zest123
Singaporean expat in China
Forum posts
63
About me
Singaporean
Speaks English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay (slight)
Registration: 16 January 2016
DT Visa Needed by Hooked
Howdy, Is there a quick and easy way to get the DT Visa, or a service that will sponsor? Thanks
Thanks Read More
DT Visa Needed by Hooked
Howdy, Is there a quick and easy way to get the DT Visa, or a service that will sponsor? Thanks
Hi Merry Christmas !! Understand that a 3 year DT visa is obtainable with a 3 billion vnd infusion Appreciate if some guru can advise if the above visa can be obtained by investing in fixed income instruments like Bank FD and whether it's ... Read More
Travelling Out of Vietnam as an Expat by afrost
Hi, I'm an expat living in HCMC and since we are all confined to our homes, I was exploring the possibility of travelling back to switzerland to go live with my paents and work from home there just for the time that covid calms down here. My ...
Hi, I'm an expat living in HCMC and since we are all confined to our homes, I was exploring the possibility of travelling back to switzerland to go live with my paents and work from home there just for the time that covid calms down here. My ... Read More
Singaporean Staying in Penang by yuesc86
Hello all! Joined this forum about a week ago. I'm here to try to apply long term visit pass to look after my aged mum. Going to the third time this Thu to see the officer handling my case. Hope can get the paper work complete. Hope to meet ...
Hello all! Joined this forum about a week ago. I'm here to try to apply long term visit pass to look after my aged mum. Going to the third time this Thu to see the officer handling my case. Hope can get the paper work complete. Hope to meet ... Read More
buying a Thai villa as a foreigner by zest123
Someone said to buy a villa using a local thai's name n to make him a) sign a debtor note indicating that he owes you money to the tune of the villa's value n will have to repay this debt if he intends to sell the villa b) pre-sign property ...
You should also be aware that it is illegal to own a company solely for the purpose of buying land. They can and will take your property if you upset them in any way. It’s not worth the risk of losing your hard earned money.Really ...., thanks ... Read More
Interested in a free Covid vaccine like Moderna? by PTTL
Hello everyone, USA just sent Vietnam 2 millions Moderna vaccine: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/us-sends-vietnam-2-million-covid-vaccine-doses-4305076.html I checked the US Embassy website and it said we're on our own when it comes to ...
Where's the irony? First, we're not living in the States, so whatever perks (such as free vaccination) we would've had in the States do not apply to us in Vietnam. Second, the US Embassy is not the only one telling their expats in ... Read More
buying a Thai villa as a foreigner by zest123
Someone said to buy a villa using a local thai's name n to make him a) sign a debtor note indicating that he owes you money to the tune of the villa's value n will have to repay this debt if he intends to sell the villa b) pre-sign property ...
You can register the company and buy with company's name. This is how most the foreigners do. Consult with the lawyer too.Thanks, understand some foreigners who bought villas using the company route lost them in law suits .. Buying a condo ... Read More
buying a Thai villa as a foreigner by zest123
Someone said to buy a villa using a local thai's name n to make him a) sign a debtor note indicating that he owes you money to the tune of the villa's value n will have to repay this debt if he intends to sell the villa b) pre-sign property ...
