$PlaybookChiang Mai
Thailand
80 Mbps
5/10
9/10
6/10
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Vietnam's engine city — high-energy, ultra-cheap, and fueled by pho and startup ambition
ModerateStart Playbook
Nomad Score
8.3/10
Cost Tier
Budget ($)
Internet
70 Mbps
Safety
7.5/10
Walkability
5/10
English-Friendly
6/10
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the fastest-moving city in Southeast Asia — a place where French colonial architecture sits next to gleaming glass towers, and where a full pho breakfast costs under a dollar while a craft cocktail bar on the rooftop above runs world-class. For digital nomads, the draw is an extraordinary cost-of-living-to-quality ratio: comfortable studios for under $400/month, a maturing coworking scene anchored by spaces like Toong and Dreamplex, and a burgeoning startup scene that attracts entrepreneurial nomads from across Asia. The trade-offs are real — walkability is low (scooter is king), US citizens need a visa, and the monsoon season from May through October brings flooding and chaos.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in USD for a single digital nomad.
Rent (Studio)$400
Coworking$90
Groceries$150
Eating Out$180
Transport$30
Phone/SIM$8
Gym$20
Total Monthly$878
Visa & Stay
Visa-Free for US Citizens
No
Max Stay (Visa-Free)
45 days
Digital Nomad Visa
Not Available
No dedicated digital nomad visa. US citizens must obtain an e-visa ($25) allowing 90-day single entry or multiple entry stays. Vietnam also offers an e-visa for 90-day multiple entry visits. For longer stays, border runs or visa extensions through a local agent are common.
Climate
Climate Type
tropical
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Avoid Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Monsoon season brings heavy daily flooding across District 1 and outer areas, with streets regularly impassable after afternoon downpours.
Timezone
ICT (UTC+7)
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language
Vietnamese
Continent
Asia
Topics & Vibes
budgetfoodculturenightlifecoworkingstartup scene
Is this information still accurate?
Related guides
Everything you need before and after landing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ready to get settled in Ho Chi Minh City?
Follow our step-by-step acclimation playbook for your first two weeks.
Start the PlaybookSimilar cities
All cities →
Frequently Asked Questions — Ho Chi Minh City
Common questions from digital nomads researching Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Ho Chi Minh City good for digital nomads?
Yes — Ho Chi Minh City scores 8.3/10 on GetSettld's nomad index, making it an excellent choice for remote workers. Vietnam's engine city — high-energy, ultra-cheap, and fueled by pho and startup ambition. The city is rated "moderate" difficulty for new arrivals, with a 6/10 English-friendliness score and 7.5/10 for safety. Internet averages 70 Mbps. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the fastest-moving city in Southeast Asia — a place where French colonial architecture sits next to gleaming glass towers, and where a full pho breakfast costs under a dollar while a craft cocktail bar on the rooftop above runs world-class.
How much does it cost to live in Ho Chi Minh City as a digital nomad?
A typical single digital nomad can expect to spend around $878/month in Ho Chi Minh City. The budget breaks down as: studio apartment rent ~$400, coworking space ~$90, groceries ~$150, eating out ~$180, local transport ~$30, phone/SIM ~$8, and gym ~$20. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City is a budget-friendly destination. Costs vary depending on neighbourhood, lifestyle, and whether you cook at home.
Do US citizens need a visa to work remotely in Ho Chi Minh City?
US citizens require a visa before entering Vietnam. Check with the nearest consulate for current visa requirements.
What is the internet like in Ho Chi Minh City?
Internet speeds in Ho Chi Minh City average around 70 Mbps, which is solid — adequate for most remote work including video calls. Dedicated coworking spaces reliably deliver faster and more stable connections than cafes or short-term apartments. If you plan to work from home, confirm fibre availability before signing a lease — co-working memberships are a reliable fallback during slower periods.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for digital nomads?
Ho Chi Minh City has a safety rating of 7.5/10 on our scale — considered very safe for digital nomads. Standard urban awareness (securing valuables, using reputable transport) is all that is needed. As with any city, basic precautions apply: use ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis, don't leave laptops unattended in cafes, and be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best months to base yourself in Ho Chi Minh City are December, January, February, March. The climate type is tropical. We recommend avoiding May, June, July, August, September, October — monsoon season brings heavy daily flooding across District 1 and outer areas, with streets regularly impassable after afternoon downpours..
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City and how should I handle money?
Ho Chi Minh City uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted in cities. For the best rates when converting USD, use Wise or Revolut rather than airport exchange kiosks. Keep some VND cash on hand for markets, transport, and smaller establishments.
Plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City
Partner links🏠
Find a place to stay
Monthly rentals, apartments & hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Search Booking.com
✈️Find cheap flights
Search hundreds of airlines for flights to Ho Chi Minh City
Search Skyscanner
These are affiliate links. GetSettld earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Gear up for Ho Chi Minh City
Tools the GetSettld community relies on — vetted, nomad-tested.
🛡️Most popular
SafetyWing
Travel & medical insurance for nomads
Flexible monthly coverage starting at $42/mo. Cancel anytime, covers 180+ countries, and pays out in USD.
Get covered
📱
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Skip the airport SIM queue. Buy a local eSIM before you land and stay connected from day one.
Get an eSIM
💸
Wise
International banking without the fees
Hold 50+ currencies, get local bank details in 10 countries, and send money at the real exchange rate.
Open a free account
🔒
NordVPN
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi
Essential for coworking spaces and coffee shops. Access home streaming services and keep your data private.
Get NordVPN
🏨
Booking.com
Monthly stays & apartments worldwide
Filter by monthly price, kitchen, and workspace. Thousands of nomad-friendly apartments not on Airbnb.
Search stays
✈️
Skyscanner
Find the cheapest flights anywhere
Compare hundreds of airlines in seconds. Set price alerts and book when the fare drops.
Search flights
These are affiliate links. GetSettld earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stay in the loop
New city guides, visa changes, and nomad intel — monthly, no spam.