BuddyM
Canadian expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
105
Contacts
44
About me
Canadian
Lives in Saigon, Ho Chin Minh
Speaks English, French, basic Russian
Registration: 09 December 2015
Entrepreneur meetup by fpm10
Hey everyone, I'm an entrepreneur that just landed in Saigon and I'm thinking I'd be nice to meet like-minded individuals who are going through the same thing. It be a great way to network and just talk and get to know fellow expats and ...
I would be happy to meet up with VN or Foreign Entrepreneurs interested in franchising their business throughout VN or abroad in SE Asia or even globally (Middle East). Feel free to connect here or on LinkedIn. Read More
English name for my Son with vietnamese mother by basurero45
Hi, We are married for 4 year and have 2 lovely children. My first has english name and vietnamese middle name and used my surname. (Jasmine Blan Nguyen. Frane I registered since for the Vietnamese Foreign affairs for this name and also for dual ...
I suspect if you offered the authorities a couple of Ben Franklin, they will approve a couple of English names pretty quickly ... Example, Ben Franklin Nguyen. If anyone asks the child (later an adult) how he got the English names with a ... Read More
Looking for ball / street hockey players in Hanoi
Oh WOW, hockey-boule in Vietnam ... nothing in HCMC yet ?? Read More
Restaurant plans by Lunaandcebbe
We are two swedes who are planning to open a restaurant in Mui Ne. We have already found a location. At the moment we are working on our business plan and finds it a bit difficult since we're not in the country. We would like to get in contact ...
Just curious ... but how did you decide on or secure a location if/as you are out of the country ? What about your business licensing ? Is it a sole proprietorship or JV with a 'local' ? Is it a self-made concept or brand, or a franchised ... Read More
Drink spiked on Saturday night Bui Vien - please warn others by Redmundial
Hi All...I haven't been on here for a while as wasn't around, but came back to Saigon last week and headed out to meet some friends on Saturday. We had a couple of beers and food, nothing major then they went home. So I went to universal bar ...
That small police is still there on Bui Vien, by the way ... still open and active. Read More
Three row bus to the Mekong Delta by DirtyPierre
About a year or so ago some guy posted he had come across a bus company that ran luxury coaches to the My Tho and Can Tho that only had 3 rows of seats with two seats on one side of the spacious aisle and only one row on the passenger side. I made a ...
It sounds like you guys can try to dish it out but can't man-up to take it yourselves ... LOL! :) Read More
Three row bus to the Mekong Delta by DirtyPierre
About a year or so ago some guy posted he had come across a bus company that ran luxury coaches to the My Tho and Can Tho that only had 3 rows of seats with two seats on one side of the spacious aisle and only one row on the passenger side. I made a ...
Grab Her ????? WTF, Bazza139 ... is the contributor some kind of wild person running away ????? The contributor's comment was thoughtful, informative, and supportive. How about a bit of professionalism and politeness ????? Typical arrogance ... Read More
Looking for partner in F&B field
Hi nina_le, Please consider franchising as an option to come back to VN. There are many opportunities to consider - Asian concepts, Western concepts, or even new concepts that you may wish to develop on your own. You may contact me directly for a ... Read More
Starting a business with Vietnamese investor and a foreigner's "idea" by VanRoss
I'm wondering what general insights or information people have about the following question: suppose you are Vietnamese and a foreigner comes to you with a business idea. Is there anything illegal about the Vietnamese person creating the ...
