Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 🇻🇳
#517
,
Nomad Score:
75%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a bustling hub of economic activity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 9 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 23,500 VND. ATMs widely available, and banks accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz; plug types A, C, and G are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. SIM cards can be purchased easily at the airport or convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Western Union, Wise, and local banks like Vietcombank are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Homestay are popular for short-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted, especially via apps like MoMo and ZaloPay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms for short-term rentals include Airbnb and Spotahome. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include hostels like Saigon Backpackers Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | District 1, known for its tourist attractions like Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | District 3 offers a blend of cafes, coworking spaces, and a vibrant culture ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Saigon is highly rated for its amenities and community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chancham Coffee provides a quiet atmosphere with excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often hosted by organizations like Saigon Network and Asia Pacific Business Council. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out meetups on Meetup.com for expats' gatherings in Ho Chi Minh City. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available via companies like GoBike and bike sharing services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Vung Tau Beach is approximately 2 hours away by bus from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Vietnam Airlines is the primary carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected to major highways like National Route 1A and Ho Chi Minh Trail. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Saigon Railway Station is the main hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available but not widely used; single tickets are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to neighboring cities like Da Lat and Nha Trang. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | FV Hospital is a popular choice for expats and international patients. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Living Saigon offers a range of yoga classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit24 and California Fitness & Yoga are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are common, with local options such as Mr. Wash providing affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the most used app for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pho is a must-try traditional Vietnamese dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Tranquil Nguyen Cafe offers a diverse vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Che Emanuel and Pearl Milk Tea are popular dessert spots. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ben Thanh Market offers affordable local food and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Tiki are prominent online retail platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available from platforms like VinMart and Groceries Vietnam. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bui Vien Street is known for its vibrant nightlife and bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bia craft beer brewery offers local craft beers with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | VinWine & Co. offers a charming selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food stalls are abundant, particularly for dishes like banh mi and spring rolls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants, such as El Gaucho, provide popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The War Remnants Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cu Chi Tunnels offer a significant historical perspective on the Vietnam War. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a beautiful and serene temple worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Tết (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival are major events celebrated in the city. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | District 1 and District 3 are key cultural hubs with a variety of museums and art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Saigon Opera House is famous for its performances and stunning architecture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ben Thanh Market is the most famous local market for food and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out venues like Acoustic and Hard Rock Cafe for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art in areas like District 1, especially around Pham Ngu Lao. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Mekong Rustic offers classes to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre showcases local art and events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Central Post Office is a prime example of French colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The history of Ho Chi Minh City reflects the struggles and triumphs of Vietnam’s past. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve close to the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cat Tien National Park is a 3-hour drive offering rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside path along the Saigon River provides a scenic route for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Saigon River area is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks in and around Ho Chi Minh City allow bonfires, but permissions may be required. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Vietnam Post and Grab express offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many phone repair shops are available in centers like Ben Thanh. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language studies can be pursued at institutions like VUS English Center. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Ho Chi Minh City Library is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Young Saigon Community Centre focuses on cultural and creative activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Venues like Gaming Cafe offer a dedicated space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Ho Tram Strip hosts a casino and entertainment complex. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% is the standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied is 5% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Vietnam has a progressive tax rate system based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Vietnam has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are assessed based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is around 2% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Vietnam offers various tax incentives for foreign businesses and investments. |