Retiring in Vietnam

Havaianu wrote:

I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net income off my house in Hawaii as a security or bail out fund.

You must be scraping by on social security in Hawaii. Living is lots cheaper in VN. Suggest you try it for a year before a long commitment. Studio apts of western standards in Saigon start about $350 and you get more for your money in small towns.

Havaianu wrote:

Some of the questions are simple, like how much does fresh, literary off the boat cost? Like grouper, octopus, moray eel, lobster.

Food in real wet markets is quite cheap. I would guess my wife's family of 6 spent less than $300/month, but that is cooking Vietnamese style at home every day. And not exotic reef fish so I didn't answer your question.

Havaianu wrote:

What things are either non existent or prohibitively expensive that a person should bring?

There are various things suggested to bring, see other 'moving' threads. From Hawaii you are probably already paying full retail for western consumer products, which you will pay here in malls. I wouldn't worry about it, pick up things you miss on your next trip back 'home'.

Havaianu wrote:

What things would a local person would appreciate as a gift that one could also bring?

Sounds like you have a friend here.    Viets I know see Hawaii as a paradise. So hula dolls, puka beads, hawaiian shirts. See also warning threads about bringing expensive gifts for new friends (don't do it).

Havaianu wrote:

Chinese goods can they be imported by a foreigner?

There have also been threads by importers here. Everything is already imported from China though, and average Vietnamese only make a few $hundred/month. I think importing Hawaiian stuff (made in China!) would be more unique!

Havaianu wrote:

Thanks a million to all. If rent starts at $350 that would leave about a $1000 for everything else, if food is so cheap no medical issues whatsoever except for some needed dental work, why would it be Spartan, Mr. 70 year old? I am choosing Vietnam first and foremost for food, especially seafood. The French/ Asian fusion but totally local style I will mostly eat where the blue collar worker eats with occasional splurge of haute cuisine but always as pure as Vietnamese food I will be able to find, some possibility through this blog, but never western food. Again Mahalo plenty to all

@Havaianu

I like your attitude. I used a Japanese Dental Clinic in TP HCM that did excellent work and was reasonably priced. As to Spartan, that is largely in the eye of the beholder. The only time that I visited Hawaii was in 1969 on a port call while serving in the US Navy. So, I have no feel for how far $1350.00 USD goes in Hawaii today. If memory serves my Cardiologist here makes closer to $1,000.00USD/month than $1350.00 USD/month.

Anyway, after you get accustomed, you will find that outside of the expat zone rents for a decent apartment run more like $150.00 to $200.00/month USD for a two bedroom. But, you will need to be able to speak Vietnamese. Food is also cheaper.

THIGV wrote:

I am surprised that nobody has brought up the subject of visas since it is an overarching topic on this board.  If the one year tourist visa for Americans goes through (and that is still an if,) you could probably get by with one trip out of the country a year.  By contrast both Thailand and the Philippines have actual retirement visas that are longer than one year.  There are some requirements for cash in the bank but as you have home equity, you should be able to meet them.  You could probably find out more by checking in on the respective pages of this site.  Visa hassles, even for those married to Viet citizens,  are the big impediment to retirement in Vietnam.

There is a one year business visa which is popular at the moment and no you don't need a sponsor. It's cost is about 450usd and can be applied for through numerous agencies. How long this lasts, who knows? Once the guys and gals in Ha Noi decide it's time to change the rules again anything could happen.