eodmatt
English expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
1418
Contacts
34
About me
English
Registration: 13 August 2014
What is a reasonable grocery bill a week for middle class family of 5? by bizdeals
2 adults, 3 kids (including 3 year old toddler that takes powder milk)?
Er, yep. I am aware that there are many recipes for using Avocado, but 20 kg? We share them with neighbours as I don't mind eating the occasional avocado, but but with the range of superb food available in Vietnam, avocados are - to me anyway - ... Read More
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 ...
It isn't just the UK consulate and embassy in Vn, they are the same the world over. Here in Kabul they are dire. Last year I tried to contact the military attache at the embassy (being veterans I and my oppo here wanted to attend the remembrance ... Read More
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 ...
Thanks Ciambella and Hi from a cold, very cold Kabul! I haven't seen my daughter since last March due to this awful Covid thing. In fact I am sure that she thinks her father is an iphone as we see each other daily on Viber. She is starting to ... Read More
What is a reasonable grocery bill a week for middle class family of 5? by bizdeals
2 adults, 3 kids (including 3 year old toddler that takes powder milk)?
I must be lucky. My Vietnamese wife doesn't send money to her family and they don't ask for any. They don't descend on us and live with us, although they are welcome to visit if they wish. Being farmers the family regularly send us ... Read More
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 ...
Our daughter was born ten months ago in HCMC, my wife is Vietnamese, we live in HCMC where I have a 3 year TRC. We were married in 2005. Our daughter has both English and Vietnamese names on her birth certificate. So she is named Jenny Txxx Axxx ... Read More
An unpleasant brush with the law. by GuestPoster288
Have had a disturbing incident this morning that almost got out of hand. The electricity in my apartment was cut so, being uncomfortably hot, my wife and I went out for coffee to get some air and found a relatively clean cafe. Sitting by the ...
Well yes, the reason being that we have had several break ins here over the last 12 months and security has seen nothing. Hardly surprising if they are sleeping. Anyway, a word to the security supervisor was judged better than having a word with the ... Read More
The importance of diplomatic representation when living in Vietnam by Anne-Lise Mty
Is your home country represented in Vietnam? And if it is not, do you find this is a problem? We have just posted online a piece about ...
Thanks Ciambella and a big hug for you too ! Read More
An unpleasant brush with the law. by GuestPoster288
Have had a disturbing incident this morning that almost got out of hand. The electricity in my apartment was cut so, being uncomfortably hot, my wife and I went out for coffee to get some air and found a relatively clean cafe. Sitting by the ...
If I may add a comment.... the persons who urinate in public in Vietnam are almost entirely from the lower end of the educational scale. They may very well have criminal connections. Those who have lived in Vietnam for a while will understand that ... Read More
The importance of diplomatic representation when living in Vietnam by Anne-Lise Mty
Is your home country represented in Vietnam? And if it is not, do you find this is a problem? We have just posted online a piece about ...
Being a British passport holder I can say that I have never found our embassies to be of any use in any country I have visited. 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 ...
Well, since I live in Saigon...... 1 .Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh - now lets see if anyone outside of Vietnam knows where it is? People's Committee Building - ditto Duong Lam Ancient Village Hue Royal Palace Vietnam is full of history and well ... Read More
Divorcing in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Reaching the decision to seek divorce can be hard. Filing the papers as an expat in Vietnam can be as taxing since a good grasp of legislations is needed and the process can prove to be tedious. Where and how do you apply for a ...
Hi Ciambella, a hearty hello from warm and sunny Afghanistan! Read More
Divorcing in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, Reaching the decision to seek divorce can be hard. Filing the papers as an expat in Vietnam can be as taxing since a good grasp of legislations is needed and the process can prove to be tedious. Where and how do you apply for a ...
