Ho Chi Minh City Arrival Checklist for Japanese Expats

The first few weeks after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City are filled with paperwork, errands and settling in. It can be hard to know where to start, so we have organised everything into a checklist. Below is a summary of the procedures and preparations Japanese expats need when relocating to Ho Chi Minh City.

Organise what you need to do after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

The number of tasks may feel overwhelming, but if you tackle them one by one in chronological order you will get through them all. Start with the highest-priority items and work your way down.

Immediately after arrival (within the first week)

SIM card and mobile phone
Your first priority is to secure a means of communication. You can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport (passport required). The main carriers are Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone. For longer stays, you can switch to a monthly plan at a carrier shop later. It is also wise to put your Japanese mobile number on a number-holding service for peace of mind.

Final housing check
When you move in, test all appliances (air conditioning, water heater, washing machine, etc.), collect your keys and confirm spares, note the management company or landlord's contact details, learn the waste-disposal rules, and locate the nearest convenience store or supermarket.

Registration at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City
If you will stay for three months or longer, you are required to submit a residence report. You can file it online via the ORRnet system. This registration is essential for safety confirmation in emergencies and for accessing consular services.

Within the first two weeks

Opening a bank account
You will need a local bank account to receive your salary and manage living expenses. If your company specifies a bank, open an account there. Required documents include your passport, visa and work permit (or a letter from your company). Some banks have Japanese-speaking counters.

• Electricity and water: Usually included with the property, but confirm the payment method
• Internet: If speed and stability matter to you, consider arranging a separate line
• Water purifier: For safe drinking water, consider installing a water purifier or ordering a water dispenser

Installing the Grab app
Grab (a ride-hailing app) is an indispensable way to get around Ho Chi Minh City. You can use it to book taxis, motorbike taxis and food deliveries. Install it as soon as you arrive and register with your Vietnamese phone number.

Within the first month

• Healthcare and insurance: Review your company's expat insurance coverage, obtain a list of covered medical facilities and choose a regular hospital or clinic
• Driving licence: An international driving permit is not valid in Vietnam. If you need to drive, you must convert to a Vietnamese licence
• School procedures (if you have children): Complete enrolment at the Japanese school or an international school, register for the school bus and handle related paperwork

Know where to buy Japanese groceries

Once you have settled in, preparing daily meals becomes part of your routine. For Japanese groceries you can visit Japanese food shops around Le Thanh Ton or Phu My Hung, local supermarkets, or the Farmi app. With the Farmi app you can order Japanese rice, seasonings, meat, frozen foods and a wide range of other Japanese products right from your phone and have them delivered to your door. Download the Farmi app soon after arrival so it is ready when you need it.

Take it one step at a time

The sheer number of tasks may feel daunting, but you do not have to do everything at once. Start with the highest priorities and work through them in order. Do not hesitate to ask fellow Japanese residents or online communities for advice, and build your life in Ho Chi Minh City step by step.