Moving to Hanoi? Here’s What No One Tells You (But Should)

Making the move to Hanoi is exciting—buzzing streets, beautiful chaos, amazing food, and a vibrant, welcoming expat community. But let’s be honest: the transition isn’t always easy.

After years of living here and working with expats from all over the world, I’ve seen the full spectrum—from wide-eyed optimism to total overwhelm. So, let’s talk about the real challenges of relocating to Hanoi—and how we at NEST do our best to make it feel a little more like… home.

🏘️ 1. The Housing Hustle

Let’s start with the obvious: finding a home in Hanoi can be chaotic. Between shady listings, misrepresented photos, language barriers, and unclear rental terms, the process is often more stressful than it needs to be.

At NEST, we simplify the search. We personally curate properties that are well-maintained, thoughtfully furnished, and genuinely ready for move-in. No mystery showers, no neon lighting, no bait-and-switch. Just clean, functional homes with personality.

📦 2. “Fully Furnished” (But Not Really)

We’ve all seen it: a listing that claims to be fully furnished… but offers two forks, a mattress on the floor, and a fan from 1998.

Our design team (that’s the part I love most!) works with landlords and property owners to elevate homes into truly livable spaces. We focus on comfort, quality, and warmth—because “just enough” isn’t good enough when you’re settling into a new country.

🌐 3. Communication Gaps & Cultural Confusion

Sometimes it’s not about the house at all—it’s about the little misunderstandings that come with navigating a new system. What’s included in the rent? Who fixes the AC? How do you top up electricity?

We act as your bridge—translating not just language, but expectations. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what to ask, and what’s normal here (and what’s not).

🧠 4. Decision Fatigue Is Real

When you’re moving countries, every decision—from where to live to what type of sofa feels like home—can feel overwhelming.

We take pride in being a one-stop-shop. Need to move in next week? We’ve got a shortlist. Want to customize your rental? We can furnish and style it to your taste. Need help finding cleaners or sorting bills? We’ll point you in the right direction.

You don’t need ten WhatsApp chats and a spreadsheet. You need one calm, capable team that has your back.

🫶 5. The Emotional Side

No one talks enough about this: it’s hard to feel “at home” when nothing around you is familiar. A well-designed, comfortable space makes a huge difference. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about feeling safe, grounded, and a little more you.

That’s why we don’t just “rent houses”—we create homes. It’s our favorite part of what we do.

💡 In Short…

Moving to Hanoi doesn’t have to be a wild guessing game. Whether you’re here for a year, a new adventure, or a long-term lifestyle change, NEST is here to help you land gently.

Let us help you skip the chaos—and start feeling at home from day one.