Shipping Household Goods to Vietnam: Customs Cleared, Delivered to Your Door

Vietnam Customs requires accurate declarations and matching documents for all imports, including household goods and personal effects. Clear inventories and correct classification help reduce the chance of inspection delays.

If you are travelling by sea, be prepared to complete any passenger or arrival declaration requested at the port of entry.

These minimums apply to shipments entering Vietnam.

Understanding Vietnam’s import taxes can help you avoid surprises during customs clearance. Here is what you need to know:

Shipping goods across borders always comes with some risk. Cargo insurance is strongly recommended when sending valuable items to Vietnam, especially if your shipment is large or time sensitive.

Always review the terms before finalising your policy. Vietnam port inspections can involve repackaging — confirm whether your policy covers goods during customs examination.

If you are planning to relocate to Vietnam, you will need a valid visa or residence status. Visa types vary by purpose and length of stay. The most reliable way to choose the right option is to check official immigration guidance and confirm which category you are eligible for.

Swift Cargo operates through Vietnam’s major international ports and airports. Whether you are relocating or shipping goods, we provide sea freight and air freight options to the destinations below.

Swift Cargo offers a full door to door moving service to Vietnam. From packing your goods to unpacking them in your new home, we take care of every step of the process.

1. Packing and loading.

Full Packing Service: Do not want to pack yourself? No problem. Our team can pack all types of goods, including furniture and oversized items. Fill out the contact form and a consultant will organise your packing needs.

2. Pickup

Our agents collect the packed goods from your location or warehouse. All movements are tracked and documented, ensuring your shipment is handled securely.

3. Customs clearance

We manage the customs process for Vietnam. See the Customs section above for required documents and inspection details.

4. Delivery and unloading

Once your shipment arrives in Vietnam, we deliver it directly to your home. Our team unloads all boxes at your doorstep.

5. Unpacking and setup

We also offer unpacking services. Our team places your goods where you want them, so you can settle in without stress.

Swift Cargo’s Support Team is built around one simple belief: shipping should never feel stressful, confusing, or impersonal. That’s why we take care of every client one by one, with real attention, real follow-ups, and real specialists who stay involved from start to finish.

When you work with Swift Cargo, you’re not passed around between random departments or forced to repeat yourself over and over: you’re supported by a dedicated logistics specialist who understands your shipment, your priorities, and your expectations. Our role is to make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and safe throughout the entire shipping process.

From pickup coordination to tracking updates, documentation, customs guidance, and delivery confirmation, our team stays reachable and proactive, ensuring you always know what’s happening and what comes next. Whether you need fast answers, reassurance, or expert advice, we’re here with the same specialist ready to help you, every step of the way.

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Bringing a car into Vietnam is possible but requires prior approval and strict compliance with Vietnam Customs and transport rules.

Extra fees may apply for inspection, cleaning, or required modifications.

We Can Help - Swift Cargo handles the process from start to finish, including paperwork, transport, and customs guidance.

Vietnam applies health and quarantine rules to protect public health and agriculture. Pets must meet documented vaccination and health requirements, and additional permits or checks may be required depending on origin and species.

We Can Help - From paperwork and vet checks to booking flights and quarantine coordination, we help your pet arrive safely and in line with Vietnam’s requirements.

Shipping activity in Vietnam

Vietnam is a busy regional logistics hub for sea and air freight. Major gateways include Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Mep–Thi Vai, Hai Phong, and Da Nang for sea cargo, with air links through SGN, HAN, and DAD.

National freight volume (all operators):

Relocating to Vietnam often means adjusting to a different cost structure. Everyday expenses can be relatively affordable compared with many Western countries, while major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi tend to be more expensive than provincial areas. Housing is usually the biggest variable for newcomers, especially in central districts or near international schools. Costs also depend on lifestyle, whether you choose local services or imported goods, and the area you settle in.

Utilities and internet are generally accessible in most urban areas, though costs can rise with higher use of air conditioning or premium service packages. Groceries are widely available through local markets and supermarkets, and prices vary depending on whether you buy local produce or imported brands. Eating out ranges from low cost street food to international dining in city centres. Planning your budget around neighbourhood and habits helps keep spending predictable.

Transportation costs in Vietnam depend on city and commute style. Motorbikes, ride hailing services, and buses are common in major cities, while longer commutes and private cars can raise monthly costs.

The upside is that living costs can be manageable on many local and expatriate salaries, especially outside premium districts. How far your income goes depends on your profession, employment terms, and the city or neighbourhood you choose.

Overall, moving to Vietnam can be cost effective, but expenses vary widely by city and lifestyle. Plan your budget early, compare neighbourhoods, and expect one time relocation costs such as deposits, moving services, and setup fees. With good preparation, Vietnam offers vibrant cities, strong community life, and a practical base for work or study.

Vietnam has a broad network of public facilities, with quality and access varying between major cities and rural provinces. Education includes public schools and a growing number of private and international options in larger cities. Families moving with children often compare districts based on school availability and commute times.

Healthcare in Vietnam includes both public and private hospital systems. Major cities provide the widest range of services, including international standard private clinics, while provincial areas may have fewer specialty options. Foreign residents typically rely on private insurance or employer coverage for easier access to higher tier facilities.

Public services such as government administration, emergency response, and social support are concentrated in city centres and provincial capitals. Rural regions may require longer travel for specialised services, so your choice of location can affect day to day access.

