Introduction: Why This Guide Exists
You’re thinking about moving your family abroad. Maybe to Vietnam. Maybe somewhere else. But you need more than blog posts and travel vlogs—you need a real framework.
I created this guide after spending 200+ hours researching international family relocation. This is the resource I wish existed when I started.
This guide is practical, actionable, and based on October 2025 data. Let’s help you make informed decisions for your family’s future.
Part 1: Complete Cost Comparison Framework
Step 1: Calculate Your TRUE Current Costs
Most families underestimate their real monthly costs. Use this framework:
Housing (Monthly):
[ ] Mortgage/Rent: $________
[ ] Property Tax: $________
[ ] Home Insurance: $________
[ ] HOA Fees: $________
[ ] Utilities (Electric/Gas): $________
[ ] Water/Sewer: $________
[ ] Internet/Cable: $________
[ ] Home Maintenance (amortized): $________
Childcare (Monthly):
[ ] Daycare/Nanny: $________
[ ] Before/After School Care: $________
[ ] Summer Camps: $________ (annual ÷ 12)
Food (Monthly):
[ ] Groceries: $________
[ ] Dining Out: $________
[ ] Coffee/Snacks: $________
Transportation (Monthly):
[ ] Car Payment(s): $________
[ ] Car Insurance: $________
[ ] Gas: $________
[ ] Maintenance: $________
[ ] Public Transit: $________
[ ] Parking: $________
Healthcare (Monthly):
[ ] Insurance Premiums: $________
[ ] Prescriptions: $________
[ ] Dental/Vision: $________
[ ] Therapies: $________
[ ] Co-pays/Deductibles (amortized): $________
Other (Monthly):
[ ] Phone Bills: $________
[ ] Subscriptions: $________
[ ] Kids Activities: $________
[ ] Personal Care: $________
[ ] Clothing: $________
[ ] Emergency Fund Contributions: $________
TOTAL CURRENT MONTHLY COST: $________
ANNUAL COST: $________ × 12 = $________
Step 2: Research Target Country Costs
Use these verified resources:
Numbeo.com (crowd-sourced cost data)
Expatistan.com (city-to-city comparisons)
International Living Magazine (expat-focused data)
Facebook expat groups (real family experiences)
Embassy/Government websites (official data)
Vietnam-Specific Resources:
Vietnam Expats Facebook group: Real cost discussions
International Living Vietnam section
Numbeo Vietnam data (updated monthly)
Haiphong/Hanoi/HCMC expat forums
Key Data to Collect:
3-bedroom housing costs (rent + utilities)
Childcare options and costs
International school tuition
Healthcare/insurance options
Transportation costs
Visa requirements and fees
Average grocery costs (local + imported mix)
Step 3: Build Your Target Country Budget
Vietnam Example (Haiphong – Tier 2 City):
Housing:
3-bed townhouse: $300-400/month
Utilities: $60-100/month
Internet: $10-15/month
Total: $370-515/month
Childcare:
Full-time nanny: $280-430/month
Or part-time daycare: $150-250/month
Total: $280-430/month
Food:
70% local foods: $80-120/month
30% imported foods: $40-80/month
Dining out (occasional): $20-50/month
Total: $140-250/month
Transportation:
Electric scooter purchase: $1,500-2,500 (one-time)
Monthly insurance: $10-15/month
Gas/electricity: $5-10/month
Total: $15-25/month (after purchase)
Healthcare:
International family insurance: $500-750/month
Total: $500-750/month
Education (if applicable):
International school: $416-1,250/month ($5,000-15,000 annually)
Or local public school: $0-50/month
Total: $0-1,250/month
Visas:
5-year multiple entry (family of 4): ~$40/month amortized
Total: $40/month
VIETNAM MONTHLY TOTAL (without international school): $1,345-2,010 VIETNAM MONTHLY TOTAL (with international school): $1,761-3,260
Step 4: Calculate Savings Potential
Example (Our Family):
Current Canada costs: $6,378/month
Target Vietnam costs: $1,650/month (no intl school yet)
Monthly savings: $4,728
Annual savings: $56,736
Your Calculation:
Current monthly costs: $________
Target country costs: $________
Monthly savings: $________
Annual savings: $________
Part 2: Healthcare Research Checklist
International Health Insurance Evaluation
Questions to Answer:
[ ] Does it cover pre-existing conditions?