Dont get married. There is still a load of bullcrap being put about in Vietnam to the effect that it is illegal to live together with a Vietnamese if you aren't married. Hotels will still ask to see your marriage certificate and in many places ... Read More
What should I expect on arrival / Hanoi / by schleger
I have my pre-approval letter for a (1) year Business / Multiple Entry visa and was wondering what to expect when I arrive late at night in one month to Noi Bai \ Hanoi? I assume I will after de-planing and getting luggage: follow the crowd wait ...
Oh and if you ask any question which the person you are talking to cant answer, he or she may waggle their right hand at just above shoulder height, whilst making the famous rictus grin. This gesture can mean, variously: 1. I don't know. 2. I ... Read More
What should I expect on arrival / Hanoi / by schleger
I have my pre-approval letter for a (1) year Business / Multiple Entry visa and was wondering what to expect when I arrive late at night in one month to Noi Bai \ Hanoi? I assume I will after de-planing and getting luggage: follow the crowd wait ...
What could go wrong? You check in to the Majestic hotel in Saigon and at 2 AM you find water dripping from the ceiling onto your bed. You call reception and complain. They send a man to your room with the key to another room. The man gives you the ... Read More
What should I expect on arrival / Hanoi / by schleger
I have my pre-approval letter for a (1) year Business / Multiple Entry visa and was wondering what to expect when I arrive late at night in one month to Noi Bai \ Hanoi? I assume I will after de-planing and getting luggage: follow the crowd wait ...
It will be warm and humid probably. You'll get to baggage reclaim after immigration. Once you have your baggage, you will go through security again and they will x-ray your baggage again - or if they are really busy they may just wave you ... Read More
Starting a business in Vietnam as a foreigner by Beed
I just wanted to check, I would like to register a small company (basically just me, a foreigner doing some IT consulting work for clients). But I prefer to work as a company rather than a sole-trader/contractor for a couple of reasons including ...
Just so, Bazza. Just so. Read More
Starting a business in Vietnam as a foreigner by Beed
I just wanted to check, I would like to register a small company (basically just me, a foreigner doing some IT consulting work for clients). But I prefer to work as a company rather than a sole-trader/contractor for a couple of reasons including ...
And further to stumpy's comment : Good luck with that! Read More
Road safety tips by jadehmill
I would be up for getting a coffee. I’m new to the city and a little overwhelmed!
I do too, although perhaps not as much as our Canadian cousins. :top: However, I do draw the line at saying it to someone who's bike hit me. There was no misunderstanding on my part. She hit me from the rear. My bike did not hit hers.You ... Read More
Road safety tips by jadehmill
I would be up for getting a coffee. I’m new to the city and a little overwhelmed!
What gives me irritation here in Vietnam - and actually in Asia generally is the blame storming that goes on when something goes wrong. On every project I manage I have to set the terms of problem fixing - fix the damn problem first, then retrain ... Read More
Buy property under the name of a Vietnamese citizen? by Guest2394875
I've heard that many people circumvent the Vietnamese restrictions on foreign ownership (technically a lease) of land and/or a house by putting the property ownership in the name of a Vietnamese citizen. On the face of it it seems like a very ...
Thanks Ciambella, I'll try to drop in every now and again :) Read More
Buy property under the name of a Vietnamese citizen? by Guest2394875
I've heard that many people circumvent the Vietnamese restrictions on foreign ownership (technically a lease) of land and/or a house by putting the property ownership in the name of a Vietnamese citizen. On the face of it it seems like a very ...
