and stores)
• Household appliances (excellent prices, local warranties)
• Dishes, decor (very affordable local markets)
• Bedding (mattresses, pillows — different standards, better to buy locally)
• Bikes, scooters (buy or rent locally)

Tip: To fully furnish a 2-bedroom apartment in Da Nang (furniture, appliances, decor), expect €1,500-3,000. That's often cheaper than shipping everything from France.

Special Case: Moving with Children

If you're moving to live in Vietnam with children, add these to your list:

• Favorite toys (psychological comfort)
• Books in French (rare and expensive in Vietnam)
• Clothes 6-12 months ahead (children grow fast)
• Specific childcare equipment (some European brands aren't available)

On the other hand, diapers, baby formula and basic products are easy to find in Vietnamese supermarkets.

07Organizing Your Move: Timeline and Checklist

A successful international move takes at least 3-4 months to prepare. Here's your ideal schedule.

D-120 to D-90 (3-4 months before departure)

• Request 3-5 detailed quotes from movers
• Compare the offers (price, insurance, services included)
• Check the latest customs requirements
• Book your mover (the best rates come from booking early)
• Take out all-risk moving insurance
• Start sorting your belongings (the Marie Kondo method!)

D-90 to D-60 (2-3 months before)

• Have your official documents translated and apostilled
• Arrange to sell or give away the things you're not taking
• Cancel your French subscriptions (electricity, internet, etc.)
• Notify your bank, insurers and supplemental health insurance
• Order boxes and packing materials
• Photograph your valuables (proof for the insurance)

D-60 to D-30 (1-2 months before)

• Gradually pack non-essential items
• Create a detailed inventory (an Excel list with values)
• Confirm your Vietnam visa and arrival date
• Book temporary accommodation for your arrival
• Arrange storage if needed (things to pick up later)

D-30 to D-7 (final weeks)

• Finish packing with the mover (or on your own for groupage)
• Hand the final inventory to the freight forwarder
• Complete deregistration steps (social security, taxes)
• Transfer the funds you'll need to get set up
• Pack a suitcase with the essentials for 2 months

D-0 to D+60 (after arriving in Vietnam)

• Track your shipment with the freight forwarder's tracking
• Prepare your documents for customs clearance
• Be available to answer customs if needed
• Arrange delivery and unpacking (45-60 days after departure)

Tip: Create a digital folder (Dropbox, Google Drive) with copies of ALL your documents. You'll be able to access it from Vietnam if needed.

For an even more complete checklist, see our 47-step checklist for moving to Vietnam.

08Tips to Cut the Cost of Your Move

An international move is expensive, but these strategies can save you 30-50%:

1. Optimize Your Volume

Every cubic meter counts. Optimization techniques:

• Take furniture apart (saves 20-30% of space)
• Use the inside of things (fill drawers, suitcases, boxes)
• Sell bulky, low-end furniture (IKEA sofas, beds, coffee tables)
• Digitize books, documents and photos (saves entire boxes)

2. Move in the Low Season

Shipping rates fluctuate with demand:

• High season (June-September, December): +30-40%
• Low season (February-April, October-November): the best rates

If your timing is flexible, leaving in March-April or October-November can save you €500-1,000.

3. Pack It Yourself

Professional packing costs €300-800. If you're handy and have the time:

• Get free boxes (supermarkets, shops)
• Buy bubble wrap and tape in bulk on Amazon
• Follow YouTube tutorials for packing fragile items
• Savings: €200-600

Watch out: Some insurers refuse to cover badly packed items. Check the terms.

4. Team Up with Other Expats

In expat Facebook groups for Vietnam, offer to share a container with other people leaving around the same dates. Split the fixed costs (container, customs clearance) and each save 30-40%.

5. Ship in Two Stages

A hybrid strategy for tight budgets:

• Checked suitcases (23 kg × 2 = 46 kg): the essentials for 2-3 months
• 2-3 m³ of groupage shipping (3-6 months later): the rest once you're settled

You defer part of the cost and avoid paying for temporary storage in Vietnam.

Tip: Storage in Vietnam costs €50-100/month for 5-10 m³. If your home isn't ready, negotiate 1 month of free storage with your freight forwarder.

09Alternatives to a Traditional International Move

For some profiles, a traditional move isn't the best option. Here are some worthwhile alternatives.

