An American living in Vietnam could expect their monthly expenses to be in the range of $700 to $900 USD, depending on their lifestyle.
This video features a conversation between two individuals discussing the financial and lifestyle aspects of retiring early and living abroad, specifically in Vietnam. They touch upon the cost of living, travel expenses in Southeast Asia, safety perceptions, cultural differences for expats, and the importance of financial preparation. One speaker shares insights from their YouTube channel, which focuses on travel, overseas living, and geo-arbitrage.
The speaker notes that while expats might sometimes face slightly higher prices for goods, the difference is often minimal (e.g., 18 cents). They also suggest that expats might receive better or faster customer service at restaurants compared to locals, attributing this potentially to a desire to avoid negative reviews from foreigners. Regarding safety, the speaker emphasizes that Vietnam is very safe, even in areas that might appear unsafe to newcomers, like dark alleys. They also mention that locals are more likely to have their issues (like lost phones) resolved by authorities than foreigners, but this is balanced by the fact that authorities are more motivated to help foreigners to maintain a positive image.
