zabrinale
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
72
Contacts
9
About me
American
Lives in Hanoi
Registration: 30 July 2014
Vietnamese Mother in Vietnam and British Father - English baby Name? by GuestPoster221
I recently had the great fortune of becoming a dad. The mother is VN and I am British, we are married and happy. Thing is ... I want him to have an English name. My father just died and I would like to give him his name, not a VN one. I do not ...
I don't know about UK; but in the US when the child turns 18, he can legally change his name in court. Of course until then his name is still in Vietnamese on all legal documents. My legal name is in Vietnamese and it's on all legal ... Read More
Sending money temporarily to Vietnam from US, it needs to go back. by SteinNebraska
Please help because I want to be sure I do this the right way so I don't get more of my US money trapped here. I need to send some money from the US to VN temporarily to buy two parcels of land. I have money in my company account here but I ...
What you are doing is very risky! If I were you, I wouldn't do it. Read More
Marriage to a Vietnamese Woman by Guestposter822
Just interested to hear about peoples experiences married to a Vietnamese woman, more so for marriages that have lasted longer than say 3 years...
Hi Sam, We are so sorry to hear that your wonderful wife passed away last July. Are you still in Vietnam or have you moved back to the States? Hope you stay strong and take care of yourself. Sending you our sincere condolences. Read More
Just for fun: History of Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Whether youre a history buff or not, heres a chance to learn about the history of Vietnam. Below are a few trivia questions to test whether you have the correct facts. 1. Name 3 iconic monuments/structures in Vietnam 2. What ...
To Colinoscapee, This is the work of the communist government; they even destroy all cemeteries of the last century to make space for parks and buildings. Read More
Just for fun: History of Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Whether youre a history buff or not, heres a chance to learn about the history of Vietnam. Below are a few trivia questions to test whether you have the correct facts. 1. Name 3 iconic monuments/structures in Vietnam 2. What ...
who are you trying to kid, not even 1% as much history as UK & not even .01% of the history of Europe or China or Thailand for that matter!! Where are all the historic palaces, castles, influence in the world??? Ba Na Hill!! You need to travel ... Read More
Just for fun: History of Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Whether youre a history buff or not, heres a chance to learn about the history of Vietnam. Below are a few trivia questions to test whether you have the correct facts. 1. Name 3 iconic monuments/structures in Vietnam 2. What ...
With all the wars going on for thousands of years, excluding fights with the French, the Japanese and the Americans who bombed(all 3 of them) the country up & down during the last century? How can any country preserves any historical buildings ... Read More
Just for fun: History of Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Whether youre a history buff or not, heres a chance to learn about the history of Vietnam. Below are a few trivia questions to test whether you have the correct facts. 1. Name 3 iconic monuments/structures in Vietnam 2. What ...
Who is this clown "Moscowmetro" who posted such a naive statement: "who are you trying to kid, not even 1% as much history as UK & not even .01% of the history of Europe or China or Thailand for that matter!! Where are all the ... Read More
Employment for a Writer in Vietnam? by TheThoreauLife
Dear Friends, I am relatively new to expat.com, so before my question I will introduce myself. I am an American who grew up as a military brat overseas (Italy, Spain) and lived previously as an expat in Kathmandu Nepal for eight months. I attend ...
A college degree is a MUST to have anywhere in the world, ESPECIALLY IN VIETNAM! The Vietnamese only look at your degrees whether you are looking for a job, a wife or socializing. They believe EDUCATION is what makes you stand out in a society. ... Read More
How do I know if a Vietnamese girl likes me? by GuestPoster 156
My best friend from American said he had a beautiful 28 year old cousin in Ho Chi Minh City that I should meet. I took him up on his offer and started texting her a few months prior to my trip. I arrived 2 weeks ago and so far have gone out to 3 ...
I love to read your posts; they are hilarious but give out losts of info. Please go on Mr. Yogi, Colinoscapee, Briansmith, Bazza, Thigv, Fred, Gobot and Mrs. Ciambella. I haven't heard from Mr. Eodmatt though! May be he is away on a business ... Read More
Buying an apartment in Hanoi by OlegR
Hi Colleagues, I'm intending to invest into an apartment in Hanoi (Vinhomes). I would appreciate an advise on the following: 1. My Work Permit shall expire in March 2018, the last installment (5%) to be paid to Vinhomes in 2019. Is that an ...
Hello all! All foreigners need to understand that when you live or are (tourists) in this country you are in a land where everything belongs to the people, the public; nothing is personal and nothing belongs to you. So your land is the ... Read More
Food, Vegetables & Groceries by saigon2017
Hi, I have just moved to Vietnam and am struggling here with food. The water here is laced with arsenic and heavy metals and labels/cold storage/expiry dates are a disaster. 1./ Are supermarket vegetables safe? or are laced with pesticides? 2./ ...
