lifeisgoodok
American looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
35
About me
American
Speaks Spanish, French
Registration: 01 April 2018
VIETNAM : The most affordable country for expats in 2024
Moving to a foreign country may seem like a pipe dream, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.When deciding whether to move overseas for life or work, one of the biggest factors to consider is personal finances.For the fourth consecutive year, ... Read More
Just arrived in Da Nang and need advice by eddyjw07
Arrived at Da Nang on June 3 at my Airbnb, and found a place over the Dragon Bridge Wednesday so here are my questions1. Rent: Paying 5.5 million VND. Can I do better? I haven't signed a contract yet, but I am leaning towards a 6-month ...
@Aidan in HCMC,I see the Carol Da Nang apartment.It is on the eastside of the river, beachside and also close to the river.Just walking along the river is very soothing and at some places, something happening. Read More
Just arrived in Da Nang and need advice by eddyjw07
Arrived at Da Nang on June 3 at my Airbnb, and found a place over the Dragon Bridge Wednesday so here are my questions1. Rent: Paying 5.5 million VND. Can I do better? I haven't signed a contract yet, but I am leaning towards a 6-month ...
@Aidan in HCMC,I have not seen any maps.Eddy is staying in the Son Tra area of Da Nang.It's a mountainous area northwest area of Da Nang.It's not your typical Eastside beaches of Da Nang but has smaller beaches. Read More
Just arrived in Da Nang and need advice by eddyjw07
Arrived at Da Nang on June 3 at my Airbnb, and found a place over the Dragon Bridge Wednesday so here are my questions1. Rent: Paying 5.5 million VND. Can I do better? I haven't signed a contract yet, but I am leaning towards a 6-month ...
@OceanBeach92107He states to not mention which side of the Dragon Bridge.Rents are more expensive on the Beach side while a bit cheaper on the more commercial and more residential side. More choices on the commercial and residential side. Read More
Things to do in Da Nang by Boborob
Hello I am Bob aged 60, from the USA and here in Da Nang for dental work for a few months and besides the heat and humidity I like it a lot. The people are friendly and it seems very safe. I am trying to find things to do but I am not really into ...
You should try the Ba Na Hills cable car into the mountains and also the marble mountains close bye.Beach is very clear and clean and enjoy spending sometimes there.Another Hand Bridge opened up and you should look it up.Seen the fiery Dragon ... Read More
Looking to move to VN to retire permanently just starting research by michaelr.dupree916
Retire in SE Asia. Start living in VN
@SteinNebraska Can you get the VIN driver's license for automobiles with only automobile endorsement on USA driver's license? Read More
U.S. SSA and Veterans Benefits in Vietnam Update by OceanBeach92107
Vietnam has been ADDED by the Social Security Administration to the list of countries with a Direct Deposit agreement with the United States: ...
@brianAFSER73You can keep paying but you will only receive care in the USA.It would be much cheaper to not pay and take an insurance where you are. Read More
Post-Covid-19 situation in Vietnam by Mickael
Hello everyone, [b]The COVID-19 pandemic[/b] had a huge impact on the world, including on expats' lives. Travel restrictions, business closures, budget cuts, and health measures have created unprecedented challenges for those who have chosen to ...
@doctorhands They must be using AI to come up with the same posts. haha Read More
Instant water heaters –do they give satisfactory shower? by ChoculaD
I’m about to move into an unfurnished apartment. Bathroom doesn’t even have water heater, and there’s no central heating. There’s already holes drilled and wiring for an instant water heater, because person who lived there ...
@ChoculaD (for just using cold water in summer) Easiest solution would be to get the plumber take a offshoot of the cold water and have a tap installed where the water can go to a separate hot water out-take without have to operate the heater. Read More
Instant water heaters –do they give satisfactory shower? by ChoculaD
I’m about to move into an unfurnished apartment. Bathroom doesn’t even have water heater, and there’s no central heating. There’s already holes drilled and wiring for an instant water heater, because person who lived there ...
@ChoculaD I have never had any issues with instant water heaters.What is the water pressure in the bathroom? If it is low, you'll have to get a heater with a pump.The smaller heaters have smaller the coils inside the heater that will make the water ... Read More
Your best culinary memory in Vietnam by Mickael
Hello everyone, As you know, every country has its own flavours and tasting the local cuisine is a great way to discover the culture of a destination. Whether it's a small typical restaurant to taste local dishes, a traditional meal in a local's ...
