In Vietnam, Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese), Tây ba lô (backpackers), and expats are often regarded as first-class citizens, even when they consider themselves "poor" by their own standards. Here is my challenge to you: reduce your budget to $300 USD, which is the average monthly salary of a Vietnamese worker-if they are fortunate enough to have a job. Remember, you’ll also need to work six days a week, eight hours a day. This is the real life of most Vietnamese citizens. Try living on that income for a month and make daily videos documenting the experience. Thank you!
Yea, I know Vietnamese people paying 2-3mil for rent because they share a flat with friends. It’s basically a mattress on the floor and they sleep beside each other.
I really like watching all your videos ( just click on it by chance few weeks ago ) : I've found it to be very informative , if I ever want to visit or even stay 50/50 from US to Vietnam I will base on these videos . Can you imagine husband and I haven't been back to our mother's land in a few decades , Thank you Darren Cam On em !!!
surviving is $500, $750 is up to standard, $1000 is very comfortable. $1500 is fun, $2000 is rockstar, $3000+ KING/QUEEN level, assuming you don't do gamble.
@@ILoveSGN @ngothuat2045 I think also depend on location as well. A furnished studio with air conditioning in Ho Chi Minh City will run you $200, that same amount can get you a full house on the province.
Good video and very realistic. I think what breaks any budget is entertainment because in South East Asia every night is Friday night. Clubs, bars, dates etc etc that’s what you have to watch out for.
Very informative, and to-the-point. Unlike other content creators who often times made a the video about themselves. Looking forward to other contents from you.
Beer…most people can relate to beer. There are places in the Old Quarter of Hanoi that have beer for 10k..or 40 cents US. They usually do not have a storefront and the tables and chairs are on the sidewalk/closed street. These are the best spots as they fill up with a lot of friendly locals and tourists.
3:51 When I return to Saigon, I'm gonna rent an electric motorbike equivalent to 50cc from DC motorbikes so that I don't need a licence.. I was really comfortable using grab bike last time for everything but being able to comfortably drive a bike in VN is an essential skill so I'm gonna invest the time and little bit of money to learn..
Hi Daren. It’s cheaper and more comfortable to live in Nha Trang. Nice seaside city. Check it out. In Saigon, $600/month is so tight budget. $1000 is comfortable.
@@DarrenwalkingbyHi. I do not know but base on my experience in Nha Trang I find it a good city to live in at the moment. It’s definitely a city where most holiday makers would like to come back to if they can. It’s a nice city to retire comfortably like Spain in Europe.
In chiangmai,thailand also possible but in bangkok nope even 1k is low. Depend where u live,in da nang yes but in saigon would be terrible lifestyle hehe
Hey Darren can you get a Vietnam motor bike license…..rather than getting it in your own country like in Australia it cost around $700 au …. Cheers… love your work 🙏
It’s enough, but only if you’re not a drinker and don’t spend money on girls. Many people say you can’t live off $1,000, but they often don’t want the world to know what’s really eating away at their budget.
@@johntuvey3636 I live in Brazil, up in the northeast. It’s about 30% more expensive here to live than in Vietnam. I live roughly off of 1000 USD. I don’t really drink, I was never really into it I do quite a bit with a 1000 USD budget. I don’t go out of my way to save money or only eat street food. I actually don’t ever eat street here. So a 1000 pounds should work in Vietnam. 🇻🇳
you can survive in the philippines under $300 as a foreigner if you live in the remote area in the philippines. but I will have no job and no income to make a living since i am not a filipino citizen. same that apply to vietnam, I guess. if you are foreigner, working in the philippines and in vietnam is almost impossible!
You can totally live on $200-$250 in a big city in Vietnam if you are frugal and know how to find a good rental house. If you live in a remote area of Vietnam but in the northern mountainous provinces (near the famous Hagiang loop for example): rent and food costs of $100 per month are possible.
@@yongchen8204 I envy the high level foreign engineers and others, but if you are lower level as me you can invest in a small business doing something with your local women, a teacher is good for some but not for me. But yes working is almost impossible !
