The Expat’s Guide to Moving to Vietnam: Shipping, Packing & Local Moves

Posted by jeanseb on May 23, 2024

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Your Complete Guide to Moving to Vietnam: From International Shipping to Your First Local Move

Moving to Vietnam is a life-changing adventure. But let’s be honest: staring at a house full of belongings while trying to coordinate a move across continents can feel overwhelming.

As a team that has helped hundreds of expats settle into their new homes in Saigon, we’ve seen it all. We understand that the journey doesn’t start when you get the keys to your apartment—it starts the moment you decide what to pack. This guide is built on that experience, designed to help you navigate the entire process with clarity and confidence.

The First Big Question: To Ship or Not to Ship?

Before you get a single quote, you need a strategy. The biggest mistake we see is expats shipping everything, only to find they could have bought high-quality items locally for less than the cost of shipping.

Our Golden Rule: Prioritize shipping items that are irreplaceable, sentimental, or highly specialized. For everything else, seriously consider the cost-benefit of buying new in Vietnam.

Ship These:

Sentimental Items: Family photos, artwork, and heirlooms that make a house a home.
Key Pieces of Furniture: That specific sofa or antique desk you can’t live without.
Specialized Electronics: High-end audio equipment or specific computer hardware (but always check voltage compatibility!).
Your Kids’ Favorite Things: Essential toys and bedroom items to help them feel settled immediately.

Buy Locally:

Bulky Furniture: Vietnam has excellent furniture stores (from affordable to high-end custom shops) and second hand furniture from other expats on many FB or Whatsapp groups.
Standard Appliances: Microwaves, kettles, and rice cookers are inexpensive here.
Motorbikes & Bicycles: It’s almost always better to buy these locally.

Navigating International Shipping

Once you’ve decided what’s coming with you, it’s time to choose a mover. This is a critical decision.

What to Ask a Shipping Company:

Experience: “How many moves to Vietnam have you handled in the last year?” You want a company that knows the process inside and out.
Scope of Service: “Do you handle all customs clearance, or will I need a separate broker?” A full-service, door-to-door company is worth the investment for peace of mind.
Insurance: “What is your insurance coverage, and what is the process for making a claim?” Understand the policy before you sign.
Timeline: “What is your realistic door-to-door delivery estimate?”

Mastering the Paperwork & Customs

Vietnamese customs can be strict. A good shipping company will guide you, but it’s your responsibility to have a detailed inventory list. Delays are often caused by prohibited items or poorly documented shipments. Be aware of restrictions on antiques, cultural artifacts, and certain types of media.

The “Day-One” Survival Kit: Your Carry-On Essentials

While your container is on the ocean, you’ll be living out of your suitcase. This isn’t just a packing list; it’s your survival kit for the first few weeks.

Non-Negotiable Documents

Passports, Visas, Work Permits (originals & multiple copies).
Birth/Marriage Certificates.
Medical, Dental, and Vaccination Records.
School Transcripts and Pet Health Records.

Health & Comfort

A 30-day supply of any prescription medication, along with the prescription itself.
Your preferred over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy meds, etc.
A basic first-aid kit.
Glasses/Contacts and a copy of your prescription.

A CRUCIAL SAFETY NOTE ON HELMETS: ⛑️
While you can buy helmets everywhere in Vietnam, the vast majority are low-quality items designed only to avoid a police fine. Your safety is paramount. We strongly advise bringing your own high-quality, certified motorcycle or bicycle helmet from home.

The Local Move: Your Next Chapter in Vietnam

Congratulations, your shipment has arrived! You’ve settled into your first apartment. But what happens in a year when you decide to move from a 2-bedroom in Binh Thanh to a house in District 2?

Local moving is a different ballgame. You don’t need an international giant; you need a reliable local team.

How to Find Them: The best way is through recommendations from expat groups or by asking a local friend. The Vietnamese term to search for is “dịch vụ chuyển nhà” (moving house service).
What to Expect: Local movers are efficient and affordable. Their core service is transportation and labor (loading/unloading). Packing services are usually optional.
Key Tips: Always get a few quotes, confirm that basic insurance is included, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Tying It All Together: Your Move & Your Home

Navigating the logistics of a move is the first step in creating your new life in Vietnam. It’s a process that requires planning, patience, and good partners.

And while your belongings are crossing the ocean, the most important task is finding the right place to call home. That’s where we come in.

We specialize in taking the stress out of the housing search, ensuring that by the time your boxes arrive, you have the perfect apartment or house waiting for them. Let our team handle the search, the negotiations, and the contract, so you can focus on your new adventure.