Ho Chi Minh City Expat Guide

 

A Practical Guide to Living, Working & Settling in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic and increasingly international city, offering a wide range of services, facilities and lifestyle options for foreign residents, international professionals and families.

 

This guide brings together practical information to help expatriates navigate everyday life in the city — from banking, healthcare and international schools to housing, transportation, dining, business services and essential contacts.

 

Whether you are preparing to move to Ho Chi Minh City, have recently arrived or have been living here for years, this guide is designed to help you find useful places and services more easily.

 

01 — Banking & Financial Services

 

Setting up banking and financial services is one of the first practical steps for many foreigners living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. Local and international banks provide services ranging from everyday banking and ATMs to international transfers, credit cards and financial solutions.

 

HSBC Vietnam

Category: Bank
Address: 235 Dong Khoi Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: HSBC Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3724 7247

 

Standard Chartered Vietnam

Category: Bank
Address: 1A Me Linh Square, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Standard Chartered Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3911 0000

 

Vietcombank

Category: Bank
Address: 5 Me Linh Square, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Vietcombank
Phone: 1900 5454 13

 

Techcombank

Category: Bank
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Techcombank
Phone: 1800 588 822

 

02 — International Schools & Education

 

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of international schools offering different curricula, including International Baccalaureate, British, American and Australian programs. School location is an important consideration for expatriate families because it can also influence the choice of neighborhood and housing.

 

International School Ho Chi Minh City — ISHCMC

Category: International School
Address: 28 Vo Truong Toan Street, Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: ISHCMC
Phone: +84 28 3898 9100

 

British International School Ho Chi Minh City — BIS HCMC

Category: International School
Address: 246 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: BIS HCMC
Phone: +84 28 3744 4551

 

Australian International School Vietnam — AIS

Category: International School
Address: 264 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: AIS Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3742 4040

 

Saigon South International School — SSIS

Category: International School
Address: 78 Nguyen Duc Canh Street, Tan Phong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: SSIS
Phone: +84 28 7300 7257

 

03 — Hospitals & Medical Centers

 

Access to reliable healthcare is an important consideration for expatriates and their families. Ho Chi Minh City has international hospitals, private medical centers, specialist clinics and healthcare providers serving both local and international residents.

 

FV Hospital

Category: International Hospital
Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: FV Hospital
Phone: +84 28 5411 3333

 

Vinmec Central Park International Hospital

Category: International Hospital
Address: 208 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Thanh My Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Vinmec
Phone: +84 28 3622 1166

 

Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City

Category: International Medical Center
Address: 95 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Family Medical Practice Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3744 2000

 

Raffles Medical Ho Chi Minh

Category: International Clinic
Address: 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Raffles Medical Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3824 0777

 

04 — Restaurants & Dining

 

Ho Chi Minh City's dining scene ranges from traditional Vietnamese cuisine and street food to international restaurants serving Japanese, Korean, Indian, Italian, French and other cuisines. Many neighborhoods popular with expatriates also offer a strong selection of restaurants, cafés and international dining options.

 

The Deck Saigon

Category: Restaurant / Riverside Dining
Address: 38 Nguyen U Di Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: The Deck Saigon
Phone: +84 28 3744 6632

 

Pizza 4P's

Category: Italian Restaurant
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Pizza 4P's
Phone: Check individual location

 

Tandoor

Category: Indian Restaurant
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Tandoor Vietnam
Phone: Check individual location

 

Hum Vegetarian

Category: Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Hum Vegetarian
Phone: Check individual location

 

05 — Supermarkets & Grocery Shopping

 

Access to familiar food products and everyday groceries is an important part of settling into life in Ho Chi Minh City. Expatriates can choose from large supermarkets, international grocery stores, gourmet food retailers and convenience stores.

 

Annam Gourmet

Category: Gourmet Supermarket
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Annam Gourmet
Phone: Check individual location

 

AEON Vietnam

Category: Supermarket / Shopping Mall
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: AEON Vietnam
Phone: 1800 888 886

 

WinMart

Category: Supermarket
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: WinMart
Phone: Check official website

 

06 — Shopping Malls & Retail

 

Modern shopping malls provide convenient access to international brands, supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, entertainment and family facilities.

 

Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien

Category: Shopping Mall
Address: 161 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Vincom
Phone: Check official website

 

Crescent Mall

Category: Shopping Mall
Address: 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, Tan Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Crescent Mall
Phone: Check official website

 

Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City

Category: Department Store / Retail
Address: 92–94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Takashimaya Vietnam
Phone: Check official website

 

Estella Place

Category: Shopping Mall
Address: 88 Song Hanh Street, An Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Estella Place
Phone: Check official website

 

07 — Cafés & Coworking Spaces

 

Ho Chi Minh City's café culture and growing coworking sector provide flexible places to work, meet clients, study or connect with other professionals.

