Starting a new life in Vietnam involves addressing the 3 basic needs of humans: healthcare, education, and financial security. Whether you’re moving solo or with family, understanding these essential services is key to your human development in this new environment.
This guide will walk you through Vietnam’s healthcare, banking, and education systems, offering real-life insights, pros and cons, cost breakdowns, and expat-friendly recommendations. We’ve done the research so you can focus on thriving in your new home while meeting your basic needs and fostering your personal growth.
Healthcare in Vietnam
One of the first 3 basic needs of expats is healthcare. In Vietnam, healthcare has improved significantly in recent years. While options are still developing in smaller towns, major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang boast a growing network of well-equipped hospitals and clinics.
In Vietnam, you’ll find both public hospitals, which are government-run and mainly serve the local population, and private or international hospitals, which cater more to the needs of foreigners. Private hospitals generally offer better service, shorter waiting times, and English-speaking staff, making them a preferred choice for expats.
Read Related: Big Cities of Vietnam: A Quick Guide to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang
Public vs. Private Healthcare
- Public Hospitals: State-funded and more affordable, public hospitals in Vietnam can be crowded with long wait times. While most staff speak limited English, some public hospitals are highly regarded for specialties like surgery or infectious disease treatment.
- Private/International Hospitals: These hospitals cater to middle- and upper-class locals as well as expatriates. They offer modern facilities, shorter wait times, and better language support, though they come at a higher cost.
Top International Hospitals & Clinics
Hanoi
– Ba Dinh District
- Family Medical Practice – long-standing international provider
- Thu Cuc International General Hospital
– Tay Ho District: Raffles Medical Hanoi
– Cau Giay District
- Vinmec International Hospital (Times City) – flagship Vinmec facility
- Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) – French-managed, well-regarded by expats
Ho Chi Minh City
– District 1
- FV Saigon Clinic (satellite clinic of FV Hospital)
- Columbia Asia Clinic – international standard outpatient clinic
– District 7
- FV Hospital – one of the top international hospitals in Vietnam
- Family Medical Practice – known for expat-friendly services
– Binh Thanh District
- Vinmec Central Park International Hospital – modern, part of Vingroup
– District 2 (Thu Duc City / Thao Dien Area)
- Family Medical Practice
- Victoria Healthcare International Clinic
Danang
– Hai Chau District (Central Area)
- Family Medical Practice Danang – highly rated by foreigners
- Hoan My Danang Hospital – private hospital with international services
– Ngu Hanh Son District (near beach/expat area)
- Proximity to expat communities, with clinics nearby
Nha Trang
– Loc Tho Ward (central Nha Trang)
- Family Medical Practice Nha Trang – trusted by tourists and expats
- Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital – modern and well-equipped
– Vinh Nguyen Ward (southern coastal area)
- Tam Tri Nha Trang General Hospital – private, with foreign patient support
Majors Public Hospital
While not the first choice for most expats, public hospitals in Vietnam do provide valuable and sometimes high-quality services, especially for emergencies or basic needs. Many specialize in particular fields and serve large patient volumes.
Hanoi
- Bach Mai Hospital – One of Vietnam’s largest and most renowned hospitals; strong in internal medicine, neurology, and surgery
- Vietnam National Children’s Hospital – Top pediatric care center
Ho Chi Minh City
- Cho Ray Hospital – Leading national hospital, strong in trauma and surgery
- Tu Du Hospital – Well-known for maternity and obstetrics services
- Children’s Hospital 1, 2 – Top pediatric care center
Danang
- Danang General Hospital – Main public hospital for central Vietnam; handles trauma, internal medicine, and emergency care
Nha Trang
- Khanh Hoa General Hospital (Bệnh viện Đa khoa tỉnh Khánh Hòa) – the largest and most comprehensive public hospital in the Khanh Hoa Province.
Note: In emergencies, public hospitals may be the fastest option for immediate treatment, but follow-up care in private hospitals is often more comfortable.
Tips for Expats
- Always carry your insurance card and some cash.
- For chronic conditions, bring your prescription history and consider private care for more consistent treatment.
- Normally, you can go straight to a hospital for a health check within a day. However, it’s recommended to book an appointment in advance or consult online.
- If you go to a public hospital, you can request premium (or priority) medical services. While the cost may be higher than typical services, you can save time and receive better care.