Radical Minimalism (Suitcases Only)

More and more expats, especially digital nomads, leave with 2-3 suitcases (60-80 kg) and buy everything again locally.

Pros:

• Almost no cost (just baggage fees)
• Total flexibility (easy to leave again)
• No customs stress

Cons:

• Loss of sentimental items
• Cost of rebuying the essentials: €1,000-2,000
• Not viable for families

Good for: Single people, couples without children, a 6-12 month "trial" move.

Storage in France

If you're not sure you'll stay in Vietnam long-term, store your belongings in France (€50-150/month for 10-20 m³). You can collect them or have them shipped later.

Cost-effectiveness: Storing for 12 months at €100/month = €1,200. A 6 m³ move costs €1,500-2,500. Storage stops being worth it beyond 15-18 months.

Light Air Freight + Buying Locally

Send 50-100 kg of essential items by air freight (€800-1,500, delivered in 7-10 days) and buy the rest in Vietnam. A compromise between speed and cost.

Good for: Urgent moves (less than 6 weeks' notice), people with little attachment to material things.

To think further about a minimalist lifestyle in Vietnam, read our guide to moving abroad on a budget.

10What to Do on Arrival: Receiving Your Shipment and Settling In

Your container arrives at the port of Da Nang (or Hai Phong for the north, HCMC for the south). Here's the final process.

Customs Clearance: Be Responsive

The freight forwarder contacts you 5-7 days before the ship arrives. You need to:

1. Provide the customs documents (see the previous section)
2. Pay the customs clearance fees (€200-500 depending on the forwarder)
3. Be reachable by phone (customs may call to verify details)

Customs clearance takes 3-10 business days. With a complete file, the exemption is usually granted without a physical inspection.

Tip: If customs request an inspection, be there (or authorize your freight forwarder to attend). It speeds up the process and avoids misunderstandings.

Final Delivery

Once cleared, the freight forwarder arranges delivery to your home. Options:

• Standard delivery (included): boxes dropped off in the entryway
• Delivery + unpacking (+€100-200): boxes opened, packaging removed
• Delivery + furniture assembly (+€200-400): full setup

For a 6 m³ move (20-30 boxes), allow 1-2 days of unpacking if you do it yourself.

Inspection and Insurance

As soon as your belongings are delivered:

1. Check the condition of the boxes before signing the delivery note
2. Note any problems (crushed box, dampness) on the delivery note
3. Unpack within 48 hours and photograph any damage
4. Report claims within 7 days to your insurer

"All-risk" policies generally cover 100% of the declared value (minus a €100-300 deductible). Basic policies only cover major damage.

Buying Locally to Fill the Gaps

Your shipment has arrived, but you're probably still missing:

• Extra furniture: local stores (Noi That Phat Dat, Index Living Mall)
• Appliances: Mediamart, Nguyen Kim, Thế Giới Di Động (reliable chains)
• Decor, dishes: Han and Con markets, or shopping malls (Lotte, Vincom)

Average budget to finish furnishing a 2-bedroom apartment: €800-1,500.

For a complete picture of settling in, see our guide to living in Vietnam.

11Common Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

These mistakes are costly in time, money and stress. Learn from other people's failures.

1. Underestimating Lead Times

Mistake: Booking your move 3 weeks before departure. Consequence: Emergency rates (+50%), maximum stress, risk of missing your departure. Solution: Book at least 3-4 months ahead.

2. Choosing the Cheapest Quote Without Checking

Mistake: Signing with the mover who is 40% cheaper without reading the fine print. Consequence: Hidden fees discovered on arrival (customs clearance, delivery, storage), and a final bill that doubles. Solution: Insist on a written "all-inclusive" quote and compare line by line.

3. Skimping on Insurance

Mistake: Taking the minimum insurance to save €100-200. Consequence: If something is damaged, lost or stolen, you're only reimbursed 10-20% of its value. Solution: "All-risk" insurance is a must. It's 2% of the value and well worth it.

4. Declaring Unrealistic Values

Mistake: Undervaluing your belongings to pay less tax (or overvaluing them for insurance). Consequence: Vietnamese customs cross-check the data. Inconsistencies = inspection, holds, fines. Solution: Realistic values that are consistent between the customs inventory and the insurance.

5. Forgetting Essential Documents

Mistake: Putting diplomas, birth certificates and health records in the container. Consequence: You urgently need a document = no way to get to it for 2 months. Solution: Keep all official documents in your carry-on or personal suitcase.