To Saigon 2017 I cannot believe people go to an underdeveloped communist country and expect it to be like a normal democratic one like in America or Europe and complain about everything! So naive and ignorant! Read More
Your new local habits in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Vietnam is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Vietnam? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate life ...
As a Viet Kieu, I am so glad to hear that you are having a wonderful time here in Vietnam with your Vietnamese wife. It makes me proud of my native country. Wishing you the best always! And I hope your orchard will prosper in the near future. Read More
How can I find some place in Hanoi to eat Halal foods? by eatout
In a city where Muslim-friendly restaurants aren’t as thriving as their Southeast Asian neighbours. I have some partners who come from Middle East and I don't know where is the best to invite them?
Little India on 32 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem District offers Halal foods; Good foods! Tel.: +84 03 926 1859 Read More
Meeting new friends in Algiers by natianatia20122012
Hi there. I just moved to Algiers. I am married to an Algerian. I am originally from Georgia. Would be nice to make new friends in Algiers.
Hi Susan, Where and how can I find out about those get-togethers? Would be nice to meet new friends here in Algiers. Zabrina Read More
Futur expat in Hanoi! Any interesting neighbourhood? Price of rentals? by Ju Spoops
Hello everybody, I'm gonna move to Hanoi in Feb 2016. I still have to find a job, get a visa, check if my diplomas are ok (checked the links given here but the websites are not in english, therefore quite hard to 'understand'! =) ) and ...
Hi! Go to Housing and Classified on top of the forum and you will find all sorts of things you need and of course, like other expats suggested, go to old posts on the blog and you'll find all the answers. Good Luck! Read More
Vietnamese cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Vietnam? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Vietnam and why not your best recipe. Thank ...
Hi Califemme, Am glad my post helped . Bot Chien means Flour for Frying, not dog flour! Hope that helps too! Enjoy Vietnam! Read More
New members of the Algeria forum, introduce yourself here 3rd quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Algeria forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Jason, Welcome to Algeria! I hope you are enjoying the country! What city are you in? Please PM me for more info. Thank you and have a good day! Read More
New members of the Algeria forum, introduce yourself here 3rd quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Algeria forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Clement, Nice meeting you here! Where do you live? Please PM me for more info. Thank you! Read More
looking for interpreter/translater who can speak fluently Eng & French by zabrinale
Hello everyone! I work for VTC Corp. in Hanoi, Vietnam. I am interested in Algeria because our business is expanding and would be in Algeria soon. We would be looking for an interpreter/translater who can speak fluently English and French. Of ...
Hello Mourad, Thank you for your email address. We will send you an email as soon as we know the exact date of arrival. See you in October! Best regards, Zabrina Read More
looking for interpreter/translater who can speak fluently Eng & French by zabrinale
Hello everyone! I work for VTC Corp. in Hanoi, Vietnam. I am interested in Algeria because our business is expanding and would be in Algeria soon. We would be looking for an interpreter/translater who can speak fluently English and French. Of ...
Hi Mourad, Thank you for your reply. Where do you live? We will be in Algiers around mid-October . I will confirm the exact date of arrival with you later. Could you please give me your personal email address so that we can contact you in a later ... Read More
looking for interpreter/translater who can speak fluently Eng & French by zabrinale
Hello everyone! I work for VTC Corp. in Hanoi, Vietnam. I am interested in Algeria because our business is expanding and would be in Algeria soon. We would be looking for an interpreter/translater who can speak fluently English and French. Of ...
Hello Kenjee, Thank you for your help! Best regards, Zabrina Read More
looking for interpreter/translater who can speak fluently Eng & French
Hello everyone! I work for VTC Corp. in Hanoi, Vietnam. I am interested in Algeria because our business is expanding and would be in Algeria soon. We would be looking for an interpreter/translater who can speak fluently English and French. Of ... Read More
Help with french language
Hi Guru! I sent you a PM, please check your inbox. Read More
House for rent in Nha Trang
Hi! I sent you a PM. please check your message. Read More
Vietnamese cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Vietnam? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Vietnam and why not your best recipe. Thank ...
