Essential Tools for Your Vietnam Relocation
After helping 100+ expats relocate to Vietnam, we've identified the tools and services that make life here easier. These are the essentials we use and recommend.
Core Toolkit
If you only set up three tools, start here
The three tools that solve the most friction for new arrivals are Wise for transfers, NordVPN for secure remote work and banking, and Anytime Mailbox if you still need a US mailing address while abroad.
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Money Management
Wise: Borderless Banking
Our top recommendation for managing money between countries:
- Why we love it: Real exchange rates, low fees, excellent mobile app
- Best for: Receiving foreign income, paying bills internationally
- Cost: Free account, small fees on transfers
Open Free Account if you want the same transfer setup we recommend to most new arrivals.
Vietnamese Bank Account
Essential for daily life in Vietnam:
- Recommended banks: Techcombank, Vietcombank, MB Bank
- What you need: Passport, visa, proof of address
- Pro tip: Bring a Vietnamese-speaking friend or translator
Communication & Internet
Local SIM Cards
- Viettel: Best coverage, most reliable
- Mobifone: Good alternative, competitive pricing
- Cost: ~$10-15/month for data plan
- Where to buy: Any phone store, airport on arrival
VPN: Essential for Remote Work
- Why you need it: Access blocked sites, secure connections
- Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark
- Cost: $8-13/month
VPN we trust most: NordVPN
This is the one we suggest first if you're accessing US banking, client accounts, or public WiFi frequently while settling in.
Get 70% OffTransportation
Grab: Your Primary Transport
- What it is: Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent
- GrabBike: Motorbike taxi (typical ride: $1-3)
- GrabCar: Car service (typical ride: $3-8)
- Essential: Download before you arrive, set up payment method
Motorbike Options
- Rent: $50-100/month for basic scooter
- Buy: $800-2,500 for decent used bike
- License: International license works, Vietnamese license recommended
Shipping & Logistics
Bringing Your Belongings
- Shipping services: Seven Seas, Pickfords (expensive but reliable)
- Budget option: Luggage Forwarding, Send My Bag
- Our advice: Bring essentials, buy the rest here
- Cost: $2-5 per kg for shipping
Daily Life Apps
- Grab: Transportation
- MoMo/ZaloPay: Mobile payments
- Google Translate: Essential for language barriers
- Maps.me: Offline maps (better than Google Maps in Vietnam)
- Expat Facebook groups: Community, advice, recommendations
Need digital mail handling too?
Anytime Mailbox is worth comparing if you want scanned mail access and a more flexible long-term solution while living abroad.
Compare Mail OptionsNestAbroad Pro Tip
Set up all your digital tools before you arrive. Download apps, create accounts, and test everything. This saves days of frustration when you first land.
What We Don't Recommend
- Bringing too much: Most things are cheaper to buy in Vietnam
- Buying a car: Traffic is chaotic, Grab is more practical
- Western appliances: Different voltage, hard to repair
- Complex banking from abroad: Set up Vietnamese account after arrival
We Handle the Setup for You
Our Silver and Gold packages include complete setup assistance. Banking, apps, transportation, housing - we'll have you living like a local from day one.
Get StartedReady to relocate?
Essential tools for your long-term move to Vietnam.
Cliff is the Founder of NestAbroad and writes about visas, relocation planning, banking, and the practical realities of moving to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. His perspective is grounded in firsthand relocation experience and years of helping Western expats make the move with more clarity and less friction.