Tip: Create a "survival box" with the essentials for 2 months that you take in your suitcase: clothes, medication, documents, computer, valuables.

Discover the 10 costly mistakes to avoid for a successful move to Vietnam.

12International Moving and Administrative Formalities

Your move is part of a wider set of administrative steps you shouldn't neglect.

Deregistering in France

If you're leaving for good, remember:

• Social security deregistration (CPAM): online form or letter
• Change of tax address: departure declaration on impots.gouv.fr
• Removal from the electoral roll (optional): or register with the consulate in Vietnam
• Certificate of deregistration: useful for proving you've moved abroad

These steps affect your taxes as an expat in Vietnam. Consult an expert to optimize them.

International Health Insurance

Before you leave, take out expat health insurance that covers Vietnam. French social security no longer covers you after 3-6 months (unless you're a posted worker).

Recommended options: April International, Allianz Worldwide Care, Cigna Global (€1,200-3,000/year depending on age and coverage).

Vietnamese Bank Account

As soon as you arrive, open a Vietnamese bank account to receive your salary, pay your rent and avoid exchange fees.

Recommended banks for expats: Vietcombank, HSBC Vietnam, Techcombank (documents required: passport, visa, proof of address).

For a complete overview of all the administrative formalities, see our dedicated guide.

13FAQ: Your Questions About International Moving to Vietnam

How much does an international move from France to Vietnam cost?

For a typical move (a couple, 5-8 m³ of groupage shipping), expect €2,000-3,500 all-inclusive (shipping, insurance, customs clearance, delivery). A full 20-foot container costs €4,000-7,000. Prices vary with volume, season and the services included. Always ask for 3 detailed quotes to compare. Hidden fees (customs clearance, final delivery) often add 30-40% to the initial quote if they aren't included.

How long does it take for a move to reach Vietnam?

By sea (the standard option), allow 35-45 days of port-to-port transit, plus 10-20 days for consolidation and customs clearance. A realistic total: 50-70 days between pickup in France and delivery in Vietnam. Air freight arrives in 5-10 days but costs 5-10 times more. Plan your departure around this: leave with the essentials in your suitcases to last 2-3 months.

Do I have to pay customs duties on my personal belongings?

If you meet the exemption conditions (long-term visa, first-time move, used personal goods, arrival within 6 months), your personal effects are exempt from customs duties. You only pay the freight forwarder's customs clearance fees (€200-400). However, new goods in quantity, new electronics, or a move without the appropriate visa are taxed at 10-50% of the declared value. Prepare a complete file to maximize your chances of getting the exemption.

What should I do if my belongings are damaged in transit?

On delivery, check the condition of the boxes and note any problems on the delivery note BEFORE signing. Unpack within 48 hours and photograph all damage. Report the claim to your insurer within 7 days at most (a strict contractual deadline). With "all-risk" insurance, you'll be reimbursed 100% of the declared value (minus a €100-300 deductible). Without suitable insurance, the mover only compensates by weight (€2-3/kg), which is nowhere near enough.

Can I import my vehicle (car, motorbike) into Vietnam?

Technically yes, but it makes no financial sense. Import taxes on vehicles reach 100-200% of their value, making it more expensive than buying new in Vietnam. On top of that, the approval and registration procedures are complex. Our advice: sell your vehicle in France and buy locally. A new Honda SH scooter costs €1,500-2,500 in Vietnam, and a decent used car €5,000-15,000. Exception: collector vehicles with diplomatic status (very rare cases).

14Conclusion: Your International Move, Simplified

Organizing an international move to Vietnam can seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, the right partners and accurate information, it's an entirely manageable step in your plan to move abroad.

Remember the key points:

• Plan at least 3-4 months ahead to get the best rates and avoid stress
• Go for 5-10 m³ of groupage shipping if you're single or a couple (the best value for money)
• Prepare a complete customs file to qualify for the tax exemption
• Compare 3-5 detailed quotes and check that all fees are included
• Take out all-risk insurance (2% of the value; skimping on it is a false economy)
• Travel light: sell or give away what you don't need, and buy again in Vietnam

A move is certainly an investment (€2,000-5,000 on average), but it's also the symbol of your fresh start. By following the advice in this guide, you'll avoid the classic traps that cost unprepared expats dearly.