Da Nang Vietnam Today-They left America 34 years ago-How they pay for life

Dan and Shauna, an American couple, moved overseas in their mid-20s and spent 30 years teaching abroad in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Singapore before retiring. They currently split their time between Maine and Southeast Asia, spending months at a time in Da Nang, Vietnam. In this interview from their Da Nang apartment, they explain how they live on roughly $1,500–$2,000 per month while renting an ocean-view two-bedroom condo for $400/month. Eating mostly local food costs a few dollars per meal. They rely on TrustedHousesitters for free accommodation in higher-cost destinations, use Grab bikes for transport, and purchase international health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. They also highlight the excellent value of Vietnamese healthcare: a dental crown cost $280 versus $1,500 in the US, and a doctor visit in Thailand was $20. The couple called Da Nang safe enough to walk anywhere at any hour. Their advice to would-be expats: don't wait until everything is perfect, as overseas living is more affordable and less risky than often perceived.