I’ve been hearing advocators for both sides of the argument actually. Personally, I think as foreigners, we’d need more than $600 to be comfortable. $600 is just like survival mode 💯
I would like to know what kind of lifestyle I can expect with $8,000 a month, excluding housing, as I intend to buy a home. Additionally, you should consider creating a video that outlines the lifestyle one can achieve at different income levels, such as $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 per month. I believe many people are interested in returning to Vietnam not just to survive, but to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle
Bro did you watch the video? Sorry, but that's a silly question. Living in a country that's close to 50% cheaper than America, common sense would tell you the answer.
Silly question! We only care about minimum amount to enjoy . Too much $ doesn’t mean anything because you should know , no need to ask as it is indefinite, no boundary!
@@GlimpseInParadise Hey, I did watch the video, and I think my question was quite valid. Sure, Vietnam is about 50% cheaper than the U.S., but asking about different income levels is far from 'silly.' Personal lifestyle choices vary greatly depending on the individual, and the same income can translate into very different lifestyles, even in countries with a lower cost of living. For some people, $1,000 a month might be enough to cover just the basics, while others with a higher income might want more comforts-like eating out, traveling internationally, or enjoying other luxuries. More importantly, I think it's irresponsible to plan your finances based on living at the bare minimum, where any unexpected emergency could ruin you. Asking about different income levels is a way to plan ahead and avoid living too close to the edge. Since when is planning well and asking questions silly? It’s about understanding how far different income levels can stretch, especially for those thinking of moving to Vietnam with varying budgets. Some people might want to live like a local, while others may prefer a lifestyle closer to what they’re used to back home. Just because the country is cheaper doesn’t mean everyone will have the same expectations or spending habits. It's a nuanced question and depends on individual preferences, not just raw cost comparisons.
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In Vietnam, Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese), Tây ba lô (backpackers), and expats are often regarded as first-class citizens, even when they consider themselves "poor" by their own standards.
Here is my challenge to you: reduce your budget to $300 USD, which is the average monthly salary of a Vietnamese worker-if they are fortunate enough to have a job. Remember, you’ll also need to work six days a week, eight hours a day. This is the real life of most Vietnamese citizens. Try living on that income for a month and make daily videos documenting the experience. Thank you!
@@baonguyen-grad.admincompar6254
👍🙏
Yea, I know Vietnamese people paying 2-3mil for rent because they share a flat with friends. It’s basically a mattress on the floor and they sleep beside each other.
Excellent explanation! Ty mate
I really like watching all your videos ( just click on it by chance few weeks ago ) : I've found it to be very informative , if I ever want to visit or even stay 50/50 from US to Vietnam I will base on these videos . Can you imagine husband and I haven't been back to our mother's land in a few decades , Thank you Darren Cam On em !!!
That sounds like a good plan, thanks so much. And I hope you have a pleasant time 💯👍
surviving is $500, $750 is up to standard, $1000 is very comfortable. $1500 is fun, $2000 is rockstar, $3000+ KING/QUEEN level, assuming you don't do gamble.
@@ngothuat2045
xinh chao!
$ 250 out in Nha Be 😁
@@ILoveSGN @ngothuat2045 I think also depend on location as well. A furnished studio with air conditioning in Ho Chi Minh City will run you $200, that same amount can get you a full house on the province.
Chính xác quá 😊
Another condition, Do not give money to your so called girlfriend because it will never be enough.
@@leaidiep5852 yup, I change girl friend every 3-6 months, it is much cheaper that way.
Good video and very realistic.
I think what breaks any budget is entertainment because in South East Asia every night is Friday night.
Clubs, bars, dates etc etc that’s what you have to watch out for.
Haha agreed 💯👍
Great vlog em,you pointed out some real good stuff.I’m planning to go back Saigon in February can not wait ❤
Thanks Anh and wishing you a great trip 👍💯
Your vlog is very informative, keep going on.
Very informative, and to-the-point. Unlike other content creators who often times made a the video about themselves. Looking forward to other contents from you.
