noddi
English expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
47
About me
English
Registration: 16 May 2022
Classic British Bikers by noddi
Is there anyone in Vietnam who owns/work on old British bikes? I am clearing my workshop in the centre, and have a lot of old Bike Mechanics magazines, the odd book or two, and UK/US tools (AF and BA) including some specialist items that need a home!
Hi Bhavna, I am not an expert on using expat.com or its classified (or other classified). When I look at expat.com classified there are almost no posts - or am I misunderstanding? Plus in 6 days I seem to have not generated a single response from ... Read More
Classic British Bikers
Is there anyone in Vietnam who owns/work on old British bikes? I am clearing my workshop in the centre, and have a lot of old Bike Mechanics magazines, the odd book or two, and UK/US tools (AF and BA) including some specialist items that need a home! Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Vietnam by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Vietnam as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
Agreed - phone number is the key thing for private residential address. Business address can be ok without phone number. Read More
Costs to Move Everything we Own in the UK to Vietnam by jonno147
Hi - A pretty high level question - looking for some high level advice or guidance.Planned move is the second half of 2026 from NE England to HCMC. We would like to move pretty much everything we own from a 3 bed house (after a little ...
@OceanBeach92107 Hey ocean beach - he is coming from UK, not US!. I remember my UK side mover was GB Liners Read More
Costs to Move Everything we Own in the UK to Vietnam by jonno147
Hi - A pretty high level question - looking for some high level advice or guidance.Planned move is the second half of 2026 from NE England to HCMC. We would like to move pretty much everything we own from a 3 bed house (after a little ...
Start by checking out chat starting in January 2024 “moving with personal belongings to Vietnam” Read More
Advice on English speaking doctor by jessicadosramosmu
Hello I am moving to Vietnam with my 1 year old shortly my partner works there. I really need advice on English speaking doctor and medical services in case we need this
I concur with Ocean Beach’s analysis! Read More
Advice on English speaking doctor by jessicadosramosmu
Hello I am moving to Vietnam with my 1 year old shortly my partner works there. I really need advice on English speaking doctor and medical services in case we need this
@jessicadosramosmu hi Jessica - Aiden’s point on visas is important - normally for a partner to get a temporary resident card, they must provide a marriage certificate. healthcare is a tricky issue, unlike most other se Asian countries ... Read More
UK State Pension by tonykeys2003
I am moving to Vietnam next month and obviously I cannot open a Vietnamese bank account until I am married to my Vietnamese fiance. Until that time, is the way that my UK state pension can be paid to Vietnam? I know they will be able to pay it into ...
@tonykeys2003 As I always find Oceanbeach’s advice is good. I would have it paid into uk account for up to a year while you sort yourself out. Assuming you have uk internet banking , you can transfer whenever you need into your wife’s ... Read More
Leaving a Job in Vietnam any advice? by niBlue
Hello everyone,I hope you're all having a great weekend.I would need some advice regarding a recent situation I’m facing if possible please . Yesterday, I left my job and I was shocked to find out that my legal documentation (TRC), which ...
@niBlue The TRC is linked to the work permit. If you leave your job on good terms with your employer, it is common practice for them not to rescind your permit for a limited period while you get your next job. There is no obligation for them to do ... Read More
Intermediary Bank by noddi
Hi All, perhaps someone has some advice / comment!I am having to have some USD payments made to my Vietnam local account (Vietcombank), which have to be done through an Intermediary Bank based in the US. I can choose from the following:IRVTUS3NXXX - ...
I have no choice, i have to use one of those banks as an intermediary. Read More
Unionpay card
Hi All, Anyone know the back story behind Vietcombank dropping their Unionpay card? It is still advertised as available, but it seems they aren't renewing when current cards expire. From my point of view it is an essential for travelling in China - ... Read More
Intermediary Bank
Hi All, perhaps someone has some advice / comment!I am having to have some USD payments made to my Vietnam local account (Vietcombank), which have to be done through an Intermediary Bank based in the US. I can choose from the following:IRVTUS3NXXX - ... Read More
Is Vietnam a good destination for digital nomads as of 2024? by tomgmu
Hi all!I tried to research this and I just want my findings to get verified:So my understanding is that it's not really possible for digital nomads to stay in the country for longer period. This still requires a work permit and business visa / work ...
