Kupo
American citizen
Forum posts
61
Contacts
6
About me
American, Married
Lives in San Francisco
Speaks and read English and Vietnamese.
Registration: 25 September 2015
Money out by GuestPoster100620
Hi has anyone any idea how many millions dong can one take out each time upon departure? Thanks
Sorry, I should have been clearer. The first instance consists of us handing over x VND + 2.5% upfront in Vietnam and receiving the USD equivalent (2.5% fee not reimbursed, of course) in our US account from another US account. It is the other ... Read More
Money out by GuestPoster100620
Hi has anyone any idea how many millions dong can one take out each time upon departure? Thanks
Sounds like the gold shop route (often a travel agent on the US end) commonly used by Viet Kieu. Although widely used, I wonder if it is truly legal. I have noticed that for many Vietnamese, "everybody does it" serves as proof that ... Read More
Money out by GuestPoster100620
Hi has anyone any idea how many millions dong can one take out each time upon departure? Thanks
Sorry to rain on your parade but we’ve been able to convert VND to USD just fine. :| In fact, the money has always been wired to our US account within a few hours. The transfer company even offered to hand-deliver the cash directly to my ... Read More
Vietnam relationships / Children / Marriage by braymor
Hello all, I have spent the last couple of hours reading the various threads on this topic, and have received some good information. I'm really happy there is a forum dedicated to these types of topics. I am in a particular situation, and I ...
20 years ago, maybe. Nowadays, it's tinder for the younger crowd and good old mistress(es) for the luddites. As for marriage and green cards; the only Viet Kieu that I’ve seen wanting to get married in Vietnam are the: 1. older (40+) ... Read More
Family bonding activities
I recommend checking out The BCR District 9. We hold most of our team-building events here and nearly everyone has been partial to paintball, water soccer, and mini golf. Read More
I have decided on Viet Nam to relocate/live/retire by WyonJames
Im on a mission to educate as much as possible options for the move to VN. I am a bachelor with a cat, US military veteran with service connected disability I am looking for any help, suggestions, observations on choosing where to live. I seem to ...
Good thing there are no shortages of organic food markets in California. And let's be honest; health is not a major concern if you're willing to put up with Vietnamese healthcare - private or public. not natural, doesn't taste as good ... Read More
I have decided on Viet Nam to relocate/live/retire by WyonJames
Im on a mission to educate as much as possible options for the move to VN. I am a bachelor with a cat, US military veteran with service connected disability I am looking for any help, suggestions, observations on choosing where to live. I seem to ...
I'd recommend taking a pre-move visit to both cities and their respective beaches before making any final decisions. OT: I can't fathom the thought of trading the beaches (or California burritos) in OB and La Jolla for Vung Tau and Da Nang ... Read More
Foreigners can buy an Apartment but can not rent it ? by eileengu
I just read an article that says "#3 Buy a house or an apartment as an individual Foreign nationals who are residents in Vietnam can also buy dwelling houses without forming a legal entity. However, as an individual, you can only purchase a ...
A good amount (maybe even most) of the prime real estate has already been bought and sold by the local officials. They usually buy large plots of land, subdivide it, and sell each lot individually. Not many are interested in holding on to the land ... Read More
Realistic alternatives to International schools ? by nishasingh3
Hello everyone, As you can see, I am a new member to this forum and here goes my first post. I have been living in Melbourne for over 14 years. Love the place and life here but my heart always yearns for the Asian vibe. After living all of my ...
Highly dependent on your worth and position but, yes, education should be standard in all international relocation packages. Read More
Dual Citizenship issues for Vietnam by peterpan75
Hi everyone, I know this topic comes up all the time but was hoping someone could help me out so I could get some current information regarding it. So I'm finally going to try to get my dual citizenship for Vietnam again. Last time I had ...
I asked this question at the SF consulate and was told no. I was quoted $300 with a 3-6 months processing time. I was quoted $3000 and 1+ year processing time from a dozen or so lawyers in Vietnam for actual citizenship (national identity card and ... Read More
ATM withdrawal amount by vikingjeger
For those that are interested in larger then an average 2 million withdrawal amount, try MB Bank at 26 Phan Dinh Phung street. Was able to withdraw 5 million
I can't speak for Schwab but Fidelity fully reimbursed me for a BIDV withdrawal in Lao Cai of 2016. I was charged 231.47 USD for a 5M VND withdrawal and later reimbursed 7.39 USD. 5M VND was worth 224.1 USD in June 2016. I rarely use these ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Then you actually agree with me! You understand that freehold (legally) refers solely to land ownership rights not true ownership, correct? True ownership does not exist in America or developed Western countries due to the fact that eminent domain ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
No real difference aside from semantics. For all intents and purposes, the land is freehold for locals because unlike a perpetual lease; 1. you do not lose occupancy or ownership rights when it expires 2. the actual land is transferred during ... Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
YMWV, but I can tell you: 1. The immigration office stated they would only accept my mother's TRC application once her VEC has nearly expired—i.e., on the final renewal. 2. My mother has lived in Vietnam for a little over a year and has ... Read More
Can foreigners buy second hand properties? by viet casey
Someone told me that foreingers can [u]only [/u]buy newly built properties. Is this true or can foreigners buy second hand properties as well?