Ms. Nhan Khanh nailed it, particularly her points on the foreigner's ideas getting "stolen" or duplicated by the VNese partner or anyone else ... It's relatively easy and quick nowadays to set up a company in HCMC VN, 100% ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
If the money is good, they will be back at it in no time ... plenty of (idiotic) customers! Keep bolting down more sidewalk cross-bars, and that too will help. Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
That's outstanding!!! I need to go find the Honorable Doan Ngoc Hai, Deputy Chairman of the District 1 People’s Committee, shake his hand, say "thanks" and offer his boys some coffee coupons or something. I love the 350,000 VND ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
At least we agree on these points, Sir ... The challenge is mainly two-fold - (a) to change attitude & behavior, and (b) to upgrade the physical components of these big cities (infrastructure, light rail, roads, building codes, signage, ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
"Viet Nam belongs to the Vietnamese people, not us foreigners." That's fine ... many of us are are invited here to help and offer advice on how to improve some aspects of VN life and (their) potential income, for example, in tourism. ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
So, if you were a "guest" in a local VN household and you were invited over for dinner, and the patriarch or matriarch slapped or recklessly beat their child in front of you, would you simply sit by, or watch, or perhaps even laugh at the ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
It seems puzzling that some folks seem to condone the actions of reckless drivers whizzing by on pedestrian-intended sidewalks as well as mentioning (presumably) VN-supported "number of gangs" in the same breath and scope ... Perhaps these ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
Unfortunately, there is still a fairly high number of effeminate males who seem content with "doing nothing and seeing if bad behavior just improves naturally" ... A whimpered verbal warning will generate no useful results given the noise ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
Exactly the right attitude, Zepo! Unfortunately, there is no multi-"Like" button on this site ... but you nailed it with the right approach. A light body-check or elbow or cuff upside the back of the helmet often does the trick as well ... Read More
Online temporary residence registration for foreigners in Vietnam? by 70 years old
Online temporary residence registration for foreigners in Vietnam The Ministry of Public Security has released Circular 53/2016/TT-BCA on registration and acceptance of temporary residence for foreigners in Viet Nam. Accordingly, ...
Hello - I am not sure if this recent circular coincides with my landlord's urgent request yesterday to round up all the foreign passports in our apartment building. As she usually does, she proceeds directly to the local police station and ... Read More
Looking for F&B Director position by Janson Yong
Hi I'm looking for a job as F&B Director or F&B manager. Currently in Singapore wanted to relocated to Vietnam.
Best to check some of the hospitality web sites out of VN and see if there is a position advertised. You will probably need to be fluent in VNese, but not necessarily. Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
It's always nice to hear opinions of how foreigners tackle the issue of local motobikers trying to mow them down, no less, ... on a sidewalk ... when bikers should really be driving where most normal bikers in the world ride ... on the streets ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
From what I see in HCMC these days, all lanes (and most sidewalk too!) are used by motorbikes. I recently straight-armed a biker at an intersection when the pedestrian "green light" was signaling. I can report he was none too happy ... he ... Read More
What should I do for my marriage problem? by BinhDuongLee
I am Korean, born in 1983, I have been married with a Vietnamese woman for 2 years now. (+1 year of dating) and we live in Vietnam now. She is everything I've ever wanted and I thought I totally devoted to her. I was happy every single day ...
... and pretty soon, VN girls will only be happy using their new phone to find a new husband or new boyfriend to live in their new house with the new motorbike in their new country ... I love going into a VN coffee shop (in fact, into many coffee ... Read More
Wanted hotel for lease
Flora - What size (room #), budget, star level (3*, 4*, ?), project state (ongoing, ready to open, under construction, ?), budget, facilities, etc., are you looking at ? They are plenty available ... Read More
What papers are required abroad to legally marry in Vietnam? by Canuck2014
Hi. I am from Canada and will be returning to Vietnam end of the year to get marry. What documents are required from my home country to be legally marry in Vietnam? Thanks.
The whole idea of getting a Certificate of Good Mental Health to get married is really quite funny ... Are the VN authorities saying "Are you crazy enough to get married here in VN, or just barely sane enough to get married ? ... either way, ... Read More
Hotels takes passport? by ebergg
Hello , i'll be in HCMC in March 2107 for 2 weeks , i have read that the hotel takes your passport while you stay there. i was thinking of flying up to Da Nang for a few days while i'm in Vietnam, will the hotel allow me to take my passport ...
Hotels rarely keep guests' passports anymore but they WILL probably want to take a copy of the information page - to register you online with the local police station. If they insist on keeping the passport, even overnight, tell them to forget ... Read More
Best weather / climate in Vietnam ?
Greetings, I would like to get some opinions & comments on where the best year-round weather conditions are in Vietnam ... A Western mate of mine is looking at a VN retirement. He in their 50's, ex-professor, divorced, healthy, outdoor ... Read More
Speedboat service from Saigon to Vung Tau by maximus0760
Hello, is the speedboat service between Saigon and Vung Tau operating these days? I had heard about this service being discontinued for a while, what is the situation today? Thank you in advance for any contribution.
