Alan
@pilotadamp
English looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
81
Contacts
5
About me
English
Lives in Hanoi
Registration: 29 January 2014
Looking for an IT Job paying 2200USD a month by Henry.Trujillo
I really want to move e to Vietnam, but I need a job that can pay near $2200 USD A month, if not that, bare minimum 1600 a month to live. Where is a good place to look? I work as an IT Help Desk Employee right now.
You are wasting your time - forget it! Read More
my employer, moto accident, didn't pay govt health insurance by MasterofDisaster
I've had to spend about 20 million after a motorcycle accident. I had a two year contract and work permit etc. He failed to pay any kind of insurance for me, let alone the government one required by law. I have a translated and notarised ...
The VND 85k is third party insurance which covers you if you have an accident and have to pay another’s hospital bill. It ONLY works if you call the police to an accident and you request a police report. As always, the local mafia will try ... Read More
my employer, moto accident, didn't pay govt health insurance by MasterofDisaster
I've had to spend about 20 million after a motorcycle accident. I had a two year contract and work permit etc. He failed to pay any kind of insurance for me, let alone the government one required by law. I have a translated and notarised ...
1 You neither have a Vietnamese licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP); notarised documents are unacceptable. Any insurance you have will be invalid - read the terms and conditions very carefully. 2. Any contract in Vietnam is useless - ... Read More
Vietnam custom hold my parcel !! by MarcusKS
Hi All, I can't find any better solutions to settle this matter. Hope can get some advise from here to deal with Vietnam custom. My wife ( Vietnamese ) wish to sell a beauty products which origin from my country Malaysia. However, I use EMS ...
He’s a fool - nothing is payable and he needs to read up on the regulations Read More
Vietnam custom hold my parcel !! by MarcusKS
Hi All, I can't find any better solutions to settle this matter. Hope can get some advise from here to deal with Vietnam custom. My wife ( Vietnamese ) wish to sell a beauty products which origin from my country Malaysia. However, I use EMS ...
Some of these posts are pure supposition and not real experience! I travel 4 times a year from Europe in Business Class - luggage allowance 3 x 32kg = 96kg. I have never been stopped once at the x-ray machine. 95% of my luggage are multiple goods ... Read More
Vietnam custom hold my parcel !! by MarcusKS
Hi All, I can't find any better solutions to settle this matter. Hope can get some advise from here to deal with Vietnam custom. My wife ( Vietnamese ) wish to sell a beauty products which origin from my country Malaysia. However, I use EMS ...
I disagree completely; if you use DHL / FEDEX, your parcel will attract attention - something for the rich foreigner. As yousuch, MANY people want ‘fees’ in addition to customs clearance, handling, and import duty which DHL / FEDEX will ... Read More
Vietnam custom hold my parcel !! by MarcusKS
Hi All, I can't find any better solutions to settle this matter. Hope can get some advise from here to deal with Vietnam custom. My wife ( Vietnamese ) wish to sell a beauty products which origin from my country Malaysia. However, I use EMS ...
It is normal - this is VietNam. Govt has run out of money. Tet is coming. Everybody needs cash. Pay the coffee money and you will get your package - it’s the way it works. Read More
Vietnam expats will be subject to 8% additional tax starting in 2018 by ksr2x
Expats working in Vietnam will be required to pay into Vietnam's social insurance program starting in 2018. The social insurance tax currently only applies to Vietnamese employees. The employee contribution of the tax is 8% subject to maximums ...
Vietnamese government just copies everything by bullshit presidential decree without details or infrastruture. Just ‘looks good’ on paper Read More
Vietnam expats will be subject to 8% additional tax starting in 2018 by ksr2x
Expats working in Vietnam will be required to pay into Vietnam's social insurance program starting in 2018. The social insurance tax currently only applies to Vietnamese employees. The employee contribution of the tax is 8% subject to maximums ...
