Living in Ho Chi Minh

The bustling metropolis offers digital nomads a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences. While it can be overwhelming to decide where to set up shop for the long term, here is a list of the best districts in Ho Chi Minh for digital nomads, each with its own unique vibe and set of attractions.

District 1

(for those who love the buzz of city life and being in the heart of action)

📌 Advantages of staying in District 1:

• Easy access to top attractions and events in Ho Chi Minh.
• Wide range of co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
• High concentration of expats and international businesses.
• Lively nightlife and entertainment options.
• Convenient public transportation options.

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Ubud:

• The Myst Dong Khoi - A stylish, upscale hotel with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city.
• Citadines Regency Saigon - A popular choice for long-term stays with spacious apartments that have their own kitchenettes, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.
• The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum - A cozy, budget-friendly option with comfortable beds, a rooftop bar, and a prime location near the Fine Arts Museum.

District 3

(for those who want to experience authentic Vietnamese culture)

📌 Advantages of staying in District 3:

• Lower cost of living compared to District 1 and 2.
• Good access to public transportation, including buses and trains.
• Many parks and green spaces for outdoor activities and exercise.
• A wide variety of dining options, from street food to high-end restaurants.
• Proximity to several universities and language schools, making it a good location for those who want to improve their language skills or take classes.

📌Recommended places to stay long-term in District 3:

• The Common Room Project - A cozy and stylish co-living space with private rooms and communal areas designed for digital nomads.
• Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel - A charming French colonial-style hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a lush garden, offering a peaceful retreat for digital nomads.
• Chez Mimosa Corner - A budget-friendly apartment-style hotel with clean and comfortable rooms and a great location near local markets and street food stalls.

Phu Nhuan District

(for those who want to live like locals)

📌 Advantages of staying in Phu Nhuan

• Affordable cost of living
• Local atmosphere and cultural experiences
• Easy access to local markets and street food
• Convenient location between the airport and city center
• Good public transportation options

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Canggu:

• Happy Coffee & Homestay - A cozy homestay with friendly hosts and easy access to nearby restaurants and cafes.
• Canh Phuong Hostel - A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
• The Wanderlust Saigon - A popular and affordable choice for backpackers looking for a social atmosphere. It features dorm-style rooms with bunk beds, a shared lounge area, and a rooftop terrace.

Options for living arrangements in Ho Chi Minh for digital nomads

There are many options for digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh, ranging from shared houses to serviced apartments. Here are some of the most popular options and their estimated costs as of 2023:

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PRO TIP:

Check out jhouse.vn, which offers a wide range of apartments in different price ranges and areas. They basically act as the “middleman” so it’s easy and hassle-free to deal with landlords.

Education

Finding the right school for your children while living abroad as a digital nomad can be challenging. However, in Ho Chi Minh, there are several schooling options to choose from, including international schools and alternative learning options.

International school

These schools typically follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International curriculum and have a strong focus on English language proficiency.

• International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
  
• British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS)
• Saigon South International School (SSIS)
  
  

Other Alternatives

Some digital nomad parents prefer to take a different approach to facilitate their children’s learning:

• Oak Meadow
• K12 Online Homeschool Program
• Khan Academy
  

Healthcare

Ho Chi Minh has many public and private healthcare facilities, making it an accessible and affordable option for digital nomads who require medical attention. Larger hospitals have English-speaking staff and many have foreign doctors from countries like France, Japan, and the US among others.

Healthcare in Ho Chi Minh has actually improved over the years as the Vietnamese government started investing heavily in its healthcare system. However, while the quality of care in private hospitals is generally high, public hospitals may not meet Western standards, especially in more remote areas.

Top hospitals in HCM

Note: this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other hospitals and healthcare providers in the area

• City International Hospital
• Hoan My Medical Corporation
• Franco-Vietnamese Hospital
  

Insurance

Digital nomads are recommended to have insurance that covers medical treatment in Ho Chi Minh. Many international insurance providers offer comprehensive policies that include medical coverage, so it’s not that difficult to find a suitable policy.

For non-emergency medical needs, digital nomads and expats can easily visit clinics that cater to foreigners. Meanwhile, for more severe medical conditions, foreigners may need to visit one of Ho Chi Minh’s top private hospitals, which offer more advanced medical services and facilities.

How to move around in Ho Chi Minh

To be totally honest, traffic in Ho Chi Minh can be very busy, so it’s tricky to navigate. Knowing your transport options can help you plan your way around different destinations.

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Co-working spaces

• Dreamplex - A popular co-working space known for its open spaces, glass windows that overlook gardens, sleeping pods, and vibrant community of entrepreneurs and freelancers.
• The Hive - With two locations in Ho Chi Minh, it has a wide range of options for workspaces, meeting rooms, and event spaces. The Hive in District 1 particularly has an amazing rooftop view!
• CirCO - With modern and spacious workspaces, digital nomads who crave quiet and serene environments will thrive here.
  

Public workspaces

• L’uisine - Very popular cafe and workspace in the city known for its industrial-chic design, comfortable working environment, and delicious food.
• The Workshop Coffee - for the digital nomad who can’t work without high-quality coffee, this is a perfect spot with its comfortable and casual atmosphere.
• The Coffee Lab - Open 24/7 which makes it the best fit for people who work at odd hours. It has three floors with lots of options for seating.

🧮 Cost of living: a month in HCM

Here is a table of estimated monthly expenses for a solo traveler living in HCM:

Here are some additional expenses for a family of four:

How to handle taxes as a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh

Digital nomads living in Ho Chi Minh are required to pay taxes on their income earned while living in the city. The exact amount of tax owed will depend on the individual's income level and tax residency status.

1. For non-residents you will get taxed (20% flat rate) for income earned in Vietnam. Income earned from abroad will not be subject to personal income tax.
2. Tax residents are subject to income tax on their worldwide employment income. This is progressive and can go up to 35%. You become a tax resident if you’ve spent 183 consecutive days within 12 months in Vietnam.
   
   Reminder: Do seek advice from a tax professional who has experience in international tax laws to ensure you are compliant.
   

Work Visa / Permits

What will get your stay terminated and your visa revoked?

Failure to comply with the terms of your visa can lead to your visa being revoked, as well as being blacklisted and deported. Here are some of the reasons why your visa may be revoked in Ho Chi Minh:

❌ Overstaying the allowed visa duration.

❌ Engaging in illegal activities, such as drug use or trafficking.

❌Violating immigration laws, such as working without a valid work permit.

❌ Falsifying information on the visa application or during the immigration process.

❌ Engaging in activities deemed harmful to national security or public safety.

❌ Failing to abide by the conditions of the visa, such as leaving the country and re-entering as required by the visa terms.

❌ Penalties include huge fines, visa termination, deportation, and possibly even being banned from returning to this glorious paradise.

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Important links: must-know websites & emergency numbers

Government website links

• National Web Portal on Immigration
• Vietnam Immigration Department
• City Government of Ho Chi Minh
• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
• Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Other useful contact numbers

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