Ho Chi Minh Digital Nomad Guide 2025: Cost, Cafes & Internet Speed

• Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses are $974, including rent, utilities, food, transportation, and more. Rent for a 1BR apartment in the city center starts at $436/month.
• Internet Speed: Fixed broadband averages 163.41 Mbps, while mobile data hits 134.19 Mbps - both above global averages.
• Top Cafes for Work: Reliable WiFi, power outlets, and quiet seating can be found at spots like The Workshop Coffee and Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters.
• Coworking Spaces: Spaces like CirCO Hoang Dieu and WeWork E. Town Central offer flexible plans and networking events.
• Visa Updates: Vietnam now offers a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa, making it easier to stay longer.

Quick Overview of Costs (USD/month):

Ho Chi Minh City combines affordability, modern amenities, and a growing digital nomad community, making it a top destination for remote workers in 2025.

Living Costs

Accommodation Prices

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 [4]. 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.

Food Costs

How much you spend on food depends on your dining preferences:

• Street food: Around $1.72 to $3.02 per meal, which totals approximately $90 to $120 per month.
• Local restaurants: Meals typically cost $4 to $9, adding up to $120 to $270 monthly.
• Western-style dining: Expect to pay $9 to $18 per meal, with monthly costs ranging from $270 to $540.
• Groceries: Monthly grocery bills for one person generally fall between $90 and $180, or 3,000,000–5,000,000 VND [3].

These options provide a range of choices to fit different budgets and lifestyles.

Monthly Expenses

Here’s an example of a monthly budget tailored for a digital nomad:

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 [3]. This breakdown can help you plan your monthly expenses effectively.

Work-Friendly Cafes

5 Best Cafes

Looking for the perfect spot to get work done? Here are five cafes that offer reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and a calm environment:

• The Workshop Coffee: Located in District 1, this third-floor cafe boasts an industrial vibe with high ceilings, lots of natural light, and long coworking tables equipped with charging ports. Enjoy panoramic street views, a diverse menu, and dependable WiFi - ideal for video calls.

• Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters: Found in Saigon Pearl, this cafe features spacious tables with power outlets, scenic river views, and outdoor seating with access to power. Known for its specialty coffee and peaceful setting, it’s surrounded by greenery for a relaxing workday.

• SOMA Saigon: Situated at 6 Đ. Lê Văn Miến in Thao Dien, SOMA offers built-in power outlets along the walls, unique breakfast dishes like bao tacos, and a wide drink selection, including kombucha. Weekdays here are especially great for focused work.

• Danshari: Located at 156B Lý Tự Trọng, Danshari provides individual workstations with outlets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom overhead lighting, creating a distraction-free environment.

• KAI Coffee: With multiple branches across the city, KAI Coffee offers self-service power stations, free water and tissues, and open rooftop spaces. It’s a reliable choice for consistent working conditions.

These spots cater to the needs of remote workers and digital nomads, making them excellent choices for productivity.

Cafe Requirements

A good work-friendly cafe should meet certain standards to help you stay productive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

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.

Internet Access

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 [5].

Speed Tests

Mobile internet in Vietnam has seen impressive improvements. The country now ranks 22nd worldwide for mobile internet speed [5]. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Vietnam has jumped 15 spots in mobile internet rankings since January 2024 [5]. Next, let’s look at flexible internet plans tailored for digital nomads.

Internet Plans

Ho Chi Minh City offers various affordable internet options to suit different needs:

E-SIM Plans:

• Holafly: Best for unlimited data users.
  • 7 days: $29
  • 15 days: $51
  • 30 days: $75
• Airalo: Perfect for moderate data users.
  • 3 GB for 30 days: $9.50
  • 5 GB for 30 days: $13
  • 10 GB for 30 days: $21

Holafly is ideal for heavy users who need unlimited data, while Airalo provides budget-friendly plans for lighter usage.

Free Wi-Fi Spots

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to stay connected [6]:

Tourist Attractions:

• War Remnants Museum
• Opera House
• Reunification Palace

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 [7].

Pro Tip: Use apps like WiFi Map or Free Wi-Fi Finder to locate hotspots, complete with passwords and speed details [6]. These tools are especially helpful for finding dependable connections while working remotely throughout the city.

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Work Spaces

Ho Chi Minh City offers coworking spaces that combine professional facilities with networking opportunities.

3 Best Coworking Spaces

Here are some top-rated coworking spaces as of March 2025:

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.

Community Events

Ho Chi Minh City’s digital nomad community is active, with regular events hosted by various coworking spaces:

• The Hive Thao Dien organizes weekly career-focused meetings and social events.
• Serepok Coworking Space hosts Friday evening happy hours for casual networking.
• WeWork E. Town Central runs professional development events on a regular basis.

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.

Legal Requirements

If you’re planning to work as a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s essential to understand Vietnam’s legal requirements.

Visa Options

Vietnam doesn’t offer a specific digital nomad visa, but you can choose from these alternatives:

*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:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• A completed visa application form
• A visa approval letter
• An entry/exit form
• Passport photos
• Cash for the stamping fee

If you’re entering Vietnam by land, you’ll need to apply for a visa through an embassy.

Tax Rules

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:

• You stay in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year.
• You maintain a permanent residence in the country.

Non-Residents
If your stay is under 183 days, you’ll face a flat 20% tax on income earned within Vietnam [2].

Important Notes:

• Working while on a tourist visa or visa exemption is against the law.
• Income earned outside of Vietnam is generally not taxed.
• For stays longer than 3 months, you should apply for a business visa or extend your visa through local travel agencies (additional fees may apply).

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.

Conclusion

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 [8]. Daily expenses are minimal, with local meals priced under $2 and gym memberships costing about $27 per month [8].

Here’s a quick breakdown of essential details:

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 [8].

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 [1]. Ho Chi Minh City could be the perfect backdrop for your digital nomad adventure.