In the UK we get free healthcare and many other things. In Vietnam an expat will get nothing! Read More
Vietnam expats will be subject to 8% additional tax starting in 2018 by ksr2x
Expats working in Vietnam will be required to pay into Vietnam's social insurance program starting in 2018. The social insurance tax currently only applies to Vietnamese employees. The employee contribution of the tax is 8% subject to maximums ...
Only suckers will pay such a tax. The Vietnamese (government) are classic at making changes and introducing systems - and always with NO INFRASTRUCTURE. It is just a tax with NO BENEFIT Read More
Visa on arrival - WARNING! by villanova
I got my 3mth multiple business visa after an hour and a half wait. stamping fee was supposed to be 50 USD. They rejected and refused my 100USD bill because it was 'old'. I offerer to pay in Singapore dollars. So I gave them 100 SGD and ...
I've never had a problem with torn notes - just use sellotape. Some get fussy with writing on notes, but it's all nonsense. Read More
Visa on arrival - WARNING! by villanova
I got my 3mth multiple business visa after an hour and a half wait. stamping fee was supposed to be 50 USD. They rejected and refused my 100USD bill because it was 'old'. I offerer to pay in Singapore dollars. So I gave them 100 SGD and ...
They took you for a sucker. There is no 'old' US currency - all notes are usually accepted. You should have very quietly acted naive and asked to speak to the manager. 99% of visa on arrival is trouble free. Read More
Hanoi - copy electronic lift key
It is just a simple electronic key card like a hotel key card 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 ...
The provision of good customer service is sporadic, and usually dependant upon the level of training which has been given to an individual. That being said, the incidence of ''foreigner pricing' is still too high; whether downright ... Read More
Florexitine (Prozac)
Try either the pharmacy adjacent to Tran Tien shopping plaza at Hoan Kiem Lake, or the pharmacy at Hai Ba Trung. Both carry specialist Western medicines and appreciate the problems visitors have obtaining medicines. Read More
Hanoi - copy electronic lift key
Does anybody know a specific location where (in Hanoi) I can get an electronic lift key copied? Thanks (No generalisations please) Read More
Backdate, Pay Twice - The Latest Visa Scam by SiCoTic
Had the misfortune of having to go to Moc Bai, last week, always unpleasant but getting there + back with everything I left with, both arms, legs, those sort of things, I consider to be a victory. Getting a 3 month Business Visa that is valid for 3 ...
Bazza - you hit it on the nail ! :) Read More
Backdate, Pay Twice - The Latest Visa Scam by SiCoTic
Had the misfortune of having to go to Moc Bai, last week, always unpleasant but getting there + back with everything I left with, both arms, legs, those sort of things, I consider to be a victory. Getting a 3 month Business Visa that is valid for 3 ...
You write too much mate - nobody reads all that. A Business Visa is a waste of money, and does NOT entitle you to work; stick with the 3 months Tourist Visa😉 Read More
VND Cash deposit into a VND Acoount (ACB Bank)
You are right - they are uneducated. They call it "vo hoc" and so many are! They buy their bullshit jobs for VND 500m to say to people "I work in a bank". Such a farce! Read More
VND Cash deposit into a VND Acoount (ACB Bank)
ACB Ngoc Ha, 94 Ngoc Ha, Phuong Doi Can, Quan Ba Dinh Read More
VND Cash deposit into a VND Acoount (ACB Bank)
Tried deposit VND 3M cash into a VND account of a friend (have done so many times) with ACB Bank,and was asked for my passport. I refused. Went around the corner to another branch of ACB, no problem. What a farce! Anybody else had this ? (Not ... Read More
Hepatitis A & B......beware by Vagabondone
Not sure how many planning to come to Vietnam or those that are already here are aware of the prevalence of Hepatitis here, especially B. I lost count of how many I have known that have had cirrhosis of the liver or those that it progressed to liver ...
Basic information available widely on the internet. People need to use their brains and not be spoon fed; any person with an ounce of commonsense would look at their respecitve government sites for infornation BEFORE ... Read More
Hepatitis A & B......beware by Vagabondone
Not sure how many planning to come to Vietnam or those that are already here are aware of the prevalence of Hepatitis here, especially B. I lost count of how many I have known that have had cirrhosis of the liver or those that it progressed to liver ...