So sad! I am really sorry and I mean that. Here's to miracles, or at least a quiet and peaceful time for you in the future. Read More
Coffee to the UK
None of the packets of coffee (max 500 grams each) that I sent so far to uk from here by post were bothered by customs. Likewise a couple of 500 gram packets of coffee in my baggage haven’t excited the customs in uk when I have arrived there ... Read More
Coffee to the UK
Post it. Expect both Royal Mail and Parcel post delivery drivers to try to steal it in UK. I have sent a number of boxes of coffee to UK by post from Saigon - and a leather wallet from Mazar i Sharif in afghastlystan (by TNT courier) on every ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Vietnamese people are nice. So are people from every other country in the world. And some are bad apples. But you get that everywhere. On this website - it being an expat website - you get people sharing experiences. They share the adverse ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Vietnamese people are nice. So are people from every other country in the world. And some are bad apples. But you get that everywhere. On this website - it being an expat website - you get people sharing experiences. They share the adverse ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
You’ll find it fascinating, rich and diverse. Like the food! In fact I would go as far as to say that banh mi from a street vendor for breakfast is the equal of anything else I have ever eaten. Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
It's amazing how well that actually does work, isn't it, even if there are plenty of British and Americans who don't fit in those types at all. To some extent I really am open, friendly, naive, and stupid, but not really so polite or ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Oh there are certainly people on here who post things that are generated from within their own narrow perspective that’s for sure. But there are also people who post about the things that they experience in real life, some of which have ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Some sweeping statements there from Bazza about “expats” ! Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
They live in Bao Loc and grow coffee, dry and roast it, making special roasts which they sell wholesale. They don’t have a coffee shop. Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
I do. My wife’s family grows superb beans - coffee beans that is. Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
I've also made some very nice wines from e.g. strawberry tea, peach tea and raspberry tea. And some very good bia gung (ginger beer), but that's going off topic. They do quite a nice artichoke tea in Dalat too. Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
I also drink tea made from bitter gourd leaves as well as tea made from sweet potato tops. The bitter gourd tea is an acquired taste though Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
I also like the green tea from my wife’s family farm. Having made and drunk a pot of it I save the tea leaves for 24 hours and brew them up again. Surprisingly nice. Read More
exploring tea in Vietnam by bkk tea blog
About three years ago I visited Hanoi and posted here about exploring tea there. I've been trying some different Vietnamese teas since (quite a few, over all that time), so I wanted to mention a few ...
I quite like Earl Grey tea with my breakfast Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Yes. However, Just a few days ago, one of our neighbours who rides his bicycle around the place here every morning and who is meticulously polite in saying "Xin Chao" as he passes me for the first time as I exercrse in the mornings, ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
I think I'd be calling you "Ông già" then :lol:Up to you - in fact as a radio ham i’d Take it as a form of respectful address Read More
How do you adjust to the vietnamese people when they keep on staring? by KennyNguyen
Hi I'm a viet also but I live in the U.S. I always go and visit my family and saigon but when I go out with them I come upon staring vietnamese people. I have all the respect and love for vietnam and culture and its people but it makes me feel ...
I have never felt hate from anyone here - well, actually 2 occasions but they were minor: Once in a lift with my wife's nephew who was six at the time. A man in the lift said something very rude about foreigners and my little nephew squared up ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
"Chú" is uncle, your mother or father's younger brother. Yes, a stranger can call you "chú" if s/he considers you his/her uncle. However, if a person who is older than you calls you "chú", then he ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
I dont get them wanting my watch - its a Rolex Submariner that I bought some time in the last century and they automatically think its a fake - nor the milk that I just bought. But funnily enough I have had a couple of occasions when they behave in ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
I occasionally use an old American poem : My name is Johnny Johnson I come from Wisconsin I work in a lumber yard there When I walk down the street The folks that I meet, say Hello what’s your name And I say..... My name is Johnny Johnson I ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
To whom are you referring? Read More
Moving To Vietnam In 2018 by onceuponastage
Hello, I'm a disabled USAF vet and will be moving with my wife to (hopefully) Vung Tau later this year. I was actually born in Saigon and left when I was 4 yrs. old. I'm working on completing my BA and will be enrolling in either a CELTA ...