Ah, that's right. The thought of sticking to cash-only in order to double-dip on tax avoidance in both countries hadn't even crossed my mind. You're also right about having friends and family making frequent trips. TIL! Read More
Can foreigners buy second hand properties? by viet casey
Someone told me that foreingers can [u]only [/u]buy newly built properties. Is this true or can foreigners buy second hand properties as well?
:o Geez. That sounds incredibly inefficient and very expensive. They could have just provided the source of the funds (RE) and easily transfer the entire amount out from Vietcombank for a few hundred USD. Heck, even taking a 10% hit on the ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Vietnam? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Vietnam, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
In retrospect? Yes. In terms of work life, I am a happy camper. Not only is the international experience very valuable, but the work-life balance, company culture, and management approach in the Vietnam branch mirror those of our American ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Why bother re-framing the title then? If there is such easy money to be made, then why aren't the connected Vietnamese who have money, power, protection, buying it themselves?They do? They lease the land to local and foreign entities wanting to ... Read More
Moving to HCMC - advice needed! by Sean Brown
Good morning, everyone. I am offered a job in HCMC, before making a decision, may I, please, ask you for advice? 1. My job offer is monthly salary USD 5,000 + USD 20,000 a year schooling (I have a 7-year old daughter)+ USD 24,000 a year accomodation ...
1. A 5K salary will depend on you and your spending habits. 20k will be enough to send one child to a decent international school. 24k will be enough to accommodate a family of 5 in D7. 2. The tap water is safe for showering, dishes, laundry, etc, ... Read More
Property Prices and Best Expat Area to Settle by aspiresa10
Hi All, Within the next six months I am planning on Traveling back to Vietnam to find a property to buy for future retirement. My Budget will be around $100,000.00 (AUD) I am looking for either a 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartment if Coastal town ocean ...
Because of the many poor career, familial, and ultimately, financial life choices that spanned the last 50+ years of your lives? Honestly, there aren't any single 60+ year old male foreign retirees (being married in Vietnam post-retirement ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Hey Jaygeefly, Unfortunately, I do not know of any lawyers specializing in RE. Your best bet would be to look up an established Vietnamese-Canadian (or just Canadian) firm that has offices in Canada and Vietnam. Best of luck. EDIT: Oh hey, I ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Sorry, I don't know enough about this matter to comment. However, I would strongly recommend against flipping RE as foreigner - even if your spouse is Vietnamese. The only reason I flipped property with my wife is due to the fact that: 1. ... 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 ...
Unfortunately, Yogi speaks the truth. Most immigrants who claim to love Vietnam and Vietnamese culture are largely referring to the cheap tail, lax visa laws, and low cost of living. As for Yogi's other points... I'll just say it's ... Read More
The cost of an "International " Education in HCMC by blunders
Have a look at some of the fees being charged by the so called International Schools in HCMC One such school could cost you US$ 275,350 for 1 pupil from year 1 to year 12. Works out at about an average of US$ 22,945 per school year. Most school ...
No simple answers? Yet were only able to list two real options: homeschooling or international/boarding school. Whichever option you choose - your children's success or failure in higher education (or life) will not occur in a vacuum, period. Read More
Considering expat assignment in Vietnam by Alwaysready
Hello All, Wish everyone on this forum well. I'm new here. After years working in Canada, and a few years in Australia, I'm now considering an expat opportunity in Vietnam. Can anyone give me a rough idea of what a full expat package ...
Bingo. In addition to paranoia, I would also add arrogance, cognitive impairment, and indoctrination to travelers and lifers alike! Here's to an eventful (but safe) two years! Thanks THIGV and Kupo for the valuable feedback. This is a ... Read More
Considering expat assignment in Vietnam by Alwaysready
Hello All, Wish everyone on this forum well. I'm new here. After years working in Canada, and a few years in Australia, I'm now considering an expat opportunity in Vietnam. Can anyone give me a rough idea of what a full expat package ...
