Malcolm Arthur
@cafengocmy
American looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
99
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Panama City
Speaks English, some tiéng Việt
Registration: 01 March 2012
Which scooter do you like most? by yamcha
I bought myself a 2013 blue Honda Lead recently mostly for its practicality, it has a wide seating area and a lot of space under it but other than that it isn't a very good ride. I really wanted a Yamaha Grande (love the way it looks) but ...
I rode MCs exclusively for almost 30 years in the US and have no trouble riding my little electric now. When I go back to the US I jump on my Virago 920 and burn up some highway, though. Read More
Which scooter do you like most? by yamcha
I bought myself a 2013 blue Honda Lead recently mostly for its practicality, it has a wide seating area and a lot of space under it but other than that it isn't a very good ride. I really wanted a Yamaha Grande (love the way it looks) but ...
You don't need a tag if it has pedals. The models without pedals perform the same as the pedaled ones but you have to have tags for them. Read More
Which scooter do you like most? by yamcha
I bought myself a 2013 blue Honda Lead recently mostly for its practicality, it has a wide seating area and a lot of space under it but other than that it isn't a very good ride. I really wanted a Yamaha Grande (love the way it looks) but ...
I finally broke down and bought an electric bike which I ride around Cam Đức. I carry a spare battery and top speed is only about 35 clicks but I am not in a hurry. Read More
Which scooter do you like most? by yamcha
I bought myself a 2013 blue Honda Lead recently mostly for its practicality, it has a wide seating area and a lot of space under it but other than that it isn't a very good ride. I really wanted a Yamaha Grande (love the way it looks) but ...
Hondas are the Gold Standard in VN for reliability and durability. I know of several 60s and 70s models that are still transporting their owners. Korean and Taiwanese scoots are good. Chinese are like Chinese everything else. Read More
Transferring USD to Dong in Vietnam by Ksinger101
My question is simple yet difficult for me. I have read on here different requirements to open a domestic bank account in Vietnam. My situation is pretty simple. What is the best way to transfer USD to VD? I have currently been declared ...
If you have a credit card and have computer access to your bank account you can use a money transfer service via computer to get money delivered to you personally. It is not the cheapest way but it is fast, like tomorrow. Read More
Vietnam. Police state.? by Daneb51
I am retired and considering a move to Vietnam. I am a child of the 60’s. How vigorous are the police? Thanks
When I was first back in Việt Nam 14 years ago and was the only foreigner in town the police used to follow me around when I went walking and were strict about me registering whenever I went somewhere else. Now I go where I want and do ... Read More
Why is it that most vietnamese i meet are untrustworthy? by bongolongo
I have been living in Vietnam now for 6 months and farm goats in Cu chi and will be opening a goat restaurant. But everyone i meet from landlords, to suppliers , to employees, to even family members are trying to rip me off. I know it is hard to ...
n all my time in Việt Nam I have never been cheated or robbed by a Vietnamese. Of course, I avoid the large city centers and do not frequent places with many foreigners. Read More
Nationality Mix of Residents in Nha Trang by GuestPoster14998
Hi, I am currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand and considering move to Vietnam. I am from the US. I have read information that Nha Trang is heavily populated with a large group of one nationality. I like to be among a mixture of Nationalities as ...
The Russians mostly look like poorly dressed Americans, at least on the beachfront. Read More
My first two weeks in Vietnam - Sharing thoughts and questions by 1willy1
Hey guys so I finally made it, been 2-3 years of desiring to come here and now im typing from ho chi min city !!!! Pretty amazing experience, coming out of the airport was like walking into a whole new world lol So , I sort of hated it at first ...
