Vietnam Starter Pack

The ultimate guide to moving and living in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

The ultimate guide to moving and living in Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City

Date posted 07/29/2024

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Ready to move to Vietnam? Let’s get you prepared!

Moving to a new country is an exciting journey filled with unique challenges and opportunities. Moving to Vietnam is its own adventure! There’s a lot to consider during this transitional time, and surprisingly little information out there to help people get ready to move to Vietnam.

When we first arrived in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, we didn’t get the support we needed to make the transition to a new country a smooth one. Bless HR, they tried to help for the first few days, but there was so much more to preparing and settling into a new country that they just couldn’t provide.

Moving to a new country will always have its ups and downs. There is a lot of newness to navigate, but Vietnam is especially unique. It’s why you fall in love with it, but it’s also why it poses so many challenges for most. You need to truly understand the flow of life to integrate and be adventurous enough to dive into it all. Building patience to settle in and the gumption to explore because every tiny alley is hidden with gems.

Are you ready for it?

We know you are.

A couple of years ago, when we were still new to Vietnam, we decided to take all the learnings and insights we wish we had received during our first year crash-course and put it all into a helpful resource.

For years we’ve been adding to it to ensure it is the go-to resource for newcomers, businesses, and schools alike.

Unlike most guides that can be filled with corporate lingo and blase writing that just scratch the surface of what the actual transition is like, we dove in hard. We provide the reality of it all, as your best friend abroad. Expect the nitty-gritty details to understand and begin to properly build your life in the city you choose to settle in. They don’t call us Where In for nothing – we want to always be that guide that shows you WHERE.

This 2024, we’ve decided to go all out.

We wanted to have more impact and reach more people by making this guide FREE for all!

To make this transition easier, we have hand-selected our very favorite, highly-recommended partners to include (we never did this before, can you believe it?). These are people and businesses that we know and love and really think your life will be enhanced by knowing about them. Making this guide free has only been made possible because of these community partners, so let’s take a minute to thank them!

We’ve gotten so many DMs from people thanking us for creating this guide and helping them not only before they arrive but continuing to support them through the settling-in process. That’s what Where in Vietnam is all about!

This is also why we’re so excited that we’ve completely updated our Vietnam Starter Pack! We have updated all content and restructured the guide to better reflect the moving process. Our readers discover us in different parts of their journey, so we tailored these four chapters to be designed just around that. Jump to where you are beginning and enjoy it to the end.

Come on over to Vietnam! We are waiting for you!

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What’s inside the ultimate Vietnam Starter Pack?

Chapter 1: Getting To Know Vietnam

Explore the Heart of Vietnam! Dive into the essentials of Vietnam, including its geography, climate, and a city overview. Get an aerial view of what the country as a whole brings to the table. This chapter sets the stage for your Vietnamese adventure, offering a comprehensive overview that will help confirm that your decision for Vietnam is indeed the right one.

  • Vietnam: The Basics
  • About Hanoi
  • Area Overview
  • Weather
 

Chapter 2: Preparing To Move

Ready, Set, Move! From packing tips to navigating local banking and insurance, this chapter is your ultimate checklist for a smooth transition. Whether you’re bringing your furry friend or setting up your first Vietnamese SIM card, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and insider tips to ensure you’re fully prepared for your new life in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

  • What To Pack
  • Phones & SIM Cards
  • Banks, Money & Insurance
  • Finances and Spending
  • Pet Travel
  • Schools
  • Social Media & The Internet
 

Chapter 3: Settling In

Home Sweet Home! Here is when you arrive and thrive by nestling into your new life abroad. Learn how to get around, find your perfect home, and take care of your health and wellness – building that routine that makes home truly feel like home. With detailed sections on pet care, convenience stores, and essential services, you’ll be living like a local in no time.

  • Arriving At The Airport
  • Getting Around
  • Home Sweet Home
  • Pet Care & Precautions
  • Convenience Stores & Supermarkets
  • Medical Needs and Emergency Numbers
  • Health Preparation
  • Wellness & Fitness
 

Chapter 4: Enjoy and Experience

Live the Vietnam Dream! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and endless adventures that await you. This chapter guides you through the best local dishes, cultural norms, and social tips to make friends and explore beyond the city. From family life to nightlife, and even weekend getaways, your exciting new life starts here.

  • Vietnamese Food
  • Let’s Talk Vietnamese
  • Vietnamese Culture
  • Getting To Know The City
  • Family Life
  • How To Make Friends
  • Ready To Get Out Of The City?
  • Outro/Thank You notes

For more insights and tips on making the move, check out our blog on Thinking About Moving to Vietnam.

Check Out The Businesses Featured in the Guide

NEST

NEST, the top housing agency and home decor specialists for foreigners in Hanoi, makes the process smooth and stress-free for you.

The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

Nestled in lush greenery, The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon offers 290 luxurious villas on Nhon Hoi's beautiful beach.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon

Experience ultimate privacy at Maia Resort, perfect for solo travelers and couples.

Greenfield Dental

Greenfield Dental, Hanoi's leading clinic, offers comprehensive, innovative care in a soothing and welcoming environment.

Chôm Chôm Travel

Chôm Chôm Travel is an adventure travel agency in Vietnam that specializes in Family Fun.

We Move Studio

Get ready to unleash your inner mover and groover at We Move Studio!

Easy Peasy Vietnamesy

Easy Peasy Vietnamesy in Hanoi offers engaging Vietnamese lessons with friendly teachers. Find out for more!

VieNail

VieNail home services, is your go-to destination for professional nail and beauty services right at your doorstep in Hanoi.

Flipside Adventures

Join Flipside Adventures Vietnam for unforgettable Ha Giang Loop tours, featuring hidden gems and expert-guided adventures.

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