[ ] What’s the annual maximum coverage?
[ ] Does it include emergency evacuation?
[ ] Are preventive services covered?
[ ] What’s the deductible?
[ ] Are dental/vision included or separate?
[ ] Does it cover maternity/newborn care?
[ ] Can you use it in multiple countries?
[ ] What’s the claims process?
[ ] Are there network restrictions?
Top International Insurance Providers (2025):
Cigna Global – Comprehensive, expat-focused
Allianz Care – Good family coverage
GeoBlue – US expats specifically
IMG Global – Budget-friendly options
Aetna International – Premium tier
Vietnam-Specific Healthcare Notes:
Hanoi French Hospital – Western-standard emergency care
Family Medical Practice – Multiple cities, English-speaking
International SOS – Emergency services
Local hospitals adequate for routine care
Medication Continuity Plan
If your family takes regular medications:
[ ] Research availability in target country
[ ] Check if prescriptions transfer
[ ] Identify equivalent medications if needed
[ ] Confirm insurance coverage
[ ] Plan for initial supply during transition
Part 3: Education Evaluation System
Decision Tree: Schooling Options
Option 1: International Schools Pros:
English instruction
Western curriculum (IB, American, British)
Easy integration for kids
Strong expat community
Cons:
Expensive ($5,000-15,000+ annually per child)
May limit cultural immersion
Not available in all cities
Vietnam International School Costs (2025):
Hanoi International School: $10,000-18,000/year
British International School HCMC: $12,000-22,000/year
United Nations International School: $8,000-15,000/year
Option 2: Local Public Schools Pros:
Very affordable ($0-500/year)
Cultural immersion
Language acquisition
Local friend networks
Cons:
Language barrier initially
Different curriculum standards
May require transition support
Option 3: Homeschooling Pros:
Complete control over education
Flexible schedule
Cultural integration at own pace
Lower cost
Cons:
Time-intensive for parents
Requires curriculum planning
Social opportunities need intentional creation
Option 4: Hybrid Approach Our planned strategy:
Years 1-2: International school (ease transition)
Years 3-4: Introduce Vietnamese language tutoring
Years 5+: Evaluate local school with language support
Education Evaluation Checklist
For Each School Option:
[ ] Tuition costs (include all fees)
[ ] Curriculum type (IB, American, British, local)
[ ] Language of instruction
[ ] Class sizes
[ ] Teacher qualifications
[ ] Extracurricular offerings
[ ] Parent reviews/testimonials
[ ] Distance from potential housing
[ ] Transportation options
[ ] Enrollment requirements/waiting lists
Part 4: Visa Strategy Templates
Vietnam Visa Options (2025)
1. Tourist Visa
Duration: Up to 5 years (multiple entry)
Cost: $155/adult, $25/child under 14
Pros: Easy to obtain, long validity
Cons: Cannot work locally or own property
Best for: Initial trial period, remote workers
2. Business Visa
Duration: Up to 2 years
Cost: $400-800 (includes work permit processing)
Requirements: Vietnamese business sponsorship
Pros: Can work and do business
Cons: Need legitimate business entity
Best for: Entrepreneurs, business owners
3. Investor Visa
Duration: Up to 5 years
Cost: Varies by investment amount
Requirements: Minimum investment in Vietnamese business
Pros: Long-term residency path
Cons: Significant capital requirement
Best for: High-net-worth families
4. Family Visa
Duration: Same as sponsor
Cost: $200-500