Instead of "trainers" you could use the word "daps".... ;) Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
I am often asked what my job is and, because my job doesn’t appear to translate into anything which has a Vietnamese equivalent, I usualy say that I am a company director. Next question is usualy “which company” with the ... Read More
Moving To Vietnam In 2018 by onceuponastage
Hello, I'm a disabled USAF vet and will be moving with my wife to (hopefully) Vung Tau later this year. I was actually born in Saigon and left when I was 4 yrs. old. I'm working on completing my BA and will be enrolling in either a CELTA ...
Nowadays you would be referred by the non-derogatory term of: Việt Kiều. Which as far as I can make out means a "Vietnamese who travels". Most people who speak Vietnamese understand it to mean "a Vietnamese person living ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Very true, but we're in VN where asking for the other person's age is a social requirement, not an impolite act. Several Uber drivers apologized to me because they called me "sister" in the phone and realized their mistake when ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Well, since I have grey hair, baggy eyes a bit of a paunch, and am obviously no longer a teenager or even a young man I would have thought that it is pretty obvious that anyone could call me ông or even chú, with impunity. It doesn't ... Read More
Moving To Vietnam In 2018 by onceuponastage
Hello, I'm a disabled USAF vet and will be moving with my wife to (hopefully) Vung Tau later this year. I was actually born in Saigon and left when I was 4 yrs. old. I'm working on completing my BA and will be enrolling in either a CELTA ...
Expat path is in your account... http://pixen.netlify.com/pix/expat_path.jpg You want to show places you lived because, this is expat forum. The more places you show, the cooler and more high status you are! It is kind of like ribbons and bars on ... Read More
Can't deposit cash into my account? by treesahquiche
I was told by Vietcombank that I couldn't deposit cash into my account because I'm a foreigner, and I could only do account-to-account transfers. Apparently only my employer is allowed to deposit money into my account. I'm not really clear on the ...
Indeed. However you can feel free to give me as much as you want and I’ll deposit the full amount to my account ;) Read More
How do you survive as an expat "Throw a gamble to be an expat" by Naura Nuralyn
Hello, I just would like to hear some stories from someone who have done "throw a gamble to live abroad" with nothing in hand, not a job but with limited money in hand and came in as a tourist but want to live and be an expat in your ...
I suppose in a way I'm lucky in that I generally don't work in Vietnam, although I have worked on a few projects here in the past. Most of my work is overseas and always has been. I've been travelling the world since was 19 y/o and have ... Read More
Anyone has experience marriage in VN Saigon? by vgran
I'm going to marriage in VN. Is there anyone has info how to marriage process start? Where I can get the medical health certificate? And where is the governement office where could register our marriage?
Theres a whole section of posts on the subject if you search the site :) Read More
Preparing for the possible event of death while in Vietnam? by mojoyote
I would welcome any information or being pointed to a good source information about this. I am thinking of cashing in my life insurance policy as a sort of 'safety net' for myself. I have no dependents at the moment, and I am 53 years old. I ...
So he can leave it to fund the growing of an orchard where his body is buried? Read More
Preparing for the possible event of death while in Vietnam? by mojoyote
I would welcome any information or being pointed to a good source information about this. I am thinking of cashing in my life insurance policy as a sort of 'safety net' for myself. I have no dependents at the moment, and I am 53 years old. I ...
Indeed! A very worthy continuation of usefulness of a used up commodity. Read More
HCMC to Vung Tau Bus by 1312j
Can someone give me the best place to look at times/prices for bus to Vung Tau from HCM leaving next Monday? Looking for something as comfortable as can be as opposed to something that it is going to have 800 people on board. Couldn't find a ...
I am reasonably sure that there are "VIP Busses" to Vung Tau. There are such services to many other towns and I have used the VIP bus service to Bao Loc on a number of occasions. The VIP busses are actually mini busses with around 15 ... Read More
Preparing for the possible event of death while in Vietnam? by mojoyote
I would welcome any information or being pointed to a good source information about this. I am thinking of cashing in my life insurance policy as a sort of 'safety net' for myself. I have no dependents at the moment, and I am 53 years old. I ...
