Know a Safe, Fair Apartment When You See One
A printable scorecard for adults 50+ touring apartments in Vung Tau and Saigon. Check safety, comfort and the true monthly cost, even if you don't speak Vietnamese.
Instant PDF download · Print it or use it on your phone · Free bonus included
Why I made this
When I moved to Vietnam on my own, I toured apartments without knowing what to ask. I didn't speak the language. I learned by trial and error, like finding out in Da Lat that steep hills are hard on my knees.
I've now lived in five Vietnamese cities. This scorecard is the checklist I wish I'd carried on my first tour.
What's inside
Eight printable pages you take with you on every tour.
Your must-haves
Write your deal-breakers before you go, so a pretty view doesn't talk you out of them.
A 72-point scorecard
Safety and fall prevention, health and comfort, the building, money and lease terms, and the neighborhood, each scored 0 to 2.
Instant Rejects
Eight red flags that mean walk away, whatever the score.
The electricity check
How to tell a fair bill from a landlord markup.
A landlord phrase card
17 key questions in English and Vietnamese. Just point to the line.
Compare your top 3
Costs and scores side by side, so the decision is clear.
Who it's for
- Adults 50+ planning a long stay or move to Vung Tau or Ho Chi Minh City
- Anyone touring apartments without speaking Vietnamese
- Adult children helping a parent find a safe place abroad
Move-In Photo Checklist
The scorecard helps you choose the right apartment. The checklist shows you exactly what to photograph on move-in day, with a ready-to-send message in Vietnamese, so you can get your deposit back when you leave.
How it works
Buy and download the PDF right away.
Print one scorecard per apartment, or keep it on your phone.
Score each place during the tour, then compare your top 3 at home.
About Mary
I'm Mary Johnson, founder of Traveling Savvy Seniors and author of The Slow Path to Wellness. I moved abroad on my own as a single senior woman, and I've lived in Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat and Vung Tau. I write a quarterly column for Accessible Journeys magazine.
Questions
Is it only for Vung Tau and Saigon?
It's written for those two cities, but the checks work for apartments anywhere in Vietnam.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese?
No. The phrase card gives you the key questions in Vietnamese, and you can read written answers with Google Translate's camera.
Is it a printed book?
No. It's a PDF you download right away. Print it, or use it on your phone or tablet.
Can I get a refund?
Because this is an instant PDF download, we can't offer refunds once you've downloaded it — you'll still have the file either way. If your download doesn't work, or a file is damaged or incomplete, email us at contactus@travelingsavvyseniors.com within 14 days of your purchase. We'll send you a fresh copy.
