What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City. They wrote...
"Expats in Ho Chi Minh City often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's traffic can be overwhelming for those who are not used to it. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. Finally, the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City can be higher than in other parts of Vietnam," remarked another expat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
"My biggest challenge was getting a visa every time. I've been here for 9 years now. I originally came here on a business visa that the Vietnamese Embassy issued. At that time I didn't know that, technically, I was supposed to apply for a work permit after getting a job. Since I was "retired", living off of savings and eventually Social Security, I didn't work. So I had to borrow $15,000 to invest in a company and get an investors visa. The length of stay for business visas keep changing. Sometimes it's a year, with a "renewal" every three months and then a border run to get a new one, and sometimes it's only 30 days. I wish they would implement a retirement visa for those of us who just want to retire and enjoy life," said a member in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Ho Chi Minh City?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Will I be able to find a job in Ho Chi Minh City?
- What is life like in Ho Chi Minh City?
- What do expats in Ho Chi Minh City appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ho Chi Minh City accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ho Chi Minh City like?
- What are healthcare services like in Ho Chi Minh City?
- What are medical services in Ho Chi Minh City like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ho Chi Minh City?
- What are emergency services like in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Ho Chi Minh City?
- How are local medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City?
- As a foreigner living in Ho Chi Minh City, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Ho Chi Minh City, newcomers to Ho Chi Minh City would love to hear your answer to this question.