Have you tried: goi cuon (spring rolls), cha gio (egg rolls), chao tom (ground shrimp grilled around sugar cane stick), ca kho to (caramelized fish), thit kho tau (caramelized pork cooked in coconut juice), thit heo ram (caramelized pork), bun thit ... Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Kennethc! Do you think you live in America? This is Communist Vietnam! The two countries are so far away from each other on the map! There are no comparisons! They have nothing in common. You must accept Vietnam as it is! Why would the Vietnamese ... Read More
Need a room or shared flat near Doi Can street, Ha Noi by virgoks
Hi, I am looking for a well-furnished room (separate or in a shared-flat/house) in good condition with wifi air-conditioning located around Doi Can street, Ba Dinh dist., Ha Noi. Duration of stay: 1 month starting from 5 June Price: Max ...
Hi ! Please PM me forn the room info. Thank you! Read More
Looking for native and qualified English tutor
Hi! Please PM me to discuss further. Thank you! Read More
Any experiences hiring office staff? by jakejas
I am at the point that I need to hire a staff member for my small business. Does anyone have any advice or pitfalls that I need to watch out for? If you have a lot of good advice, I would even be willing to trade some of your experiences for a ...
Hi Jakejas! For this topic, you should ask Eodmatt or Jaitch, especially Jaitch as he owns businesses in Vietnam. PM them! Good Luck to you! Read More
renting in Hanoi
Hi Susan! All you need to do is go to Vietnam Expat.com/ Hanoi, go to Housing & you'll find all kinds of rentals in Hanoi. Good Luck in your search! Read More
Moving to Vietnam by Justinedoyle
Hi. I am moving to Vietnam on 18 March. Looking for work as an English teacher. Would love some advice on place to rent ect... Thanks
Hi there! Welcome to Hanoi! May I ask where you are from & if you have found a place to stay? You can send me a private message & we can get together; I may be able to help you with housing & teaching jobs! Read More
curious by swegolf1956
Hi, I am a retired USAF considering Vietnam. While in for a checkup in Portland, Or VA Hospital I met a Vietnamese woman. She was taking my labs. She saw on my chart that I was a widower. While we talked she repeatedly instructed me to, ...
Hi Eodmatt! How are you doing? I haven't read you in a long time! It's good to hear from you. Always have good advices! Welcome back! Best regards, Zabrina Read More
curious by swegolf1956
Hi, I am a retired USAF considering Vietnam. While in for a checkup in Portland, Or VA Hospital I met a Vietnamese woman. She was taking my labs. She saw on my chart that I was a widower. While we talked she repeatedly instructed me to, ...
Hi Steven! It's a very good idea to go to Vietnam to find a wife! Of course they would marry an American! And being 58 is not old! But you must be careful to get a good one & not one that would take advantage of you! First thing to do is to ... Read More
Getting started in Vietnam by Paperjetairplane
Hi guys! So I'm moving to Hanoi in about two weeks from South Africa. I have never traveled alone (yet alone lived in a different country). Super exciting stuff! I'm just asking for some general tips from you guys who have already crossed ...
Hi Paperjetairplane! Welcome to Vietnam! If you need a place to stay please PM me. My roommates can show you around Hanoi; they have been here for a while & they are all English teachers. I have 2 Canadians & 2 Irishes sharing rooms here. ... Read More
I'm New Here. Sure you've heard this a million times- but... by PaulJC
My name is Paul. I am a native English speaker from Manchester, England. In 2012 I graduated in BSc Professional Broadcast. I have experience working with children at St. Augustines Primary School in Manchester. For the past two months I have ...
Hi! I live in Hanoi. There are plenty of teaching jobs here. Please send me a private message for more information. Read More
Looking for an opportunity to work for a community development project by sunflowervn
Dear everyone, I am a Vietnamese. However, I have American nationality and am working in a company in Ho Chi Minh City with a work permit, so I am an expat here. My background has many experiences in many fields including environment engineering, ...
Hi Quyen, Check with NGO in Hanoi; they might have some very interesting job openings for you! Good Luck with your job search! Read More
Question for teachers by hs0zfe
Yesterday was payday - without a payment to me. At 9:41 pm, I got a text and Skype message that I must submit lesson plans prior to classes. While this is common and part of the job, there are peculiarities which make me wonder if this would just ...
To hs0zfe: Do not let them take advantage of you! Demand that you get paid first before you'd do anything more for them! There is a lack of teachers in Vietnam and they need you, especially if you are in a remote area. Can you teach at another ... Read More
How smart is your dog? by bluenz
We should have really had a thread on dogs during that cat thread. ( it wasn't fair on the cat lovers, having all that attention drawn away from them ). Tell us your experience with your dog and dogs in VN. How smart is he/she? I just ...
