Startup Budget for Moving to Vietnam: Real Costs in 2026

Thinking about moving to Vietnam and wondering how much to set aside so you can get started with peace of mind? The startup budget question is crucial: too tight, and you risk financial stress from the moment you arrive; too generous, and you tie up funds for no reason. This guide brings together the figures observed on the ground and the expense items people often underestimate.

This article gives you a detailed, step-by-step budget for the first 3 months of your move to Vietnam. We cover everything: from the plane ticket to administrative fees, including temporary housing and setup costs. You'll also learn which pitfalls to avoid and how to optimize your spending without compromising your comfort.

01Budget Before You Leave: Pre-Departure Costs

Before you even set foot in Vietnam, several expenses are unavoidable. This preparation phase generally costs between 2,500€ and 4,500€ depending on your choices.

France-Vietnam Plane Ticket

The plane ticket is often the first major expense. For a Paris-Da Nang or Paris-Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City flight, expect:

• Low season (May-September): 450€ to 650€ one-way
• High season (November-March): 700€ to 1,100€ one-way
• Last minute: up to 1,500€

For a one-way ticket, go with airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways or Emirates with a layover. Direct flights (Vietnam Airlines only, on Paris-Hanoi) cost 200-300€ more but save you 4-6 hours of travel. If you're carrying a lot of luggage (partial move), check the allowances: some airlines allow 2×23kg, others charge 50-100€ per extra bag.

Tip: Book 2-3 months in advance to get the best fares. Use Google Flights in "flexible" mode to compare prices across several dates. For detailed strategies, see our guide on how to find a cheap flight from France to Vietnam.

Visa and Administrative Documents

Vietnam offers several visa options for expats:

• 90-day e-visa: 25 USD (≈23€) single entry, 50 USD multiple entry + a 10-15€ service fee if you go through an agency
• 3-month business visa: 80-120 USD (≈75-110€) via an invitation letter
• DL1/DL2 visa (1 year, renewable): 500-800 USD (≈460-740€) depending on your situation
• Temporary residence card (TRC): 1,000-1,500 USD (≈920-1,380€) for the first year

To get started, the 90-day e-visa is ideal: it gives you time to explore, find stable housing and decide on your long-term status. You can then switch to a business visa or TRC once you're settled. Our guide on the Vietnam e-visa details the full procedure.

Other documents to budget for:

• Certified translations (diplomas, driver's license): 30-50€ per document
• Apostille for French documents: 50-80€ through the legalization office
• Passport photos in Vietnamese format: 10-15€

Total pre-departure administrative budget: 150€ to 300€

International Health Insurance

Health insurance is NON-NEGOTIABLE. The Vietnamese healthcare system is good in the big cities, but international-standard care is expensive without coverage. For the first 3 months:

• Short-term travel insurance (such as Chapka Cap Aventure): 100-150€ for 90 days
• Annual expat insurance (CFE + top-up): 150-300€/month, or 450-900€ for 3 months
• Local Vietnamese insurance: 50-80 USD/month (≈46-74€), limited coverage

To get started, travel insurance is enough if you're in good health. Then plan to switch to expat insurance if you stay. A visit to a general practitioner in Da Nang costs 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND (18-37€) without insurance; an emergency hospital stay can reach 50,000,000 VND (1,850€) in 24h.

Tip: Keep your French Social Security active for the first 3 months (you're still covered for emergencies when you go back to France). Check out our complete guide to health insurance in Vietnam for expats to choose the best option.

Insurance budget for 3 months: 150€ to 900€

02Setup Budget: Your First Month There

The first month is the most expensive: temporary housing, getting around, basic equipment and your first grocery runs. Expect between 1,800€ and 3,500€ depending on your comfort level.