I appreciate it 💯👍
Excellent video
This is very informative. Great job! Thank you
Beer…most people can relate to beer. There are places in the Old Quarter of Hanoi that have beer for 10k..or 40 cents US. They usually do not have a storefront and the tables and chairs are on the sidewalk/closed street. These are the best spots as they fill up with a lot of friendly locals and tourists.
Yea, bia hoi,
It’s a great deal and surprisingly taste pretty good, and refreshing
Do you have any recommendation about where to check for short term rentals? Like a website or smth?
Thank u again for your time and amazing video
I usually use Agoda, Booking.com or Airbnb 👍
@@Darrenwalkingby Ty!
3:51 When I return to Saigon, I'm gonna rent an electric motorbike equivalent to 50cc from DC motorbikes so that I don't need a licence.. I was really comfortable using grab bike last time for everything but being able to comfortably drive a bike in VN is an essential skill so I'm gonna invest the time and little bit of money to learn..
Yea get all your practice in before getting in those main roads 💯👍
@@son_o_day
Viet Nam is very welcoming and wonderful hospitality!
@@son_o_day it is small enough so one person can pick it up and carry it away!
@@anthony-tranmrvietfun7031 really? haha
Have a nice day.
Thanks a lot for informative video.
What’s the name of the health insurance company would you recommend?
I buy mine in Canada before I travel, but many people have recommended Travel Wing (not sponsored 😂)
Hi Daren. It’s cheaper and more comfortable to live in Nha Trang. Nice seaside city. Check it out. In Saigon, $600/month is so tight budget. $1000 is comfortable.
I’m definitely considering that, I think it’s one of the most livable places in VN right?
@@DarrenwalkingbyHi. I do not know but base on my experience in Nha Trang I find it a good city to live in at the moment. It’s definitely a city where most holiday makers would like to come back to if they can. It’s a nice city to retire comfortably like Spain in Europe.
Hi, I’m from Toronto too. Your vlogs are very helpful. Do you work at a local business or remotely to live in Saigon?
Hey, I work remotely and traveling atm
Very knowledgeable, detailed video. Thanks
Almost native English speaking ❤
Thanks, always trying to improve 😂💯
viewers it’s okay if you are on a tight budget and you don’t mind basic amenities 👍 Come enjoy!
Yea cost of living can fall between a pretty broad range in Vietnam 😆🇻🇳
In chiangmai,thailand also possible but in bangkok nope even 1k is low. Depend where u live,in da nang yes but in saigon would be terrible lifestyle hehe
Yea I noticed BKK is more expensive than Ho Chi Minh, and so is Patong, Phuket
Hey Darren can you get a Vietnam motor bike license…..rather than getting it in your own country like in Australia it cost around $700 au …. Cheers… love your work 🙏
Awesome thanks 💯🙏
Loved this video
Thanks for sharing my friend
Cost of living in a rural village in Vietnam?? Also can you recommend any villages which have hospital/medical facilities?
I’m from the Mekong so definitely reccomend Can Tho. It’s a bigger city in that region surrounded my many rural regions you can explore 💯
@@Darrenwalkingby
Oh 👍 nice, Can Tho!
I'm coming on a budget.. single travelling da nang Feb can't wait.. I think I can get by 1000 pounds English cheers pal
It’s enough, but only if you’re not a drinker and don’t spend money on girls. Many people say you can’t live off $1,000, but they often don’t want the world to know what’s really eating away at their budget.
@@BillyGringo from what I've watched on here I see that you can easy get by on a bag of sand
@@BillyGringo anyone who pays for girls ain't worth knowing imo..
@@johntuvey3636 lol
@@johntuvey3636 I live in Brazil, up in the northeast. It’s about 30% more expensive here to live than in Vietnam. I live roughly off of 1000 USD. I don’t really drink, I was never really into it I do quite a bit with a 1000 USD budget. I don’t go out of my way to save money or only eat street food. I actually don’t ever eat street here. So a 1000 pounds should work in Vietnam. 🇻🇳
Isn’t it possible to drive a 50cc without a lisence
you can survive in the philippines under $300 as a foreigner if you live in the remote area in the philippines. but I will have no job and no income to make a living since i am not a filipino citizen. same that apply to vietnam, I guess. if you are foreigner, working in the philippines and in vietnam is almost impossible!