 

The Hive Thao Dien

Category: Coworking Space
Address: 94 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: The Hive Vietnam
Phone: Check official website

 

Dreamplex

Category: Coworking Space
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Dreamplex
Phone: Check official website

 

The Workshop Coffee

Category: Café / Coffee Shop
Address: 27 Ngo Duc Ke Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: The Workshop Coffee
Phone: Check official website

 

L'Usine

Category: Café / Restaurant / Lifestyle
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: L'Usine
Phone: Check individual location

 

08 — Fitness, Gyms & Wellness

 

Fitness and wellness have become an important part of the lifestyle for many international residents. Ho Chi Minh City offers large fitness chains, boutique gyms, yoga studios, spas and wellness centers.

 

California Fitness & Yoga

Category: Fitness Center
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: California Fitness & Yoga
Phone: Check official website

 

Elite Fitness

Category: Fitness Center
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Elite Fitness
Phone: Check official website

 

09 — Transportation & Getting Around

 

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City usually involves a combination of ride-hailing services, taxis, private vehicles, motorbikes and public transportation. Metro Line 1 provides an additional option for travel between central areas and the eastern part of the city.

 

Grab Vietnam

Category: Ride-Hailing / Delivery
Address: App-based service
Website: Grab Vietnam
Phone: In-app support

 

Vinasun Taxi

Category: Taxi
Address: Citywide service
Website: Vinasun Taxi
Phone: 028 38 27 27 27

 

Mai Linh Taxi

Category: Taxi
Address: Citywide service
Website: Mai Linh Taxi
Phone: 1055

 

10 — Embassies & Consulates

 

Foreign residents may need to contact their embassy or consulate for passports, consular documents, citizenship matters, emergency assistance and other official services.

 

Consulate General of the United States

Category: Consulate
Address: 4 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3520 4200

 

Consulate General of Australia

Category: Consulate
Address: 20 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Australian Embassy Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3521 8100

 

Consulate General of Canada

Category: Consulate
Address: 235 Dong Khoi Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Government of Canada – Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3827 9899

 

11 — Neighborhoods & Places to Live

 

Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions for expatriates in Ho Chi Minh City. The right neighborhood depends on work location, schools, commute, lifestyle, budget and access to daily services.

 

Thao Dien

Category: Expat Residential Area
Address: Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

A popular choice for international residents, with international schools, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and a wide range of apartments and villas.

 

An Phu

Category: Residential Area
Address: An Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Popular with families and professionals seeking modern residential developments and convenient access to international schools and lifestyle facilities.

 

Thu Thiem

Category: Premium Urban Area
Address: Thu Thiem Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

A rapidly developing urban area with premium residential projects, modern infrastructure and convenient connections to central Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Binh Thanh

Category: Residential / Urban Area
Address: Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Offers a mix of modern residential developments and established local neighborhoods with convenient access to the central city.

 

Phu My Hung

Category: Planned Residential Area
Address: Tan Phong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Known for planned residential communities, international schools, shopping facilities and a large international population.

 

12 — Family & Kids Activities

 

Families living in Ho Chi Minh City have access to parks, entertainment venues, sports facilities, educational activities and family-oriented shopping centers.

 

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Category: Family / Outdoor Activity
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Official visitor information
Phone: Check current official information

 

Snow Town Saigon

Category: Family Entertainment
Address: 125 Dong Van Cong Street, Thanh My Loi Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Snow Town Saigon
Phone: Check official website

 

Jump Arena

Category: Indoor Family Activity
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Jump Arena
Phone: Check individual location

 

13 — Travel & Weekend Getaways

 

Ho Chi Minh City is a convenient base for exploring southern Vietnam and nearby destinations. Expatriates can choose from beaches, islands, countryside experiences, cultural destinations and mountain retreats.

 

Vung Tau

Category: Beach / Weekend Getaway
Location: Ba Ria–Vung Tau

 

Mekong Delta

Category: Culture / Nature
Location: Southern Vietnam

 

Phu Quoc

Category: Island / Beach
Location: Kien Giang

 

Da Lat

Category: Mountain / Leisure
Location: Lam Dong

 

Con Dao

Category: Island / Nature
Location: Ba Ria–Vung Tau

 

14 — Utilities & Everyday Services

 

Setting up everyday services is an important part of settling into life in Ho Chi Minh City. Internet, mobile services, delivery and household services are widely available throughout the city.