@Cheryl Yes, I have tried it and it is fun for family. Making sure that it is marinated properly before cooking.I want to get the Korean barbecue grill plate that can be put on the table and family and friends can eat hot barbecued meat and food off ... Read More
Your best culinary memory in Vietnam by Mickael
Hello everyone, As you know, every country has its own flavours and tasting the local cuisine is a great way to discover the culture of a destination. Whether it's a small typical restaurant to taste local dishes, a traditional meal in a local's ...
@Mickael My first day in Da Nang, Vietnam, four years ago, I was returning from a bank to change some money and being very hungry, I spotted a backstreet restaurant on the way back to the hotel.I was staying on the beach side.It was Friday evening ... Read More
Contemplating a move to Danang to RETIRE by jwdtw
I just want to say THANK YOU for your website. It has been most informative, as I contemplate a move to Danang to RETIRE. I just don't know how to get around the 30-day visa situation, not an easy procedure for older guys like me.
@jwdtw I thought that there was a retirement visa for Americans.Not available anymore? Read More
Planning to relocate to Nha Trang from Australia by TerrySE
Morning OK so I've recently visited for the 3rd time and the timing just feels right, I've always envisaged myself ending up in an Asian country and Nha Trang ticks all the boxes. Australia is too regimented, expensive, cold [Melbourne winters] I'm ...
@TerrySE Terry,Dreams do not go away but can be delayed.During 2018/2019 I went to some selected countries that met my requirements (minimum close to beach, good return on the dollar, not too small and not too big a city as we get older, we need ... Read More
Planning to relocate to Nha Trang from Australia by TerrySE
Morning OK so I've recently visited for the 3rd time and the timing just feels right, I've always envisaged myself ending up in an Asian country and Nha Trang ticks all the boxes. Australia is too regimented, expensive, cold [Melbourne winters] I'm ...
@TerrySE I was also looking at places to move over 4 years ago from USA and Vietnam was not even on my list.As it happened to be in between countries I was visiting to check up, I decided to spend some time in Vietnam.Frankly I was quite impressed ... Read More
Planning to relocate to Nha Trang from Australia by TerrySE
Morning OK so I've recently visited for the 3rd time and the timing just feels right, I've always envisaged myself ending up in an Asian country and Nha Trang ticks all the boxes. Australia is too regimented, expensive, cold [Melbourne winters] I'm ...
@TerrySE My first and only visit to Nha Trang was exactly how some previous visitors had described.Chinese and Russians behaving badly, smoking and spitting while eating, garbage all over the sidewalks and scooters even running on sidewalks.Even the ... Read More
Covid Test For Flight To USA by paulmsn
I may have a situation with my return to the US. The US requires a Covid test within one day of your flight, but my flight leaves at 11:25 pm from Tan Son Nhat, so that may be a problem. Since the test sites I looked into return the ...
As far as I know, USA has lifted ALL Covid testing requirements for inbound passengers.Happened just recently. Read More
Simplified procedures for for foreigners' Vietnam entry (@Budman1) by AndyHCMC
A document that simplifies procedures for foreigners entering the country approved by the Vietnamese government on [b]January 18[/b] took effect immediately, says foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang. [b]"The decision takes effect on ...
"Foreign arrivals with valid papers, including visa, visa exemption, residency card and temporary residence card" What are Valid papers not including visa, visa exemption, residency card and temporary residence card? Read More
Buy Farmland in Vietnam by Lau9191
Hello, I would like to know how works if I want to buy a farmland with a house, What areas could be the best ones near beach? My idea is to grow cows and pigs or anysuggestion to another countrie? many thanks,
She said that she wants to grow pigs and cows. Like dig up some soil and plant some pig and cow eggs! lol Read More
Importing my used car to Vietnam by reza.ghnvt
Does anyone know of specific cost of bringing my own car to Vietnam from the UK? I am aware of the requirements and condition and i do meet all the conditions! just wondering if anyone has done it? and has a clear idea of the cost and how ...
