10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to Vietnam

Thinking about moving to Vietnam? Excellent decision. But be careful: most newcomers make at least one major mistake in their first few months, and each one can cost several thousand euros and months of unnecessary stress.

Yet these mistakes are completely avoidable once you know the traps. We've identified the 10 most common and most costly mistakes. This guide will help you anticipate them and get your move right the first time.

Whether you're moving alone, as a couple, with your family or for retirement, these tips will save you time, money and a lot of energy. Let's dive right in.

01Mistake #1: Arriving in Vietnam Without the Right Visa for Your Plans

This is THE number one mistake, and it can cost you dearly. Too many expats arrive on a simple 90-day tourist visa, thinking they'll "sort it out once they're there." The result: endless administrative errands, mandatory trips out of the country ("visa runs"), or worse, an irregular status.

The trap: Vietnam offers several types of visas (tourist, business, investor, retiree), and choosing the wrong one from the start complicates everything else. A tourist visa doesn't let you open a full bank account, sign a long-term lease, or get a temporary residence card.

Tip: If you're coming to work remotely, the DN (Digital Nomad) visa launched in 2025 is your best ally. For an entrepreneurial project, go straight for the investor visa. For retirement, the retiree visa (DL) makes everything simpler. See our complete guide to Vietnam visas to choose the right one.

The solution: Define your status BEFORE you leave. Contact the Embassy of Vietnam in France or get help from an expert. Budget 300-500€ for a suitable visa rather than stacking up tourist visas at 50€ every 3 months.

Cost of the mistake: 800-2,000€ in visa runs, plane tickets to a third country, lost time and administrative stress.

02Mistake #2: Underestimating the Real Cost of Living (Especially the First 6 Months)

Yes, Vietnam is affordable. But NO, you won't live comfortably on 500€/month like some blogs claim. This miscalculation is a common cause of early returns to France.

The trap: The first few months cost a LOT more than day-to-day living. Setting up, furniture, the apartment deposit (2-3 months' rent), various deposits, administrative fees, exploring... Budgets blow up.

Here's what monthly costs really look like in Da Nang for a single expat (in 2026):

Tip: Double your planned budget for the first 6 months. Set aside a safety reserve of at least 5,000€. See our detailed article on the cost of living in Vietnam for precise budgets based on your profile.

Cost of the mistake: Financial stress, an early return to France, or worse, debt.

03Mistake #3: Neglecting International Health Insurance (Until the First Mishap)

Health insurance is like a seatbelt: you only see the point of it when the accident happens. And in Vietnam, an accident or illness without insurance can cost you a fortune.

The trap: French social security (the Sécurité sociale) does NOT cover your expenses in Vietnam (except the CFE, with the relevant option). Quality international hospitals (Family Medical Practice, Vinmec, etc.) charge high rates: a consultation costs 50-80€, a hospital stay 200-500€/day, surgery 5,000-20,000€.

Common mistakes:

• Leaving without insurance, thinking "I'll figure it out when I get there"
• Taking short-term travel insurance (90 days max) for a long-term move
• Choosing low-cost insurance that doesn't cover quality hospitals
• Forgetting to check repatriation coverage

Tip: Take out international health insurance BEFORE you leave. Budget: 80-250€/month depending on your age and needs. Recommended insurers for Vietnam: April International, Allianz Care, Cigna Global. Read our complete guide to expat health insurance.

Cost of the mistake: 5,000-50,000€ in the event of a serious medical problem, or even an uncovered emergency repatriation.

04Mistake #4: Renting the First Apartment You See Without Knowing the City

The excitement of arriving pushes many expats to sign a lease in their first week. Big mistake. You risk ending up in the wrong neighborhood, far from everything, or in a place with hidden problems.

The trap: Every Vietnamese city has its own neighborhoods, dynamics and advantages. In Da Nang, for example, living in An Thuong (beach) has NOTHING in common with Hải Châu (downtown) or Ngũ Hành Sơn (Marble Mountains). Rent, atmosphere, amenities: everything changes.

The right strategy:

1. Book an Airbnb or hotel for at least 2-4 weeks
2. Explore neighborhoods on foot and by scooter, at different times of day
3. Identify your needs: near the beach, restaurants, schools, coworking?
4. Visit 10-15 apartments before choosing
5. Negotiate the lease (always possible in Vietnam)

Tip: Avoid signing a lease longer than 6 months for your first rental. Go for renewable 3-6 month leases. Check EVERYTHING before signing: hot water, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, humidity, neighbors. Our article on living in Vietnam covers the best neighborhoods by city.