Yes, a booster is needed.... Read More
Hepatitis A & B......beware by Vagabondone
Not sure how many planning to come to Vietnam or those that are already here are aware of the prevalence of Hepatitis here, especially B. I lost count of how many I have known that have had cirrhosis of the liver or those that it progressed to liver ...
Undoubtedly there is a problem with Hep B here. However Hep B is usually spread by blood, semen, or other bodily fluid. It is NOT spread through either food or water. Most responsible adults in their home countries should have had Hep A,B, ... Read More
best way to deal with influenza in Việt Nam by barniclebill
Hi there, I don't post much but I would like to say thanks to the regulars who do. Your comments and inside information are well received. That said, does anybody have any advice about the best way to deal with influenza in Việt Nam. ...
Paracetamol (painkiller and reduces fever) or Efferalgan Codeine (paracrtamol and codeine) if the pain is severe. Do not take antiobiotics - they only work against bacteria and not viruses. Drink plenty of water. Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Vietnam face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
Same situation in Paris with energency ambulances - nobody moves! In Hanoi it maybe because locals know the ambulances are abused; many times I've seen ambulances with sirens and lights on, crammed with people in ths back who look and act like ... Read More
Too old? by Ramble235
Hello. I am an English teacher currently working in France. I have a degree, (Art), and a TEFL certificate. I have been teaching English for most of the past 10 years. My contract is coming to the end and I am considering relocating to Vietnam to ...
Your age is not important, just your outlook and approach Read More
Laptops held by Customs by tsshapiro
Ok, so I have a weird situation. My wife and I went to visit family in the US and when we returned we had accidentally left one carry-on bag at home. I know it was stupid of us, but we left for the airport in a hurry. In that carry-on bag was our ...
They will want a bullshit bribe (money) from you. Didn't anybody warn you about the 'games' here ????? Read More
cannot deposit money in my own bank
Just get a trusted local to open an account in their name for you to use. There are no banking standards, just tedious games all the time... Read More
Sending money out of vietnam by Linmarpat
English teacher wanting to know how you get money out of Vietnam. I was told it isn't a problem, but once I got here I was told I can't send money out to pay my bills back home. Not even through Western Union. Can anyone with unfailing ...
Paypal is the easiest way, or perhaps debit card use abroad. The banks just mess you about typical Vietnamese style. Read More
tet gift ideas for gf's family by keno2
Question for the locals here. Have only just started dating this girl for about 2 months. Any ideas for tet gifts to give to her family. I have not met them and don't intend to yet. Will just give it to her to give to them. I'm thinking ...
NEVER give cash - for fuks sake. They will ALWAYS take the pxxx. The smaller the gift, the better Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
Nearly all ACB branches have a person who can speak very good English. The problem is inconsistency in the existence and enforcement of procedures, not in English language communication. HSBC is extortionate with their charging structure. Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
I am so happy you see through all the bxxxxt and corruption here; it's a nightmare. A very trusted Vietnamese friend opened an account for me, and I use that. Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
You work in a bank for 7 years and have little experience of this ? Oi troi Oi. I bank with a Vietnamese bank, and 3 things happen: 1. If I go to a branch to pay money in near Hoan Kiem Lake, no ID needed. 2. Same thing on Hoang Hoa Tham - the ... Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
There are no rules in Vietnam - the banks do what they like. If you are a foreigner, the banks try to overcharge and manipulate. Everybody knows the 'game' so please stop writing nonsense. Vietnamese are too interested in foreigners ... Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
A bank account is a bank account. In Vietname people are too inquisitive / nosey and talk too much about other people's business. Read More
How to Open a company in Ho Chi Minh by summer78
please every one do you know how to open a company here in VN (HCMC)? office, better way, everything... please help me to understand about it regards
In short, don't bother. And do not accept help from a Vn..... Read More
Motorbike Lisence by FMoghimi
I heard that for motorbike less than 50cc, you do not need a license. Is this true?