Having read the link, My 18 year old Mercedes Benz sports car, maintained like new with 150,000 plus miles will not qualify. Can someone's back pocket be greased? I would hate to sell it as it's like brand new. :dumbom: Read More
Cost of Living in Vietnam in 2020 by Loïc
Hi everyone, Every year, we invite expats who are living in Vietnam to share their experience and tell us more about the average price of products and services in their town, city or area, so that we can help future expats planning to settle in ...
Two totally different cities. Check them out and see what you like. Da Nang is mor calm and peaceful Lights turn off even at 9 or 10 pm, while Nha Trang is more touristy and night life goes on. Read More
Cost of Living in Vietnam in 2020 by Loïc
Hi everyone, Every year, we invite expats who are living in Vietnam to share their experience and tell us more about the average price of products and services in their town, city or area, so that we can help future expats planning to settle in ...
Nha Trang over rated??? It is a sh*it hole. A really dirty city with the locals, Russians and Chinese behaving badly. Russians smoking while eating, Chinese's and Russians throwing their garbage on the streets. The locals park their bikes on ... Read More
Cost of Living in Vietnam in 2020 by Loïc
Hi everyone, Every year, we invite expats who are living in Vietnam to share their experience and tell us more about the average price of products and services in their town, city or area, so that we can help future expats planning to settle in ...
Not really cheap. I pay a lot less in the USA for the same. Read More
A waste of expertise ? by GuestPoster288
I appreciate that some members on here consider that anyone over 50 should be embalmed, tied to a stake and burned or buried at sea but it occurs to me that also within the group of ex-pats there is a wealth of experience and expertise that far ...
But ask me about the acceptable wear limits on a 1966 Shelby's crankshaft bearings or the viability of restoring a rare barn find and I could answer in minutes. Open to all suggestions Should have gone to Cuba. You would have enjoyed working ... Read More
What's the culture around dating ? by basically
Hi ! I've been talking to a Vietnamese girl for just shy of 2 years and we met for the first time 1.5 years ago. We're very serious and have been discussing marriage. She's a pharmacy student living at home. What's the cultural ...
I'm struggling with this which is why I made the post in the first place. I'm looking for reasons to justify her asking because obviously I wouldn't be talking to her about marriage if I wasn't into her. I had my Vietnamese friend ... Read More
Expat project manager salary? by Mathiasbaka
Hello. Is there anyone here who can help me clarify how much I can ask for as desired salary at a project manager? I just graduated but got 8 months experience in a similar company and I also got a diploma in project management? Looking forward ...
Majority of employers hiring Project Managers simply do not know what Project Management is. As it says, it is Managing projects, not actually doing the work. It could be small projects which may have of people to a thousands of people over many ... Read More
Carpooling in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Vietnam, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
Thank you. I will for sure do some discovery and due on this. :sosad: Read More
Carpooling in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Vietnam, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
Well, I am not good at riding motor bike and likely to kill someone the first time, so 'll be bringing my Mercedes Benz with me. I'll be asking any local registration details next year. My move has been delayed as I am having a couple of ... Read More
Leaving Vietnam with more than $50k, sent originally by ET online by PeteLie
Hello everyone, I have read whatother people have said in the topic "Leaving with more than $50,000. Unfortunately for me, I sent the money electronically from my Australian bank to mypartners bank in Hanoi (BIDV). Now, when I need to get the ...
I did indeed change my remaining Viet Dong to USD dollars at a gold shop in Saigon on my last trip on my way out. Read More
U.S. SSA and Veterans Benefits in Vietnam Update by OceanBeach92107
Vietnam has been ADDED by the Social Security Administration to the list of countries with a Direct Deposit agreement with the United States: ...
Thank you OceanBeach. My question is, will the deposit be in Dollars or Dong? If Dollar, could you withdraw Dollars? Next, what is the benefit of having the SSA in Vietnam than in a USA bank and just transfer or withdraw what you need from the USA ... Read More
Opening savings account in Vietnam by Lanna Prince
I have tried to update myself on the current rules for opening a savings account in a Vietnam bank. A number of forums about bank accounts are dated--I am sure rules have changed. Despite the fact many retirees are living in Vietnam, is it true ...
Rather than being vague, how about also stating the names of the Vietnamese Banks where people were able to open accounts in USD and also VND. That would be helpful than just vague posts. Read More