Banking in Vietnam
The second of the 3 basic needs for expats is banking. Most expats are eligible to open a local bank account in Vietnam, although the process can vary. Some banks may require a residence card or proof of employment to complete the registration.
Common Requirements
To open a local bank account in Vietnam, expats may need the following documents:
- Passport and Visa
- Temporary Residence Card
- Proof of Address (e.g., rental agreement)
- Work Permit (required by some banks)
Need help with these documents? Contact The Nest Asia now for expert assistance!
Popular Banks for Expats
- Vietcombank – Reliable and widely accepted
- Techcombank – Great online services
- TPBank – Known for fast digital banking
- BIDV – Good nationwide presence
- HSBC Vietnam – International services, expat-friendly
- Standard Charter: Strong multi-currency account services, international transfers, and global wealth management.
Note: international banks such as HSBC, Standard Charter have fewer retail branches compared to local banks.
ATM & Card Access
- Most major cities have ATMs everywhere.
- International cards work but may charge foreign transaction fees.
- Local debit cards are easy to use and accepted widely.
Cashless Payment in Vietnam
In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a rapid rise in cashless payments, especially in urban areas. This shift is driven by the government’s push for a digital economy, the convenience of mobile payments, and the younger generation’s tech-savviness. Today, both locals and expats in Vietnam use e-wallets and mobile banking apps for everyday transactions, from buying street food to paying utility bills. It’s easy to spot shops and vendors that accept online payments as they display QR codes for scanning and making payments.
How to Use Cashless Payment in Vietnam?
- Step 1: Open a local bank account with mobile banking enabled.
- Step 2: Download e-wallet apps such as Momo, ZaloPay, VNPay, or ShopeePay.
- Step 3: Link your bank account to the wallet.
- Step 4: Scan QR codes to pay at supermarkets, convenience stores, coffee shops, and even local markets.
Most vendors in big cities are already familiar with cashless payment apps, and some even prefer them due to reduced cash handling. However, if you’re in a small province or traveling to rural areas, it’s still advisable to carry some cash, as cashless payment options may not always be available, helping you avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.
Benefits
- Safe and fast
- No need to carry large amounts of cash
- Promotions and cashback offers
Limitations
- Less common in remote or rural areas
- Some services may require Vietnamese language skills to navigate
Money Transfer
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly are popular for transferring money in and out of Vietnam.
- Most banks offer SWIFT transfers, but fees are higher.
Fees & Services
- Account maintenance: Usually free or under $1/month
- ATM withdrawal fees: $0.50–$1 (some banks offer free withdrawals)
- Mobile banking apps: Generally user-friendly and offer bill pay, transfers, etc.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up in major cities
- Digital banking improving rapidly
Cons
- Some banks have long queues or paperwork-heavy processes
- Limited English support at smaller branches
Tips for Expats
- Choose banks with English-speaking branches if possible.
- Keep multiple copies of required documents.
- Link your account with mobile apps like Momo, ZaloPay, or VNPay for daily payments.
- Still bring cash when travel to small provinces, rural areas.
Education in Vietnam
The final basic need of expats is education. If you’re moving with kids, choosing the right school is a top priority. Vietnam offers a growing number of international schools with curriculums ranging from British and American to IB and bilingual programs, providing ample options to suit your child’s educational needs.
