Watch this BEFORE moving to Da Nang, Vietnam

About this video

• Video Title: Watch this BEFORE moving to Da Nang, Vietnam
• Channel: Travis Travels Vietnam
• Speakers: Travis
• Duration: 00:10:12

Overview

This video addresses common questions from viewers considering a move to Da Nang, Vietnam. Travis, who has been helping people relocate for over two years, covers topics such as dating demographics for older Western men, long-term rental acquisition on tourist visas, the cost of living, visa strategies, the ease of getting by without speaking Vietnamese, the availability of massage services, motorbike legalities, and travel time to the beach.

Key takeaways

• Dating in Da Nang: Unlike the Philippines and Thailand where older Western men often date much younger women, this is less common in Vietnam, where younger women typically seek partners their own age for starting a family. While relationships with women in their 40s are possible, finding partners in their 20s is unlikely.
• Long-Term Stays on Tourist Visas: It is legal to stay in Vietnam indefinitely on consecutive tourist visas by completing a border run every 90 days and registering the new visa with the police. Renting property long-term is also permissible, with longer lease agreements offering better rental rates.
• Cost of Living: The speaker's rent is approximately $570 per month, with additional bills (electricity, Wi-Fi, water, trash) totaling around $80-$90, bringing the total monthly living expenses for housing to under $700.
• Visa Options: Currently, there are limited options for long-term visas in Vietnam. Most expatriates rely on 90-day tourist visas and border runs. Potential future options include retirement visas, or obtaining a visa through sponsorship by a Vietnamese company or significant business investment.
• Language Barrier: While it's possible to get by in Da Nang, especially in tourist areas, without speaking Vietnamese due to the prevalence of English speakers and translation apps, learning basic Vietnamese phrases is highly recommended to enhance the living experience.
• Massage Services: Unlike Thailand, massage is not as deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. While finding good, trained massage therapists can be challenging, specific establishments like Babylon Spa in Da Nang are recommended.
• Motorbike Legality: Driving a standard motorbike legally in Vietnam requires a long-term visa, residence card, and a Vietnamese driver's license. Options for legal driving include 50cc or under motorbikes, electric bikes, or an International Driving Permit (IDP) of the 1969 version (the 1949 version, common in the US, is not accepted). Driving without a license can result in a fine, but the greater risk is being liable in case of an accident.
• Location in Da Nang: The speaker recommends living on the city side of Da Nang for better value and a more local experience, despite the initial appeal of living by the beach. The commute from the city side to the beach takes approximately 10 minutes.