 

Viettel

Category: Mobile / Internet
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Viettel
Phone: 198

 

FPT Telecom

Category: Internet / Telecommunications
Address: Multiple locations
Website: FPT Telecom
Phone: 1900 6600

 

VNPT

Category: Internet / Telecommunications
Address: Multiple locations
Website: VNPT
Phone: 1800 1091

 

Grab

Category: Delivery / Everyday Services
Address: App-based service
Website: Grab Vietnam
Phone: In-app support

 

15 — Emergency & Essential Contacts

 

Every expatriate should know where to seek help in an emergency. Keep essential emergency numbers accessible and make sure family members know how to contact the appropriate service.

 

Police

Category: Emergency Service
Phone: 113

 

Fire & Rescue

Category: Emergency Service
Phone: 114

 

Medical Emergency / Ambulance

Category: Emergency Medical Service
Phone: 115

 

National Emergency Hotline

Category: Emergency Service
Phone: 112

Foreign residents should also keep the contact details of their embassy or consulate, healthcare provider, insurance company, employer or HR team and accommodation manager.

 

16 — Immigration & Government Services

 

Immigration and administrative procedures are important considerations for foreigners living and working in Vietnam. Depending on their circumstances, expatriates may need services relating to visas, residence, work authorization, document certification and other administrative matters.

 

Immigration Department

Category: Immigration Authority
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Vietnam Immigration Department
Phone: Check official website

 

Department of Foreign Affairs

Category: Government Service
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Official government information
Phone: Check current official information

 

Notary Offices

Category: Legal / Administrative Service
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Check individual office
Phone: Check individual office

Foreigners should verify current requirements directly with the relevant authority or obtain professional advice before submitting immigration or employment-related applications.

 

17 — Legal, Tax & Professional Services

 

Foreign individuals and companies may require professional assistance with taxation, employment, contracts, corporate matters, accounting, legal issues and compliance.

 

Law Firms

Category: Legal Services
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Tax Advisory Firms

Category: Tax Advisory
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Accounting & Audit Firms

Category: Accounting / Audit
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Payroll & HR Services

Category: HR / Payroll
Address: Multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

18 — Housing & Property Services

 

Finding the right home is one of the most important decisions for expatriates relocating to Ho Chi Minh City. Options range from serviced apartments and condominiums to villas, townhouses and premium residences.

 

Jardeon Group — Residential/Commercial/Industry Property Services

Category: Property Advisory / Home Search
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Jardeon Group
Phone: +84 91 822 1450

 

Property Management Services

Category: Property Management
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Jardeon Group
Phone: +84 91 822 1450

 

19 — Business & Corporate Services

 

Companies operating in Vietnam may require a range of professional services, from business setup and corporate banking to accounting, tax, legal, HR and workforce mobility.

 

Business Setup

Category: Corporate Services
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Accounting & Tax

Category: Corporate Professional Services
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Legal & Corporate Advisory

Category: Legal / Corporate Services
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Coworking & Business Centers

Category: Office / Coworking
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Individual provider
Phone: Individual provider

 

Jardeon Group — Corporate Mobility & Professional Services

Category: Corporate Mobility / Professional Services
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Jardeon Group
Phone: +84 91 822 1450

 

20 — Lifestyle, Clubs & Expat Communities

 

Building a social and professional network can make it easier for newcomers to settle into life in Ho Chi Minh City. The city has a diverse international community and a growing range of professional associations, social groups, sports clubs and cultural organizations.

 

AmCham Vietnam

Category: Business Association
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: AmCham Vietnam
Phone: Check official website

 

EuroCham Vietnam

Category: Business Association
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: EuroCham Vietnam
Phone: Check official website

 

BritCham Vietnam

Category: Business Association
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Website: BritCham Vietnam
Phone: Check official website

 

Sports & Social Clubs

Category: Community / Lifestyle
Address: Multiple locations
Website: Individual organization
Phone: Individual organization

 

A Practical Resource for Life in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Ho Chi Minh City offers an increasingly diverse range of services, facilities and lifestyle options for international residents, professionals and families. From finding the right home and international school to accessing healthcare, banking, transportation, dining and professional services, having reliable local information can make the transition to life in the city much easier.

 

This guide is designed as a practical starting point for expatriates at different stages of their journey — whether you are planning a move, settling into a new home, managing everyday life or building a longer-term connection with Ho Chi Minh City.

 

For individuals and families, Jardeon can provide practical support throughout the relocation journey, including home search, immigration, settling-in and other mobility services. For companies, Jardeon supports international employees and their families through workforce mobility, corporate services and related professional support.

 

With local market knowledge across mobility, business and real estate, Jardeon helps international individuals, families and businesses navigate Ho Chi Minh City with greater confidence and convenience.

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