Temporary Housing (15-30 Days)

When you arrive, you'll need temporary accommodation while you find your long-term apartment. You have three options:

Option 1: Hotel or guesthouse

• Local guesthouse: 10-15 USD/night (≈9-14€), or 270-420€/month
• 3-star hotel: 25-40 USD/night (≈23-37€), or 690-1,110€/month
• 4-star hotel: 50-80 USD/night (≈46-74€), or 1,380-2,220€/month

Option 2: Short-term Airbnb

• Furnished studio: 600-900€/month (monthly rental)
• 1-bedroom apartment: 800-1,200€/month
• Advantage: flexibility, cancellation possible

Option 3: Coliving or serviced apartment

• Room in a coliving space: 400-600 USD/month (≈370-555€)
• Serviced apartment studio: 800-1,200 USD/month (≈740-1,110€)
• Includes: cleaning, Wi-Fi, sometimes breakfast

Recommendation: For 15-20 days, go with an Airbnb or a 3-star hotel (budget 350-750€). That gives you time to view apartments without pressure. In Da Nang, the An Thuong and My An neighborhoods are ideal to start with: close to the beach, lots of expats, international restaurants.

Deposit and First Month's Rent (Long-Term Apartment)

Once you've found your apartment, you'll have to pay:

• Deposit: 1 to 2 months' rent (refundable at the end of the lease)
• First month's rent: payable in advance
• Agency fee: 0.5 to 1 month's rent (if you go through an agency)

Example for a 1-bedroom apartment in Da Nang (rent 400 USD/month = 370€):

• Deposit: 800 USD (740€)
• First month's rent: 400 USD (370€)
• Agency fee: 200 USD (185€)
• Total to pay: 1,400 USD (≈1,295€)

Example for a 2-bedroom apartment (rent 700 USD/month = 650€):

• Deposit: 1,400 USD (1,295€)
• First month's rent: 700 USD (650€)
• Agency fee: 350 USD (325€)
• Total to pay: 2,450 USD (≈2,270€)

Most apartments in Da Nang are furnished (bed, wardrobe, table, chairs, equipped kitchen). Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are generally extra: 50-100 USD/month (46-93€) depending on your usage.

Tip: Negotiate the deposit down to 1 month if you pay 6 months in advance. Some landlords agree in order to secure a long-term tenant. Always view the apartment in person and document its condition (photos/video) before paying.

Additional Equipment and Furnishings

Even in a furnished apartment, you'll need to buy a few things:

Essentials (minimum budget):

• Sheets, pillows, duvet: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND (37-74€)
• Bath towels: 300,000 - 500,000 VND (11-18€)
• Additional kitchen utensils: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (18-37€)
• Basic cleaning products: 300,000 - 500,000 VND (11-18€)
• Minimum total: 2,500,000 VND (≈93€)

Comfort (mid-range budget):

• Extra fan: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (18-37€)
• Desk lamp: 300,000 - 800,000 VND (11-30€)
• Hangers, storage: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (7-18€)
• Small appliances (kettle, toaster): 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND (37-74€)
• Mid-range total: 5,000,000 VND (≈185€)

Premium (if the apartment is unfurnished or under-equipped):

• Washing machine: 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND (148-296€)
• Refrigerator: 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (185-370€)
• Television: 4,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (148-370€)
• Sofa: 3,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND (111-296€)
• Premium total: 20,000,000 VND (≈740€)

The best places to shop in Da Nang: Big C, Lotte Mart (big-box stores), Decathlon (sports/home), or the local shops on Nguyen Van Linh (cheaper but variable quality).

Transportation and Getting Around

First days (airport → temporary housing):

• Taxi from the airport → Da Nang city center: 150,000 - 250,000 VND (5.5-9€)
• Grab (the local Uber equivalent): 120,000 - 200,000 VND (4.5-7.5€)

Daily trips (apartment hunting, groceries):

• Scooter rental by the day: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day (3.7-5.5€)
• Scooter rental by the month: 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 VND (44-74€)
• Daily Grab/taxi: 50,000 - 150,000 VND/day (1.8-5.5€)

Buying a used scooter (long-term option):

• Semi-automatic scooter (Honda Wave, Yamaha Sirius): 8,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (296-555€)
• Automatic scooter (Honda Air Blade, Yamaha NVX): 15,000,000 - 25,000,000 VND (555-925€)
• Certified helmet: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND (18-55€)
• Annual insurance: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (7-18€)

First-month recommendation: Rent a scooter by the month (1,500,000 VND = 55€) to explore and look for your apartment. Then buy one if you stay. An international driving permit is theoretically mandatory, but rarely checked in Da Nang (be careful: no insurance coverage in case of an accident without a license).