The body is biodegradable a local cremation and spread the ashes on the garden. Read More
HCMC to Vung Tau Bus by 1312j
Can someone give me the best place to look at times/prices for bus to Vung Tau from HCM leaving next Monday? Looking for something as comfortable as can be as opposed to something that it is going to have 800 people on board. Couldn't find a ...
Try googling - VIP bus hcmc to Vung Tau - there are luxury 14 seaters doing that run I think Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Very true, but we're in VN where asking for the other person's age is a social requirement, not an impolite act. Several Uber drivers apologized to me because they called me "sister" in the phone and realized their mistake when ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Except that in many countries, asking a woman her age is considered impolite. Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
Still off topic ... we lived in Q8 - good house tower. Nice apartment block not a good area. Local cop called in to tell me to be careful as the streets around the block were not safe for foreigners. Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
And if you stare back, as I sometimes do, they eventually look behind themselves to see what you are looking at. Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Haha, last week, a foreign student and I talked to my Vietnamese students. They always asked her these questions: "how old are you?", "are you married?". I asked them "why you always ask those questions with foreigner, they ... Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
Maybe, maybe not but your physical attributes will make it difficult for you to mingle with the crowd so be prepared for people staring at you. Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Well, I’m a foreigner in Vietnam and I’m not insecure but I can tell you that I get tired of people staring at me. They don’t look they stare rudely. My Vietnamese wife tells me to ignore them as they are uneducated. But by the ... Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
Last gime I arrived in the US, the immigration guy said "Happy Birthday Sir" (it was my birthday) and "what time did you start drinking?". I replied that I had my first drink on the flight after take-off from London and had been ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam 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 ...
Welcome! And don't be surprised at the difficulties in communicating with Vietnamese people. For one thing there are countless dialects in Vietnam; for another, Vietnamese people are often simply amazed at foreigners trying to speak their ... Read More
How much an average cost for wedding in vietnam ? by MarcusKS
i am wondering how much it cost for wedding and everything needed for marriage ? Some of you will say it depends on how much you want to spend but i hope someone can share more information to me . If you can breakdown on what you spend will be good ...
Take a mosquito net with you! Last time I was there Tra Vin was plagued with them. Money? 5 million dong or below. Read More
How much an average cost for wedding in vietnam ? by MarcusKS
i am wondering how much it cost for wedding and everything needed for marriage ? Some of you will say it depends on how much you want to spend but i hope someone can share more information to me . If you can breakdown on what you spend will be good ...
Mine was a bit more pricey as 'er indoors' wanted to invite all of her university mates, one of whom is a professor of medicine now, another is a deputy head of immigrations somewhere... and so on. It cost quite a few thousand quid at one of ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam 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 ...
Welcome! Pollution? It's a matter of relativity (Yeah I know that Saigon pollution is getting worse by the day), but we had friends visit us from Hong Kong last year and they said that the one thing that they loved above all else in Saigon was ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam 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 and welcome to expat.com! If you look at the top of your screen you will see a link to HOUSING. Klikky linkky will take you to info about housing. Now, a word about Estate Agents and Landlords: Be Careful! There are many sharks in the shallow ... Read More
How much an average cost for wedding in vietnam ? by MarcusKS
i am wondering how much it cost for wedding and everything needed for marriage ? Some of you will say it depends on how much you want to spend but i hope someone can share more information to me . If you can breakdown on what you spend will be good ...
I am about 800 pages into it now Read More
How much an average cost for wedding in vietnam ? by MarcusKS
i am wondering how much it cost for wedding and everything needed for marriage ? Some of you will say it depends on how much you want to spend but i hope someone can share more information to me . If you can breakdown on what you spend will be good ...