Stay away from making deals with local Thai people if it comes to contracts etc etc. You will always lose.Thanks for the guidance Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
2 days ago next door had a fire,,, we managed to save our roof floor going up and spreading to rest of building,,, so lucky it wasnt empty,,,,, I have now installed smoke alarms throughout and she is very happy we are still here. Goodolboy,,, I ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
I owe you a reply so here goes ... You are so right, so much can happen over time my situation is that I happen to be closely related to a firm that had been awarded a contract by a VN govt body to do some project work there n they had invited me ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
FYI for the new and relatively new members: The regular members and old timers of the Vietnam forums (I'm using plural to include the cities' forums) already know about this unwritten rule, so this one is for you: Expat.com encourages the ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued
The moral of the story is, do not break the laws. Once you get on the wrong side of the laws, coffee money may only buy you extra time, no guarantee you will get off eventually so good luck.Thanks for the timely reminder n reinforcement, will ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
The moral of the story is, do not break the laws. Once you get on the wrong side of the laws, coffee money may only buy you extra time, no guarantee you will get off eventually so good luck.Thanks for the timely reminder n reinforcement, will ... Read More
Visa query
If you are single, with no baggage attached, why would you want to retire in Vietnam? If I were you, I will pick Thailand over Vietnam anytime...unless you have Vietnamese heritage, or you are thinking with your di?k instead of your head....Now ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
"...If you are working here, you should do work permit ASAP to make sure that can stay here longer. Otherwise, must leave VN soon".It seems like an odd time to do so, considering COVID, but could this be the hidden agenda? We often see ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
Thailand n China have zero annual prop taxes:offtopic: Thailand does have property tax: "In March 2019, the Thai government introduced the new Land and Building Tax Act B.E. 2562, which has been in effect since January 1, 2020. The Act ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
This is not an official fact although I got it from an official source: A very large percentage of properties in VT (not counting hotels and buildings owned by corporations) do not have mortgage, therefore, the slow economy doesn't affect most ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
IOW, you would pay $2000 for a chance to be blacklisted.Have to thank all the savvy n experienced folks here for waking me out of my slumber n naivety Read about people who had stayed for years with the ?back door? TRC so was under the illusion that ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
IOW, you would pay $2000 for a chance to be blacklisted.Have to thank all the savvy n experienced folks here for waking me out of my slumber n naivety Read about people who had stayed for years with the “back door” TRC so was under the ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
What is back door TRC?Sorry for not being explicit, was referring to the type of TRC (2 years validity) that can be obtained without officially fulfilling all its requirements by paying 2000 plus usd for it to an agent who supposedly knows people ... Read More
Visa query by StefanR
So I finally move to Vietnam in less than two weeks. Thanks to Tet I was waiting to get my VOA letter until this week. My initial plan was to get a 3 month Tourist Visa, and as soon I secure a job then I can get a long term Visa (1 year), with the ...
Hi Had completed my vaccination n am exploring relocation options when its safe to travel In the long run, do you think its better for me to go stay in VN on a back door TRC or to go reside in Thailand with an official retirement visa by putting ... Read More
Some Visa Extensions Discontinued by OceanBeach92107
Don't trust ME on this. Contact your own visa agent to discover IF: ...you are in Vietnam from ANY country--on a category DN business visa--and you don't have a legitimate employer with a work permit--you will not be able to do any more ...
Not having a retirement visa seems to be a conscious decision of the Vietnamese government, and one that has been pointed out innumerable times on this forum. Given that other ASEAN countries have such visas means that they are fully aware of the ... Read More
Krabi and Ao Nang by Guest234878
Hi all: My name is Walt and I am a teacher from Alaska. I am 1 year from retirement and I have some questions about moving to either Krabi/Ao Nang. What can I expect to pay for a modest 2 bedroom home off of the beach area? I have a Thai friend ...
Thanks, it will certainly come in helpful Read More
Krabi and Ao Nang by Guest234878
Hi all: My name is Walt and I am a teacher from Alaska. I am 1 year from retirement and I have some questions about moving to either Krabi/Ao Nang. What can I expect to pay for a modest 2 bedroom home off of the beach area? I have a Thai friend ...
Hi Am looking for some place that is like Chiang Mai but has beach n clean air .. The clean air requirement has narrowed my search to places south of Hua Hin such as Chumphon, Trang, Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui or Surat Thani .. Wonder if you guys ... Read More
Want to know more about living in Chaing Mai. by Wulf Lin
How big is the Singaporean expat community in Chiangmai Mai, what is the average cost of living, also about housing.
