Healthcare in Vietnam

7 Reasons to Become an Expat in Vietnam

Vietnam is the eighth-most populous Asian country and is located in Southeast Asia, bordering China, Cambodia, and Laos. Tourism in Vietnam is a significant component of its vibrant economy. According to reports, the number of international visitors has increased from 7 million to 10 million in 2016. Moreover, tourist arrivals in Vietnam have continued to rise in 2017. For expats, Vietnam has become a popular expat destination in Asia. In this article, we will discuss the top 7 reasons to become an expat in Vietnam.

Attractive Natural and Cultural Experiences

Natural Experience Vietnam

Vietnam has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, Complex of Hue Monuments, as well as natural sites such as Ha Long Bay. There are many beautiful cultural and historical heritage sites to enrich your expat experience in Vietnam. You can start a day by visiting the ancient civilizations in Hoi An, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the region, and explore the night market to try local delicacies.

Lower Cost of Living 

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Vietnam is about 43% lower than in Canada. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant would cost $17.61. A bottle of imported beer costs $1.32. Groceries are generally much less expensive than those in North America. Though prices vary amongst different cities, the average rent fee in Vietnam is almost 50% cheaper than in North America, according to Numbeo. For Vietnam expatriates coming from a Western country, they will be pleased to discover that the cost of living in Vietnam of great value.

Friendly Expat Community in Vietnam 

Many expatriates are working and living in Vietnam. You can either reside in a typical expat neighborhood or choose to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. For expatriates relocating with family and children, there are great areas that will cater to your requirements along with some excellent foreign schools. It would be a great idea to connect and become friends with the expat community and to join a local sports team.

Teaching English in Vietnam 

expat in vietnam

Education is very important in Vietnamese culture and expats can find many ESL teaching opportunities in Vietnam. The government of Vietnam implemented a National Foreign Language Project, aiming for most of Vietnam’s students to be using English confidently for work and study by 2020. There are numerous international schools, state-owned universities, privately-owned education institutions, and language centers. Many of these schools are looking for hiring qualified ESL teachers who come from overseas.

Friendly People 

Like many other countries in Asia, everywhere you go, residents in Vietnam are friendly to foreign visitors. The Vietnamese culture is easy-going and hospitable. Most expats will find that the traditional culture and hospitality are quite welcoming.

Vietnam Cuisine 

The Vietnamese diet is quite attractive to expats living there and is also quite varied. Often, food will include influences from Chinese and Indian and French cuisine. Everyday Vietnamese dishes include fish sauce, lemongrass, fresh herbs, shrimp paste, and mint. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is mostly using fresh ingredients, such as the use of fresh lime instead of vinegar. One of the most classic Vietnamese dishes is a well-known pho. It is a rice noodle soup with either beef or chicken, served with Vietnamese lime, bean sprouts, mint, and fresh chilies. Note that a lot of the food in Vietnam is quite spicy, but you can request more mild dishes instead.

Convenient Travel from Vietnam

Vietnam Cusine

Another benefit of relocating to Vietnam is that you can have easy and inexpensive access to other Asian countries. Starting in Ho Chi Min, you can plan your travel itinerary as VietnamLaosCambodiaThailandChina. Generally speaking, Vietnam serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and other Asian countries such as Japan. There are also excellent beaches and tourist opportunities for expats in Vietnam.

Don’t Forget to Bring your International Health Insurance 

The government is working to develop a universal health care system in Vietnam for its citizens. Although the standard of medical care is considered satisfactory in major cities, in rural areas it is still insufficient and not readily available. The standard of care in private hospitals in Vietnam is usually quite strong, and most private clinics have doctors from the US, Japan, and Europe. The cost of private medical care can vary considerably.

At present, most expats will usually opt to use private hospitals as these are usually equipped with English-speaking medical staff. Expats should ensure that they obtain international health insurance before moving to Vietnam. Many expats may want to seek medical treatment in Bangkok or Singapore for specialist care and medical emergencies.

For expat health insurance in Vietnam, it is crucial that you obtain a plan that will provide reimbursement for medical expenses through an extensive network of hospitals. Many expats should also obtain global life and disability insurance coverage while residing in Vietnam. If you require a quote for insurance coverage in Vietnam, contact Expat Financial today for a quote and to discuss your Vietnamese expatriate insurance requirements.