WI-FI

Internet and wifi is widely available throughout Vietnam. Something like 98% of hotels and guesthouses have wi-fi, only in very remote places (such as national parks) is it not standard. Wifi is almost always free of charge. Many cafes and restaurants also have (free) wifi. Connection speeds are normally good. Internet cafes are also available costing 3000d to 8000d per hour.

Vietnam’s average internet connection speed clocked at only 5.1 megabits per second, ranking 64th globally and near the bottom in the Asia Pacific region.

Mobile Internet

A Vietnamese SIM card can be found anywhere on the streets on carts, at any phone shop, credit kiosk and at the airport on arrival. The most common networks are Viettel Mobile, MobiFone (my network) and Vinaphone.

It should cost no more than 100,000 VND (5 USD) for a prepaid SIM. Data packages also cost around 100,000 VND and give you enough Gigabyte to get by. During my last stay I got a promotion package for 100,000 VND, which gave me 6GB per day for 10 days. Just ask around and you will find the package for your needs.

MiFi

Living in Vietnam as a Digital Nomad

If you are staying for a month or more, it’s worth renting a house or (less common) apartment. It’s much cheaper to look around when you arrive. Prices start from $300 a month, but you might get lucky and find somewhere cheaper.

Cyclos, or bicycle rickshaws, are available in many towns, though they’ve been banned in some more congested cities. Drivers have a tendency to ask for outrageous sums. Negotiate fiercely, and settle on a price for your destination before climbing aboard.

Xe om are motorbike taxis, which scoot around in many cities. As with the cyclos, negotiate and agree on a price before taking off.

Taxis are available in major cities, though drivers may be reluctant to use meters, and some meters are tampered with to rack up charges faster than they should. Because of taxi issues, particularly if you’re exhausted after a long flight, you might want to consider booking an airport pick-up through either your hotel or a tour company.

The country boasts one of the most diverse, delicious and healthy gastronomies in the world. The main ingredients used in Vietnamese food are rice and its derivatives, fish sauce and vegetable. Thanks to Vietnam´s tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountain, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of plants.

Coworking Spaces

The Hive Saigon

I was quite happy with my membership at The Hive in District 2. They not only have a beautiful and cozy space with a rooftop to chill on at sunset or whenever you need a break, but they also have a great community that immediately made me feel welcome. 

the Hub Da Nang

the HUB is a co-working space in Da Nang creating a community for businesses and nomads in Da Nang. If you want to work in a space where you have everything you need and also a creative environment of like-minded people, the Hub might be the best place for you.