Cost of the mistake: 1,500-3,000€ in lost deposit + an early move + stress.

05Mistake #5: Ignoring the Tax Rules and Ending Up Double-Taxed

Taxes are a complex subject that many expats neglect... until they get hit with a tax reassessment. Whether in France or Vietnam, not knowing the rules can cost you VERY dearly.

The trap: Many people think that once they leave France, they no longer pay French taxes. WRONG. It all depends on your tax residency status, your sources of income, and the France-Vietnam tax treaty.

Common mistakes:

• Not deregistering from French taxes when you're required to
• Continuing to file in France without filing in Vietnam (double taxation)
• Ignoring the tax residency rules (183 days/year)
• Not declaring your foreign bank accounts in France
• Setting up a company in Vietnam without understanding local taxes

Tip: Consult an accountant who specializes in expatriation BEFORE you leave. Budget: 300-800€ for a full tax audit, but you'll save thousands of euros. The France-Vietnam tax treaty prevents double taxation if you follow the rules. Read our complete guide to expat taxes in Vietnam.

Cost of the mistake: 5,000-50,000€ in tax reassessments + penalties + years of administrative stress.

06Mistake #6: Not Learning Basic Vietnamese

This mistake seems minor, but it affects EVERYTHING: your integration, your negotiations, your social relationships, your budget (yes, you get charged more when you don't speak Vietnamese).

The trap: Many expats think English is enough in Vietnam. Wrong. Outside of heavily touristy areas and international companies, very few Vietnamese people speak English fluently. Even in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.

The concrete consequences:

• You pay the "tourist price" (30-50% more) at markets, in taxis and at local restaurants
• You stay in the expat bubble, with no real cultural immersion
• You always depend on someone else for administrative procedures
• You miss out on professional and personal opportunities
• You don't grasp cultural nuances (very important in Vietnam)

Tip: Start learning Vietnamese 2-3 months BEFORE you leave. Recommended apps: Tiếng Việt 123, Ling, HelloTalk. Once there, take 2-3 private lessons a week (150,000-250,000 VND/hour, or 5-9€). Goal: reach A2 level in 6 months. Budget: 200-400€ for 6 months of lessons.

Cost of the mistake: 2,000-5,000€/year in extra costs + social isolation + missed opportunities.

07Mistake #7: Underestimating Culture Shock and Isolation

Vietnam isn't France with sunshine and bánh mì. It's a country with its own culture, codes and rhythms. Culture shock is real, and it hits even seasoned travelers.

The trap: The honeymoon phase lasts 1-3 months. Then comes the frustration phase: everything seems complicated, slow, illogical. Cultural differences become irritating. Isolation sets in.

Warning signs:

• You constantly criticize Vietnam and idealize France
• You shut yourself away in your apartment
• You only spend time with French expats
• You have trouble sleeping, or digestive problems
• You feel misunderstood and frustrated all the time

The solution:

1. Prepare yourself mentally: read up on Vietnamese culture before you leave
2. Build a social network: join expat groups, sports clubs, language classes
3. Stay in touch with France: regular calls, but not too many
4. Find your routine: sports, work, structured leisure
5. Be patient with yourself: adapting takes 6-12 months

Cost of the mistake: Depression, an early return to France, strained relationships, a failed move abroad.

08Mistake #8: Opening a Local Bank Account Too Late (or Never)

Some expats keep only their French account for months, even years. Bad idea. It complicates everything and costs you a lot in bank fees.

The trap: Without a Vietnamese bank account, you can't:

• Receive your salary if you work locally
• Pay your bills easily (electricity, internet, phone)
• Use local apps (Grab, Shopee, Zalo Pay)
• Avoid currency exchange fees on every withdrawal (3-5€ per withdrawal)
• Get a local credit card

Common mistakes:

• Waiting until you have a long-term visa (some banks accept 3-month visas)
• Not comparing banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank and VPBank have different offers)
• Forgetting to ask for an international card
• Not activating mobile banking as soon as the account is opened

Tip: Open your account within your first 2-4 weeks. Documents needed: passport, valid visa, proof of address (lease or hotel certificate), 500,000 VND minimum (18€). The best banks for expats: Vietcombank (international network), Techcombank (modern app), VPBank (service in English). See our complete guide to banks in Vietnam.

