What to Actually Bring When Moving to Da Nang: The Real Expat Checklist

The real Da Nang packing list: clothes in YOUR size (XL+/size 11+ shoes are hard to find), multiple bank cards from different banks (Charles Schwab + Wise), 3-6 months of medications (counterfeits are common), and set up Google Voice/VPN BEFORE you leave, you can't do it from Vietnam. Skip the YouTube advice. Here's what expats actually wish they'd brought to Da Nang.

What You Actually Need to Bring

Clothing That Fits YOU

Here's the uncomfortable truth: if you wear larger sizes, Da Nang is tough. Size 11+ shoes? You're hunting for weeks. US XL or bigger clothing? Same problem. Don't trust anyone who tells you "just buy it here." You can buy it—just not in your size.

What to pack: A few key lightweight outfits in your size. Two pairs of slip-on shoes (and yes, slip-ons are essential—you'll understand when you're constantly removing shoes). A light jacket for surprisingly cold days. The Vietnamese market does have tailors who can copy your favorite pieces, so bring one good outfit to use as a template.

Banking Cards (Multiple, From Different Banks)

This is non-negotiable. Set up:

• A debit card with no foreign ATM fees (Charles Schwab is the gold standard)
• A credit card with no foreign transaction fees (Visa or Mastercard)
• A second debit card from a different bank as backup (cards get cloned here, and you don't want to wait weeks for replacements)
• Wise or Revolut card (cashless payments are becoming huge in Da Nang)

Yes, there are ATMs everywhere. But if your card gets compromised or lost, you're stuck. I've talked to expats who got locked out of their accounts and couldn't access anything for days.

Supplements and Medications You Actually Take

Vietnam has most medications available—but there's a massive counterfeit industry. If you take specific vitamins, supplements, or medications regularly, bring a 3-6 month supply. You can always order more, but shipping to Vietnam is a nightmare.

Bring:

• Your regular vitamins and supplements
• Protein powder (if that's your thing)
• Any prescription medications you rely on
• Pepto-Bismol or your preferred stomach relief (stomach issues are real for newcomers)
• Quality skincare products you trust (the counterfeit cosmetics market is active)

A VPN and Google Voice Setup (Before You Leave)

This is critical. Set up Google Voice or Skype BEFORE you leave the US. You cannot set these up once you're in Vietnam. You'll need a US number for:

• Two-factor authentication on your banking apps
• Calling 1-800 numbers (impossible from Vietnam otherwise)
• Accessing subscription services that require US verification

Install NordVPN or another trusted VPN before you go. You'll need it to:

• Log into US banking apps without fraud blocks
• Access streaming services with your home VPN
• Manage subscriptions that geofence content

Niche Items Nobody Talks About

These are things you literally cannot find in Da Nang, no matter how hard you look:

• Your favorite deodorant (if you're brand picky)
• Shaving gel (only foam available here)
• Specialty spices for cooking (oregano, cumin, fenugreek, marjoram—good luck finding these)
• Blue cheese dressing ingredients (one expat literally said this; buttermilk doesn't exist here)
• Quality coffee filters and ground decaf coffee (instant only, mostly)
• Anti-itch cream for mosquito bites (Benadryl-type stuff)
• Neosporin or similar (basic first aid stuff is available, but familiarity matters)
• An Amazon Fire Stick (with VPN, watch US streaming—this is huge for homesickness)
• Quality thick towels (Vietnamese towels are thin and small)

Electronics and Power Adapters

Most Vietnamese outlets are 2-prong. Bring a couple of adapters for any dual voltage electronics. But honestly? You can buy these here cheap.

The Fire Stick is worth its weight in gold if you miss American TV. Speakers are surprisingly hard to find—bring a quality Bluetooth speaker if sound matters to you.

What You Do NOT Need to Bring (Seriously)

Sunscreen and bug spray: These are everywhere and actually cheaper here. US sunscreen is heavily regulated and considered inferior anyway.

Most toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste—all available. Though quality varies and some expats say Vietnamese shampoos don't work well for Western hair types.

Most clothing: Unless you have specific sizing issues, you can buy clothes here. Uniqlo is actually 30-40% cheaper in Vietnam than the US.

Converters (most): Buy these here. You don't need the bulk.

The Mindset Shift

Here's what the best expats tell newcomers: pack light, bring money, and trust that you can figure out the rest.

One expat who's been here 8 years said the only real issue they've had in nearly a decade is finding clothes and shoes that fit. Everything else? Available on Shopee or Lazada. Yes, you might pay more for Western brands, but they exist.

The expensive mistake isn't underpacking—it's overpacking and wasting luggage space. You can get almost anything here. The exceptions are specific sizes, niche medications, and comfort items that matter to your mental health (like your favorite shampoo or a Fire Stick for late-night homesickness).

The Real Checklist

Must bring:

• Passport and copies
• Multiple bank cards (see above)
• Your medications and supplements
• Clothes and shoes that fit your body
• VPN and Google Voice (set up before leaving)
• Comfort items for your mental health

Nice to have:

• Familiar toiletries and skincare
• Specialty spices or foods you cook with
• Fire Stick
• Quality towels and speakers

Don't waste space on:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Power converters (buy here)
• Generic toiletries

The Bottom Line

Moving to Da Nang doesn't require you to ship your entire life in a suitcase. Pack smart: essentials, comfort items, things that fit your specific needs. Then bring money—good money. Budget $2,500-4,000/month minimum for a comfortable lifestyle (not the "living on $500/month" fantasy you see on YouTube).

Everything else? You'll figure it out. That's the expat game.

Related Da Nang Moving Guides

• Motorcycle Safety Guide
• Motorbike License Guide
• Retiring in Da Nang

Planning your move to Da Nang? Browse housing and relocation services or list your relocation service on ExpatsList.