Requirements: Vietnamese spouse/relative
Pros: Easier renewal, family connection
Cons: Need Vietnamese family member
Best for: Families with Vietnamese connections
Our Phased Visa Strategy
Phase 1 (Year 1-2): Tourist visa – Test waters, no commitment Phase 2 (Year 3): 8-week research trip on tourist visa Phase 3 (Year 4): Establish online business entity in Vietnam Phase 4 (Year 5): Business visa application, official relocation Phase 5 (Year 5+): Evaluate permanent residency options
Part 5: 5-Year Planning Timeline
Year 1: Foundation Building
Financial Goals:
[ ] Build emergency fund ($10,000 minimum)
[ ] Establish location-independent income stream
[ ] Target: $1,000-1,500/month passive income
[ ] Reduce debt aggressively
[ ] Start “Vietnam fund” separate account
Research Goals:
[ ] Join Vietnam expat Facebook groups
[ ] Connect with 3-5 families who made the move
[ ] Research housing options in target cities
[ ] Identify international schools
[ ] Research healthcare providers
Skill Building:
[ ] Start learning basic Vietnamese
[ ] Take online course about cultural norms
[ ] Practice cooking Vietnamese food (kid-friendly)
[ ] Learn about Vietnamese parenting culture
Year 2: Income Scaling
Financial Goals:
[ ] Scale passive income to $2,000-2,500/month
[ ] Maintain 6-month emergency fund
[ ] Save $5,000-10,000 in Vietnam relocation fund
[ ] Test geographic arbitrage (maybe short trip)
Research Goals:
[ ] Narrow to 2-3 specific cities/neighborhoods
[ ] Virtual tours of housing options
[ ] Contact international schools directly
[ ] Get health insurance quotes
[ ] Research visa services/lawyers
Preparation:
[ ] Digitize all important documents
[ ] Research international moving companies
[ ] Start selling unnecessary possessions
[ ] Kids start learning Vietnamese basics
Year 3: Research Trip
Before Trip:
[ ] Book 8-week accommodation in Vietnam
[ ] Schedule school visits
[ ] Set up doctor consultations
[ ] Plan housing tours
[ ] Arrange visa properly
During Trip:
[ ] Live like locals (not tourists)
[ ] Test daily routines with kids
[ ] Visit schools in person
[ ] Check healthcare facilities
[ ] Explore neighborhoods
[ ] Connect with expat families
[ ] Document all costs
[ ] Kids experience Vietnamese school/culture
After Trip:
[ ] Analyze experience honestly
[ ] Adjust plan based on reality
[ ] Decide: Go forward or reconsider
[ ] If going forward: Select city/neighborhood
Year 4: Preparation for Move
Financial Goals:
[ ] Passive income: $3,000-4,000/month (buffer)
[ ] Save $15,000-20,000 relocation fund
[ ] Decide: Sell or rent home
Logistics:
[ ] Establish Vietnamese business entity (if applicable)
[ ] Apply for appropriate visa type
[ ] Enroll kids in selected school
[ ] Book international health insurance
[ ] Set up Vietnamese bank account
[ ] Research international moving companies
[ ] Plan shipping of belongings
Emotional Preparation:
[ ] Kids visit Vietnam again if possible
[ ] Discuss fears/concerns openly
[ ] Say goodbyes to extended family
[ ] Plan return visit schedule
[ ] Document Canadian life (photos/videos)
Year 5: Trial Relocation
Month 1-3: Initial Move
[ ] Arrive with return tickets (safety net)
[ ] Set up housing
[ ] Kids start school
[ ] Establish daily routines
[ ] Test healthcare system
Month 4-6: Reality Assessment
[ ] How are kids adapting?
[ ] Is income stable?
[ ] Are costs matching projections?
[ ] Quality of life improving?
[ ] Relationship with spouse thriving?