I think as in many places, regulations haven't really got to grips with Digital Nomads. So if you are in Vietnam, doing online work that is not taking work away from a Vietnamese person, that is paid to you in your home country, and taxed in your ... Read More
Amazon alternatives for VN by qnbui
Hello, just wondering which websites are alternatives for Amazon. I looked at the shipping from Amazon to VN and the cost just does not make sense and items that will ship to VN are limited so wondering if there are alternatives to Amazon when ...
@Brigitte Cullet Hey Brigitte, Interested in how you control your order by paying in cash? I have had a few problems with Shopee orders (only a small %), but I can't see the problem until after I have received the packages and then opened them. I ... Read More
Am I really a bad teacher? Or is something up? by Noelwastaken
Hi everyone, I'm back with more questions about living and working here as an expat.I just got a message from my new boss, telling me I have to observe one of my coworker's classes tonight after I'm done teaching, because one of the schools were not ...
Hey - couple of things:Regarding your capability - when you observed the other class, was that teacher significantly better / different from you? Did you learn anything from watching them?Think about this.Regarding your new employer... are you sure ... Read More
Finding Employment by ranilperera15
Hi Allmy wife & I are looking to move to Vietnam to be closer to her family.we currently reside in Australia and just had our first child. What is the best way I can secure employment. I have searched through Linkdin and seems to be hitting dead ...
So other forum members - can the expat spouse of a VN citizen be employed in VN without a work permit? Read More
Finding Employment by ranilperera15
Hi Allmy wife & I are looking to move to Vietnam to be closer to her family.we currently reside in Australia and just had our first child. What is the best way I can secure employment. I have searched through Linkdin and seems to be hitting dead ...
Ah, perhaps that is correct. I am not in that situation so can't say! Read More
Finding Employment by ranilperera15
Hi Allmy wife & I are looking to move to Vietnam to be closer to her family.we currently reside in Australia and just had our first child. What is the best way I can secure employment. I have searched through Linkdin and seems to be hitting dead ...
In my view almost impossible without a Degree - theoretically the Degree can be replaced by significant experience but it would have to be for something very special and personally don’t know of it ever happening (happy for a forum member to ... Read More
Finding Employment by ranilperera15
Hi Allmy wife & I are looking to move to Vietnam to be closer to her family.we currently reside in Australia and just had our first child. What is the best way I can secure employment. I have searched through Linkdin and seems to be hitting dead ...
Do have a degree - BA or BSc (3 or 4 year study)? Read More
Finding Employment by ranilperera15
Hi Allmy wife & I are looking to move to Vietnam to be closer to her family.we currently reside in Australia and just had our first child. What is the best way I can secure employment. I have searched through Linkdin and seems to be hitting dead ...
What is your profession? Read More
I am desiring to live in Vietnam, can someone help me? by YenThaiYawannisri
:heart: [color=#F41EF0]My name is Nancy Alice, but I have decided that I would rather have a Vietnamese name, so I only answer to Yen Thai Yawannisri. I am 46 years old, and I have a passionate desire to leave America and renounce my American ...
Hi Hoang, I think you are 10 years too late! Read More
Off Topic Posts - Whats on your mind? by SimCityAT
This thread is for everything Off-topic..........[img align=C]https://www.askideas.com/media/13/Burning-Whats-Up-Gif-Picture.gif[/img]
@Travelfar I thought the regulation always was that you had to have TRC for VN licence Read More
Process of buying home or condo in Vietnam (Saigon) by jrharvey
I realize there are probably not a lot of experts on this subject but hoping someone out there may know a few things. Not seeing much in the search or past discussions. So the story is that me and my wife are looking to buy a house or condo. I do ...
@seceditThat is over negative - I myself managed the building of a good quality high-rise block in Vietnam. You have to investigate yourself - you can’t rely on any agent…. Read More
Locking down a flat while still abroad by mmgassociates
Hi guys. I recently found a flat that I wanted through a rental agency on their facebook page. The page is [link moderated] They came back after a few days, everything agreed upon, and wrote up a contract for me that I got today. I offered to ...