Transportation budget for the first month: 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (55-111€) + a possible scooter purchase

Food and Restaurants

The cost of food varies enormously depending on your habits:

Local budget (street food and markets):

• Breakfast (banh mi, pho): 20,000 - 40,000 VND (0.7-1.5€)
• Lunch (com tam, bun cha): 30,000 - 60,000 VND (1.1-2.2€)
• Dinner (local restaurant): 50,000 - 100,000 VND (1.8-3.7€)
• Market shopping (fruit, vegetables, meat): 500,000 - 800,000 VND/week (18-30€)
• Monthly total: 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND (111-185€)

Mixed budget (50% local, 50% international):

• Western restaurants 2-3×/week: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/meal (5.5-11€)
• Supermarket (imported products): 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 VND/week (37-55€)
• Café/coworking: 50,000 - 100,000 VND/day (1.8-3.7€)
• Monthly total: 6,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (222-370€)

Western budget (international restaurants, imported products):

• Daily restaurants/cafés: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/meal (7.4-14.8€)
• Premium supermarket (Lotte, Vinmart): 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND/week (74-111€)
• Monthly total: 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND (370-555€)

For detailed food prices, see our guide on the cost of food in Vietnam.

Tip: For the first 2-3 weeks, you'll probably eat out more (fatigue, not settled in yet). Plan for 20-30% more than your target food budget. Once you're settled, cooking at home will cut your spending by 2-3 times.

03Post-Arrival Administrative Budget

Once you're there, several administrative steps generate fees that are often left out of initial budgets.

Phone and Internet

Vietnamese SIM card (essential from day one):

• Prepaid SIM card: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (1.8-3.7€)
• Unlimited 4G plan (30 days): 150,000 - 300,000 VND (5.5-11€)
• Premium plan with international calls: 300,000 - 500,000 VND (11-18€)

The main carriers: Viettel (best coverage), Vinaphone, Mobifone. Buy your SIM at the airport or in any shop in town (bring your passport).

Home internet (apartment):

• Installation: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (7-18€) one-time fee
• ADSL/fiber plan 50-100 Mbps: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/month (7-14€)
• Fiber plan 200+ Mbps: 400,000 - 700,000 VND/month (14-26€)

Most apartments already have a connection installed (included in the rent or not). Fiber is generally excellent in Da Nang (100+ Mbps real-world speeds). For digital nomads, see our guide on internet quality in Vietnam.

Telecom budget for the first month: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (18-37€)

Vietnamese Bank Account

Opening a local bank account makes life easier (rent payments, Grab, local transfers). Here are the typical fees:

• Account opening: free to 200,000 VND (0-7€) depending on the bank
• Debit card: free to 100,000 VND/year (0-3.7€)
• Account maintenance fees: 0 to 50,000 VND/month (0-1.8€)
• Incoming international transfers: 100,000 - 300,000 VND (3.7-11€) + 0.1-0.25% of the amount

Documents required:

• Passport + valid visa (minimum 3 months)
• Temporary residence certificate (provided by your landlord)
• Vietnamese phone number
• Initial deposit: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (18-37€) depending on the bank

Recommended banks for expats: Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank (services in English, mobile app). The process takes 30-60 minutes at a branch. Our detailed guide on opening a bank account in Vietnam explains everything.

Tip: Don't wait until you have your TRC (residence card) to open an account. A 90-day tourist visa is enough at most banks. Choose downtown branches where the staff speak English.

