Ho Chi Minh Digital Nomad Guide 2025: Cost, Cafes & Internet Speed
March 19, 2025
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, center) | $436 |
| Food (mixed dining) | $172 |
| Transportation | $43 |
| Utilities | $86 |
| Coworking Desk | $149 |
Ho Chi Minh City combines affordability, modern amenities, and a growing digital nomad community, making it a top destination for remote workers in 2025.
In 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $436 to $862 per month, while apartments outside the center cost between $215 and $517 per month. If you're looking for short-term options, Somerset Feliz offers stays at $65 per night, and Vinhomes Central Park is available at $47 per night, both featuring modern conveniences. Now, let's take a look at daily food expenses to complete your cost-of-living picture.
How much you spend on food depends on your dining preferences:
These options provide a range of choices to fit different budgets and lifestyles.
Here’s an example of a monthly budget tailored for a digital nomad:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $436 |
| Utilities | $86 |
| Food (mixed dining) | $172 |
| Transportation | $43 |
| Healthcare Insurance | $86 |
| Internet/Phone | $22 |
| Entertainment | $129 |
| Total | $974 |
For transportation, renting a motorbike costs between $34 and $65 per month, while ride-hailing services charge $0.65 to $1.29 for short trips. A basic utilities package, including electricity and water, typically ranges from $65 to $129. This breakdown can help you plan your monthly expenses effectively.
Looking for the perfect spot to get work done? Here are five cafes that offer reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and a calm environment:
These spots cater to the needs of remote workers and digital nomads, making them excellent choices for productivity.
A good work-friendly cafe should meet certain standards to help you stay productive. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| WiFi Speed | 20+ Mbps for smooth video calls |
| Power Outlets | At least 1 for every 2–3 seats |
| Seating Comfort | Chairs with proper height and support |
| Noise Level | Moderate to quiet |
| Operating Hours | At least 8 hours of availability |
| Food Options | Light meals or snacks available |
Pro Tips: Visit during weekday mornings to grab the best seats, bring noise-canceling headphones for busy hours, check the cafe’s food and drink policies, and make a purchase every 2–3 hours to maintain good rapport with the staff.
Having a reliable internet connection is a must for digital nomads, and Ho Chi Minh City delivers on this front. As of January 2025, Vietnam ranks 34th globally for fixed broadband speeds, with an average download speed of 163.41 Mbps - well above global averages.
Mobile internet in Vietnam has seen impressive improvements. The country now ranks 22nd worldwide for mobile internet speed. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Connection Type | Average Speed | Global Ranking | Compared to Global Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Broadband | 163.41 Mbps | 34th | 67% faster |
| Mobile Data | 134.19 Mbps | 22nd | 47% faster |
Vietnam has jumped 15 spots in mobile internet rankings since January 2024. Next, let’s look at flexible internet plans tailored for digital nomads.
Ho Chi Minh City offers various affordable internet options to suit different needs:
E-SIM Plans:
Holafly is ideal for heavy users who need unlimited data, while Airalo provides budget-friendly plans for lighter usage.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to stay connected:
Tourist Attractions:
Transportation Hubs: Tan Son Nhat International Airport offers free Wi-Fi under networks like "FreeWifi TanSonNhat AirPort" or "TSN Free Wifi Express", with sessions lasting up to 240 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use apps like WiFi Map or Free Wi-Fi Finder to locate hotspots, complete with passwords and speed details. These tools are especially helpful for finding dependable connections while working remotely throughout the city.
Ho Chi Minh City offers coworking spaces that combine professional facilities with networking opportunities.
Here are some top-rated coworking spaces as of March 2025:
| Space Name | Rating | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CirCO Hoang Dieu | 9.8/10 | Daily: $6.25 (VND 150,000); Weekly: $20.83 (VND 500,000) | Phone booths, detox drinks |
| Sharespace Việt Nam | 9.6/10 | Contact for rates | District 1 location, mail handling, spacious meeting rooms |
| WeWork E. Town Central | 9.5/10 | Contact for rates | City views, pantry services, weekly events |
Here’s a closer look at what each space offers.
