Trevor, a Canadian who retired at 50 after a corporate buyout, now lives in Da Nang with his Vietnamese wife and co-owns Scallywags Bar & Grill. In this interview, he details his monthly budget of roughly $2,200–$2,300 US, covering a three-bedroom, three-story rental in Son Tra with an infinity pool ($600/month), health insurance under $200/month, electricity costs that range from $40 in the rainy season to $150 in peak heat, and minimal scooter gas. He shares how he navigated the visa system, failed the driving test twice before passing, and endured a detached retina surgery during COVID — ultimately recommending FV Hospital. Trevor and his partners opened the bar for about $45,000 US, leveraging his sales and marketing skills while his wife and a Vietnamese manager handle daily operations. He stresses that newcomers need a plan beyond retirement — whether pickleball, boxing, or a hobby — to avoid the aimless expat trap. Da Nang, he says, offers low startup costs, a growing community, and an ocean view that never gets old.
Key Facts
- Trevor retired from Toronto at 50 and moved to Da Nang after taking a corporate buyout.
- His monthly living costs in Da Nang are about $2,200–$2,300 US ($3,000 CAD).
- He and his wife rent a three-bedroom, three-story house in Son Tra with an infinity pool for $600/month (15 million dong).
- Health insurance costs under $200/month ($3,000 CAD/year) with a $1,000 deductible; top-quality hospital care is available at FV Hospital.
- Opening Scallywags Bar & Grill cost about $45,000 US ($60,000 CAD) split between two partners, covering lease takeover and buildout.