NOTE: I applied for my current position from within my company in America. Unless you're getting headhunted by foreign MNCs do not expect much in the way of a decent (or existent) relocation package, benefits, or salary if applying directly to a ... Read More
Proof of return ticket to enter tan son nhat by villanova
hi guys, another airport experience i'd like to raise, when i entered tan son nhat airport today the immigration officer asked the bloke in front of me for proof a return ticket. so unfortunately the dude didn't have a return ticket cause he ...
Hah! Lack of employment? Probably. Certain age? No. Retirees are no different than backpackers if they're living on tourist visas, period. That said, return ticket verification varies with each airline and immigration officers but as far as ... Read More
My opinions on international schools in Ho Chi Minh at the moment by anonxx
There are 7 International schools that are recognized by the Good Schools Guide International (1). However, they are not branded as a GSGI school which meets the International standards for first tier schools. Obviously these schools in Ho Chi ...
My son attends SSIS and I highly recommend it to anyone who can (comfortably) afford it. Excellent facilities, small class sizes, qualified teachers, with a range of extra of extracurricular activities. The students begin taking computer science ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Cool, you can quote Wikipedia like an armchair lawyer. But can you read like one? :) Nowhere does it say or mention anything along the lines of "you have to do nothing. It will be yours or your heirs forever..." You still gotta do ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
No, that's exactly what freehold means. Your definition freehold, i.e., do absolutely nothing and own it forever does not exist in the Western world. They must go renew it.I couldn't have explained this any clearer in the second paragraph ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Locals have freehold ownership. They pay for the property once and renew the paperwork every few decades or so - if they choose. Mind you, their land isn't lost or repossesed by the government if they don't renew the deed. They will just be ... Read More
How do you invest in Vietnam real estate? by Stacy123
I think that's so difficult for foreigners to buy or invest in real estate in Vietnam. Just need some advises and want to know your experience. Please give me some ideas.. :heart:
Stay away from investing in real estate as a foreigner. Everything will be a 50-year lease for all foreigners. You will not have the same ownership rights as a local, period. Locals can (and do) go to court to settle contractual disputes all of the ... Read More
saving in dollars by gunner10
HI We have been living in HCMC just over 9 months and want some advice in terms of converting dong into dollars and best saving options out there. Not looking at investing but a savings option only in dollars. Any advice would be helpful .
Many expats do NOT have the choice of offshore invesments as most of them work illegally (as tourists) as teachers and are unable to transfer VND out of Vietnam. No real savings options in dollars unless you're working remotely and payment is ... Read More
Lost birth certificate
Go back to Vietnam and visit the office that issued your birth certificate. You'll need to provide them the relevant information (names, hospital, residence, birth dates) and money! Could take weeks or months, maybe years. Read More
Pregnancy in Ho Chi Minh City by Christine
Hi, could you please share advice and tips about pregnancy in Ho Chi Minh City? Who are the best gynecologists for pregnancy follow-ups? Which hospitals or clinics would you recommend to give birth in Ho Chi Minh City? Thanks a lot in ...
Congratulations, khanh44! What a coincidence. I was also born at BV Phu San Quoc Te! Thanks for sharing your experience. Read More
Vietnamese American moving to Vietnam. Advice Please by knguyeen112
Hi, I'm considering on moving to VN this year and hoping to get some advice from fellow expats to make the transition as easy as possible. I have a college degree with 5 years of experience in the IT field. But I'm not looking for a full ...
No, you just said the US will disown (legally punish) you for actively pursuing dual citizenship - which is patently false. The DOS link above hints at the potential problems in the third paragraph that I warn about.Sounds like you really ... Read More
Vietnamese American moving to Vietnam. Advice Please by knguyeen112
Hi, I'm considering on moving to VN this year and hoping to get some advice from fellow expats to make the transition as easy as possible. I have a college degree with 5 years of experience in the IT field. But I'm not looking for a full ...
False. The U.S. doesn't recognize or care about your dual citizenship, legally or politically. @knguyeen112 You might find a teaching job after a lot of searching but your pay will be significantly less when compared to your Caucasian peers. ... Read More
Sending a package TO someone in HCMC by arc8iablue
My son is currently teaching in HCMC. He lost his ATM card and the bank sent the replacement to me. He also needs his original teaching certificate and asked me to send some stickers for him to pass out to his students. Can anyone suggest the best ...
My mother uses Hoa Phat. http://www.goitien.com/Locations.aspx Read More
Single Status Affidavit and Pet Questions by CVDan
Good day, everyone! I'm a Vietnamese American, born in Vietnam, and currently living in the US. I am a US citizen, and have been living here for over 27 years. I plan on going back to Vietnam in April and staying there for awhile. Possibly 2 ...