Mmmm … in my experience 3 months rent and 3 months deposit is normal, but anyway I think there is another aspect you should consider. I remember i once booked online a very nice apartment for a few days (i travelled in Vietnam for work a ... Read More
Move from the UK to Hanoi by kapilsaini
I'm presently employed in the UK and have received a job offer from a university in Hanoi. I'm reaching out to see if you have any insights on the following:What is the air quality like in Hanoi, and does it noticeably affect daily life? Are there ...
@kapilsaini ok - so let’s assume you can do the job and they like you, then you have your 2 years. Not sure what the current deal is for such jobs, but it would be good if they provide a relocation package for you - not just because it is ... Read More
Move from the UK to Hanoi by kapilsaini
I'm presently employed in the UK and have received a job offer from a university in Hanoi. I'm reaching out to see if you have any insights on the following:What is the air quality like in Hanoi, and does it noticeably affect daily life? Are there ...
@kapilsaini The limited contract is a real risk, and I think secedit’s point is, is this a risk you should be taking? You haven't said what you personal situation is (single / partner / family) which makes a big difference. If you are a young ... Read More
Move from the UK to Hanoi by kapilsaini
I'm presently employed in the UK and have received a job offer from a university in Hanoi. I'm reaching out to see if you have any insights on the following:What is the air quality like in Hanoi, and does it noticeably affect daily life? Are there ...
Thanks Erikji for those useful links. I notice HCMC is worse than Hanoi at the moment - then I read this article of theirs: https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/concern-in-vietnam-at-hanoi-topping-airvisual-ranking Read More
Move from the UK to Hanoi by kapilsaini
I'm presently employed in the UK and have received a job offer from a university in Hanoi. I'm reaching out to see if you have any insights on the following:What is the air quality like in Hanoi, and does it noticeably affect daily life? Are there ...
hi there! Some quick first shots at answers for you! For contracts - whereas in the past indefinite term contracts (i.e. permanent) were available, I think the maximum now allowed is 2 years in line with standard work permit. so job security is only ... Read More
Temporary Residence Card by Eile
Hi all. What is the eligibility for a foreigner to get a TRC. Does charity work qualify as eligibility?Thank you 😊
Only if you are an employee of the charity. Read More
Medical Test Report for Work Permit by Dartanz
Friends,What kinds of medical tests are to be included in a Medical Test Report in applying for a Work Permit for a teaching job at university.Thank you.
I think there is only one standard medical test for any work permit. X ray to check lungs, blood test, urine test, eye sight test, teeth check ( I got lower rating last time as 3 broken teeth as no dental work during Covid! ). I don't what would be ... Read More
Moving to Vietnam with personal belongings by Kiteflyer
Hi,I have read some alarming messages here saying that used goods can't be imported. Surely there must be an exception for persons who are moving to the country because they are married with a Vietnamese woman. I am not leaving behind an address and ...
As usual good advice from OceanBeach.FYI - I had a nightmare with a book parcel from the US - nearly got incinerated by Customs. So just cos it worked for someone else, worked once already......Also - as far as I am aware for Vietnam, Fedex is only ... Read More
Moving to Vietnam with personal belongings by Kiteflyer
Hi,I have read some alarming messages here saying that used goods can't be imported. Surely there must be an exception for persons who are moving to the country because they are married with a Vietnamese woman. I am not leaving behind an address and ...
Ok - my recommendation is to take what you can on the plane, and then ship the rest by sea - defintely not fedex or other courier / post. It is not that they are expensive / bad or anything - but there is no-one to look after your interests with ... Read More
What reasons can I use to quit my job with this employ? [V] upon OP request by Dunevn
Hello Everyone, happy holidays and wishing you a warm new year in a few hours. I just found this platform and I need your help on my situation. I have been in the country for almost 3 months now and working with a learning center in a province. I ...
@Dunevn I think you are missing the point. It does not matter whever you paid or not, technically it becomes invalid when you leave that job with that employer. Following up on Aiden’s points and concern, you should understand that the work ... Read More
What reasons can I use to quit my job with this employ? [V] upon OP request by Dunevn
Hello Everyone, happy holidays and wishing you a warm new year in a few hours. I just found this platform and I need your help on my situation. I have been in the country for almost 3 months now and working with a learning center in a province. I ...