Hi Am fellow sgp too, Wondering if having to make the annual pilgrimage to get out of CM for a few months during the burning season will make it a tiring exercise to live up there after a few years ... It seems that air quality (AQI) only ... Read More
Advice for newbie in Chiang Mai/Mae Rim by Milestogo
Hi, my name is Peter from Australia. I have a girlfriend in Mae Rim and will fly back soon to talk with a lawyer regarding buying land in my g/f's name and getting a 30 year lease and building a house on it. Does anyone have some useful advice ...
Someone said to buy a villa using a local thai's name n to make him a) sign a debtor note indicating that he owes you money to the tune of the villa's value b) pre-sign property transfer agreements so that you can sell the villa without ... Read More
Cost of living in Thailand by MarRT
Hi everyone, I am from Poland and i don't have experience with living in Thailand. I would like to buy my own apartment in Thailand (about 2,5mln), mby something like ...
honestly, don't think you need a lot at all for basic living, u can live pretty well on the following; grocery bill = 6000, condo rental with covid discount = 8000 , no discount = 10,000, internet = 500, utilities = 2300, total = 17000 ... Read More
TRC & Visa policies update March 24th, 2020 by Johnny Le Manh Hung
[b]Temporary Residence Card (TRC)[/b] ''TRC policies are back to normal'' _Issuing again new TRC or TRC renewal for all nationalities (labor, investor, spouse). [b]Visa Extension Inside Viet Nam:[/b] _For whom is holding Business ...
unfortunate at the end the day, the total expenditure will usually be what matters n the nos are hugely significant n unmatched by any other country however one may like to spin it ... the worse thing is that less than 20% of the chinese ... Read More
Living off the bank interest rate by crazybitch
ANyone doing this right now? My goal is to move to vietnam in 2 years, I WILL NOT get a job or neither will i ever work in vietnam for a living.. Lets say i put 2 bill dong in vietnamese bank, and just live of the interest rate. and i will buy ...
Hi IOS How did your land investment pan out, be nice to learn from your experience zest Read More
TRC & Visa policies update March 24th, 2020 by Johnny Le Manh Hung
[b]Temporary Residence Card (TRC)[/b] ''TRC policies are back to normal'' _Issuing again new TRC or TRC renewal for all nationalities (labor, investor, spouse). [b]Visa Extension Inside Viet Nam:[/b] _For whom is holding Business ...
Statista listed that the mainland Chinese spent 277 bil usd in overseas travel in 2018, the US came in a far second at 140 billion, Thus exclude the billions they spent purchasing property while travelling .. In 2009, the chinese bought 30 ... 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:
hi Tommyooi an agent told me that foreigners can buy land by incorporating a company in Vietnam to do so with the foreigner holding 99% company ownership n assigning 1 % to a local partner, says only need to pay a few million dong every year to the ... Read More
Visa Renewal by fionamaluhia
Hi! I just moved here and my visa is about to expire (I ordered it over the summer when I thought I'd be coming here in November instead of January). I'm looking for a place to go in Vietnam where I can renew it without having to buy a bus ...
thanks andy, hopefully prices will come down after the virus is gone Read More
Visa Renewal by fionamaluhia
Hi! I just moved here and my visa is about to expire (I ordered it over the summer when I thought I'd be coming here in November instead of January). I'm looking for a place to go in Vietnam where I can renew it without having to buy a bus ...
Hi Terrence are the visa pric you posted in may 2019 still valid, (ie 1600 for 2 year residence visa), appreciate if you could let me have the email and contact details of your visa agent if pictures thanks zest Read More
Looking to move to Zhuhai in 2020 - Accommodation advice needed. by Exprat
Hello all, I'm considering moving to Zhuhai after the next academic year (I'd have to find a teaching job first, of course) and have been trying to learn everything there is to learn about Zhuhai. I've managed to find all sorts of stuff ...
Happy to assist, you may want to wait till the wuhan virus is controlled before moving over take care n let me know if u hv further queries Read More
Looking to move to Zhuhai in 2020 - Accommodation advice needed. by Exprat
Hello all, I'm considering moving to Zhuhai after the next academic year (I'd have to find a teaching job first, of course) and have been trying to learn everything there is to learn about Zhuhai. I've managed to find all sorts of stuff ...