I had heard however that the Vung Tau terminal (drop-off / departure point) is now at another nearby terminal, near the White House (museum). It's still just a short distance away from town anyway. Is that right ? 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 ...
I suspect you will almost always need the 'participation' of your unwanted husband in any divorce procedure anywhere in the world. You probably won't be able to get a divorce anywhere if he is not present or unwilling to grant a ... Read More
What should I do for my marriage problem? by BinhDuongLee
I am Korean, born in 1983, I have been married with a Vietnamese woman for 2 years now. (+1 year of dating) and we live in Vietnam now. She is everything I've ever wanted and I thought I totally devoted to her. I was happy every single day ...
Dear BinhDuongLee - 1st thing - Lock down and hide anything relating to money (ie. salary receipts, bank accounts balances, pension plans, stock holding, title deeds, inheritances, wills, whatever). Whilst now you both may be at an ... Read More
Living In HCMC on 3K usd/mo by Takeomark
Hi all, First off, I'm sorry if this seems rude, I know that 3K is a lot of money in Vietnam. I'm not trying to brag or be a jerk. I'm still choosing which country to live in and I'm just looking for information so I can make the ...
Takeomark - Good posting. Not to worry though, at $3K USD/mo, you won't have any worries about finding suitable date-mates in VN ... There are definitely plenty of great tips on this site. Good Luck and manage your money wisely ... Read More
Language Barriers Make Getting Around HCM Difficult: Please Advice by Libhero
Hello Exparts in HCM: I am new in HCM from USA, visiting HCM. I want to get around, but I cannot communicate with drivers of motorbikes and taxis who do not speak or understand English. Please advice how easily I can navigate my way around the city ...
Libhero - One of the successful techniques is to use your mobile phone (ideally an iPhone) to show the drivers an address in Vietnamese language (from TripAdvisor or from some other site), or even a location on Maps. I also use Translate at shops or ... Read More
pull-up bar
Bazza139 - You stole my response right out of my mind - great minds think alike! He just has to go to any pipe supplier, hardware store, or local contractor and buy 3-4' of pipe. Job done! $5 (or $6 including installation). And an even better ... Read More
pull-up bar
My dumb question of the day ... but what's a pull-up bar ? Like an exercise device for chin-ups, pull-ups, or something else ? Read More
The Challenge of Learning Vietnamese
Some of the Western business guys I know have issued a challenge to each other and a 2017 goal ... that is, to learn conversational Vietnamese to a 'proficient' level within 1 year ! It would be a combination of social, business, and ... Read More
Looking for cafe interior designer
If you connect with me privately, I will give you the name of the best interior designer in the country - he's British, been in Vietnam 20 years, and has worked on hundreds of interior design projects from private mansions, houses, restaurants, ... Read More
Hello everyone !
Jessile - If you wish to connect with me offline, my company has an interesting real estate project that you may be interested in getting involved in here in HCMC. The project is in D10, but I live in D1 for any meetings, introductions, etc. Thank ... Read More
Where to watch english football/soccer
You may try Phatty's or Game On ... but be warned, you may have to walk by and get distracted by the Pasteur Street pubs to get there ... LOL! Read More
looking for a rental unit for one month in HCMC by missTO
i will be visiting HCMC in the new year and on a budget. can anyone recommend a place i could rent for one month while i am there? I would like to be in district 1, ideally close to the river/ben thanh market area. thanks
There are many great, safe, serviced, small budget hotels in the Pham Ngu Lao area 5-10 mins from the Ben Thanh market area. $20/night +/- $5. Be advised though, it's mostly a backpackers area and, in my opinion, the main concern is that it CAN ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
This traffic situation in VN reminds me of my time in Moscow Russia (actually Soviet Union at the time) when I would carry a $5 USD bill in my passport. When stopped & asked on the roads by the traffic police with their magical white sticks - ... Read More
150 bux for DN work 2 TT? TRC
Sorry, Thaiger, what are you asking about ? ... The cost of a TRC ? ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
Plus, it's the lead-up to the Tet holidays ... hey, how else will the cops boost their pre-holiday income ... Read More
police in hcmc by Guestposter822
got pulled over by the police yesterday in hcmc. went down a non motorcycle lane accidently as im not that familiar with hcmc. i have a valid Vietnamese license. the policeman said 200,000 vnd or we take the bike. no ticket, nothing just the threat. ...