My first visit. camduckhanhhoa.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/pilgrimage/ Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Cafés and food stalls are better places to meet people who will talk with you. If you speak some Vietnamese, of course you will have an easier time. The smaller towns are also better venues where foreigners are rarer and are subjects of ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
I have found that I can no longer understand Vietnamese very well when it comes through a microphone. I do okay on telephones but I miss a lot that comes from the stage on a mic. Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
I love Duolingo. Many kids in Cam Lâm used to pester me to help them with their school English. Then I discovered Duolingo and told them all to try it. They did and I don't get the requests for help any more. The younger ones want to show ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
Actually the Indians have probably learned Vietnamese. They, or at least theose from the cities, have probably learned several languages as children because of their environment. If you do that it is not difficult to pick up other languages as ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
Pidgin is a language of convenience for people who don't share a native language. It is generally constructed with the rules of one language and vocabulary of the other. A creole is generally a pidgin that has become a first language. Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
I have spoken several languages in the past and had always learned a language as fast as I needed it until my brain started to petrify with age. I also have lost those languages as fast as I have not needed them. As a child in Istanbul I learned ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
And context is actually more important than the tones. Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
Among Americans I know who have learned the language, those who cannot carry a tune are better with tones than the musically talented. Go figure. Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
In Việt Nam almost no one will correct your speech except maybe a long time friend. It is a matter of being polite which is much more practiced in VN than in the Western countries, especially to higher status people. Westerners who are ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
In a monosyllabic language there is a limited number of syllables and the different tones extend the capacity of those syllables to convey meanings. I am pretty good with the language but in the far southwest I am lost verbally. There are no or ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
"double the length of the same English expression;" Context. More words are used because they give each other context. A single word can mean so many different things that it means nothing if there are not other words with it to give it ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
Vietnamese is a highly contextual language and is, as you probably know, tonal. For some tones are very difficult to master and getting them wrong can make gibberish out of what you say. It is actually better to omit tones altogether and speak in a ... Read More
Apartment or House - Must / Want List by workplacestars
Happy Lunar Holiday everyone. May the coming year of the Boar be the most healthy and prosperous one yet for you and your family. Would like to benefit from your local experience. The items below are my personal requirements, yet what do you think ...
I did it differently. I fronted a man 7 million đồng to build his house In Cam Lâm 13 years ago, not all of it, just enough that he could show the gold shop he had a "rich" American backer so that they lent him the ... Read More
Vietnam relationships / Children / Marriage by braymor
Hello all, I have spent the last couple of hours reading the various threads on this topic, and have received some good information. I'm really happy there is a forum dedicated to these types of topics. I am in a particular situation, and I ...
If you marry her, because she is Vietnamese, you are guaranteed to have beautiful children. Read More
Vietnam relationships / Children / Marriage by braymor
Hello all, I have spent the last couple of hours reading the various threads on this topic, and have received some good information. I'm really happy there is a forum dedicated to these types of topics. I am in a particular situation, and I ...
You got her pregnant. She is Vietnamese and there is a far greater chance that she will be a good wife and will be permanent than if she were American. Marry her. You will reflect in a few years that is the best thing that ever happened to you. I ... Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
I thought I could never drive in that traffic, then in Đồng Nai my host asked me to pick up his motorbike at the fixit-it shop and drive it back to him. I did that. It was amazingly easier than i had a thought it would be. Everyone ... Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
That trash. Western packaging flooded into Việt Nam when there was no capacity to deal with it. Bit by bit the system is catching up. Go to Dà lạt and see what people are capable of. It is kept absolutely free of trash. In ... Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
Vietnamese, Southerners anyway, are acclimated to a much warmer range of temperatures than almost all Westerners. They are comfortable completely covered in 90 degrees F. and freezing at 70 degrees F. Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
Unless you are planning on road trips anything over 125 cc in VN is just wasting gasoline and showing off. This from someone who drove nothing but large motorcycles for 30 years in the USA. Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
Anything over, I think, 110 cc is taxed at progressive rates. The government uses the tax code to limit the larger displacement bikes and especially automobiles. There is not sufficient roadway for the cars. It is a measure of the prosperity that is ... Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
It keeps the road spray off their clothes. Considering how most women dress at all times, modesty is not a consideration. They are covered from head to toe while riding, or even walking. Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
It is the women who seem paranoid of the sun. Their mamas have been telling them since they were born "to never let the sun touch your skin or you will turn black and never get a husband." As a result At least in the part of VN where I ... Read More
Tet "lucky money" advice by zeubie
Hi there, I have been in Vietnam for the past few weeks and currently staying in a guesthouse I booked through Airbnb. I have been at this guesthouse for the past 2-3 weeks now and will be staying here over the Tet holiday. The young couple who ...
100k is good. Overdoing it is not good. Read More
Tet "lucky money" advice by zeubie
Hi there, I have been in Vietnam for the past few weeks and currently staying in a guesthouse I booked through Airbnb. I have been at this guesthouse for the past 2-3 weeks now and will be staying here over the Tet holiday. The young couple who ...
