This week, we’re diving into one of the hottest debates in the digital nomad world: Is Vietnam the best place on Earth to live cheaply and well? With $3 meals and $17 hotel rooms, the math might just check out. We’re also breaking down the 2025 U.S. tax deadlines for expats and remote workers. If you’re living abroad, you might qualify for extra time.

Let’s get into it. 👇

This Week in Nomad Deals

💰Value in Vietnam: Is Vietnam the best country in the world for saving money? Let’s do the math.

🗓️Tax Deadlines: How digital nomads and expats can get an extension on filing U.S. tax returns.

Cheap Travel

Vietnam: A Nomad Budget Paradise?

Is Vietnam the best value in the world for digital nomads?

A commentator on the Reddit forum r/digitalnomad recently asserted as much, writing about “ridiculous deals on hotels” (think rooms for as low as $17 USD).

Of course, there’s a bit of a catch to the hype. Read on to learn more about potential pitfalls, so you can travel smartly in the Land of the Blue Dragon.

💰Value in Vietnam

According to our cost of living tabulations, Vietnamese cities top the list for affordability. Da Nang ranks as the cheapest major city in the world for nomads, with a monthly cost of living estimated at $800 - $1,210 USD. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City similarly rank among the cheapest cities in Asia.

When it comes to local cuisine, Vietnam’s street food scene stands out as a paradise for budget travelers seeking cheap (and relatively healthy) options. According to data from Numbeo and Budget Your Trip, the average meal costs just over $3 USD.

🤔What’s the Catch?

The old adage “if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is” certainly applies to many aspects of digital nomad life in Vietnam. But if you do your due diligence, you can reduce your chances of running into unexpected problems.

• Review fraud: Many hotels and restaurants pressure or incentivize tourists to leave 5-star reviews.

• 5-star ≠ 5-star: Budget hotels with high scores often don’t meet international standards. Many feature paper-thin walls, mold, roaches, and misleading photos.

• General loudness: From karaoke, traffic, and EDM to construction—Vietnam is just noisy. Soundproofing is rare.

• Price gouging: Foreigners often pay more for the same goods/services, and scams targeting tourists are common.

Many veteran Vietnam travelers recommend that newcomers sort hotel and Airbnbs by worst reviews first to identify recurring issues that may be buried. If possible, check out your accommodations in person before committing to a long-term stay.

All travelers to Vietnam are required to fill out an E-visa prior to arrival. The tourist visa costs $25 for one-time entry and is valid for up to 90 days. Be sure to use the official Vietnamese government visa site.

Taxes

Tax (Over) Time: Deadlines for 2025

Today’s the big deadline for most U.S. taxpayers. But if you're living the digital nomad life or calling another country home, you get a little extra breathing room.

Here’s an overview of the tax filing extensions available to nomads and expats living abroad:

📅 Key Tax Deadlines for U.S. Expats in 2025

• April 15, 2025: Standard deadline to pay any taxes owed.

• June 16, 2025: Automatic two-month extension to file federal tax returns for those living abroad. No formal application is required, but a statement must be attached to the return explaining the qualification for this extension. ​

• October 15, 2025: Extended filing deadline if Form 4868 is submitted by April 15. This extension applies only to filing, not to payment of taxes owed. ​

📝 Important Notes

Note that even with filing extensions, interest accrues on any unpaid taxes after April 15. Late payment penalties may also apply.

For those with foreign bank accounts, the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is due by April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15. This report is filed separately with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). ​

💸Nomad Tax Software and Services

We always recommend consulting qualified professionals for any personal tax questions.

If you’re comfortable with a DIY approach, nomad-specific tax software like MyExpatTaxes makes the process of claiming tax breaks relatively straightforward.

For those who prefer professional preparation, Greenback Expat Tax Services is a well-regarded firm that caters toward expats, retirees, and digital nomads living abroad.