For many expatriates, Vietnam’s major cities offer reliable infrastructure and a wide range of private services. Access is strongest in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. In smaller cities and rural areas, expect fewer international services and longer waits for specialised care. Choosing your city and neighbourhood carefully helps match services to your needs.

Salary levels in Vietnam vary significantly by industry, city, and whether you are on a local contract or an international expat package. Technology and finance in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi command the highest pay for expat hires. Corporate assignees on international packages typically receive housing allowances, school fee support, and home leave flights — understand exactly what your package covers before making relocation decisions based on headline salary figures alone.

Personal Income Tax (PIT) in Vietnam is levied on a graduated scale from 5% to 35% across seven brackets. Tax residency is established after 183 days in any 12-month period. Residents are taxed on worldwide income from Vietnamese sources; non-residents pay a flat 20% on Vietnam-sourced income only. Vietnam has double taxation treaties with over 80 countries including the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Russia — these treaties determine how cross-border income is treated.

Mandatory social insurance for foreign workers holding work permits was introduced in 2018. The combined employer and employee contribution rate is approximately 32%, capped at 20 times the monthly minimum wage. This covers basic healthcare, pension, and other social benefits. For corporate assignees whose packages include a tax equalisation clause, your company HR should be handling the calculations — but confirm this before you arrive, as the first payslip in Vietnam can come as a surprise.

Personal Income Tax (PIT) applies to all Vietnam-sourced income. The graduated rate runs from 5% to 35% for residents. Tax residency is established after 183 days in any rolling 12-month period — once resident, worldwide income attributable to Vietnamese sources becomes taxable. Non-residents pay a flat 20% only on income generated in Vietnam. Annual tax finalisation is required for residents each year.

There is no wealth tax in Vietnam. Property transfers are subject to a 2% tax on the transfer value — not capital gains tax. VAT is levied at 10% on most goods and services (some categories have been temporarily reduced to 8% under government relief packages). Value-added tax on imports applies at the same rate. Business owners operating through a Vietnamese company are also subject to corporate income tax at 20%.

Foreign asset and income reporting obligations vary by nationality — check with a qualified adviser in your home country before moving, as your home country may impose its own foreign income reporting requirements. Keep precise records of the date your Vietnamese tax residency begins, as this affects obligations in both Vietnam and your country of origin. Vietnam's double taxation treaties with most major expat-source countries prevent double taxation but do not eliminate your Vietnamese PIT obligation.

Working in Vietnam requires a work permit (Giấy phép lao động), which must be sponsored by a licensed Vietnamese employer before or shortly after you arrive. You cannot legally work in Vietnam on a tourist or business visa. The work permit process requires your employer to first obtain approval for a foreign worker quota, then apply for the individual permit. Processing typically takes 3–6 weeks once all documentation is in order.

Sectors with strong demand for foreign hires include technology and software (HCMC and Hanoi), manufacturing management (Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang industrial zones), international education (English teachers and school administrators nationwide), hospitality (coastal resorts: Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang), and finance (HCMC's financial district). Vietnam's growing domestic tech ecosystem — with companies like FPT, VNG, and foreign-invested firms including Samsung, Intel, and LG — is creating increasing demand for experienced engineers and product professionals.

Some multinational companies employ foreign staff through licensed employment agencies rather than directly. This affects how PIT and social insurance contributions are processed. Clarify your employment structure with your employer before signing a contract, as it has direct implications for your tax filings and entitlements in Vietnam. Internal transferees within multinationals may qualify for a work permit exemption, but this must be applied for separately and confirmed before arrival.

Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Notes range from 1,000 to 500,000 VND, and USD 1 equals roughly 25,000 VND. While USD is informally accepted in some tourist areas, it is legally prohibited for domestic retail pricing — pay in VND. Cash is still relevant for markets, street food vendors, and smaller transactions outside major cities.

Opening a Vietnamese bank account requires your passport and either a TRC or work permit. Vietcombank has the most extensive ATM network and widest provincial coverage; Techcombank and VPBank have the strongest digital banking platforms in English. USD accounts are available — useful for salary deposits and international transfers. Wise is available and functional in Vietnam, making transfers faster and cheaper than SWIFT for many currencies. Vietnam does not impose annual individual transfer limits equivalent to China's USD 50,000 cap.

Mobile payments via MoMo, ZaloPay, and Grab Pay are widely accepted across Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. QR code payments are common in restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted at ATMs and international-facing businesses, but coverage is inconsistent in smaller cities and rural areas. Setting up a local bank account and linking it to MoMo within your first two weeks makes daily life significantly more convenient.

Vietnam spans over 1,600km from north to south, and climate varies sharply by region. Hanoi in the north has four distinct seasons: cool, damp winters (15–20°C in December–February), hot and humid summers (35–38°C from June to August), and pleasant spring and autumn windows. Typhoon season affects the north and central coast from October to November — shipping and port operations can slow during this period.

Ho Chi Minh City in the south has two seasons: dry (November–April) and wet/rainy (May–October). Year-round temperatures sit between 28–35°C with consistently high humidity. The central region (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) experiences its own wet season from October to January — opposite to the south — with typhoon exposure peaking in October and November. Da Nang summers (July–August) are hot and dry, making the period ideal for shipping arrivals.

For shipping timing, two periods require extra planning. First, the Tet holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, usually January–February): port operations, customs staffing, and trucking services slow significantly for 1–2 weeks before and after Tet. Allow extra time or aim to complete customs clearance before the holiday window. Second, typhoon season for Hanoi and Da Nang-bound shipments (September–November): schedule arrivals either side of the peak if flexibility allows.