I have never heard of or ever seen a "non motorcycle Lane" in HCMC! ... I see motorcycles drive down sidewalks (which I have swerved their handle bars towards the road much to the driver's displeasure), drive the wrong way down one-way ... Read More
Help! Caught up in fake visa stamp by GuestPoster0144
Hi, I'm new to Expat forum not sure if I'm posting in right place. I am caught up in this fake visa stamp, now they are refusing any reentry letter. They tell me I have to get out. I live in Vietnam and have a fiancee we were planning on ...
THIGV - I see your need "every three months (to go) downtown to get another extension directly from immigration" as being a real pain ... Why not get a 3-year TRC "ĐT" visa ? I got mine (and my wife's - we are both ... Read More
Shopping to buy a small business by nosugar_please
Where would you start looking for ads showcasing small businesses for sale. Such as restaurants, retail, cafes... I'm thinking frequently used websites or other listings. In HCMC.
You are absolutely right that if the Franchisor is nowhere near to support the Franchisee, or not interested, it can be disaster (for both parties!). Our company teaches the benefits of a franchising model, its pro's and con's, how/where to ... Read More
Shopping to buy a small business by nosugar_please
Where would you start looking for ads showcasing small businesses for sale. Such as restaurants, retail, cafes... I'm thinking frequently used websites or other listings. In HCMC.
Kindly connect with me, as I have a very interesting (franchising) business that you may be interested in ... Read More
Investing in real estate or having interest-bearing account? by tranus
Hi there, What would be better/safer: investing in real estate in HCMC or having an interest-bearing account in a Vietnamese bank (that can also be foreign bank in Vietnam)? I've been told in Vietnam interest-bearing account can be 8%? What ...
That's wise thinking ... When you plan to enter an investment, always think about the 'exit plan' too. It can be very frustrating if you wait around struggling to sell a property, sometimes even up to a year or more (or sell it more ... Read More
Canadian Citizen info about visa. One year or one month?
Contact the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa for all the latest visa information. Visit its web site. I recommend that you pay the little extra and get a "DN" visa from that embassy stamped into your passport before you travel rather than using ... Read More
Accomodation / Business Visa by cwholdings
Hi everyone Myself and my business partner (my brother) are travelling from the UK to HCMC on the 12th of October this year. We are staying for two months and planning to meet with a number of potential business partners with the intention of ...
My recommendation is that you get a DN visa from your home country before travelling. VOAs are OK too but you could have a nasty wait at the airport for the actual visa, then another wait at the Immigration desk. No fun after a long tiring flight. ... Read More
SAIGON'S RUGBY 10's 17 Sept in RMIT, District 7 by Leighhcm
Dear all, Anyone wants to have a Fun & Sports day out at RMIT District 7 on 17th Sept? Please come and support our Saigon Rugby Team together with other 15 teams from all over the world. This happy day is not only for single people but also for ...
'Free flow' drinks ... now we are talking ... !! Read More
Vietnam , too severe policy for foreigners over bank account by youngor
Vietnam has too severe policy for foreigners to open account in bank in Vietnam,foreigners can only hold cash in hand,not allowed to make deposits in bank account.This policy will frighten foreigners to remit money from abroad to Vietnam, which is ...
Your can open an VND/USD HSBC bank account within 3-4 days complete with internet banking secure device. Excellent personal service, at least at its main office branch. Read More
Looking for someone to go drink with by SkyP
Hi guys. im an english teacher in saigon. my work always finish at 9pm. Its hard to find a friend to hang out at that time. Im looking for someone who works same schedule like mine or still could hangout late to have few drinks with me affter a ...