The optimum Lì Xì is an American 2 dollar bill, crisp if you can get it. Read More
Tet "lucky money" advice by zeubie
Hi there, I have been in Vietnam for the past few weeks and currently staying in a guesthouse I booked through Airbnb. I have been at this guesthouse for the past 2-3 weeks now and will be staying here over the Tet holiday. The young couple who ...
If you want to have a ball put 50k in each of 50 Lì xì envelopes and go out on the street in late afternoon and give them out to random subteens and very old people. 8 years ago right after Tết proper I met and conversed with ... Read More
Fair amount for child support Vietnam???? by GuestPoster678
Curious....any opinions on what would be a fair amount of child support for one child in Vietnam. Better yet if anyone has any firsthand experience with the subject that would be nice. Thanks
Sufficient is not a word I would care to use if it were re my son. In a smaller city, say Cam Ranh, 5million would be "sufficient." But I would consider that would be my son I am talking about. I would agree to x amount and then after a ... Read More
Healthcare in Vietnam by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Vietnam ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Vietnam? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
A few years ago I got a phone call in Florida from my friend's wife. My friend had been in a scooter accident and had broken his leg. She said he had to have a bit under 800USD or the doctor would not set his leg. I had the money so I sent it ... Read More
Healthcare in Vietnam by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Vietnam ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Vietnam? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I got a Medicare Cigna Supplement before Obamacare eliminated those. It includes out-of-country coverage. I asked about Việt Nam. It is good in Việt Nam. Read More
Haircut District 3 by Ray NZ
Hello , does anyone have a good place they'd recommend for a haircut, I'm in district 3 on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street Thanks Ray
Hairdressers. That's a problem. I used to go to the barber (hớt tóc) to get the sides and back buzzed and leave the top alone- there's not much hair up there. Two years ago suddenly there are no barbers any more, only ... Read More
Fair amount for child support Vietnam???? by GuestPoster678
Curious....any opinions on what would be a fair amount of child support for one child in Vietnam. Better yet if anyone has any firsthand experience with the subject that would be nice. Thanks
I know several Caucasian men and second generation Viet kieu who have gone to VN to find wives or have stayed in VN after marrying a local lass. One of the new wives seemed "greedy" and one was a prostitute. All of the men are happy ... Read More
Fair amount for child support Vietnam???? by GuestPoster678
Curious....any opinions on what would be a fair amount of child support for one child in Vietnam. Better yet if anyone has any firsthand experience with the subject that would be nice. Thanks
If the woman is working and paying her household bills then 5 million dong would be a good place to start if they live in a smaller town like, say, Cam Ranh. If she would stay home and raise the children as a mother should, then 50 per cent more. If ... Read More
Customer care in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Vietnam and ...
Several years ago I got a round trip ticket from Atlanta GA to HCM and back to Atlanta. Because of mechanical problems I missed a flight and went from Tokyo to HCM on JAL instead of HKVN as I was supposed to. When I went back to the HKVN counter to ... Read More
Customer care in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Vietnam and ...
I am not a businessman and don't deal with stores and companies at that level. However, I go to market and to stores. I have always found the clerks and proprietors to be very helpful and eager to please. I have bought appliances at an appliance ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Vietnam is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Vietnam? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
I find that an overhead fan and no mattress allows me to sleep comfortably in the hotter weather in Sài Gòn or in Khánh Hòa. That mattress is an efficient insulator and keeps the body heat in. A sleeping platform with a straw ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Vietnam is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Vietnam? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
12 years ago when I first went back to Việt Nam I thought I would be terribly uncomfortable. La Vang in August was my destination and I knew it would be hot. I had always been miserable in high temperatures and high humidity so I ... Read More
Expand your social circle in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Vietnam means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one develop a ...
No one has ever laughed at my Vietnamese, not so that I hear it or see it, anyway. Most are intrigued that the foreigner who is not even a diplomat or business agent even tries. Read More
Expand your social circle in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Vietnam means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one develop a ...
