Considering Hanoi as a retirement location for Australians
RetireAbroad is a new social venture helping Australians find affordable locations to retire overseas. Do you know that over 50% of Australians will not have enough superannuation to support them through their retirement? Try our retirement quiz to find out which locations would be right for you.
A typical street in the inner-city Hanoi neighbourhood where I stayed.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is located in the northern part of the country. It has a population of over 7 million people and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food.
I had the recent pleasure of scouting out Hanoi for Retire Abroad, checking out the amazing culture, food and general vibe of the old city.
The thing that struck me the most about Hanoi is the amazing blend of old French culture and vibrant bustling Asia. Something not as present in other locals like Thailand. As I walked down sun-dappled, tree-lined boulevards admiring the old colonial courtyards and buildings - I felt I could be in France or Spain.
Hanoi streets are narrow, but inviting.
So, what should Australian retirees considering a move to Hanoi know? Here are a few things to consider:
Cost of living: Hanoi is generally considered to be much cheaper than Australia when it comes to general costs. Rent, groceries, and other daily expenses are all significantly lower in Hanoi compared to anywhere in Australia. This could be an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their savings further.
For example, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Hanoi is around AUD$300-400 per month, while the same type of apartment in an Australian metro area would cost closer to AUD$1,000 per month.
Here’s a break down of a few everyday purchases with cost comparisons:
Bread: A loaf of bread in Australia costs around AUD$3.50, while in Vietnam it costs around VND 20,000, or about AUD$1.00.
Chicken: A kilogram of chicken in Australia costs around AUD$10.00, while in Vietnam it costs around VND 90,000, or about AUD$4.50.
Apples: A kilogram of apples in Australia costs around AUD$3.50, while in Vietnam it costs around VND 50,000, or about AUD$2.50.
Toothpaste: A tube of toothpaste in Australia costs around AUD$3.00, while in Vietnam it costs around VND 20,000, or about AUD$1.00.
Milk: A liter of milk in Australia costs around AUD$1.50, while in Vietnam it costs around VND 35,000, or about AUD$1.50. (the same)
Hanoi has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. The city experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures ranging from 26-35°C and cooler, drier winters with temperatures ranging from 16-24°C . Hanoi also receives an average of 120 cm of rain per year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the summer months. For the two weeks I was there in October, the weather was just about perfect. A bit of light scattered rain but sunny most of the time.
Hanoi’s many lakes in the city are a great place to chill out.
Hanoi is a city with a long history and a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. It is known for its street food, colorful markets, and vibrant nightlife. During the 19th century, Vietnam was colonized by the French and Hanoi became the capital of French Indochina. As a result, the city absorbed many French cultural influences, including architecture, cuisine, and language. Today, you can still see remnants of this French influence in Hanoi, such as the French Quarter and the many bakeries and cafes serving croissants and baguettes.
Hanoi has also been heavily influenced by Chinese culture due to its close proximity to China and long history of Chinese domination. The city has a large Chinese community and many Chinese-influenced temples, such as the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a Confucian temple in the 11th century.
Fancy food can be found in Hanoi. This is a delicious but expensive “egg coffee” from the cafe at the National Art Gallery. (AUD $5.00)
Things to watch out for: As with any move to a new country, there are a few things to watch out for when considering a move to Hanoi. One thing to keep in mind is that the city can be quite crowded and hectic, with heavy traffic and a lot of noise from the continual swarms of scooters, that are the life blood of the city. It can also be quite polluted, so those with respiratory issues may want to consider this before making the move. It may have been the season, but I found the air to be generally “OK” while I was there - and on par with a major Aussie city.
Additionally, the healthcare system in Vietnam may not be as advanced as what you're used to in Australia, so it's important to research your options and make sure you have a plan in place for any medical needs. I did have a hospital visit during my stay in Hanoi for a rabies booster (see my post on Da Nang) and found the hospital to be up to a good standard of care. They even assigned me a personal language interpreter to guide me through my visit. I went to the private Vinmec hospital and got all the paperwork for making an insurance claim with my travel insurance provider, SafetyWing (affiliate link).
Immigration details: The bad news is that compared to many countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam does not have a wide range of visa options for Australian retirees:
Tourist visa: Australians can visit Vietnam for up to 30 days if they apply for an e-visa in advance. However, this type of visa is not suitable for long-term stays or working in Vietnam.
Business visa: If you are planning to do business in Vietnam, you can apply for a business visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. This type of visa can be extended for up to 6 months if needed.
Temporary residence card: If you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time, you can apply for a temporary residence card, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months. To be eligible for a temporary residence card, you must have a valid reason for staying in Vietnam, such as work, study, or family ties.
Work permit: If you want to work in Vietnam, you will need to apply for a work permit, which requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese employer. The work permit process can be quite complex and may take several months to complete.
That’s it. No retiree visas or or “digital nomad” options. I spoke to some foreigners who continually renew their 30 day tourist visa by booking a cheap flight to Bangkok or Singapore. Others have gotten a temporary residence card by enrolling in language schools or other classes. All-in-all the options are not great, and you will have the stress of being denied an extension to your visa, at the whim of the somewhat Kafkaesque bureaucracy of the Vietnamese immigration department.
Hanoi is a unique and exciting destination for Australians considering retiring overseas. With its rich culture, lower cost of living, and subtropical climate, it has a lot to offer. Retirees who are looking to stretch their savings further and immerse themselves in a new culture may find Hanoi particularly appealing. While there are a few challenges to consider, such as the crowded and somewhat chaotic city , you might be the kind of person who thrives on this type of energy (I am). And if you are like me, you might be putting Hanoi at the top of your future retirement location list.
RetireAbroad is a new social venture helping Australians find affordable locations to retire overseas. Do you know that over 50% of Australians will not have enough superannuation to support them through their retirement? Try our retirement quiz to find out which locations would be right for you.