Vietnamese Driver's License (Optional but Recommended)

If you plan to ride a scooter legally over the long term:

• International permit conversion: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (7-18€) + certified translation
• Practical test (if you don't have a French motorcycle license): 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (18-37€)
• Issuance fee: 135,000 VND (5€)
• Total: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND (18-55€)

The process takes 1-2 weeks. Some expats ride with only their international permit, but in the event of an accident, insurance may refuse to cover you without a Vietnamese license.

04Summary Table: Overall Startup Budget

Here is a comparison table for three expat profiles:

*The premium transportation budget includes buying a used scooter (600€)

Tip: These budgets include a 10% safety margin for the unexpected. In reality, you'll probably spend 5-15% less once you've settled into your routine. But it's better to budget generously for the first few months.

05Hidden Expenses to Anticipate

Beyond the obvious items, some expenses are often left out of initial budgets. Here are the main ones:

Bank and Currency Exchange Fees

Exchange and transfer fees can amount to 3-5% of your total spending if you don't optimize them:

• ATM withdrawal with a French card: 3-5€ in fixed fees + 2-3% currency conversion fee
• International SWIFT transfer: 15-45€ per transfer + an unfavorable exchange rate (2-4%)
• Exchange at a currency exchange office: rate 2-5% worse than the real rate

Ways to save:

• Use Wise (formerly TransferWise): 0.5-1% fees and the real market rate
• Revolut or N26 card: free withdrawals up to 200€/month, interbank rate
• Open your Vietnamese account quickly and make one large initial transfer (1 transfer of 5,000€ costs less than 10 transfers of 500€)

Bank fee budget for 3 months: 100-300€ (optimized with Wise/Revolut)

For more on managing your banking, see our guide on bank accounts for expats in Vietnam.

Healthcare and Pharmacy

Even with insurance, some costs remain out of pocket:

• Insurance deductible: 50-100€ per claim depending on your policy
• Everyday pharmacy items (mosquito repellent, vitamins, basic medications): 20-50€/month
• Specialist visit (dermatologist, dentist): 30-100€ per session
• Booster shots (hepatitis, typhoid): 30-60€ per vaccine

Out-of-pocket healthcare budget for 3 months: 100-300€

Medications in Vietnam are generally 50-70% cheaper than in France. Pharmacies are everywhere and many medications are sold over the counter (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories). For the full picture, read our article on the cost of healthcare in Vietnam.

Leisure and Social Life

Integrating into the expat community and discovering the country generates expenses that are often underestimated:

• Coworking/gym membership: 50-150 USD/month (46-140€)
• Weekend trips (Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, Cham Islands): 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND (18-74€) per outing
• Restaurants/bars with expats: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (7-18€) per night out
• Vietnamese lessons: 100,000 - 300,000 VND/hour (3.7-11€)

Leisure budget for 3 months: 300-900€

In the first few months, you'll probably go out more (exploring, meeting people). It's an important social investment for your integration. The French community in Vietnam regularly organizes events (happy hours, outings) that make it easier to meet people.

Trips Back to France (Unexpected)

Always set aside a budget for a possible emergency trip home:

• Last-minute ticket home: 800-1,500€
• Or a flexible round-trip ticket: +200-300€ compared with a one-way

Tip: Keep an unbudgeted reserve of 1,000-1,500€ for true emergencies (family emergency, a health problem requiring a trip home, etc.). This amount shouldn't be counted in your startup budget: it's your safety net.

06Optimize Your Budget: 8 Expert Tips

Here are our best tips for cutting your startup costs without sacrificing comfort:

1. Arrive in Low Season (May-September)

Plane tickets are 30-40% cheaper, hotels are more open to negotiation, and landlords are more flexible on rent. Granted, it's the rainy season, but in Da Nang it rarely rains all day (usually showers in the late afternoon).

Potential savings: 500-800€

2. Negotiate a Long-Term Lease From the Start

If you're sure you'll stay 6-12 months, offer to pay 3-6 months in advance in exchange for a 10-15% discount on the monthly rent. Many landlords agree in order to secure a reliable tenant.

