John
@1happkamper
American expat in Thailand
Forum posts
34
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Speaks English and emergency Spanish and emergency Thai :)
Registration: 20 January 2015
Turkey compared to...
Im a dual citizen of usa and Britain. After retiring I've lived a few years in san Miguel de Allende México, a few years in Chiang Mai Thailand and just 6 month's in Da Nang Vietnam. How do these places compare to Fethiye..or ... Read More
Accident insurance by 1happkamper
I want to buy accident insurance..specifically for a motorbike accident, or maybe looking the wrong way and stepping in front of a bus... I am 68 years old if that matters... Yes, I will have a Vietnam MB licence. Any other caveats? Thank you
Exactly... A 20 year old is much more likely to get into an accident due to being drunk or just little experience in just about every everything's. Old guys like me.. Far less so. Read More
Accident insurance by 1happkamper
I want to buy accident insurance..specifically for a motorbike accident, or maybe looking the wrong way and stepping in front of a bus... I am 68 years old if that matters... Yes, I will have a Vietnam MB licence. Any other caveats? Thank you
The age thing still comes into play with just accident insurance? Interesting... Read More
Blood labs by 1happkamper
I want a blood and urine test..just a checkup. Are blood labs available in Vietnam in general and specifically here in Da nang? Or must I go inside a hospital for his?
Thanks! My apologies.. I completely forgot to search on Google maps! Sorry... Thanks again. Read More
Blood labs
I want a blood and urine test..just a checkup. Are blood labs available in Vietnam in general and specifically here in Da nang? Or must I go inside a hospital for his? Read More
Accident insurance
I want to buy accident insurance..specifically for a motorbike accident, or maybe looking the wrong way and stepping in front of a bus... I am 68 years old if that matters... Yes, I will have a Vietnam MB licence. Any other caveats? Thank you Read More
withdraw funds from ATM by lord enki
I have lived in Ha Noi going on 4 years now. spent 3 years in Tay Ho. Near my building there was an ATM that I used that allowed me to withdraw the maximum cash of 3 million dong, 3 times. This ATM was maintained by ACB bank. Had no problem with ...
EDIT : WAIT a minute! Why am I commenting on a post so old! 😝😝😝 Having a healthy bank balance doesn't tell the big picture. Oftentimes my bank suspends my card until they hear from me. Fraud protection is a big reason ... Read More
What's the culture around dating ? by basically
Hi ! I've been talking to a Vietnamese girl for just shy of 2 years and we met for the first time 1.5 years ago. We're very serious and have been discussing marriage. She's a pharmacy student living at home. What's the cultural ...
The topic of financially supporting a girlfriend depends on your ability to do so, but more importantly, your desire to support her. What happens if the relationship ends after 2 years... 24 payments of 10 million is a lot of cash in Vietnam. Now ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2020 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Don't 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 ...
Thailand was getting far too problematic and less attractive, so after living their 4 years, I left! I have decided to call Da Nang home, for now. I am a retired mechanical engineer, single and active. I have zero friends here..so you anyone ... Read More
Requirements for a business visa by 1happkamper
I want to stay in Vietnam beyond my current 90 day visa. The business visa option is very attractive to me. I'm 68 years old. Retired for the past 8 years. I have a USA passport. I can find ZERO information on the requirements for a one year ...
Thanks for your replies. I have searched this forum and the only results I found did indeed mention "blacklisted". Nowhere did I see a post that my question addressed ..a link to the Vietnamese law regarding business visa requiremnts. ... Read More
Relationship with Vietnamese girl by vic50
I need some advice here. I have been in this relationship now for 4 months and there are some worrying signs. As a foriegner ( we are perceived to be rich here ) . I thought by moving here eventually I would save money. So far it's has cost me ...
Sadly... This is a common story IN SE Asia. The fact that she doesn't work.. Deal breaker. No excuse for this. Leave now while you still have some cash left... But more importantly.. While you still have your dignity. You call the shots now. ... Read More
Requirements for a business visa
I want to stay in Vietnam beyond my current 90 day visa. The business visa option is very attractive to me. I'm 68 years old. Retired for the past 8 years. I have a USA passport. I can find ZERO information on the requirements for a one year ... Read More
Coronavirus - forced fever check by condo admin by Jurassic
Hello, all, Sorry to make my first post an unpleasant one. I received this email today from the apartment property management company (HCMC D2) and I am shocked and more than a little worried about potential for Kafkaesque insanity. Has anyone ...
What's your issue exactly? Be happy that they care enough to check! Read More
Moving To San Miguel to retire & enjoy life & all Mexico has to offer. by Msoutherland62
Hi Patty (Guatemalan) and I (Gringo) are living in Atlanta Georgia and are retiring. I am 72 this month and Patty is 61. Patty is fluent in Spanish & I, on the other hand, know that learning the language is key to a major part of our ...
Two years ago I would have agreed with #divingsteve regarding crime. Not now. I think he's dead wrong. I lived there 2012 until 2015.. With visits as recent as 2 months ago. All of México is no where near as safe as is was in 2012. ... Read More
Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea? by jbills1953
My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.