My last divorce was the second one. The wife involved turned from being a hard working good humoured woman into a violent abusive nut case after she started smoking marijuana heavily. She was also paranoid and lost all self respect refusing to wash ... Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
Yeah they didn't take too kindly when I tried to convince them I was mi6 and that was the reason I was in the diplomats queueShould have told them that you were a member of DAESH, that would have got you through quickly. Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
I arrived at TNS airport from a contract in the Solomon Islands and had been in transit for 48 hours with little sleep. Having passed through immigration I collected my suitcase from the carousel and went to be buggered about by customs. There a ... Read More
The Postal Service in VN by maximus0760
I think that people here do not get much mail through the post. I have lived with my mother in law for one month and I have never seen a postman. I am waiting for some important correspondence from my bank in Europe. How probable is it that it ...
Last week I received a small package - 100 gm - by ordinary mail from Denmark. The package contained some stinking Danish cheese, which was even stinkier when it got here having taken a couple of weeks to arrive. The package had been opened by ... Read More
Viet Nam to Australia travel tips? by gobot
Looking for transportation tips from the mob of Aussie expats. I'm going to visit relatives, reckon the whole month of May. I've been there a few times before, but if you know of any favorite airlines or passes or tips we'd be much ...
He’ll be doing well to remember anything, he was so drunk he could hardly stand and this was about 10:30 in the morning. Read More
Moving to Vietnam by dec035
Could anyone tell me if you have to prove an income or have a certain amount in a Vietnamese bank before you can get a long term visa to live in Vietbnam
Those who are working (or have businesses) in VN and those who have VN spouses can get 2-5 yr TRC (temporary residency). There's also a 5 yr Visa Exemption for those with VN spouses. Others can get max 1 yr business visa. US citizens can get ... Read More
The Postal Service in VN by maximus0760
I think that people here do not get much mail through the post. I have lived with my mother in law for one month and I have never seen a postman. I am waiting for some important correspondence from my bank in Europe. How probable is it that it ...
I sent a small package by TNT from Mazar i sharif (afghastlystan) to London just before Christmas. The package was supposed to be delivered in 4 days and according to the tracking website it was delivered within four days. Only it wasn’t. ... Read More
The Postal Service in VN by maximus0760
I think that people here do not get much mail through the post. I have lived with my mother in law for one month and I have never seen a postman. I am waiting for some important correspondence from my bank in Europe. How probable is it that it ...
In fact when challenged by the uncle his wife said words to the effect - you can shut up I know too much about your business .... Read More
The Postal Service in VN by maximus0760
I think that people here do not get much mail through the post. I have lived with my mother in law for one month and I have never seen a postman. I am waiting for some important correspondence from my bank in Europe. How probable is it that it ...
When we got married my wife’s uncle - very senior policeman - brought his wife with him to the reception. She stole several of million dong from the wedding donations (the red envelopes), 🙄 Read More
The Postal Service in VN by maximus0760
I think that people here do not get much mail through the post. I have lived with my mother in law for one month and I have never seen a postman. I am waiting for some important correspondence from my bank in Europe. How probable is it that it ...
And my (Vietnamese) wife tells me constantly - don’t trust anyone here! Here’s an example of what she’s means. Christmas 2016 we invited a couple and their 12 year old daughter whom we thought we knew well, to stay over ... Read More
Travel time HCMCity to Dalat by furthur
I read that it takes 8 hours for a bus trip. But someone just told me it is now 5 hours because of a new highway. Does anyone know if the 5 hours is accurate. Sounds much better.
Would that be the same with all drivers, regardless of nationality?'All drivers'? Not necessary. Vietnamese drivers especially those in Vietnam are the worst I've seen. They have no reaction time even when they're riding a scooter at ... Read More
cheap housing between 300-500usd by crag
where an i find cheap clean housing for around 300-500 usd
Stand by for incoming! Quite a few single Vn ladies read this website 😀 Read More
too expensive😃 by Jose.Er
hello. im planning to open small busines whit my vietnamise friend in phu quoc island. its really hard to find correct information in online. i have send messages to 4 lawyers in vietnam and ask their price/hour just to get some answers for ...