Why not simply go out on your own to the many pubs or restaurants, and then make/meet friends there ? Pasteur Street has dozens of small (mostly expat) pubs, and of course hotels offer slightly higher-end (budget-wise) bars. Coffee shops also offer ... Read More
How to find a Job in Vietnam from Websites? by Musthafatram
Hello friends I am Musthafa from India currently I am working in Malaysia. Actually I am looking job in Vietnam because I am because Vietnam expat. I am searching job by use alots of websites but no use. I want to know how to find a job in ...
What's wrong with your current work in Malaysia ? The best method, in my opinion, for looking for work in another country is to come and live here, and then apply for jobs 'locally' and be ready for interviews, cold calls to employers ... Read More
How to Open a company in Ho Chi Minh by summer78
please every one do you know how to open a company here in VN (HCMC)? office, better way, everything... please help me to understand about it regards
I can recommend the very best Vietnamese legal associate to help apply for & obtain your small business license. Highly dependable, highly trustworthy, very transparent (from start to finish - about 4 weeks to complete the IRC & ERC, tax ... Read More
Dogs deterrent by JenneSaisQuoi
i got a problem with a neighbor who lets her dogs run wild pooping and pissing all over in front of my door. I'm tired of being diplomatic. Is there a shop in HCMC that sells a deterrent spray or something that keeps these dogs from coming over ...
When the neighbor is away of course, invite the dogs over and receive them with a good swift kick to the nuts ... they will remember the location and the greeting. Repeat as needed. It has nothing to do with cruelty, but in the absence of any other ... Read More
Tipping by Guestposter822
I'm just wondering if the Vietnamese tip when they go for their morning coffee ? sometimes I tip sometimes I don't. Usually I do when they come and fill up my iced tea, smile say hello. usually I don't if the waiter sits there looking at ...
It may also have something to do with you/us being "a Westerner" ... I try to leverage "the Western look" as well for an extra portion or a smile ... Read More
Tipping by Guestposter822
I'm just wondering if the Vietnamese tip when they go for their morning coffee ? sometimes I tip sometimes I don't. Usually I do when they come and fill up my iced tea, smile say hello. usually I don't if the waiter sits there looking at ...
I am always happy to tip if they give me a discount! LOL! Read More
Advise needed. by Hawk JW
I am planning to get married later this year to my Vietnamese partner we have been together two years She has a daughter of 7 years and we eventually plan to live in the Uk for awhile before returning to Vietnam. Question will her daughter ...
Your post suggests that the whole name change idea is simply " for easier travel to the Uk". There will be just as much hassle in whatever choice you make ... believe me (from experience). Have them retain their Vietnamese names but ... Read More
SEEKING PARTNER FOR BUSINESS IN VIETNAM by Kim Nguyen 99
Hello Friends in Group, I am seeking an Expat partner for my business, who want to move/ living and invest in Vietnam. My business is running for over one year in legal procedures consultancy & marketing representative field. It has a good ...
Dear Ms. Kim - Kindly check your Inbox and you will see my introduction. Best Regards, Buddy Read More
Any difference in opening a bank account for a business in Vietnam?
All you all set up with your IRC & ERC yet ? Your restaurant facility built or leased ? Business plan ? Partner ? Staffing ? I am a very experienced former QSR/Casual Dining owner & operator and franchising specialist, so feel free to ... Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Vietnam by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Vietnam? To help you meet people and find outings in Vietnam, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Vietnam: you can now follow whats ...
Welcome to Vietnam ... :) I hope everything works out well for you. Read More
HCMC - rent
Which Western cities are you comparing HCMC rents ? Where are you looking in HCMC ?Or do you mean small towns in rural farming communities in the USA or Canada ? FYI, HCMC rents are approx. 15-20% for similar size/services as in Dubai (not a ... Read More
Official Translation and Notarization Services by BuddyM
I am preparing documents for an application dossier for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE"). Simple - one business line of activity - management consulting. Does anyone know any qualified value-for-money service companies for ...
VanKhanh Ho - It's always a fun adventure to realize that translation 'quality' doesn't really matter that much. My commercial license may end up being a medical certificate with a motorbike license! :) That 50K VND per page for ... Read More
Official Translation and Notarization Services by BuddyM
I am preparing documents for an application dossier for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE"). Simple - one business line of activity - management consulting. Does anyone know any qualified value-for-money service companies for ...