So.. Any if you guys still have your head in the sand about San Miguel de Allende and the level of crime? I hope not... You'll live longer by keeping informed and alert. The killings have totalled 77 so far in 2019. I heard the automatic weapon ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in Mexico by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into Mexico for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in Mexico? Why ...
Why settle for one place? Central Mexico, Querétaro for example, is full of rich culture and beauty... But too chilly in the winter fir me. So in the Winter... Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta is gorgeous. Read More
Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea? by jbills1953
My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.
You need to READ my comments. I mentioned dog poop... I never suggested it was a major reason I left! Of course my statement is relative! I've lived around the world and I still think that SMA is poor value for money and even more so with ... Read More
Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea? by jbills1953
My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.
And who did you hear this ridiculous statement from? A troll usually is the OP and normally gives very short and emotionally charged points. Please refrain from name calling. Thanks. Read More
Is SMA city management working effectively with expats by RobertoDeVallarta
How is SMA Mayor and others working effectively with the expat community. Is it a safe place? Is it Clean, Is Traffic well managed. How is the infrastructure for clean waters, sewers, etc
Well, the Mexican Government has just stepped in to help out sma local government.... https://noticiasconvalorsma.com/2019/02/06/enviaran-2400-elementos-de-fuerzas-federales-a-cuatro-regiones-de-guanajuato-que-concentran-el-mayor-numero-de-delitos/ Read More
Recommend Credit/Debit Card w/no Foreign Transaction Fees by Rensar
I am planning on visiting San Miguel de Allende in June/July. Then, I will probably be moving there. I'd like some comments, opinions and/or recommendations on what credit/debit card is best (no foreign transaction fees on purchases or using ...
Capital One 360. Never a foreign ATM fee and conversion rate is exactly what it should be. Also no minimum balance. Read More
Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea? by jbills1953
My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.
I lived in SMA from 2012 to 2016. I left because SMA is lousy value for money. Rents have doubled within a 6 year time span. Street trash and dog poop has really gotten bad. Pollution from too many cars, noise pollution and light pollution. Far to ... Read More
Compared to Thailand by 1happkamper
I have been living in Thailand for 4 years. Its ok..nothing great .. Thai people are not that friendly...not that cheap anymore..lots of bad air up in the north and lots of mafia priced taxis in the southern resorts. How does Vietnam compare for ...
Other places such as? I've visited many places. Give me your top 3 suggestions. Thanks Read More
Compared to Thailand
I have been living in Thailand for 4 years. Its ok..nothing great .. Thai people are not that friendly...not that cheap anymore..lots of bad air up in the north and lots of mafia priced taxis in the southern resorts. How does Philippes compare for ... Read More
Compared to Thailand
I have been living in Thailand for 4 years. Its ok..nothing great .. Thai people are not that friendly...not that cheap anymore..lots of bad air up in the north and lots of mafia priced taxis in the southern resorts. How does Vietnam compare for ... Read More
Transportation options by 1happkamper
I have been living in Thailand for 3 years. I like the idea of being an expat in Phuket but getting around the island concerns me. IF I remember correctly the taxi fare from the airport Phuket town was 1.700 baht? A taxi anywhere...about at 300 ...
Thanks for the reply. I have never been to pattaya.... However your thoughts on living there are extremely interesting. Thanks! Read More
Transportation options
I have been living in Thailand for 3 years. I like the idea of being an expat in Phuket but getting around the island concerns me. IF I remember correctly the taxi fare from the airport Phuket town was 1.700 baht? A taxi anywhere...about at 300 ... Read More
Everyday life in Thailand by pierreinsa
Hi, Married with two young adult children and looking to retire early with my wife (who is already retired). Looking to rent a small two bed beach apartment/beach house/villa for a year or two near the beach or cliff top with sea views somewhere ...
Like others have mentioned.. Phuket can be crazy expensive. Secondhand cars are expensive and motorbike riding on that island is not my cuppa tea.. It's crazy! It is not uncommon to spend 1.000 baht on ONE taxi ride. That adds up fast. There are ... Read More
Are you happy in Mexico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Mexico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in your ...
I am much happier here in Mexico.. Retired in San Miguel de Allende than I ever was. I have lived in England.. Australia.. USA and Thailand and so I have good perspective of good and bad etc I love mexico because I love Mexicans! Generally they ... Read More
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SHORT LIST OF TOWNS? by 1happkamper
I am moving to Thailand soon (o-a visa) and have decided on Chiang Mai as a base of operations, not exactly central to the country but the large expat community is attractive for information gathering, What is your short list - about 3 towns - of ...
vague?? Please read my post.. I was asking about top 3 YOUR choice of towns..not if it would be a fit for me.. look for some commonality with replies. I know where Chaing Mai is... like my post states..its just a center of operation to ... Read More
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SHORT LIST OF TOWNS?
I am moving to Thailand soon (o-a visa) and have decided on Chiang Mai as a base of operations, not exactly central to the country but the large expat community is attractive for information gathering, What is your short list - about 3 towns - of ... Read More