Cost of the mistake: 500-1,500€/year in bank fees + administrative complications.

09Mistake #9: Overlooking Safety and Common Scams

Vietnam is generally safe, but expats are prime targets for certain scams. Knowing the traps will save you a lot of trouble.

The trap: Scams in Vietnam rarely involve violence; they prey on naivety instead. Newly arrived expats, who know neither the prices nor the local codes, are ideal victims.

The most common scams:

• Rigged taxi meters: the meter runs 2-3x faster (solution: use Grab)
• "Tourist menu" restaurants: prices inflated by 50-100% (solution: ask for the menu in Vietnamese)
• Fake police officers: they ask for your passport and a "fine" (solution: NEVER hand over your passport, ask to go to the police station)
• Real estate scams: deposits not returned, fake landlords (solution: verify the landlord's identity, insist on a written contract)
• Fake visas/work permits: dishonest agencies (solution: go through recognized agencies or the embassy)

Tip: Join local expat Facebook groups ("Expats in Da Nang", "Vietnam Expats"), where scams are regularly reported. Read our article on the dangers in Vietnam for a complete list.

Cost of the mistake: 500-3,000€ lost to scams + stress + loss of trust.

10Mistake #10: Leaving Without a Plan B (and Getting Stuck)

This is the most serious mistake, the one that can turn your dream into a nightmare. Too many expats burn their bridges in France, arrive in Vietnam, and realize it isn't working... with no emergency exit.

The trap: The romantic "I'll sell everything and go" version of moving abroad works in the movies. In real life, many moves abroad fail within the first 12 months. Without a plan B, you're stuck.

Risky situations:

• You sold your apartment in France to fund the move
• You quit your job without a trial period in Vietnam
• You have no passive income or sufficient savings
• You cut all your professional ties in France
• You don't have easily transferable skills

A smart plan B:

1. Keep a foot in France: rent out rather than sell, maintain your professional network, keep your bank accounts active
2. Plan 6-12 months of financial reserves: at least 10,000-20,000€
3. Test before you commit: 3-6 months on a tourist visa before changing everything
4. Build online income: freelancing, e-commerce, consulting
5. Keep your options open: don't burn your professional bridges

Tip: See our complete guide to leaving France, which details a gradual exit strategy. And if you're looking to start a business in Vietnam, read our article on starting a business abroad.

Cost of the mistake: Returning to France in a precarious situation, total financial loss, personal failure.

11Bonus Mistakes You Absolutely Must Avoid

Beyond the top 10, here are a few more mistakes that come up regularly:

Not taking out liability insurance: mandatory if you ride a scooter (50-100€/year). Without it, an accident can cost you tens of thousands of euros.

Forgetting to get your documents certified in France: diplomas, birth certificates, criminal record... Some documents must be apostilled BEFORE you leave. It's impossible to do from Vietnam.

Underestimating the importance of an international driving permit: essential for renting a scooter legally. Apply at the prefecture before you leave (free, 1-3 weeks).

Not planning a way to receive mail: banks, the tax office and French government agencies keep sending mail. Solution: a mail forwarding service, a family member's address, or a PO box.

Leaving without a full health checkup: dentist, eye doctor, up-to-date vaccinations. Healthcare in Vietnam is good but expensive at international hospitals.

12Checklist: Have You Avoided These Mistakes?

Before finalizing your plans to move abroad, make sure you have:

• Chosen the right type of visa for your plans
• Calculated your real budget (x2 for the first 6 months)
• Taken out suitable international health insurance
• Planned 2-4 weeks of exploring before renting an apartment
• Consulted a tax expert about your situation
• Started learning Vietnamese
• Mentally prepared for culture shock
• Planned to open a local bank account
• Studied common scams
• Put together a solid plan B

If you checked fewer than 7 boxes, your plans still need more preparation. See our complete moving checklist with 47 detailed steps.

13Conclusion: A Successful Move Abroad Takes Preparation

Mistakes when moving to Vietnam aren't inevitable. They're predictable, documented, and above all: avoidable. The difference between a successful move and a costly failure often comes down to the quality of your preparation.

Together, these 10 mistakes represent a potential cost of 15,000 to 80,000€ and months of stress. Avoiding them takes time, research, and ideally advice from people who already live there.

Your move to Vietnam deserves to succeed the first time. Don't let these mistakes ruin your dream.