1. Yes. 2. 3. No clue, sorry. 4. No clue, sorry. 5. Yes, only a Certificate of Visa Exemption (VECfor short) will allow you to stay for 6 months a time. Regular tourist visas will require you to leave the country every 3 months. You can leave ... Read More
Vietnam to Issue e-Visa on February 1, 2017 w/ Application Form by Kupo
[quote=]From the 1st Feb 2017 (TBC), Vietnam will finally introduce the E-visa! No longer will you have to apply through an agent to get the invitation letter or queue at the airport immigration to receive your visa upon arrival. With this ...
You're right, MIkaQ5. I was wrong about the 3 month eVisa issuance and am unable to edit the original post to reflect that. A VOA letter is still the way to go if you plan on visiting for visiting for longer than one month. Countries eligible ... Read More
I got scammed in Hanoi. Did u too? by charlie2k
I got scammed twice in the last 2 days. 1. First I go to buy a sim card and the guy offers to give me a sim with 30k balance for 80k. I knew that 50k is the price for a blank sim so said ok. Now this was a proper shop, not someone on the street who ...
Yes, but not to the degree that you've been scammed! My uncle decided to walk past the MaiLinh taxi and wave down some generic Hanoian taxi instead. The drive proceeded to take us for a ride, both literally and figuratively. I was really mad ... Read More
Vietnam to Issue e-Visa on February 1, 2017 w/ Application Form
You can read it about again here and here! Official e-Visa Application Form HERE The application allows for a 30 day and 3 month visa. Read More
Divorce inquiry by kvinson
Hi Everyone, I am a Filipino citizen and married a Filipino too but we are not living anymore for like almost 10 years.We don't have divorce here in the Philippines and getting an annulment is very expensive plus it will take 2 or 3 years.I ...
Uh, what? It absolutely does matter if the Philippine court recognizes her divorce, especially if she wants to marry an American and move to America. Do you really believe that: 1. US immigration will blindly accept divorce papers drawn up in ... Read More
Divorce inquiry by kvinson
Hi Everyone, I am a Filipino citizen and married a Filipino too but we are not living anymore for like almost 10 years.We don't have divorce here in the Philippines and getting an annulment is very expensive plus it will take 2 or 3 years.I ...
Why would you be able to get a divorce in Vietnam? A divorce decree obtained abroad would still need to be recognized in a Philippine court. That said, I don't think Vietnam has any say or authority over the union between two non-Vietnamese ... Read More
LASIK Recommendations by ejmom25
I am currently looking at having the LASIK procedure done on both of my eyes. I am just wanting to get feedback from you guys. I have looked at the other past posts here in the forums but much of the information that was shared seemed biased or ...
I had my LASIK procedure at Cao Thang Eye Hospital! They gave me two options for LASIK: • Bladed - Microkeratome • Bladeless - Femtosecond Laser I went the bladeless option which was nearly twice as expensive as the bladed option at ... 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 ...
FYI: I have submitted my application 9 months ago in the same office. Just got a call from my auntie here in SG that someone called her and asked her about me. A letter will be sent to her to invite her in for more formal interview. And that was ... 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 ...
Received an email from the San Francisco Consulate! Here's what you'll want to know if you're a Vietnamese-American with a Vietnamese birth certificate: • You can apply for a first time passport • Fee is $300 • ... 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 ...
Does anyone know what the fee is for a Vietnamese passport application? I've called all 4 Embassies/Consulates and every single one has gone to voice message (all full). Read More
Banking Warning by ancientpathos
Greetings, Just thought I would share an experience. Went into Vietcom bank in Da Nang to get 60 million dong from my account in the USA. My visa debit card has my middle initial instead of my full middle name. Yep they took the money out of my ...
http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/31666/vietnams-vietcombank-ceases-transfer-transaction-for-foreign-cardholders Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
Perfect! Thank you, Budman1! I really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything thoroughly to me. :D Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
Got it, thank you. Is it expensive? And would leaving the country also renew it upon return? I also applied the VK VEC with my birth certificate and not the marriage VEC, if that matters in the slightest. Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
Hm... VEC is the Certificate of Visa Exemption for Vietnamese and Family Members (5 years visa), right? Can I stay more than 90 days in Vietnam with it? Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
Hi everyone, I have a few questions about the VEC and extensions: 1. How many times can I get a 90-day extension with a VEC? I've heard that regular tourists VISAs can get 2-3 extensions without leaving the country. 2. Will flying to Malaysia ... Read More