Vietnam through the eyes of foreigners: Easy to live in, but not easy to fit in?

Vietnam has become, and continues to be, one of Asia's most attractive destinations for foreigners seeking to live, work, and explore. This Southeast Asian country offers a unique blend of dynamic economic growth and centuries-old traditional cultural values.

However, moving to an entirely new country always comes with culture shock and initial challenges. To adapt quickly and fully enjoy life here, foreigners need to develop a thorough understanding of the transportation system, living costs, cultural etiquette, and essential administrative procedures.

Over thousands of years of history shaped by wet-rice civilization, Vietnamese people have developed a communal lifestyle centered on villages, with community bonds and neighborhood relationships taking priority. This characteristic has shaped a distinctive personality among locals: they are hospitable and open-minded, but also highly interested in other people's private lives.

Foreigners who have just arrived are often surprised when they are asked personal questions during their very first encounter, such as their age, marital status, or income. Rather than viewing this as impolite curiosity, they should understand that it is a way for Vietnamese people to establish appropriate forms of address, while expressing their interest in others naturally.

The concept of "saving face" plays a paramount role in everyday communication in Vietnam. Vietnamese people tend to communicate indirectly, avoiding outright refusals or harsh criticism in front of a crowd in order to preserve the dignity of both parties. When a local person smiles or nods, it does not necessarily mean they fully agree. They may simply be showing that they are listening and expressing respect.

In addition, respecting older people and those of seniority is a core value that remains firmly rooted in Vietnamese culture. A slight bow or using both hands when giving or receiving something from an older person can earn foreigners considerable respect from locals.

Transportation is perhaps the most challenging and striking experience for any foreigner arriving in Vietnam. A defining feature of the streets in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is the overwhelming presence of millions of motorbikes moving continuously like a cascading river.

Foreigners often describe Vietnamese traffic as an adventure sport or a roller-coaster ride. Although it may initially appear chaotic and unpredictable, traffic actually operates according to a flexible system, with an unspoken understanding among road users to yield to one another.

The first lesson for foreigners in Vietnam is the art of crossing the street on foot. The golden rule is to walk at a steady pace, confidently, without stopping abruptly and, above all, without stepping backward. Motorbike riders on the road will automatically calculate their trajectories and maneuver around you with precision.

For daily travel, foreigners who are not yet confident enough to ride their own motorbikes and take responsibility for compulsory insurance are encouraged to use popular ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Xanh SM, and Be. These services are widely available, affordable, and provide transparent route information. If driving independently, wearing a certified helmet and holding an appropriate driver's license are strict legal requirements that must not be overlooked.

One of the main reasons Vietnam consistently ranks among the most livable countries for foreigners is its relatively affordable cost of living compared with Western countries. In general, living costs in Vietnam are approximately 50% to 70% lower than in the United States or the United Kingdom, allowing foreigners to enjoy a comfortable and convenient lifestyle even on a moderate budget. On average, a single foreigner can live comfortably in major cities with monthly expenses ranging from $750 to $1600 depending on their lifestyle choices.

Vietnam's housing market is highly diverse, ranging from upscale serviced apartments in well-known neighborhoods such as Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ho in Hanoi, with rents from $500 to $1200 to more affordable mini apartments. Food is another major advantage, thanks to the country's excellent and inexpensive street food culture, where a satisfying meal can cost as little as $2.

In addition, essential services such as high-speed internet, mobile phone plans, and home cleaning services are very inexpensive compared with international standards. The largest expense to consider is generally tuition at international schools if foreigners move to Vietnam with their families and young children.

Working without a work permit or using a tourist visa for unauthorized purposes is a violation of the law and may result in deportation. When renting accommodation, it is mandatory to ask the landlord to register your temporary residence with the local police. Vietnam's digital administrative system is also continuing to develop, allowing foreigners with valid residence cards to register for the VNeID electronic identification super app to manage their information more conveniently.

In terms of healthcare, although public hospitals offer relatively low-cost services, language barriers can be a major obstacle for foreigners. Therefore, having an international private health insurance plan is essential, as it provides easier access to accredited international hospitals where medical staff can communicate fluently in multiple languages.

Finally, one small but important point to remember in daily life is that tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink directly. Foreigners should use bottled water or install a high-quality water filtration system at home to protect their health.