Top International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
| School Name | Location (District) | Curriculum | Tuition Fees (USD/year) | Website |
| British International School (BIS HCMC) | District 2 | British, IB Diploma | $13,000–$32,000 | https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hcmc |
| International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) | District 2 | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | $11,000–$30,000 | https://www.ishcmc.com/ |
| Australian International School (AIS) | District 2 | Australian, IB Diploma | $11,000–$22,000 | https://www.aisvietnam.com/vi |
| European International School (EIS) | District 2 | IB (PYP to DP) | $11,500–$28,000 | www.eishcmc.com |
| International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) | Binh Thanh | American (Elementary-focused) | $14,000–$24,000 | www.issp.edu.vn |
| Saigon South International School (SSIS) | District 7 | American, AP, IB Diploma | $20,000–$30,000 | www.ssis.edu.vn |
| Canadian International School (CIS) | District 7 | Canadian (Ontario), IB Diploma | $15,000–$25,000 | www.cis.edu.vn |
| British Vietnamese International School (BVIS) | District 7 | British-Vietnamese, IB Diploma | $10,000–$26,000 | www.nordangliaeducation.com/bvis-hcmc |
| Renaissance International School Saigon | District 7 | British, IGCSE, IB (PYP to DP) | $12,000–$32,000 | www.renaissance.eduvfis.tdtu.edu.vn |
| Vietnam Finland International School (VFIS) | District 7 | Finnish National Curriculum | $10,000–$12,000 | vfis.tdtu.edu.vn |
| Bilingual Canadian International School (BCIS) | District 7 | MOET + Canadian/IGCSE | $8,000–$16,000 | www.bcis.edu.vn |
| Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) | District 7 | MOET + Cambridge IGCSE/A-Levels | $6,000–$11,000 | www.vas.edu.vn |
Top International Schools in Hanoi
| School Name | Location (District) | Curriculum | Tuition Fees (USD/year) | Website |
| Hanoi International School (HIS) | Tay Ho | American, IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | $14,000–$25,000 | https://www.hisvietnam.com/ |
| United Nations International School (UNIS) | Nam Thang Long (Ciputra) | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | $22,000–$30,000 | https://www.unishanoi.org/ |
| British International School (BIS Hanoi) | Cau Giay | British, IB Diploma | $17,000–$30,000 | bis-hanoi.nordangliaeducation.com |
| Concordia International School Hanoi | Tay Ho | American, IB Diploma | $18,000–$28,000 | https://www.concordiahanoi.org/ |
| Dwight School Hanoi | Tay Ho | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | $18,000–$35,000 | https://dwighthanoi.org/ |
| St. Paul American School Hanoi | Hoan Kiem | American, AP | $10,000–$25,000 | https://stpaulhanoi.com/ |
| Lycée Français Alexandre Yersin | Ba Dinh | French National Curriculum | $8,000–$12,000 | https://www.lfay.com.vn/ |
| British Vietnamese International School (BVIS) | Tay Ho | British, IB Diploma | $12,000–$25,000 | bvis-hanoi.nordangliaeducation.com |
Top International Schools in Danang
| School Name | Location | Curriculum | Tuition Fees (USD/year) | Website |
| Singapore International School (SIS) Da Nang | Hai Chau | Singaporean, IB PYP | $10,000–$20,000 | danang.sis.edu.vn |
| St. Nicholas School Da Nang | Hai Chau | American, British, International Baccalaureate (IB) | $12,000–$20,000 | odyssey.edu.vn |
| APU American International School | Hoa Hai | American Curriculum | $7,000–$12,000 | apu.edu.vn |
| Hoi An International School (HAIS) | Hoi An | International Baccalaureate (IB) | $8,000–$15,000 | hais.edu.vn |
Top International Schools in Nha Trang
| School Name | Location (District) | Curriculum | Tuition Fees (USD/year) | Website |
| Singapore Vietnam International School (SVIS) Nha Trang | Nha Trang | Singaporean, International Baccalaureate (IB) | $6,000–$12,000 | nt.svis.edu.vn |
| Blessed Hope International Education Center | Nha Trang | American, English Program | $5,000–$10,000 | blessedhopeinternationaleduc.org |
Conclusion
Relocating to Vietnam offers incredible opportunities and challenges, but with access to the 3 basic needs of humanssuch as healthcare, banking, and education, settling down becomes much easier. These essentials are key to your human development in a new country. With modern healthcare, convenient banking services, and a variety of education options, knowing where to look and what to expect makes the process smoother. Take time to explore services, compare providers, and connect with fellow expats. With this guide, we hope you feel more prepared and confident about making Vietnam your new home.
If there’s one piece of advice we’d leave you with, it’s this: don’t be afraid to ask questions, get referrals, and take your time. The community here is welcoming, and with a bit of guidance, you’ll soon find your rhythm.
About Us
The Nest Asia is a one-stop resource offering comprehensive information, practical relocation advice, cultural insights, valuable connections, and trusted services to help expatriates living in Vietnam navigate the transition, overcome challenges, and build a fulfilling life abroad. Starting your journey in a new country can often feel overwhelming. The Nest Asia is your trusted partner – we’re here to simplify that process and ultimately make Vietnam feel like home for you and your loved ones.
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Disclaimer: The Nest Asia is not an authorized provider of official government or non-government services. The information provided is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness or accuracy.