Thank you for your advice. It''s greatly appreciated. I have also heard that there's a (famous) one on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai that handles 'official' VN Govt translations and at a good price rather than at the Western price. ... Read More
Official Translation and Notarization Services
I am preparing documents for an application dossier for a wholly foreign-owned enterprise ("WFOE"). Simple - one business line of activity - management consulting. Does anyone know any qualified value-for-money service companies for ... Read More
Vung Tau hydrofoil - where to catch ferry in HCMC
I assume that is 200,000 VND for a 1-way weekday hydrofoil ticket to Vung Tau, yes ? It's a great town there, by the way. Read More
Magic formula for travellers diarrhea by Guestposter822
A lot of you reading this may have suffered from diarrhea / sore stomach etc from the street food here in Viet Nam. Lets face it though we all love to eat it but it can occasionally have its perils (especially if you are caught on a bus with no ...
I agree, Deepsix ... I love the taste of bentonite in the morning! Read More
Magic formula for travellers diarrhea by Guestposter822
A lot of you reading this may have suffered from diarrhea / sore stomach etc from the street food here in Viet Nam. Lets face it though we all love to eat it but it can occasionally have its perils (especially if you are caught on a bus with no ...
Rule #1 - Avoid dubious street food. Rule #2 - If you need your pipes cleared and cleaned, visit a local Tour Les Jours or any decent bread shop and, for only 21,000 VND a loaf, lap up as much black bread as you can. I don't know what's in ... Read More
Process of Resignation in relation to visas & temporary resident cards by benlws
Was looking for info on how visas/temporary resident cards (TRCs) work when you resign from a company as a foreigner. Found a helpful thread (https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=308666) but it's 3 years old and I'd like to confirm ...
This may not help much (as my experience relates to Residency Visas in the UAE), but in that country, a work visa is tied to the residency visa (the equivalent of a TRC I understand), and so when the work visa is reported as terminated by the ... Read More
Any Updates on the newly passed 12 month tourist visa for US citizens by ChrisRug
My name is Chris. I've lived here with my wife and two children for almost a year now. I read all news VN, and read a few months ago that the VN govt was going to change the way tourist visa's were issued for Japan, AU and US. I then read ...
Where is Pres Obama planning to visit - Hanoi or also HCMC ? Hopefully that opens the flood-gates to Investors and other good things. We will enjoy the security apparatus (ie. local + Secret Service) in action. My oh my, where will the scooter ... Read More
Important notice for Vietnam visa - 30th March by Emily visa expert
please never come to vietnam with a tourist vissa, never use the tourist visa at any reason if you will stay a long time in Vietnam,... + The Business visa: It is so easy and cheap to get a visa extension without leaving the country: 3 month, 6 ...
Emily - As you understand it, when a 6-month DN visa is near expiration, where should the DN visa-holder go for an extension ? Can you recommend (offline) a knowledgeable agency ? Is that extension for 3 months only, or a further 6 months (like the ... Read More
Moving to Ho Chi Minh City - Share your Move! by jesslaser
Hello Everyone, I know this is a pretty open ended question with a lot of directions it can go...but here goes: I am planning on moving from USA to Ho Chi Minh City next year. For those of you that have made this move (or similar) - what do you ...
JL - Here's my #1 one realization: Don't pack much (clothes-wise, etc). Everything is available here if you invest just a little time to find stuff at much lower prices than in the USA or elsewhere. Bring your laptop, 2-3 'changes of ... Read More
Visa On Arrival and 1 way Ticket by Zepo
I plan on traveling to Hanoi Vietnam in late May or Early June. I'll be coming in on a 3 month Tourist visa via the Visa On Arrival. Now, depending on how things work out, I may extend that visa once or twice. I thought I read somewhere when ...
Zepo, The Embassy mentioned a "1 YEAR MULTIPLE ENTRY $240 PER VISA". Has anyone living here in HCMC ever been issued that type of visa ? I have never seen or heard of one. Read More
Any Updates on the newly passed 12 month tourist visa for US citizens by ChrisRug
My name is Chris. I've lived here with my wife and two children for almost a year now. I read all news VN, and read a few months ago that the VN govt was going to change the way tourist visa's were issued for Japan, AU and US. I then read ...