Lawyers : scum of the earth! Read More
Viet Nam to Australia travel tips? by gobot
Looking for transportation tips from the mob of Aussie expats. I'm going to visit relatives, reckon the whole month of May. I've been there a few times before, but if you know of any favorite airlines or passes or tips we'd be much ...
Presumably for mystery destination flights? Read More
HCM to Vientiane by 1312j
Can anyone point me in the right direction, please? I'm looking to go to Vientiane from HCM and I'm led to believe there's a bus from here to Pakse and then Pakse to Vientiane, but I'm struggling to figure out how to book it. If ...
I don’t know if this is any good: https://darejourney.com/travel-bus-ho-chi-minh-city-vientiane-laos-travel-tips/ Read More
Travel time HCMCity to Dalat by furthur
I read that it takes 8 hours for a bus trip. But someone just told me it is now 5 hours because of a new highway. Does anyone know if the 5 hours is accurate. Sounds much better.
I was going to Dalat for the cooler weather and hopefully find somewhere quiet. Bao Loc looks like it might be another option. Some good reviews online. Shorter bus ride is a positive.Bao Loc is a delightful place, small but worth exploring. There ... Read More
How do you survive as an expat "Throw a gamble to be an expat" by Naura Nuralyn
Hello, I just would like to hear some stories from someone who have done "throw a gamble to live abroad" with nothing in hand, not a job but with limited money in hand and came in as a tourist but want to live and be an expat in your ...
Only bordering on reckless stupidity? I thought I was as mad as a spoon but I did it anyway. I looked at it this way, my business depended a lot on the pub trade and the boozers were failing at a crazy rate so work was disappearing all over the ... Read More
How do you survive as an expat "Throw a gamble to be an expat" by Naura Nuralyn
Hello, I just would like to hear some stories from someone who have done "throw a gamble to live abroad" with nothing in hand, not a job but with limited money in hand and came in as a tourist but want to live and be an expat in your ...
Same for me in Vietnam, actually. Doing OK now, Read More
Viet Nam to Australia travel tips? by gobot
Looking for transportation tips from the mob of Aussie expats. I'm going to visit relatives, reckon the whole month of May. I've been there a few times before, but if you know of any favorite airlines or passes or tips we'd be much ...
I flew Quantas from Melbourne to Singers a couple of years ago. It was like travelling in a cattle truck. Read More
Viet Nam to Australia travel tips? by gobot
Looking for transportation tips from the mob of Aussie expats. I'm going to visit relatives, reckon the whole month of May. I've been there a few times before, but if you know of any favorite airlines or passes or tips we'd be much ...
Ive been to Aust a few times. Good beer in some places - crap beer in many places. Good Salvation Army band in Darwin at Christmas. Everything that flies, crawls, walks, slithers or swims also bites. And I once drove from Melbourne to Darwin and ... Read More
Travel time HCMCity to Dalat by furthur
I read that it takes 8 hours for a bus trip. But someone just told me it is now 5 hours because of a new highway. Does anyone know if the 5 hours is accurate. Sounds much better.
I'm not sure about Dalat but 4 years ago it would take 6 hours to Bao Loc (which is in the central Highlands from HCMC. Then they widened the road and shortened the journey time. Last year we took a VIP bus (14 dollars fare) from HCMC to Bao ... Read More
First Time Visit to Saigon Feb 2018
It will be a little bit warmer in HCMC than Alaska too. Take a taxi to Thau Dien and the Beer Craft Bar, there's a few westerners get in there - as well as a good few Vietnamese. In fact there are craft beer bars in D1 too, Google is your ... Read More
Newbie here by RogerDoes
Applied online to EVisa Vietnam successfully processed and got a email verifying everything Question is? Am I good from this point on or is there something else yet waiting to be done? Roger
And once you get through immigration and customs you will find yourself outside in the humidity and heat of Saigon (actually it is relatively cool at the moment, surprisingly) and wading through the crowds of milling humanity which throngs the area ... Read More