Hi there… teaching work is not my expertise, but it seems this company has a strategy to reduce payments to you. Perhaps he makes you leave so they don't pay you. Assuming you want stay within the law, you should note that a work permit is ... Read More
Ha Long Bay by charmavietnam
Hi! We would like to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay. Can anyone suggest very economical trip- transportation,accommodation, food, sightseeing,etc?
Hey folks - Chris Foxes post is from 2013! Read More
I'm kind of in a mess (First time English teacher in Vietnam) by Noelwastaken
Hi I just found this forum and I'm kind of typing this in a rush because I'm pretty freaked out at the moment.I've been working as an English teacher in Vietnam for the past (almost) 2 months.My boss showed me a contract at the beginning but I never ...
Hi Noel, details matter. I am confused by your dates. I thought DN1 is for max 3 months (if someone knows better please correct me!), so if you have been teaching for nearly 2 - that makes 4 months. I thought you could only get DN1 on arrival in ... Read More
I'm kind of in a mess (First time English teacher in Vietnam) by Noelwastaken
Hi I just found this forum and I'm kind of typing this in a rush because I'm pretty freaked out at the moment.I've been working as an English teacher in Vietnam for the past (almost) 2 months.My boss showed me a contract at the beginning but I never ...
Hi Noel, first question: What does your Visa show as the Category? Read More
Planning to move to Da Nang by jwdtpe
I'm an elderly American retired professor and plan to move to Da Nang soon, to retire. I've done lots of research in many ways, but I'd still like to chat in general with some of you who live there now. Thank you, John
All good advice from OceanBeach! Read More
They don't have file cabinets here by ChoculaD
I need a file cabinet that can take hanging file folders. They don’t seem to have that here. When I look for file cabinets I mostly get results like ...
I think you are being unrealistic..... I just checked the lowest price from the UK cheapest discount suppliers that I used to use and it is 2.15m for a 2 drawer, compared to the list of 2.75m for Hoa Phat. Note this is list price - I have always ... Read More
Change tourist visa to work visa in Vietnam by kuwachatawanda
Is it possible to change tourist visa to work visa in Vietnam
Perhaps I am being pedantic, but is the question "if I am in Vietnam on a tourist Visa, can I apply and receive a work visa?" as I think a Visa is never changed (even if the issuer made a mistake) - it is just replaced? Read More
They don't have file cabinets here by ChoculaD
I need a file cabinet that can take hanging file folders. They don’t seem to have that here. When I look for file cabinets I mostly get results like ...
Hoa Phat supply such metal 2, 3 or 4 drawer cabinets. I don't think you will find cheaper. Read More
They don't have file cabinets here by ChoculaD
I need a file cabinet that can take hanging file folders. They don’t seem to have that here. When I look for file cabinets I mostly get results like ...
https://noithathoaphat-com-vn.translate.goog/products/T%E1%BB%A7-File-t%C3%A0i-li%E1%BB%87u-2-ng%C4%83n-TU2F.html?_x_tr_sl=vi&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_sch=http Read More
Transfer fortnightly Aussie pension to dong by JohnnyChristo
Hi alli am currently in Vietnam and planning to stay but transfer costs at atm are crippling.any suggestionsthanks. 😊
Ah - reread problem - just realised my post not helpful..... sorry! Read More
Transfer fortnightly Aussie pension to dong by JohnnyChristo
Hi alli am currently in Vietnam and planning to stay but transfer costs at atm are crippling.any suggestionsthanks. 😊
FYI - Vietcombank does not make any charges to receive foreign income. You can check the exchange rate on-line at any time, so if you know your own bank's charges, you can calculate what you will actually get in dong. Read More
international banking by jspark97
Hi everyone,Based on my research, I believe that HSBC is the best route for the international banking. I was wondering if any of you have done this scenario:Open a bank in my home coutnry (for me it's the US), and move to Vietnam.Have your company ...
I think forget about Vietnam company paying your salary in your home country - very difficult for them to do. If you are employed in Vietnam, your salary will be paid into a Vietnamese bank account, and upon each net payment to you the company has ... Read More