Relocating to Vietnam is an exciting step for professionals, families, and expats seeking a vibrant culture, growing economy, and a mix of modern cities and tranquil landscapes. With A1 Relocations, your move will be handled efficiently, safely, and stress-free, from packing and shipping to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery.
Our Vietnam country guide provides all the essential information to prepare you for your international move.
🌏 Why Move to Vietnam
- Fast-growing economy with opportunities in tech, manufacturing, education, and business services.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other Asian countries.
- Dynamic cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as scenic coastal and rural areas.
Modern infrastructure, expanding transport networks, and growing expat communities.
A1 Relocations ensures your move is seamless — providing expert advice, professional moving services, and reliable door-to-door solutions for both households and corporate relocations.
🏘️ Living in Vietnam
Cities & Lifestyle
- Ho Chi Minh City – bustling commercial hub, modern amenities, and international schools.
- Hanoi – the cultural heart of Vietnam with traditional charm and a thriving job market.
- Smaller cities and towns offer quieter, more affordable living with strong local culture.
Vietnam offers a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, with expat-friendly neighborhoods and well-connected urban areas.
Housing
- Apartments, serviced apartments, and villas are available depending on location and budget.
- Leases are typically annual or bi-annual, with deposits and advance payments required.
- Popular expat areas include District 1 and 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ho in Hanoi, and emerging international neighborhoods in Da Nang.
Transportation
- Taxis, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Be) are common in cities.
- Many expats drive scooters or cars; local license requirements apply.
Public buses and urban transport are gradually improving.
Cost of Living (Indicative)
| Expense Category | Typical Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center) | ~ USD 400 – 900 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | ~ USD 50 – 150 |
| Food & groceries | ~ USD 200 – 400 |
| Transport (public or modest vehicle use) | ~ USD 50 – 150 |
| Miscellaneous (entertainment, services, health) | variable |
Total monthly cost (single adult, modest lifestyle): ~ USD 700 – 1,500, depending on city, housing choice, and lifestyle.
📦 Importing Household Goods & Personal Effects to Vietnam
A1 Relocations handles the full import process — from packing and shipping to customs clearance and delivery to your new address in Vietnam.
📝 Required Documents
- Copy of passport with entry stamp*
- Packing list in English
- Bill of Lading (telex release) or Air Waybill (AWB) – Provided by A1 Relocations
- Vietnam entry visa (valid for at least 3 months) or temporary residence card*
- Original Vietnam arrival-departure card (3 copies per shipment)**
- Letter of employment
- Copy of labor contract (Hanoi only)
- Copy of business license / employer company license
- Copy of work permit (for shipments over 300 kg gross)*
- Application letter
- Owner of the goods’ address in Vietnam
*Certified true copies may be required for passports, visas, or temporary residence cards (Ho Chi Minh City). All arrival-departure cards and other documents must be signed and stamped by the owner’s registered local employer.
✅ Customs & Clearance Guidelines
- Air shipments: typically inspected physically at the airport, ~1–2 days processing.
- Sea shipments: normally inspected at port; FCL clearance takes ~2–3 days, LCL ~3–5 days.
- Diplomatic shipments (A-1 visas) are generally exempt from inspections.
- Cultural inspections: 3–4 days; may include books, DVDs, CDs, artworks, antiques.
- Antiques: must be photographed, documented, and registered upon entry (additional 2–3 days).
- Multiple shipments require separate sets of documents (3 copies each).
- Hanoi customs additionally require a labor contract copy for clearance.
A1 Relocations ensures your documents are accurate, certified, and properly submitted — minimizing delays and avoiding unnecessary inspections.
🧳 Our Moving Services to Vietnam
When you move with A1 Relocations, you benefit from:
- Professional packing for international shipping
- Door-to-door moving services
- Sea freight or air freight options depending on volume and urgency
- Complete customs clearance support for household goods and personal effects
- Safe handling of delicate or valuable items (artworks, antiques, electronics)
- Delivery and placement at your new residence
📋 Tips for a Smooth Move
- Prepare your documents in advance and ensure all signatures and stamps are complete.
- Ensure packing lists are detailed, especially for antiques and cultural items.
- Start planning early — shipping, customs, and delivery timelines may vary by port.
- A1 Relocations’ team can provide guidance for housing, local regulations, and all aspects of moving logistics.
🌐 Contact A1 Relocations
Whether you’re relocating to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, or other regions of Vietnam, A1 Relocations is your trusted partner. We provide professional moving services, seamless customs clearance, and reliable door-to-door delivery — ensuring your move is stress-free and secure.
Get in touch today for a personalized moving plan to Vietnam.
A1 Relocations — Your expert partner for international relocations, handling every step of your move with care and precision.
