Havaianu
American looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
71
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Hanoi, Ha Noi
Registration: 04 August 2016
My kingdom for a lemon! by Zepo
In Hanoi...coop mart, Big C, Metro, Vinmart, Circle K, the street. Can you just not buy a lemon here or what? Zep--
@Zep, your kingdom for a lemon, but not a ride across town? I've had a similar experience in Brazil. No lemons, nothing but limes, some of which they call lemons. For what I was told there was a plague that destroyed all lemon trees. I finally ... Read More
Toughest decision of my life by Allanmta
Hi, i was living in hcmc for 8 months last year on a leave of absence . I returned home to Toronto, Canada becuase i had to deal with some personal stuff. Its been 6 months since i left vietnam. I miss asia and love vietnam. Iam in my late 30s and ...
Sorry guys, but with all due respect, what can any of you tell/ teach someone that has lived 8 out of the last 14 months in HCMC? Allan you are almost 40 years old and with your recent experience of Vietnam, you still searching for ... Read More
Dating in HCMC - is this normal or am I being scammed? by BT1989
Hi, expat from Australia checking in. Recently moved to HCMC as a single guy, with that being the case obviously active on the dating scene. Still trying to get my head around all he customs/etiquette but I'm getting there. I have an account on ...
@BT1989 WOW!!! You met a beautiful woman, via a dating site, you had a good time, she was friendly, honest, English speaking, that as dated expats, none worked out and that now wants a long term relationship. Boy, that's a problem I hope to ... Read More
Cheap food! At what cost?
I've traveled and lived in countries, with similar conditions to Vietnam, thought I've never been to Vietnam but (still) planning to retire there. I make a point of eating where the plain folk eat. Food safety has been a subject that keeps ... Read More
For rental: brandnew car with private driver
THIGV I couldn't agree more. Relegating posts to classified ads is a keen to throw them in the waste basket. On a similar vein off thread posts contain information that would be helpful to other expats. Exsizing those only throws away that ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
Bazza I've not read the book but I can surmise where it would end up. The "downside" of opening up is that we may not be able to fool the one we are with, please read as (fool ourselves), but when we would " click" with ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
The reason for this forum is for expats to help expats. Even if lovingit was 100% accurate it still would beg the question if his post was helpful or not. Dash doesn't think so and neither does quite a few of us. That the post was offensive, ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
Bazza touche I was definitely guilty of jumping to conclusions myself. But possibility one, OK, but to build on that possibility and draw another possibility it's one possibility too many, both with the same intent, to denegrade Dash's ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
Colin aside the fact that you jumped to conclusions the question remains the same. Are all "working girls" the same? It must have never happened before, bar girl marries and is a great mother and wife. Not possible right? Just because they ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
Lovingit claims not to be a troll that he just speaks his mind, whether anyone else minds that, doesn't seem to be a concern. Aside from venting his (her?) frustrations what was the point of the post? All Vietnamese men are all alike? All ... Read More
Insight into VN Culture as a Westerner Dating a Vietnamese Woman? by sdmoi
Hi. This is my first post on expat and I'm here because I feel like I'm screwing up sometimes with my girlfriend and generally want to hear from others with experience dating across cultures. I've only been living in Saigon two months ...
Dash I've never been to Asia, but I've been around folks with Asian background. If I may generalize in the West it's primarily boy and girl relationship. In Asia is more like boy and girl and her whole family with all the ramifications ... Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Loicfarge thanks again. Y've been very helpful thanks. Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Loicfarge perfect, thanks for going straight to the point. French haute cuisine is my favorite food. I was hoping that the French had had some influence on the Vietnamese cuisine but from what I see to understand, from searching the net, street ... Read More
Teaching English in Hue by NickyQL
Hello members, I would be interested to chat with any members who have taught/are teaching English as a second language in Hue. I've had a job offer. Thanks.
