Your First Week in Da Nang

Where to buy:

• Airport kiosks -- right after you exit customs at Da Nang International Airport, there are several phone carrier booths. Most convenient option.
• City carrier stores -- Viettel and Vinaphone have stores throughout the city with slightly better prices

Which carrier:

• Viettel -- best overall coverage, fastest 4G/5G, most reliable in rural areas if you plan to explore
• Vinaphone -- solid coverage in Da Nang and other cities, slightly cheaper plans

Pricing:

• Airport kiosks: 200-250K VND ($8-10 USD) for a SIM with 10-60 GB of data valid for 30 days
• City Viettel store: approximately 150K VND ($6 USD) for 20 GB on a 30-day plan
• Renewal is easy -- top up at any convenience store or through the carrier app

Requirements:

• You need your passport to register a SIM card (this is the law)
• The staff will handle the registration for you

eSIM option:

• eSIMs are available from Viettel and Vinaphone
• You can also buy a Vietnam eSIM through services like Airalo or Holafly before you arrive
• Useful if your phone supports eSIM and you want data immediately upon landing

In your accommodation:

• Most rental apartments and houses include 50-100 Mbps fiber internet in the rent
• Confirm with your landlord before signing -- ask about the speed and whether it is included
• If internet is not included, setting up a new connection through VNPT or Viettel costs approximately 200-250K VND per month ($8-10 USD) for a reliable fiber connection
• Installation usually takes 1-3 days

Working from cafes:

• Da Nang cafes generally have reliable WiFi suitable for video calls and regular work
• Speeds vary from 20-80 Mbps depending on the cafe and how many people are connected
• Popular work-friendly cafes include those in the An Thuong area and along the beach road

Backup plan:

• Use your 4G phone as a mobile hotspot when WiFi is unreliable
• Viettel 4G is fast enough for most work tasks including video calls
• Consider getting a data plan with generous tethering allowance (most plans allow it by default)

Big supermarkets:

• Lotte Mart -- large Korean-owned supermarket with international products, imported goods, household items. Closest thing to a Western supermarket.
• GO! (formerly Big C) -- wide selection, good prices on local products, has a food court
• Mega Market -- wholesale-style store, great for bulk buying, slightly outside the center

Convenience and specialty stores:

• MOONMILK -- popular with expats in the beach area, stocks Western products, craft beer, cheese, imported snacks
• Convenience stores (Circle K, GS25, Ministop) are on every other corner -- open 24/7, useful for basics, drinks, and snacks

Local markets (cheapest option):

• An Hai Dong Market -- local wet market with incredibly cheap produce, meat, and seafood
• An Hai Bac Market -- similar local market, slightly smaller
• Expect zero English at local markets -- use Google Translate or learn basic Vietnamese numbers
• Prices are roughly 50-70% cheaper than supermarkets for fresh produce
• Markets are best visited in the early morning (6-9am) for the freshest selection

Delivery:

• GrabMart delivers groceries from various stores to your door, usually within 30-60 minutes
• Several stores on the Grab app offer full grocery ranges
• Convenient for heavy items or when you do not feel like going out

Grab -- the essential super-app:

• Ride-hailing (motorbike taxis and cars)
• Food delivery from thousands of restaurants
• Grocery delivery via GrabMart
• Payment via GrabPay
• You will use this app multiple times per day

Google Maps:

• Works well in Da Nang for navigation
• Has most restaurants, shops, and businesses listed
• Use it to find ATMs, pharmacies, and other services nearby

Google Translate:

• The camera feature is invaluable -- point your phone at Vietnamese text (menus, signs, contracts) and it translates in real time
• Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline translation
• The conversation mode works for basic interactions

Wise or Revolut:

• Manage your money, track spending, and use for ATM withdrawals
• Get exchange rate notifications
• Freeze and unfreeze your card

WhatsApp:

• Common among the expat community for group chats and coordination
• Many businesses and services communicate via WhatsApp

Zalo:

• Vietnam's equivalent of WhatsApp -- used by virtually all Vietnamese people
• Landlords strongly prefer Zalo for communication
• Useful for contacting Vietnamese businesses, repair services, and local shops
• Download it and set it up even if you do not plan to use it much -- your landlord will thank you

Hospitals and clinics:

• Vinmec International Hospital -- the best hospital in Da Nang. Modern facility, English-speaking doctors, international standards. A general consultation costs 500-800K VND ($20-32 USD). This should be your first choice for anything serious.
• Family Medical Practice -- an expat-focused clinic with English-speaking staff. Higher prices but very comfortable for foreigners who want a familiar healthcare experience.

Pharmacies:

• Pharmacity chains are everywhere -- clean, well-stocked, professional
• Most medications are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription, including antibiotics, pain medication, and allergy drugs
• Pharmacists often speak basic English
• Prices for medication are a fraction of what you would pay in Western countries

Dentistry:

• Dental care in Vietnam is very affordable and generally high quality
• A cleaning costs approximately 200-400K VND ($8-16 USD)
• Many dental clinics have modern equipment and English-speaking dentists
• Popular for more expensive procedures like crowns, implants, and veneers at a fraction of the Western cost

Insurance:

• SafetyWing is the most popular travel/health insurance among digital nomads -- costs $56 USD per 4-week period
• Covers hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, and emergency dental
• Can be purchased after you have already left your home country
• Other options: World Nomads, Genki, PassportCard
• Make sure your insurance covers motorbike riding if you plan to ride (and that you have a valid IDP)