To Bluenz: You are right! Dogs are very smart. Mine understands English, French and Vietnamese! But thats true with all animals! I had birds and rabbits and they were just as smart! I can see that you take your dog with you where ever you go. Be ... Read More
Organize an Expat blog meet-up! by Julien
Hi all, Should you want to organize a gathering with the other members, in your town, we would be pleased to help :). It is indeed a great way to meet new people, isn't it? If you would like to plan a get-together, do not hesitate to ...
Too bad I don't live in Saigon. There are more fun expats there than in Hanoi and more of the same age group! I would love to meet you guys one of these days should I get to go to Saigon!? (eodmatt, dan fromSF; lirelou, saigon monkey, ... Read More
Hospital's Hygiene in Hanoi by ytjnm234
I have just visited local hospital. It's said that when u want to know the real culture/habit of one country, u should try their street foods, visit their local markets, and most of all, see their toilets condition. U could build the ...
You are lucky they have toilets! Ten years ago they didn't have toilets anywhere! Read More
Organize an Expat blog meet-up! by Julien
Hi all, Should you want to organize a gathering with the other members, in your town, we would be pleased to help :). It is indeed a great way to meet new people, isn't it? If you would like to plan a get-together, do not hesitate to ...
Welcome to the blog and I am sure that there will be numerous people who will help you, very soon. Unfortunately I cant assist as I am about to leave on a business trip. Have fun and enjoy, Saigon is a great place!Too bad I don't live in ... Read More
Organize an Expat blog meet-up! by Julien
Hi all, Should you want to organize a gathering with the other members, in your town, we would be pleased to help :). It is indeed a great way to meet new people, isn't it? If you would like to plan a get-together, do not hesitate to ...
Hi Yankeebb, Do you want to meet somewhere tomorrow? Where do you live in Hanoi? Please let me know the time you can meet in order to get the other expats to join. Read More
Credit Card Payment by namron
Is it possible to transfer HSBC credit card payment from Vietnam to my home country - Philippines? I don't have any bank accounts here in Vietnam. I once asked HSBC here but they said they don't do such transfer payments. Any idea? Thanks ...
In Vietnam you can receive money from Western Union but you cannot send any money out of Vietnam thru Western Union. Read More
wish to online course of TESOL approved by reliable schools.
Try Schools of North America in HCMC. They are connected to Irvine University in California, USA and they do have a good program for TESOL. Read More
Vietnamese wife? by bta87
I realize this is a very subjective question, but are what are the experiences of the men on here that are married to VN brides? Question #2) What should I look out for. I've heard some real horor stories. Mind you I'm 63, have money and girls are ...
Hi 1Stewart, B-2 Visa is a working visa; she needs a tourist visa. Should you decide to get married, before sending her back to VN, I think you should go to an immigration lawyer in Florida and ask for his advices. I think she can stay in the US ... Read More
Looking for vietnamese friends by kaori mi
Hi I am looking for a Vietnamese friends who can speak English. Or Filipinos in Vietnam who knows how to speak and write the vietnamese language. I will be in Vietnam in a month. I am still here in the Philippines. my mobile number is ...
Hi Bokia118, I am in Hanoi. What do you need to know about the city? House rental? Means of transportation? Climate? Just ask & i'll try to answer as best i can! Or before you arrive in November, you can email me at ... Read More
English and/or Art teacher? by GuestPoster1047
Hi! I'm a New Zealander who has just moved to Saigon from Cambodia. My partner and I would like to stay. I'm looking for more teaching work, if you can help or know of someone that can help, that would be good. I have 2.5 years ESOL ...
Hi Lei9h: Please try to go to North American Schools in Saigon; they might need an Art teacher for their high school. Check the internet for their addresses. Good Luck to you! Read More
Is wearing black in Vietnam looked upon as odd or depressing? by tonilynnejones
I live in Thailand now but am moving to Vietnam in April. Here in Thailand, people don't wear black unless they are attending a funeral or are in mourning. I make sure not to wear all black to avoid odd looks and confused faces, but I have a lot ...
Hi Tonilynnejones: Yes, the same goes in Vietnam. When you wear all black, it's to go to a funeral or you're in mourning! So if you want to wear black, like a black dress, you must put on a red jacket or a red or yellow flower on the dress. ... Read More
house ownership - requirements for an expat to buy a house? by Gazarm
What are the requirements for an expat to buy a house in Vietnam? Does he have to be married? Are there new rules?
Great! I am glad for you! As for me & my sister; we are Vietnamese but not Vietnamese citizens; we have been having a hard time since 1992 trying to buy houses in South as well as North Vietnam. And to this day we still cannot buy unless we ... Read More
house ownership - requirements for an expat to buy a house? by Gazarm
What are the requirements for an expat to buy a house in Vietnam? Does he have to be married? Are there new rules?