Rick, if I may impose on you, either here or by PM could you tell me why Hue over HCMC? I'm considering moving to VN, Hue is a very likely place, so your views on both cities would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Loicfarge if it is not too personal of a question, may I ask what is your food expense monthly? I'm hoping to spend around $300 USD per month. Is this realistic? Maybe I should add another $100 just for cheese. Can't live without my bread ... Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Khanh the sales I speak of are name brands, prepackaged and no issues. Most items have expiration dates, you have to check them and decide if you are going to consume it within the validity span. I will not eat rat for the reasons you mentioned. ... Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Loicfarge thanks for the info very helpful indeed. Thank you Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Those are what locals pay. Tourists pay a lot more. The reason is that locals buy everything when it is on sale and stock up till next sale. Tourists pay the regular price which is 2 to 3 times the prices I quoted. Last week I was at the market, ... Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Panda and Khanh thanks a lot, that is really helpful. Food I expect to be my highest cost in VN, numbeo kind of helped, but not really. I understand that street food is cheap but the cost of bulk food is not very cheap at all. So my curiosity ... Read More
Shipping Container Homes by -JohnD-
We are thinking about buying some land and building a home out of used shipping containers. To that end, we would like to ask the collective a few questions: 1) Do you know if there are any of these already built in Vietnam? If so, where are ...
John did you happen to run across any info about refrigerated containers? Just wondering if there was any Cons against it the pros would be already insulated and AC if it worked. Those refrigerated containers maybe impossible to find also. Thanks Read More
One way ticket to Vietnam from Canada? by Johnny17
Hi I would like to know does anyone knows if we can travel to Vietnam with a one way ticket from Canada?? Thanks
THIGV.... Where in Hawaii did you find those travel agents? Mahalo Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
... is to go somewhere where people DO WORK for a living, I'm so sick and tired of just about everyone I know is on welfare, aside all the facts you mentioned with which I totally agree. Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Larsay merci beaucoup Believe it or not aside the food my intention Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
Now that I let " the cat out of the bag I feel that I need to explain why the comparison would not be favorable to Vietnam. There are two kinds of folks in Hawaii. Some, like me, we pay for everything we get. Others either because they have ... Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
THIGV thanks for your reply. It's not fair to compare Vietnam, a cheap country to live in, to an expensive place like Hawaii, because Vietnam will not come out very well in the comparison. Read More
How cheap is cheap? by Havaianu
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ...
7Steven thanks, I've already done so. I also checked numbeo's prices for my area, Hilo, Hawaii one particular item was priced at 7 times what I pay for it. " Boots on the ground", expats there and now will give me a better idea. ... Read More
How cheap is cheap?
What is the cost of the following items, the cheapest price that the expats pay for. Rice, beef, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, fish and cheese. It can be in pounds or kilos, USD or Vietnamese dong. Prices in Ha Noi or HCMC more important or any city in ... Read More
foreigner import the used-car for working in Vietnam by Sophie in HCM
I know the gov of vietnam allowed foreigners to import their used-car from their nation as traffic tool when working in vietnam. Anyone have that experience ? Looking forward to your reply.
Robinson I would appreciate receiving that information. Could you please send it to me by PM? Thank you Read More
Vietnamese driving license information by Havaianu
While I've read that only Vietnamese can get a driving license in Vietnam, this seems to be wrong according to a travel agency website. If you are a tourist's here is where to go Office of Traffic and Public Works 16 Cao Ba Quat st. Ha ...
Bazza you bad....lol.. better that than no better half at all. I would surely flunk the test because I'm stuck with the worst half, namely me... he,he Read More
Vietnamese driving license information by Havaianu
While I've read that only Vietnamese can get a driving license in Vietnam, this seems to be wrong according to a travel agency website. If you are a tourist's here is where to go Office of Traffic and Public Works 16 Cao Ba Quat st. Ha ...
Ralph congratulations its no small feat to pass the test in Vietnamese. Read More
Vietnamese driving license information by Havaianu
While I've read that only Vietnamese can get a driving license in Vietnam, this seems to be wrong according to a travel agency website. If you are a tourist's here is where to go Office of Traffic and Public Works 16 Cao Ba Quat st. Ha ...
Thanks Ralph for the confirmation. Well meaning folks sometimes pass erroneous information. To the expat wannabes like me, we need factual not anecdotal information. Thanks again Read More
Vietnamese driving license information
While I've read that only Vietnamese can get a driving license in Vietnam, this seems to be wrong according to a travel agency website. If you are a tourist's here is where to go Office of Traffic and Public Works 16 Cao Ba Quat st. Ha ... Read More
Can I pull off living in Hanoi? by Hektix
Hey guys I'm new here to the forums ~ I have been considering for a while now traveling and staying in Vietnam for the long term. I'm a 24 year old US native currently living (and struggling) on $750/mo in disability benefits. I have been to ...