CirCO Hoang Dieu is known for its startup-friendly atmosphere. It features air conditioning, clean shared restrooms, a coffee maker, detox drinks, and snacks. Located centrally, it’s perfect for meeting clients and connecting with local entrepreneurs through its networking sessions.
Sharespace Việt Nam is conveniently located in District 1, providing a bright and open workspace ideal for focused work or team meetings. It also offers professional services like mail handling and call reception, making it a solid choice for business professionals.
WeWork E. Town Central combines convenience with a touch of luxury. Members enjoy an open kitchen stocked with complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit, as well as comfortable lounge areas and dedicated phone booths. Parking facilities and city views add to its appeal.
Ho Chi Minh City’s digital nomad community is active, with regular events hosted by various coworking spaces:
Other spaces, such as Dreamplex Nguyen Trung Ngan, host workshops and social hours, while CirCO Hoang Dieu arranges networking sessions tailored for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
For even more opportunities to connect, check out Facebook groups linked to these coworking spaces. For example, The Hive Thao Dien has an active online community where members share advice and collaborate.
Pro Tip: Many coworking spaces offer flexible membership plans, ranging from short-term 4-hour packages for as little as VND 70,000 (about $2.92) to monthly hot desk options. This flexibility allows you to try different spaces before committing to a longer-term plan.
These coworking spaces are designed to support a productive and well-connected work lifestyle.
If you're planning to work as a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh City, it's essential to understand Vietnam's legal requirements.
Vietnam doesn't offer a specific digital nomad visa, but you can choose from these alternatives:
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa | 30 days | $25 | 3 working days |
| Visa on Arrival | 90 days | $56–$100 total* | 2–4 working days |
| Tourist Visa | 15–90 days | $40–$80 | Varies by embassy |
*The total cost for Visa on Arrival includes an online application fee ($6–$50) and a $50 stamping fee.
The Visa on Arrival provides the most flexibility, but it’s only available if you’re arriving by air. For this visa, you'll need:
If you’re entering Vietnam by land, you’ll need to apply for a visa through an embassy.
Your tax responsibilities in Vietnam depend on your residency status and where your income originates.
Tax Resident Status
You’re considered a tax resident if:
Non-Residents
If your stay is under 183 days, you’ll face a flat 20% tax on income earned within Vietnam.
Important Notes:
Tip: If you’re staying for more than six months or working with Vietnamese companies, it’s a good idea to consult a local tax expert to ensure you’re meeting all legal obligations.
Based on the insights shared about living costs, workspaces, and connectivity, Ho Chi Minh City stands out as a top choice for digital nomads in 2025. The city offers a balance of affordability and modern amenities, making it a practical option for remote workers.
A one-bedroom apartment in prime areas costs between $440 and $525 per month, while high-speed internet plans (around 20 Mbps) are available for $4.40–$13.20 monthly. Daily expenses are minimal, with local meals priced under $2 and gym memberships costing about $27 per month.
Here’s a quick breakdown of essential details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Living Costs | Studio apartments from $220/month; meals range from $0.80 to $1.70 |
| Internet | Average speed of 96.55 Mbps, available in cafes and coworking spaces |
| Visa | Straightforward application process |
| Transportation | Public transport pass: ~$8.85/month; scooter rentals: $22–$35/month |
However, it’s not without its challenges. The city’s heavy traffic, air pollution, and occasional cultural differences may take some adjustment. Additionally, private health insurance is a must since public healthcare isn’t accessible to foreigners.
To ease into the city, consider starting with a short-term Airbnb rental to explore neighborhoods before making a long-term commitment. If possible, plan your arrival during the dry season (December–March) for the most comfortable weather. Ho Chi Minh City could be the perfect backdrop for your digital nomad adventure.
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