Potential savings: 150-300€ over 6 months

3. Share Housing for the First Few Months

A 2-bedroom apartment costs only 30-40% more than a studio. By sharing, you split the costs in half (rent, utilities, internet, equipment).

Potential savings: 400-600€/month

4. Buy Secondhand

Expat Facebook groups ("Expats in Da Nang", "Da Nang Buy & Sell") are full of secondhand furniture, appliances and scooters in excellent condition. Expats who are leaving often sell their things cheaply.

Potential savings: 200-500€ on equipment

5. Use Grab Rather Than Taxis

Grab (a ride-hailing app) is 20-30% cheaper than traditional taxis and helps you avoid scams. Install the app as soon as you arrive.

Potential savings: 50-100€ in the first few weeks

6. Eat Local at Least 50% of the Time

Vietnamese street food is delicious, healthy and ultra-affordable. A local meal costs 1-2€, versus 8-15€ in a Western restaurant. You save 200-300€/month by eating local at lunchtime.

Potential savings: 600-900€ over 3 months

7. Get Help With Complex Paperwork

Paying a licensed local agent or a translator for a specific procedure may seem counterintuitive when you're trying to save money, but it helps you avoid costly mistakes (wrong apartment, scams, a mishandled visa requiring a visa run). Ask for a written quote and compare several providers.

8. Open Your Bank Account Quickly

The sooner you have a local account, the less you pay in exchange and withdrawal fees. Do it in the first week.

Potential savings: 100-200€ over 3 months

07Budget by Expat Profile

The startup budget varies considerably depending on your personal and professional situation. Here are three typical profiles:

Profile 1: Solo Digital Nomad (25-35 Years Old)

Characteristics:

• Single, flexible, used to traveling
• Income: 2,000-4,000€/month
• Priorities: coworking, social life, exploring

Recommended budget:

• Before leaving: 1,000-1,500€
• First month: 2,000-3,000€
• Months 2-3: 1,200-1,800€/month
• 3-month total: 5,400-7,800€

This profile can save by living in a shared apartment, eating local and favoring free activities (beach, hiking). The digital nomad community in Da Nang is very active and makes it easier to fit in.

Profile 2: Couple With Child(ren) (30-45 Years Old)

Characteristics:

• Family, needs stability and comfort
• Income: 4,000-8,000€/month
• Priorities: school, healthcare, spacious housing

Recommended budget:

• Before leaving: 2,000-3,000€ (tickets × 3-4)
• First month: 4,000-6,000€ (larger housing)
• Months 2-3: 2,500-4,000€/month
• 3-month total: 11,000-16,000€

This profile needs to plan for additional costs: international school (8,000-15,000 USD/year), family insurance, a 3-bedroom home, a safer vehicle. The pros and cons of living in Vietnam as a family are worth studying carefully.

Profile 3: Retiree (60+ Years Old)

Characteristics:

• Couple or solo, looking for quality of life
• Income: pension of 1,500-3,000€/month
• Priorities: healthcare, comfort, safety

Recommended budget:

• Before leaving: 1,500-2,500€
• First month: 2,500-4,000€
• Months 2-3: 1,500-2,500€/month
• 3-month total: 7,000-11,000€

This profile should prioritize comprehensive health insurance (300-500€/month) and comfortable housing with an elevator. The quality of life in Vietnam for retirees is excellent on this budget.

08Financial Checklist: The 15 Days Before You Leave

To leave with peace of mind, here is the financial checklist to complete in the 15 days before your departure:

15 to 10 days before:

• Open a Wise or Revolut account (card delivery time: 7-10 days)
• Tell your French bank you're leaving (avoid having your card blocked)
• Raise your card's withdrawal/payment limits (at least 2,000€/week)
• Transfer an initial amount to Wise (1,500-3,000€ for the first few weeks)
• Take out your travel health insurance
• Apply for your Vietnam e-visa

7 to 3 days before:

• Withdraw 200-300€ in cash (for the airport and the first few days)
• Download the essential apps: Grab, Google Maps, Google Translate, Wise
• Write down your French bank's contact details (emergency card-blocking number)
• Scan all your important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and email them to yourself
• Check that your bank card works internationally (test an online payment)

1 day before:

• Keep 500-1,000€ available in your French account (for unexpected costs before you leave)
• Double-check your projected budget and your bookings one last time
• Bring 100 USD in cash (some visas on arrival require cash)

For a complete moving checklist, see our 47-step Vietnam moving checklist.

