🇻🇳Vietnam
Remarkably cheap and vibrant — but no formal retiree visa
Vietnam offers some of the lowest costs and best food in the world, with energetic cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City drawing a growing expat crowd. The big catch: there's no dedicated retiree visa, so long-term staying takes more paperwork than its neighbors.
Residency & visas
No retiree visa exists. Most long-stayers use renewable tourist or business visas, or a temporary residence card via marriage/investment — less settled than Thailand, Malaysia, or the Philippines. Newer e-visa rules have eased longer tourist stays.
Healthcare
Improving international hospitals in HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang (e.g. FV Hospital); many expats still fly to Bangkok or Singapore for complex care. Private insurance is essential.
Your U.S. benefits & taxes
Social Security can be paid to U.S. citizens in Vietnam. Medicare doesn't apply abroad. Tax and residency rules are less retiree-friendly than neighbors — plan carefully.
Climate
Varies — tropical south (HCMC), distinct seasons up north (Hanoi can be cool/damp in winter); central coast (Da Nang) has a typhoon-affected rainy season.
Safety & stability
Generally safe with low violent crime; watch traffic and petty theft. A stable one-party state with limited political freedoms.
Welcome, community & culture
Younger, faster-growing expat scene (Da Nang is a favorite). Smaller Black community; experiences vary, with most reporting curiosity and friendliness.
Getting back to family
Direct service is limited; expect one stop to the U.S. via Asian hubs. A very long trip home.
Run your numbers first
See exactly how much income you'll need, and how to protect your Social Security before you go.
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