Da Nang
Vietnam's beach city grew an expat scene without losing its small-city calm. The food is superb, the beach is real, and the nightlife peaks early.
Snapshot
FORM DAD-01Cost of living
FORM DAD-02- Housing (1BR apartment)$245
- Food & Dining$72
- Transportation$25
- Utilities + Internet$45
- Entertainment & Social$38
- Health Insurance$38
- Total$463
- Housing (1BR apartment)$350
- Food & Dining$120
- Transportation$38
- Utilities + Internet$60
- Entertainment & Social$90
- Health Insurance$60
- Total$718
- Housing (1BR apartment)$560
- Food & Dining$240
- Transportation$100
- Utilities + Internet$75
- Entertainment & Social$188
- Health Insurance$90
- Total$1,253
Figures are planning estimates for one person, reviewed June 2026. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator.
Banking
FORM DAD-03Vietcombank and Techcombank are the most established banks. Opening an account officially requires a work permit, but some branches will open accounts for those with valid visas — success varies by branch and officer. Bring passport, visa, proof of address, and Vietnamese phone number. Most expats rely on Wise for receiving international payments and convert to VND as needed through ATMs. ATM withdrawal limits are low (2-5 million VND per transaction, $80-200). MoMo and ZaloPay are widely used mobile payment apps. Cash is still king for many transactions, especially at markets and small shops.
Moving money across borders? Wise converts at the mid-market rate with fees of roughly 0.3–1% — the tool we set our own clients up with before anything else.
Open WiseTaxes
FORM DAD-04Errors in tax filing can result in significant penalties. Progressive income tax from 5% to 35% for tax residents (183+ days). Non-residents pay a flat 20% on Vietnamese-source income. Most remote workers on tourist/business visas operating in the gray zone are not actively taxed on foreign income, but this is technically not legal and enforcement could change. VAT is 8-10% on most goods and services. Social insurance contributions apply to formal employees. Vietnam has double taxation treaties with 80+ countries. For the vast majority of digital nomads, Vietnam's tax situation is simple in practice — you earn foreign income, transfer what you need via Wise, and pay taxes in your home country.
Visas & residency
FORM DAD-05Important: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before making plans. This guide provides general information as of 2026. Vietnam's E-Visa allows 90-day single or multiple entry stays — apply online for $25. The 1-year Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is available with employer sponsorship. Business visa (DN category) is commonly used by digital nomads through Vietnamese agencies. There is no official digital nomad visa, and remote work on tourist/e-visas is technically a gray area (widely practiced but not legally sanctioned). Visa regulations change frequently — Vietnam's immigration policy has shifted multiple times. Always verify current rules before traveling.
Healthcare
FORM DAD-06Understanding the healthcare system is crucial for any expat — it affects your daily peace of mind, your budget, and your visa eligibility. Here's a comprehensive guide based on real advisory experience. International hospitals and clinics in Ho Chi Minh City (FV Hospital, Vinmec International Hospital) and Hanoi (Vinmec, French Hospital) provide excellent care with English-speaking staff. Costs are very affordable — a comprehensive health check costs $100-200. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential: for serious injuries or complex surgeries, evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is recommended. Private health insurance costs $100-250/month from international providers. Vietnamese pharmacies sell many medications over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere. Local hospitals are adequate for basic care but communication can be challenging. Dental care is affordable and increasingly good quality in major cities.
Not yet covered locally? SafetyWing insures remote workers in 180+ countries from about $45/month — a sensible bridge until you enter a national system.
Check SafetyWingThe case for Da Nang
FORM DAD-07- Ultra-cheap cost of living ($750/mo comfortable)
- Beautiful beach (My Khe, rated one of world's best)
- Cleaner and more relaxed than HCMC
- Growing digital nomad community