I lived in ZH n own some property there . There r several places u can consider a) gongbei (拱北) – this is the area just next to macau, lots of locals who commute to work in MC stay here 。 Studios with balcony at ... Read More
How much RMB can be transferred out of China by an expat? by NickRizhao
Hello. Wanted to know what the procedure is for transferring money out of China to the UK. - Maximum Amount each year? - Evidence of funds? - Face to face transfer (go to the bank) or not? - Do I still need to be in the country to transfer the ...
Hi redrobin81 so how did things finally pan out ? Let me know if possible so that I can learn from your experience as I might have to move money out someday too. take care n BR zest Read More
How much RMB can be transferred out of China by an expat? by NickRizhao
Hello. Wanted to know what the procedure is for transferring money out of China to the UK. - Maximum Amount each year? - Evidence of funds? - Face to face transfer (go to the bank) or not? - Do I still need to be in the country to transfer the ...
Hi redrobin81 The internet exchange rates are the ones listed on the internet by various service providers eg when u type the words "usd to rmb" n google , this would give a fair indication of rates that u can use to compare with those ... Read More
How much RMB can be transferred out of China by an expat? by NickRizhao
Hello. Wanted to know what the procedure is for transferring money out of China to the UK. - Maximum Amount each year? - Evidence of funds? - Face to face transfer (go to the bank) or not? - Do I still need to be in the country to transfer the ...
The BOC rates will be much worse than online rates maybe by 3-5 %, the rates r listed at the bank on a daily basis n u can check compare them with the internet ones .. u can only transfer the amount based on the valuation applied for the apartment ... Read More
Reasons for moving to Vietnam by peterpan75
Hi Everyone, Just curious what other peoples reasons for moving to Vietnam have been. I've visited a couple times and am contemplating really trying it out next winter. I'll start with my reasons. In a transitional stage of life, just turned 39. ...
Hi Thomas I'm a fellow Singaporean looking at relocating to Vietnam too, How's your VN move coming along ? Hope it is to your expectations. cheers zest Read More
Things to do in Guangdong during the weekends
lots to do like go shopping at the malls n shops by the subway station, tianhe area is popular or u can even go to ikea to sample the food n get some good decor ideas to spruce up the place u r living in . The food n chocolates at ikea is quite good ... Read More
Looking for an English speaking property agent in zuhai by Fjboy
Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone could put me in touch with an English speaking real estate agent in zuhai? I am looking and moving from HK and wanted to see what is involved in renting and or purchasing a flat there. Also very keen ...
Hi U can just use google or baidu to translate the rental contract, it will turn up being 90% accurate n u should be able to "wing" it from there . Just make sure that items pertaining to money are written in numerals (eg 2000 rmb ... Read More
Looking for long-term apartment
700 rmb might be possible 5-6 years ago but might be tough now due to inflation unless you manage to find a few people to share a very small room with you or can get a company to provide accommodation for u 1000-1200 rmb might be more realistic Read More
What should I do, not to do? by GuestPoster230
OK, you might say this is a wrong topic here. I am a soon to be expat. My daughter, who works and lives in another city, is bringing his caucasian boyfriend home this weekend first time. They've been together for 1+ year. I personally ...
sorry, typo error the word should be "under" , not "other" .. she may have a differing mindset as she is from a different generation n "under" a completely different set of influences (when growing up ) from her ... Read More
What should I do, not to do? by GuestPoster230
OK, you might say this is a wrong topic here. I am a soon to be expat. My daughter, who works and lives in another city, is bringing his caucasian boyfriend home this weekend first time. They've been together for 1+ year. I personally ...
Hi being an Overseas Chinese who was immersed into western education n under the influence of western culture during my growing up years, I can understand your apprehension n thoughts, that's why I realize its tough being a parent after I had ... Read More
Cost of settling in to Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong China by amw10605
Hey everyone! My name is Lexi. I am 21 years old, married, and moving to China alone, for a total of one year. I am moving to Shunde on May 9th for a paid teaching job; however, I have to come up with initial settling cost. How much would you all ...
