There's something about living in a place called Ho Chi Minh
City, or a country with a capital called Hanoi that rubs some
people the wrong way, but thousands of expats seem to disagree.
Although a communist government, capitalism is a welcomed way of
life and there is plenty of business being conducted in this
country.
Rents range between $350 US per month for a room to $2000 US and
up for a private home or serviced apartment. There are a lot of
real estate scams being run so make sure that your landlord has
the papers to prove he has the right to rent to you.
Read proposed law about buying a house in Vietnam
High tech is finding it's way in-country and the Internet is
everywhere. Most European and Australian cell phones will work if
they're unlocked, but U.S. expats are out of luck unless they buy
a cell locally.
The Dong (VND) is the coin of the realm where one U.S. dollar will
buy you about 15,862 Dong. A cup of coffee and a baguette will run
you about 1000 Dong or 8 U.S. cents.
You won't be living tax-free in Vietnam where expatriate earnings
are taxed at between 10% and a whopping 40% depending upon the
size of the check.
While Vietnam is generally an OK place to settle down, since
you're going to be so close to Thailand anyway, why not just hop
across a couple of borders and get the best that Southeast Asia has
to
offer?
Laos for Retirement - Living in Laos
Malaysia for Retirement - Living in Malaysia
New Zealand for Retirement - Living in New Zealand
Philippines for Retirement - Living in Philippines
Singapore for Retirement - Living in Singapore
Thailand for Retirement - Living in Thailand
Vietnam for Retirement - Living in Vietnam