I have had no problem meeting people and have many Vietnamese friends. I walk a lot and talk to whoever says something to me and many do, being curious about the foreigner. Back 15 years ago people would ask for money but only after a long ... Read More
Environmental protection in Vietnam by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Vietnam? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
The sea level doesn't have to rise for the salt water to intrude farther up the riverbeds if the volume of fresh water is reduced. The river beds are below sea level and the river flow keeps the salt water pushed out. Reduce the pressure and the ... Read More
Environmental protection in Vietnam by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Vietnam? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
I am glad you are going back. Any old soldier with any concerns about what has become of the country should go back. My advice to such is always- go for a month. Take a tour that addresses some particular curiosity then go to the smaller towns. Get ... Read More
Environmental protection in Vietnam by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Vietnam? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
As Viet Nam becomes a richer country the trash will begin to disappear. The modern world exploded into VN with all the manufactured waste products, primarily plastic, and there was no facility to handle it. It gets thrown everywhere because there is ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
A lot of the regular motorscoots are close enough to silent at 12 kph that they can surprise me from behind. I came upon an old lady today who couldn't get her three wheeler to start. It is an old one with a kick and I have a knack with those ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Don't say you don't drink. Say you have a bad liver. That is understood. Lots of folks have bad livers n VN from Hep B. Saying you don't drink just sounds crazy, or worse, some kind of holier than thou.. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
How do you like it now with the rapid proliferation of xe dien- electric bikes? 7 and 8 year olds drive them. I like seeing the young girls on them that could not afford to be motorized until the advent of the 7.000.000 VND electrics. The girls ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
The traffic which seems to be running at breakneck pace is actually mostly 25 mph or slower. The 40 on the speedometer is in KMs. What impresses me is that on a busy intersection at morning rush hour you can watch several times more people go by ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Well, you are talking about Ha Noi.There is nothing about the place that qualifies it to be on my list of preferences at all. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
How do you determine the "safe side" when traffic is going both ways on both sides? Granted there is less of that on the main streets that have walls running down the centerline, but it is there, too. People don't want to drive a ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
I walk on whichever side is handiest to my destination and which has the better walking surface. On occasion I walk closer to the middle, depending on how the traffic is. The scooterists are watching out for you better than you are watching out for ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
You write as if you are still enframed in the European or American context. The awareness of surroundings seems to be much more advanced than I have seen anywhere in America. Most Americans don't know where they actually are on the road within I ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
I take things as they are and do not wish anything to be different. The changes will come. You see that the traffic anarchy is being addressed. The authorities are not trying to force millions of people to change their ways by fining or jailing ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Crossing the street in Sai Gon: Its easy if you keep your wits about you. Just maintain a steady pace and don't step in front of anything with more than two wheels. With my first experience, I watched others to see how they did. I saw that there ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Eat the pho anywhere you find it. Just don't eat the uncooked vegetables that come with it unless you are in a Japanese or Western hotel and if you are in one of those why did you bother to come here anyway? Also don't eat fruits that are ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
In '03 I was walking along the road being harassed by xe may drivers that were insisting that I needed to ride. They could not fathom a foreigner that was walking by preference. I caught up to an oxcart that was going my direction and asked the ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Good deeds. Yes. Just lend a hand when you see that someone needs some help. Very few cultures on earth see any random aid offered to someone who is not kin. If you pick up something someone has dropped and hand it back, or put it up where it was ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
I have sampled ginseng wine. In the 5 liter jug it looked pretty evil but was, in fact, quite good. The bear wine would not hurt you. The alcohol neutralizes any pathogens. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
When I am offered ruou it is usually in vikoda bottles. It is rice derived and always good, often made in the back yard. I never ask or accept a refill. The last thing I want to be is not in control of my tongue. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
When in Rome, etc. That is how it works. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
My advice to an old soldier who wants to go back to see what the country is like now is to stay out of the bars and don't hustle the women. If he falls into those habits he will see nothing and will do nothing he could not do in Chicago or Los ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Vietnam? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
If you learn nothing else of the language learn the meet-and-greets and learn how to address people properly. With the m&gs perhaps learn the phase for "that is all of (the language) that I know." People will give you credit for trying ... Read More
13 best coffee shops (translating from online news) by ngoc anh nguyen thi
like i said, this is gonna be my first thread of translating from Vietnam local newspaper, which review best places to visit, or the most popular among locals sadly that it is only available for 1 pic :( just click to check the view of those coffee ...