Hi Lexi 3000 rmb for monthly expenses n 2000 rmb for rent should be enough for you to live quite comfortably if you do not party n take the public bus or subway . You should be able to get basic accommodation for 1200-1500 rmb in the form of ... Read More
How much RMB can be transferred out of China by an expat? by NickRizhao
Hello. Wanted to know what the procedure is for transferring money out of China to the UK. - Maximum Amount each year? - Evidence of funds? - Face to face transfer (go to the bank) or not? - Do I still need to be in the country to transfer the ...
technically, u can change the rmb to a foreign currency , take it out of the country n deposit it immediately at a foreign bank once u reached your destination. There r lots of currency exchange shops in border cities like shenzhen n others U can ... Read More
Looking for 3 br apartment in Minhang district. Moving in August.
You could just stay in a cheap hotel for the first few days n go look for rented apartments through the hordes of real estate agency shops they have in the vicinity . Finding an apartment near the subway station will be most convenient . You will ... Read More
The pet culture in China by Priscilla
Hey everyone, Pets are an integral part of a lot of families. So much so that they would never consider moving abroad without them. Before doing so, it would be important to know the pet culture in China just to make sure that their little ...
China in general is pretty pet friendy with dogs being most common. You can find pet shops n vets in most cities n pet food is readily available in most big supermarkets. The only thing is that some landlords may not permit pets to be reared in ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I sent my personal effects to a local chinese friend living in the city that I'll like to move to . The Chinese postal service delivered the items to the listed address door to door n everything arrived without a hitch Read More
non native English speaker, non ESL trained. any chance? by icosmin
Hi, Arrived in China one month ago and started looking for a job in manufacturing engineering with little luck. Now I am considering the option to teach English although I am non native. I also don't have the training course and didn't ...
y, TEFL will be the most basic one , there r others that u can upgrade to once you are in the trade , should be relatively straight forward .. Read More
non native English speaker, non ESL trained. any chance? by icosmin
Hi, Arrived in China one month ago and started looking for a job in manufacturing engineering with little luck. Now I am considering the option to teach English although I am non native. I also don't have the training course and didn't ...
Actually, u should just try applying via the internet 1st , lots of good jobsites online, one being 51job.com . obviously , being a native speaker would be easier but i guess there should be openings for non-native ones too in guangzhou or shenzhen, ... Read More
Jobseeker
You might have heard of 51job.com, lots of openings there , should not be too hard to get a gig as PA there . Read More
Insurance coverage in China by Kenjee
Hello everyone, Moving abroad requires adequate insurance coverage. What type of insurance expatriates need the most in China: health, house or liability insurance? All of them? Do they come as a package? Are there other insurance options ...
I previously had converage with AIA that cost my company about 3k usd per month . It 's really quite useless as they have a long list of exemptions that makes it quite tedious to claim for basic medical care . they also have this clause that ... Read More
Life in SONGJIANG, Shanghai by Laura Foti
Hi! Is there anyone living in Songjiang?
i used to have an aptmt there , its quite a nice place to stay in on the outskirts of Shanghai, try to stay near the subway station if u can . Read More
non native English speaker, non ESL trained. any chance? by icosmin
Hi, Arrived in China one month ago and started looking for a job in manufacturing engineering with little luck. Now I am considering the option to teach English although I am non native. I also don't have the training course and didn't ...
You might get some teaching opportunities in Shenzhen or Guangzhou but getting a taeaching qualification would be a must, though that should not be too difficult to do. perhaps you can try applying for teaching jobs via the internet n just see what ... Read More
After then, What??? Stay in China or leave? by lightandra
When you get so much worried and doubtful about what tomorrow will bring, many people will say tomorrow will take care of itself. Others may say you should be hopeful. Hmm., I must say, I am in dilemma of what tomorrow brings for now. After ...
I think you might like to move over to Shanghai or Shenzen where there would be more opportunities for career development depending on your field of specialisation Read More