Vietnam named world's most affordable destination for expats
(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam has been ranked the world's most affordable destination for expats for the fifth consecutive year, according to an annual ranking by InterNations, a platform that evaluates living standards for expatriates worldwide.
 Visitors watch hot banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls) being made on Hang Dieu Street. (Photo: Vu Thanh/VNA) |
The ranking was cited recently by the French online newspaper Journal du Net (JDN), which noted that gasoline in Vietnam costs about 0.8 USD per liter, while a meal may cost just over 1 USD.
JDN said street food is one of the factors behind Vietnam’s appeal. In Hanoi and many other major cities, signature dishes such as pho (rice noodle), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodle) are priced between 1.2 USD and 3.5 USD. Such prices are difficult to find in many other popular tourist destinations, it added.
InterNations’ study showed that among the surveyed expats living in Vietnam, 86% consider the cost of living favorably. JDN noted that as many European families look for budget-friendly destinations that still offer rich cultural experiences, Vietnam has emerged as a top choice.