I do not travel a lot in Viet Nam. I like to just walk and talk to whoever calls to the foreigner. The old people especially are interesting. Thy talk a lot of history. Read More
13 best coffee shops (translating from online news) by ngoc anh nguyen thi
like i said, this is gonna be my first thread of translating from Vietnam local newspaper, which review best places to visit, or the most popular among locals sadly that it is only available for 1 pic :( just click to check the view of those coffee ...
There are two very beautiful garden cafes in Cam Lam. Read More
13 best coffee shops (translating from online news) by ngoc anh nguyen thi
like i said, this is gonna be my first thread of translating from Vietnam local newspaper, which review best places to visit, or the most popular among locals sadly that it is only available for 1 pic :( just click to check the view of those coffee ...
Robusta beans are better beans in the southern highlands. Robusta worldwide is generally used for instant and decaf because it is cheaper. The VN robusta makes better coffee in my estimation than the arabica. In America now you can get the ... Read More
Report on Train ride South - North Vietnam on Feb 2016 by GuestPoster348
Situation: I took the train to go back to my hometown for Lunar New Year holiday. Since it’s the biggest, longest holiday of the country so the commuting demand is very high. That is the reason people have to book the tickets long time in ...
Of course it helps if you speak the local language. Read More
Report on Train ride South - North Vietnam on Feb 2016 by GuestPoster348
Situation: I took the train to go back to my hometown for Lunar New Year holiday. Since it’s the biggest, longest holiday of the country so the commuting demand is very high. That is the reason people have to book the tickets long time in ...
I ride the hard seat trains. The company is much more enjoyable. Everyone wants to talk to the American. I always have a couple of straw mats to sit on. The food is, well, train food. I carry my own. If i am in a hurry I fly but I try never to be ... Read More
Non native, no uni degree English Teacher by TomStorup
Hi all, I'm moving to HCMC in December hoping to land a job as English teacher. I don't have uni degree nor I am a native English speaking however, I have the TEFL certificate and I'm bilingual in English. Anyone know how easy or ...
This is silly and a waste of space to worry about grammar and spelling on this exchange with people not expert in English but with several other native languages.On other exchanges I am the Grammar and spelling NAZI but it is not appropriate here. Read More
Non native, no uni degree English Teacher by TomStorup
Hi all, I'm moving to HCMC in December hoping to land a job as English teacher. I don't have uni degree nor I am a native English speaking however, I have the TEFL certificate and I'm bilingual in English. Anyone know how easy or ...
I am 69 and in good health. I keep getting offers to teach English. I am not a teacher and have had bad experiences trying to do classroom stuff. I help friends' kids reading, though but not for money. I will probably help out at the monastery ... Read More
Non native, no uni degree English Teacher by TomStorup
Hi all, I'm moving to HCMC in December hoping to land a job as English teacher. I don't have uni degree nor I am a native English speaking however, I have the TEFL certificate and I'm bilingual in English. Anyone know how easy or ...
All the schools are required to teach English and there are as yet not nearly so many teachers who speak it as there are schools. Read More
Non native, no uni degree English Teacher by TomStorup
Hi all, I'm moving to HCMC in December hoping to land a job as English teacher. I don't have uni degree nor I am a native English speaking however, I have the TEFL certificate and I'm bilingual in English. Anyone know how easy or ...
I can get a job teaching English informally and have been offered an apartment, a classroom, and an office in a monastery. I can tutor all I want in the town in which I stay and have been invited to help ơut informally but paid at the local ... Read More
13 best coffee shops (translating from online news) by ngoc anh nguyen thi
like i said, this is gonna be my first thread of translating from Vietnam local newspaper, which review best places to visit, or the most popular among locals sadly that it is only available for 1 pic :( just click to check the view of those coffee ...
There are two nice coffee shops in Cam Duc but I prefer the less opulent ones where the men hang out before or after work. The conversation is better. They are more likely to talk about things that the more affluent people don't talk about. When ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Vietnam. What ...
I have seen those welders and wondered how long they keep their sight. The scaffolding doesn't bother me. They tie stuff together pretty well. I have been up several floors on one of those rigs and it seemed pretty solid. Read More
Time to run away? by Jquinoq
:/ so, I met this girl 34 years old , started dating her ( seriously) within a week her family has me at a Buddha temple talking about wedding dates with a " master" . Omg. I just met her WTF is the family thinking after two week " marriage" her ...