Half Centurion - My post here probably won't help you much but I hold a 6-month Multiple Entries DN Visa, which was issued from the Vietnamese Embassy in Abu Dhabi! Maybe this same option is available to you more regionally, like in Laos or ... Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Vietnam by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Vietnam? To help you meet people and find outings in Vietnam, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Vietnam: you can now follow whats ...
Bia Craft is quite interesting ... I quaffed back a few there last night. Small, open-front street pub, simple with great ales. Try the Passion Fruit ale as a starter, then work through the list ... limited seating (and it is small) ... Read More
6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa by BuddyM
I have been issued a 6-month Multiple-Entry "DN" Visa from a Vietnam Embassy. Can someone be kind enough to summarize a couple of points of concern ... (1) What are my requirements when I arrive in HCMC in terms of getting a TRC, or ...
Hi VanKhanh Ho - Thank you for your detailed response. You sound very knowledgeable on this topic. On your response (3) - Have you ever seen a 6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa renewed or extended as another (a subsequent) 6-month multiple DN Visa, or ... Read More
Want to ask about Vietnamese business relationship by GuestPoster348
This question I want to ask any Vietnamese who help a foreigner to register a business AND/OR any foreigner who has a Vietnamese helped to register a business: Someone is asking me to help him register his company in Vietnam. I'm thinking and ...
It's oftentimes a 'Catch 22' situation. If you don't have your name in/on a business, you are practically not important, not relevant, and not a decision-maker, within that business in that foreign country. That's the general ... Read More
How does a Non-Catholic Expat marry a Catholic Vietnamese in a church? by Brian Jo
Hi everyone, I'm looking to marry a Catholic Vietnamese girl in her local church in HCMC as a "Non-Catholic" foreigner. She has been advised by the reverend at her local church that I must obtain a letter for any church outside of ...
Brian - Have you offered a 'donation' to the parish leader like a free scooter with angel handle bars or something similar ? Read More
6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa by BuddyM
I have been issued a 6-month Multiple-Entry "DN" Visa from a Vietnam Embassy. Can someone be kind enough to summarize a couple of points of concern ... (1) What are my requirements when I arrive in HCMC in terms of getting a TRC, or ...
I am actually setting up my own company and thus my questions on how to merge this 6-month 'DN' visa into something a little longer-term beyond the initial 6 months. Cheers! Read More
6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa by BuddyM
I have been issued a 6-month Multiple-Entry "DN" Visa from a Vietnam Embassy. Can someone be kind enough to summarize a couple of points of concern ... (1) What are my requirements when I arrive in HCMC in terms of getting a TRC, or ...
Kerry - The Middle East had a wild-west visa application process many years ago as well until the various Gov'ts (UAE, Kuwait, etc.) stepped in a cleaned it all up, particularly through use of e-Govt initiatives and direct user-friendly ... Read More
6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa by BuddyM
I have been issued a 6-month Multiple-Entry "DN" Visa from a Vietnam Embassy. Can someone be kind enough to summarize a couple of points of concern ... (1) What are my requirements when I arrive in HCMC in terms of getting a TRC, or ...
Thank you for your advice - Kerry and 'colinoscapee' - Hopefully I can convert it to a residency visa of some sort (Rep Office or work permit) once I settle in to HCMC. Cheers. Read More
6-month Multiple-Entry DN Visa
I have been issued a 6-month Multiple-Entry "DN" Visa from a Vietnam Embassy. Can someone be kind enough to summarize a couple of points of concern ... (1) What are my requirements when I arrive in HCMC in terms of getting a TRC, or ... Read More
How to Open a company in Ho Chi Minh by summer78
please every one do you know how to open a company here in VN (HCMC)? office, better way, everything... please help me to understand about it regards
Does your lawyer specialize in business licensing, start-ups, etc ? Reasonable pricing ? Thank you. Read More
How to Open a company in Ho Chi Minh by summer78
please every one do you know how to open a company here in VN (HCMC)? office, better way, everything... please help me to understand about it regards
Hi Sir - I am interested ... Let's connect. Thanks. Buddy Read More