Hektix I'm thinking of moving to Vietnam also. I've been asking questions about the place also. Bazza and Gobot are great sources for information. But please do the math. If it cost you $200 for housing, $200 for food it leaves you $350 for ... Read More
Any vietnames want help me (a healthy check in cho ray hospital) by naichamomo
Hi I would like check my healthy condition, just regular check, Don't want go to fv( doctor isn't qualified) or family medical( too expensive). As I heard. Cho ray is a good local hospital. I'm afraid go there alone, I can speak ...
Ooooops....lol....the joke is on me. I wasn't aware that we get stars awarded to us here. I either have no stars, or they are so dim that I can't see them...he,he Read More
Any vietnames want help me (a healthy check in cho ray hospital) by naichamomo
Hi I would like check my healthy condition, just regular check, Don't want go to fv( doctor isn't qualified) or family medical( too expensive). As I heard. Cho ray is a good local hospital. I'm afraid go there alone, I can speak ...
BTW I will take the goodwill of expats, even if none, over karma. Read More
Any vietnames want help me (a healthy check in cho ray hospital) by naichamomo
Hi I would like check my healthy condition, just regular check, Don't want go to fv( doctor isn't qualified) or family medical( too expensive). As I heard. Cho ray is a good local hospital. I'm afraid go there alone, I can speak ...
THIGV pardon me sir, but karma? What is karma? If not the worst quasi philosophical concept mankind ever came up with? It may have served a purpose ions ago, one of those necessary evils, but to still believe and try to sell such bill of goods ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Congratulations, sincerely. Married for almost fifty years and still in love, that is something few people can be proudly of. She must be a special lady, they must have made only one, for otherwise I may fall head over heels. Best wishes and much ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Colin some of us do most of our thinking with the wrong head. I'm a bit too long on the tooth to get " head over heels" over a lady, or so I bs myself into believing. The other problem is that flaming redhead Irish ladies are in short ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
That's a load for sure. I'm glad you are in a place that you can provide for your wife's needs at a cost you seem to be able to handle. Best wishes for your wife and yourself Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Not a drinker, no western food or western most anything. Now the ladies, well I haven't made celibacy a part of my life yet... But for sex I would go to Brazil not Vietnam. Maybe I will meet somebody, but the thing I've learned is ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Thank you for the input. It seems like a day trip to Combodia would meet the visa requirements. I've read posts that folks talk about renewing the visa indefinitely, three months at a time. Does it sound correct to you? Both the Cambodia trip or ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Mahalo Mr 70 (not so) old man. I've already have a plan. I'm going to offer to pay gobot's family rent in exchange for a room. Gobot is going to say : Sorry bro I wish I could help but we already way too crowded. I will sweeten the pot ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Gobot lots of good info. While here I do work partime freelance work in construction and agriculture. My idea is to check out HCMH and use it as a base to get to know places like Bai Xep, Han Oi, Hue, Phu Quoc. What are the most artsy/ fun type of ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
About importing, just for personal use not business. I have bought many an item from China from here in Hawai'i Read More
Retiring in Vietnam by Havaianu
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ...
Thanks a million to all. If rent starts at $350 that would leave about a $1000 for everything else, if food is so cheap no medical issues whatsoever except for some needed dental work, why would it be Spartan, Mr. 70 year old? I am choosing Vietnam ... Read More
Retiring in Vietnam
Aloha trying to get some information that seems to elude me after reading hundreds of posts. All information will be greatly appreciated, in particular the negative. I'm 63 living off my Social Security and pension, >$1300 USD, plus the net ... Read More
Salary expectations by jb00266
My partner and I are looking to move to Ho Chi Minh. Does anyone know the job market in HCM in regards to advertising and marketing? Are they generally well paid jobs and what would the average salary be for say a business director? Many thanks
Aloha, I'm looking to move from Hawai'i to Vietnam and/or travel around Southeast Asia. I've been to all continents, except Asia and lived in four different countries. I'm doing a lot of research that is why I even read your thread, ... Read More