Settling in: a renter's guide
A practical, no-fluff guide to renting and settling in as an expat or digital nomad — finding a place, understanding deposits and contracts, and the handful of things worth sorting before and after you arrive. We cover Vietnam, Thailand today, and are expanding across the rest of Southeast Asia.
Find your place
In most of the markets we cover, the rental market is fragmented — the best long-term places rarely reach a property portal, so they're scattered across local listings, often in the local language, and the good ones lease within days. RentScout brings those scattered listings into one searchable, English feed so you can filter by budget, beds, and area and reach out fast.
- Deposits: commonly one to two months upfront (it varies by country) — agree what it covers and how it's returned, in writing, before paying.
- Contracts: six- to twelve-month terms are typical and usually negotiable; longer terms often lower the monthly rate.
- Avoiding scams: never pay before viewing in person or on a live video call, and be wary of prices well below the market. Every RentScout listing carries a Confidence score that flags missing or suspicious details.
Not sure where to start? Explore neighbourhoods by city:
Before you arrive
A few things are far easier to sort before you land than after. Get online the moment you arrive so you can call landlords and book viewings, be able to move money for a deposit, and have health cover for the trip.
- Stay connected: an eSIM gives you data the minute you land — no airport SIM queue before your first viewings.
- Move money: a multi-currency or local account makes paying a deposit and topping up in local currency cheaper than card FX or cash exchange.
- Cover the trip: nomad-friendly travel/health insurance you can start from abroad and run month to month.
Open a local bank account
In Vietnam you pay for almost everything by QR bank transfer. Timo is a Vietnamese digital bank — sign up with our code and earn up to ₫70,000 in bonuses for your first few steps.
New here? Get online instantly
A Yesim eSIM gives you data the moment you land — global and regional plans, activated in minutes. No SIM-shop queue, no roaming fees.
Health & travel cover for long stays
SafetyWing is insurance built for living abroad — flexible cover you can start or cancel anytime.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you sign up through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
After you move in
- Utilities: electricity and water are often billed through the landlord — confirm the rate and whether it's at the government tariff before signing.
- Internet: home fibre is fast and cheap across the region; many furnished places already include it — check before you pay to set up your own.
- Getting around: a rented motorbike or a ride-hailing app covers most cities; the popular expat neighbourhoods are usually flat and walkable.
- Residency: your landlord normally registers your temporary stay with the local authorities — ask them to confirm it's done.
Frequently asked questions
- How much deposit will I need to rent?
- In most Southeast Asian markets, expect one to two months' rent upfront on top of the first month — though it varies by country and landlord. Always agree the deposit amount, what it covers, and how it's returned in writing before you pay anything.
- Is it safe to rent from online listings without a broker?
- Yes — most expats rent directly from landlords. The real risk is scams in unmoderated listings: never pay a deposit before viewing the place in person or on a live video call, and treat far-below-market prices as a red flag. Every RentScout listing carries a Confidence score that flags missing or suspicious details.
- How do I choose the right neighbourhood?
- Browse by area: each city's neighbourhoods have their own page with live listings, typical prices, and what they're like — so you can compare the beach-side expat hubs against quieter, better-value areas before you commit.
- When should I start looking for a place?
- Good places lease within days, so browse current listings before you arrive and reach out as soon as you land. RentScout's feed updates continuously, so you can line up viewings for your first week.
Ready to find a place?
Browse live, AI-curated rentals across Vietnam, Thailand — filter by budget, beds, and neighbourhood.