Retire in Vietnam vs Indonesia (Bali): The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Foreigners can buy apartments/condos on a 50-year leasehold, but cannot own land outright.

The 90-day E-visa is common, but those with businesses or investments can apply for longer DT (Investor) visas.

Yes, a single person can live a basic lifestyle for $800 or a luxury lifestyle for $2,000 in cities like Da Nang.

Public hospitals are basic; expats typically use private international clinics like Vinmec or Family Medical Practice.

Vietnam is extremely safe regarding violent crime, though petty theft and traffic accidents are more common concerns.

You need a Vietnamese license or a valid IDP (1968 convention). Riding a motorbike without a license is illegal and common.

Vietnam has excellent fiber connectivity in cities, though international speeds can dip during occasional undersea cable repairs.

For individuals, there is a 0.1% tax on the total sales price of shares or a 20% tax on profits for real estate.

Ho Chi Minh City for business, Da Nang for lifestyle/beach, and Hanoi for culture.

No, it is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water.

Introduced for digital nomads, it allows a 1-year stay (renewable) provided you earn at least $60,000 USD per year from outside Indonesia.

No, but they can own property via a 'Hak Pakai' (Right to Use) or 'HGB' title through a PT PMA company.

A modern 2-bedroom villa with a pool in Canggu or Ubud typically costs $2,000–$3,500 per month.

Bali is very safe, though scooter accidents and petty 'bag snatching' in crowded areas are the most common risks.

Major hubs like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud have excellent fiber-optic internet and world-class coworking spaces.

Under the E33G visa, foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Indonesia if it isn't derived from Indonesian entities.

A 5-to-10 year residency for wealthy individuals requiring a deposit of roughly $130,000 in a local bank.

Private clinics (BIMC, Siloam) are good for minor issues; for major surgeries, many expats fly to nearby Singapore or Bangkok.

A Limited Stay Permit. There are various types including work, investment, marriage, and retirement KITAS.

Yes, but you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid motorcycle license from your home country.