The Vietnamese Law states that NO FOREIGNER is allowed to buy property in Vietnam! The land belongs to the government. You may be able to buy a condo because the land is not yours; you are buying the apartment, not the land! Only Vietnamese ... Read More
Can foreign visitors on tourist visa stay at private home.? by Yogi007
Hi, I keep getting different takes on the above. I have friends that live in leased properties here . When their relatives arrive for a week of two , they were told they need to stay at a hotel. You lease a house long term for years, and foreign ...
Yes, you can stay in a home, but the owner of the house or the main tenant must bring the guest's passport to the local police office to register. You can stay one month, 2 months..... whatever the visa on the passport says. I hope this answers ... Read More
What to wear when going to Language school for a job?? by tonilynnejones
Hey guys :) I'm going home for a visit soon and plan on buying a few things to wear before the move from Thailand to Vietnam. Once in Saigon I'm going to go to some language schools to check out ESL job options. What should I wear ( as a ...
Replying to Ngattt: The outfits look very nice but i think they are too dressy for work or for a job interview! Read More
What to wear when going to Language school for a job?? by tonilynnejones
Hey guys :) I'm going home for a visit soon and plan on buying a few things to wear before the move from Thailand to Vietnam. Once in Saigon I'm going to go to some language schools to check out ESL job options. What should I wear ( as a ...
Too much for work or interview! Read More
What to wear when going to Language school for a job?? by tonilynnejones
Hey guys :) I'm going home for a visit soon and plan on buying a few things to wear before the move from Thailand to Vietnam. Once in Saigon I'm going to go to some language schools to check out ESL job options. What should I wear ( as a ...
Yes, a light suit if you have ( skirt & top) or a nice dress would do! Read More
Dual citizenship in Vietnam for a Viet Kieu? by sofimofi
Hello all, My parents were born and raised here but moved to Canada in the 70s. I was born in Canada. Is there any way I can apply for a dual citizenship in Vietnam? I have been living here for about 1.5 months and intend on living here for the ...
Lirelou: You are so right!!! Read More
heeeeey
Did you check the answers for night clubbing in Hanoi? I dont know where you are at; but if you are in Hoan Kiem District, you can go to the Rooftop at Pacific Place 19th Fl. 83 B Ly Thuong Kiet Street. You will be able to meet some expats there; ... Read More
clubbing in Hanoi
Hi Diver-74: You can try The Rooftop at Pacific Place Building, Hanoi Night Club at Ba Dinh District, Taboo at West Lake or Daluva on To Ngoc Van! Good Luck & enjoy! Read More
Canadian Musician in Hanoi
Hi Sandro 7; could you please email me at " ***" so that i can give you all the information needed. Thank you! Read More
Canadian Musician in Hanoi
Hi Sandro7; I am in Hanoi & I speak French; I'm also looking for a roomate to share if you are interested. There are lots of expats here; you don't have to worry about meeting new people & making new friends. Just let me know! Read More
Currency Exchange in Hanoi by Samviet74
Hi! All, Where I can change to USD to VND at street for foreign currency exchange?
Hi Samviet74, Try at Ba Le Long Beach Restaurant, at 18 Pho Bao Khanh, Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake; I hope it's not too far from where you are! Good Luck§! Read More
Teaching - Retiring Australian Lawyer by damianellwood
I am presently visiting family who live in HCM City. While I am here I would like to make contact with some of the reputable agencies involved in hiring native english speakers for teaching roles. I would be grateful for any information forum ...
Damian Ellwood: You can check with the Australian International School in HCMC or other International schools, i.e. Singapore.... Also try Schools of North America. Good Luck to you! Read More
Looking for advice or opinions about a girlfriend. by robert_jpop
Hello everyone, I met a Vietnamese girl through an online dating website. I live in the US and I am 32 years old. She is 20. We started writing to each other towards the end of January of this year. After three weeks we lost touch with each other, ...
saigonmonkey, you are so right! You have summed up the situation here in just a few words! But, no one seems to realize that this is not a democratic country and it has been at war for almost 50 years before becoming reunited as one whole country ... Read More
English Language Centers in Vietnam by tonilynnejones
Hello, I am moving from Thailand to HCMC in March and was curious how difficult it is to get a teaching job without a BA (I still have 1 1/2 years left). I have a TEFL Certificate, though I know the CELTA would be better, two years teaching ...
I would suggest you try to contact Schools of North America in HCMC. They have different schools in different districts; so there is a chance you can get a teaching job there. You can also take courses there to get a TESOL certificate. I heard the ... Read More