I know now several vets who went back to Viet Nam in the 90s specifically to get wives. They were on one month visas so they had not much time to choose. One married a woman who was probably a prostitute in Sai Gon. One went to Cam Ranh and pretty ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Vietnam. What ...
In 2003 when I first went back to VN I was walking on the sidewalk in Sai Gon when a motorbike slid down near me. There was a mom and pop and a 4 year old on it. What does a man do? I went over and checked the man for broken bones because he ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Vietnam. What ...
The old dictum, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," has some application with modifications. One mod is when in Viet Nam do as an Americanman would do in some circumstances. When a man sees someone who is having trouble with something he ... Read More
Considering a move to Nha Trang, Vietnam by Leo 46
My wife and I are thinking about moving to Vietnam next year sometime. Still in the very preliminary stages of this endeavor; in fact, we just thought of it this week, so haven't really done much planning. Just a bit of research. I was ...
Nha Trang also has a very good hospital. Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
All of the nasty stuff I ever heard of happens in the cities. After my first time back in '03, I stay out of those places.The smaller towns and the back country are much more pleasant. Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
My town in Khánh Hòa is pretty urban. It is a highway town that grew up among and absorbed several villages.12 years ago it was very poor and small as such towns go. Now it has perhaps 60k people and is much more prosperous. I walk ... Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Where I stay I find it almost hard to spend money. Of course, in that small town I am a perenniel celebrity as the only foreigner who has ever stayed longer than to walk once through the market. Last year I bought a washing machine for my host and ... Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Not an expat but I spend a lot of time in VN in 1-3 month increments. I stay in a highway town south of Khánh Hòa. My daughter has accompanied several times. She has traveled by bus and by train on her own and thought nothing of ... Read More
Healthcare in Vietnam by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Vietnam ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Vietnam? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
My friend near Nha Trang broke his leg and had to have $480US immediately to set it. I sent the money but it would take several days. I emailed Anh, his wife a copy of the check I had sent to the money transfer company and told her to take it to the ... Read More
Air travel from Vietnam by 1stewart
My girlfriend wants to visit me here in Florida. She has her passport and the travel company in Vietnam wants her to fly to Japan first, but the travel company wants her to stay 5 days and she only wants to stay 2 days. The travel agency wants 1,650 ...
When I go to Việt Nam I go to the cheap tickets site on the internet and buy tickets several months in advance. I book on through to Sài Gòn and don't mess with "travel companies" and the like. I have learned to ... Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
Ông biết Xitô chưa? Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
The North has more big foreign companies than the south outside of HCM but the whole business mindset seems to be more alive in the south and there are fewer palms to be greased. My town was a small place, a highway town built on and subsuming ... Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
Việt Nam is getting rich. I am not an expat, just a wannabe, but I do go back there every couple of years for a few months. I have been doing that since '03 to a particular small town in Khánh Hòa. Each time I return the ... Read More
Considering a move to Nha Trang, Vietnam by Leo 46
My wife and I are thinking about moving to Vietnam next year sometime. Still in the very preliminary stages of this endeavor; in fact, we just thought of it this week, so haven't really done much planning. Just a bit of research. I was ...
Actually renewal for 3 more months should be easy. Then you can find professional visa renewal services that can get you stretched out to a year but then you will have to step across the border. I do know a fellow who has been in Vũng ... Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
There is a woman I know in HCM, a successful businesswoman now. I met her online when she was a student and supporting herself teaching English to the rich kids. I finally met her in person in '07. She maintains an informal charity organization ... Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
Most of what I do to help is personal. I have supported a young lady since she was 14 and had quit school. I saw that she was very smart and math oriented. She will get her MBA at Đại Học Kính Tế in HCM this year. ... Read More
Be careful with doing charity by Dejavu.dot
Hi, As soon as receiving some bad news about doing charity in some places, especially Ha Noi, I'd like to announce all of you to be careful with doing charity. It's a shock for me to know that those places take advantages of orphans to earn ...
I give money to orphanages that are connected to Buddhist temples and the Catholic Church. I have followed up and never been disappointed. I also carry a pocketful of smallish bills-10 to 20 nghìn bills for beggars I meet. I don't give ... Read More