You can totally live on $200-$250 in a big city in Vietnam if you are frugal and know how to find a good rental house. If you live in a remote area of Vietnam but in the northern mountainous provinces (near the famous Hagiang loop for example): rent and food costs of $100 per month are possible.
@@yongchen8204
I envy the high level foreign engineers and others, but if you are lower level as me you can invest in a small business doing something with your local women, a teacher is good for some but not for me. But yes working is almost impossible !
@@ngothuat2045
A bamboo palace built along the river 😆
Just check the Viet living standards, except their housing most are paid off; $600 is above most Viet budget
why not support your local brands for a change?are they inferior?
How much for a new phone??
Probably similar to prices in the West 🥂
4x19litre lavie water 240000 dong delivered
Average income’s in Vietnam $300 dollars, water alone costs $200 dollars?
😂😆 That’s why I had it in “discretionary spending”. Wealthy folks in Vietnam who are health conscious order Acqua Panna by the cases!
Why no one is allowed film inside casino??😅
Nice video
You should have titled this 'Surviving Saigon with $600'
Just wonder how Vietnamese can survive making only 5-6 million vnd
Could I rent a comfortable condo/house in rural Can tho for $150 per month?
I gotta look into that, Can Tho is a lovely city
150$ is enough for country side
Obviously beggars can’t be chooser. Live within your income means
More than survive. VN income only $300/mth. Just my understanding of VN economy 😂
LMAO locals can live on about $600 a month, but foreigners, aint happening. Even my local friends in their 20's cant do on $600 a month in HCMC.
I’ve been hearing advocators for both sides of the argument actually. Personally, I think as foreigners, we’d need more than $600 to be comfortable. $600 is just like survival mode 💯
When you have a job and no time all these are meaningless - and Who goes go to the movie anyway 😅
Like a date 😆👍
I would like to know what kind of lifestyle I can expect with $8,000 a month, excluding housing, as I intend to buy a home. Additionally, you should consider creating a video that outlines the lifestyle one can achieve at different income levels, such as $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 per month. I believe many people are interested in returning to Vietnam not just to survive, but to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle
Bro did you watch the video? Sorry, but that's a silly question. Living in a country that's close to 50% cheaper than America, common sense would tell you the answer.
Silly question! We only care about minimum amount to enjoy . Too much $ doesn’t mean anything because you should know , no need to ask as it is indefinite, no boundary!
@@GlimpseInParadise Hey, I did watch the video, and I think my question was quite valid. Sure, Vietnam is about 50% cheaper than the U.S., but asking about different income levels is far from 'silly.' Personal lifestyle choices vary greatly depending on the individual, and the same income can translate into very different lifestyles, even in countries with a lower cost of living. For some people, $1,000 a month might be enough to cover just the basics, while others with a higher income might want more comforts-like eating out, traveling internationally, or enjoying other luxuries.
More importantly, I think it's irresponsible to plan your finances based on living at the bare minimum, where any unexpected emergency could ruin you. Asking about different income levels is a way to plan ahead and avoid living too close to the edge. Since when is planning well and asking questions silly? It’s about understanding how far different income levels can stretch, especially for those thinking of moving to Vietnam with varying budgets. Some people might want to live like a local, while others may prefer a lifestyle closer to what they’re used to back home. Just because the country is cheaper doesn’t mean everyone will have the same expectations or spending habits. It's a nuanced question and depends on individual preferences, not just raw cost comparisons.
Thanks for the idea👍
Vietnam has all kind of luxury so it’s not as unusual as people would think to have that kinda expendable income
@@Darrenwalkingby I love your videos by the way
3000 or 2000 or 1000 recommend Thailand or else where.. Vietnam is not worth the 1000 & above..
Can you expand on this point
no girlfriend $600 with girlfriend ..need $6000
New iPhone every year and pressure to buy them a house
Happy life