Natasha, a 38-year-old American program manager, shares why she chose Da Nang, Vietnam as her base after visiting 41 countries. Living in a $400/month apartment a 10-minute walk from the beach, she maintains a total monthly budget of $1,000. The video includes a detailed tour of her newly remodeled one-bedroom unit, which came fully furnished with new appliances and strong Wi-Fi. Natasha explains practical logistics: finding apartments via Facebook Marketplace or realtors, signing 3-month renewable leases, and handling visa runs every 90 days by leaving to nearby countries like Malaysia ($25 application fee). She highlights affordable healthcare experiences, citing $68 for 48-hour hospital care including an ambulance in Indonesia and $220 for x-rays and medication at Vinmec in Da Nang. Natasha emphasizes the value of having multiple income streams (part-time remote job plus freelance work) and describes how living abroad has improved her mental health, allowed her to build savings, and given her the freedom to rest without guilt. She also notes that Da Nang offers services for Black travelers, such as salons specializing in locs, and recommends using Facebook and WhatsApp groups to find expat communities.
Key Facts
- Rent is $400/month for a one-bedroom apartment near My Khe Beach.
- A 48-hour hospital stay including ambulance in Indonesia cost $68.
- X-rays and medication at Vinmec in Da Nang cost $220.
- Vietnam visa application fee is $25 per submission.
- Americans can stay in Vietnam for 90 days before needing a visa run.