Month 6-12: Decision Point
[ ] Stay permanently
[ ] Return to Canada
[ ] Try different Vietnamese city
[ ] Test another country
This isn’t one-way door. It’s experiment with data collection.
Part 6: Risk Assessment Framework
Financial Risks
Risk 1: Passive Income Fails
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: High
Mitigation: Build 2x minimum target, maintain Canadian job skills, keep professional network active
Risk 2: Unexpected Medical Emergency
Likelihood: Low
Impact: Very High
Mitigation: Comprehensive international insurance with evacuation, emergency fund, research hospital options before move
Risk 3: Currency Fluctuation
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Earn in strong currency (CAD/USD), diversify income sources, buffer budget by 30%
Family Risks
Risk 4: Kids Struggle with Adaptation
Likelihood: Medium-High
Impact: High
Mitigation: International school initially, therapy access, regular video calls with Canadian family, frequent reassessment
Risk 5: Relationship Stress
Likelihood: Medium
Impact: Very High
Mitigation: Clear communication, regular date nights, therapy if needed, honest check-ins, return option if needed
Risk 6: Isolation from Support System
Likelihood: High
Impact: Medium-High
Mitigation: Build local expat community, schedule annual Canada visits, maintain online friendships, therapy/coaching access
Practical Risks
Risk 7: Visa Issues
Likelihood: Low
Impact: High
Mitigation: Work with visa lawyer, maintain compliance, have backup visa options, keep Canadian residency active initially
Risk 8: Cultural Misunderstandings
Likelihood: High
Impact: Low-Medium
Mitigation: Learn language, study culture, join expat community, hire cultural consultant if needed
Risk 9: Can’t Find Suitable Housing
Likelihood: Low-Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Research extensively, have backup cities, work with expat real estate agent, temporary housing initially
Part 7: Decision-Making Framework
The 10-Question Relocation Test
Answer honestly. Score each: 1 (not at all) to 5 (completely)
Financial Readiness:
[ ] Do we have 6+ months emergency fund? (1-5)
[ ] Do we have location-independent income at 2x target costs? (1-5)
[ ] Can we afford to return to Canada if this fails? (1-5)
Emotional Readiness: 4. [ ] Are both partners genuinely excited (not just one)? (1-5) 5. [ ] Have we discussed worst-case scenarios honestly? (1-5) 6. [ ] Do our kids understand and feel involved? (1-5)
Practical Readiness: 7. [ ] Have we researched healthcare thoroughly? (1-5) 8. [ ] Have we visited Vietnam with our kids? (1-5) 9. [ ] Do we have expat community connections already? (1-5)
Purpose Alignment: 10. [ ] Is this moving TOWARD something (not just away)? (1-5)
Scoring:
45-50: Strong readiness, proceed with confidence
35-44: Good foundation, address weak areas first
25-34: Significant gaps, need more preparation
Below 25: Not ready yet, focus on foundation building
Part 8: Resource Library
Cost Comparison Tools
Numbeo.com – Comprehensive cost data
Expatistan.com – City comparisons
Teleport.org – Quality of life data
Expat Communities
Facebook: “Expats in Vietnam” (95K members)
Facebook: “Vietnam Expats” (125K members)
Reddit: r/VietNam
Reddit: r/expats
InterNations.org
Healthcare Resources
Cigna Global: cignaenvoy.com
International SOS: internationalsos.com
GeoBlue: geo-blue.com
Education Resources
ISS Directory: international schools
Council of International Schools: cois.org
International School Services: iss.edu
Legal/Visa
Vietnam Immigration Department: immigration.gov.vn
E-visa portal: evisa.gov.vn
Expat visa services: Multiple private companies
Financial Planning
Wise.com – International transfers
Charles Schwab – International banking
N26 – Digital banking
Traditional bank international services
Part 9: Monthly Cost Tracking Template
Use this for your first 6 months in Vietnam:
Month: ________
Housing:
Rent: $________
Utilities: $________
Internet: $________
Maintenance: $________
Total: $________
Childcare:
Nanny/Daycare: $________
School tuition: $________
School supplies: $________
Activities: $________
Total: $________
Food:
Local groceries: $________
Imported foods: $________
Dining out: $________
Total: $________
Transportation:
Scooter gas/electric: $________
Maintenance: $________
Grab/taxi: $________
Total: $________
Healthcare:
Insurance premium: $________
Doctor visits: $________
Prescriptions: $________
Dental: $________
Total: $________
Other:
Phone/internet: $________
Entertainment: $________
Clothing: $________
Personal care: $________
Unexpected: $________
Total: $________
TOTAL MONTHLY SPEND: $________
Compare to projection: Was it higher/lower? Why?