09FAQ: Startup Budget for Moving to Vietnam

What is the minimum budget to move to Vietnam?

The realistic minimum budget to start your move to Vietnam is 3,500-4,000€ for the first 3 months. This "survival" budget includes a low-season plane ticket (500€), a 90-day visa (40€), basic insurance (150€), simple housing (370€/month), and a local lifestyle (food 150€/month, transportation 60€/month). However, we strongly recommend a budget of 5,500-7,000€ to have a comfortable margin and handle the unexpected without stress. Below 3,500€, you risk running short of cash if something goes wrong (health, administrative delays, etc.).

How much should you plan for the first month there?

The first month is the most expensive: plan for 2,000-3,500€ depending on your comfort level. This budget includes temporary housing (15-20 days), the deposit and first month's rent on your long-term apartment (1,300-2,300€ to pay all at once), basic equipment (100-750€), administrative steps (phone, bank: 50-100€), food (200-500€) and transportation (100-600€). In the following months, your monthly budget will drop to 800-2,200€/month depending on your lifestyle, since you'll no longer have one-off setup costs.

Can you move to Vietnam on 1,000€ a month?

Technically yes, but it's very tight and not recommended when you're just starting out. On 1,000€/month, you'll have to live like a local: a basic studio (300-400€), 100% local food (150€), a used scooter (60€/month for gas and maintenance), no premium insurance, limited outings. This budget leaves no margin for the unexpected (health, repairs, visa run). To live comfortably in Vietnam as an expat, aim instead for 1,200-1,800€/month once you're settled. See our detailed guide on the monthly budget in Da Nang for precise figures.

Should you bring a lot of cash?

No, it's neither necessary nor recommended for safety reasons. Bring 200-300€ in cash (or 200-300 USD) for your first few days (airport taxi, first meals, SIM card). Vietnam is very well equipped with ATMs (everywhere, even at the airport). Use a no-fee card (Wise, Revolut, N26) to withdraw VND locally as you go. Once your Vietnamese bank account is open (week 1-2), make an international transfer of 2,000-5,000€ via Wise to build a good safety cushion in VND. Avoid carrying more than 500€ in cash: if it's stolen, you lose everything.

What are the most common unexpected expenses?

The most common unexpected expenses when moving to Vietnam are: (1) Health: emergency visit, dentist, pharmacy (200-500€ without good insurance); (2) Housing: unplanned repairs, replacing faulty equipment (100-300€); (3) Visa: administrative complications requiring a visa run to the border (150-300€); (4) Transportation: scooter repair/theft, accident (200-800€); (5) Emergency trip home: last-minute ticket to France (800-1,500€). That's why we always recommend setting aside an extra 10-15% of your budget for the unexpected, or a 500-1,000€ reserve over your first 3 months. This margin spares you financial stress and lets you handle surprises calmly.

10Conclusion: Plan Your Budget With Peace of Mind

As you've seen, the startup budget for moving to Vietnam varies considerably depending on your profile, but a realistic range is between 5,500€ and 12,000€ for the first 3 months. This budget covers all the essentials: travel, setup, housing, and leaves you a safety margin to handle the unexpected.

The keys to a successful start are:

1. Budget generously (10-15% more than your initial estimate)
2. Optimize the big items (housing, plane tickets, insurance)
3. Open a local account quickly (savings on bank fees)
4. Adapt gradually (you'll fine-tune your budget after 2-3 months)
5. Get help with complex paperwork (avoid costly mistakes)

Remember that these first 3 months are an investment in your new life. Once you're settled, your monthly cost of living will drop significantly (800-2,200€/month depending on your lifestyle), making Vietnam one of the most affordable destinations for French expats.