Never RETIRE in Vietnam. Here's Why

Evan argues that despite Vietnam's tropical scenery, low cost of living, and excellent food, retiring there comes with significant drawbacks. There is no retirement visa, so expats rely on 90-day e-visas, marriage, or investor visas. Bureaucracy is paper-heavy and slow; language barriers persist even after years. Western food, cheese, and wine are heavily imported and expensive. Healthcare is affordable but insurance complexities and pre-existing conditions can be costly, while dental work varies in quality. Weather is intensely hot and humid year-round, with monsoon and typhoon seasons. Air pollution (AQI) can spike, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, though Da Nang is better. Safety risks include traffic chaos and common scams. The internet is censored and requires a VPN for full access. Property ownership is limited to leaseholds for foreigners, and building a social network is essential to avoid loneliness. Overall, Evan recommends a scouting trip and professional advice before committing.