Adjustments for next month:
Part 10: Emergency Protocols
Medical Emergency Protocol
Steps:
Call International SOS helpline (on insurance card)
Go to nearest international-standard hospital:
Hanoi: Hanoi French Hospital
HCMC: Family Medical Practice
Have insurance card ready
Contact insurance within 24 hours
Keep all receipts/documentation
If serious: Request evacuation assessment
Emergency Contact Card (carry always):
International SOS: ____________
Insurance 24/7 line: ____________
Vietnamese emergency: 115
Embassy emergency: ____________
Local hospital: ____________
Financial Emergency Protocol
Income loss scenario:
Assess runway: Emergency fund ÷ monthly costs = __ months
If less than 3 months: Activate return plan immediately
If 3-6 months: Reduce costs, seek temporary work
If 6+ months: Adjust strategy, evaluate options
Emergency Fund Locations:
50% in Canadian account (easy repatriation)
50% in Vietnamese account (immediate access)
Visa Emergency Protocol
If visa issues arise:
Contact visa lawyer immediately (have one identified beforehand)
Don’t overstay – penalties are severe
Exit to neighboring country if needed (Thailand, Cambodia)
Have backup visa option prepared
Family Emergency Protocol
If kids struggling badly:
Acknowledge feelings, don’t minimize
Schedule therapy/counseling immediately
Increase video calls with Canadian family/friends
Evaluate international school vs homeschool options
If persistent (3+ months): Seriously consider return
If relationship stress extreme:
Couples therapy (can be online)
Schedule regular date nights
Honest communication about fears
Give permission to return if needed
Remember: Relationship > Location
Final Thoughts: Your Checklist is Not My Checklist
This guide is comprehensive. But it’s not complete.
Every family is different. Every situation is unique. Your risk tolerance, financial situation, kids’ personalities, career flexibility—all different from mine.
Use this guide as framework, not gospel.
Adapt it. Modify it. Add your own sections.
The goal isn’t to follow my exact path. The goal is to make informed decisions for YOUR family’s future.
Some families will read this and say “hell yes, we’re doing it.”
Some families will read this and say “nope, not for us.”
Both reactions are valid. This isn’t about convincing anyone. It’s about providing information.
If you’re still reading, you’re probably seriously considering international relocation. That’s exciting. It’s also scary.
My advice? Start small.
Don’t quit your job tomorrow. Don’t sell your house next month.
Start with Year 1 foundation building. See how it feels. Adjust as you go.
And remember: This is reversible. It’s not permanent. It’s experiment with family at center.
Good luck. You’ve got this.
Connect & Continue Learning
This is Week 4 of my 260-week journey building $2,000/month passive income so my family can move to Vietnam.
I’m documenting everything:
Every dollar spent (total budget: $5,000 over 5 years)
Every automation tool tested
Every challenge faced
Every lesson learned
Follow the journey:
YouTube: [Subscribe for weekly videos]
Email: [Join list for deeper insights]
Community: [Comment questions, share experiences]
Because maybe you’re asking the same questions I am. Maybe we can figure this out together.
Next week: I’m testing an automation tool that might save me 15 hours per week. But it costs $150—3% of my entire 5-year budget. Should I do it?
See you then.