If you buy a used one, you are likely to get one eith crap batteries. Nevet buy 'used' in Vietnam - it's a false economy. Get a student to show you where to buy and how much to spend.... Read More
Motorbike Lisence by FMoghimi
I heard that for motorbike less than 50cc, you do not need a license. Is this true?
No insurance needed for an electric bike or motorcycle 50cc or less Read More
Motorbike Lisence by FMoghimi
I heard that for motorbike less than 50cc, you do not need a license. Is this true?
Yes, they both are and no licence is needed. I will check on the insurance tomorrow; in any event it is negligable - about VND 50k Read More
No reply to job / ad applications...a lack of common courtesy. by Jon Allsop
Hi As an ex pat living and working in HCMC, and being a regular and appreciative user of this site, I must say that in recent months I have been disappointed to see that some advertisers make no effort to reply to a contact. That's to say ...
All that is 'normal' in Vn. Don't get wound up. Best thing is to ignore the timewasters; there ARE good people out there. The 'agents' are a complete waste of time Read More
No reply to job / ad applications...a lack of common courtesy. by Jon Allsop
Hi As an ex pat living and working in HCMC, and being a regular and appreciative user of this site, I must say that in recent months I have been disappointed to see that some advertisers make no effort to reply to a contact. That's to say ...
All part of 'the game' Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
It's all hit and miss - like everything in Vietnam. Easiest is to get a very good trusted friend to open a current account (with visa debit) with VND 100k using their ID. Has to be someone very trustworthy 😉 Read More
No reply to job / ad applications...a lack of common courtesy. by Jon Allsop
Hi As an ex pat living and working in HCMC, and being a regular and appreciative user of this site, I must say that in recent months I have been disappointed to see that some advertisers make no effort to reply to a contact. That's to say ...
Unfortunately these lot are uneducated. Vo hoc they say! Read More
Visa extension by Gphillips
I have a 90 day, multiple entry, C-1 visa for Vietnam. It is valid through 04 Feb. I need a one month extension to 04 Mar 2015. Unaware of the rule changes I went to the local travel agency for an extension on 06 Jan. No can do! Went to the ...
Another idiot. My post was a general post which clearly said 3 month multi- entry. The fool should not have resonded as it clealrly did not reflect his own situation. You guys need English lessons! Read More
Visa extension by Gphillips
I have a 90 day, multiple entry, C-1 visa for Vietnam. It is valid through 04 Feb. I need a one month extension to 04 Mar 2015. Unaware of the rule changes I went to the local travel agency for an extension on 06 Jan. No can do! Went to the ...
Great to see you've recognised your own ignorance. Enough said! Read More
Visa extension by Gphillips
I have a 90 day, multiple entry, C-1 visa for Vietnam. It is valid through 04 Feb. I need a one month extension to 04 Mar 2015. Unaware of the rule changes I went to the local travel agency for an extension on 06 Jan. No can do! Went to the ...
USD 45 for a 3 month multi-entry visa? Keep dreaming. LOL PS. Learn to read properly before you reply! Read More
Visa extension by Gphillips
I have a 90 day, multiple entry, C-1 visa for Vietnam. It is valid through 04 Feb. I need a one month extension to 04 Mar 2015. Unaware of the rule changes I went to the local travel agency for an extension on 06 Jan. No can do! Went to the ...
Just don't pay these lazy money grabbers - they like money too much and don't want to work for it. Do a visa run to Bangkok and come back the same or next day with a 3 month multi-entry tourist visa or whatever. The whole thing is a scam ... Read More
VN to issue International Drivers Licenses in Oct. 2015 (+ foreigners) by Ottvantor
This may be welcome news to some members. http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/29368/vietnam-to-begin-issuing-international-driving-permits-to-foreigners-in-october
Don't hold your breath: the law was enacted in Jan 2015 and should have been implemented in August. It goes on and on..::. Read More
Motorbike license by sensei33
This has no doubt been addressed here before, but I am fairly new to VN, and am wondering what the law is for foreigners driving motorbikes here. Thanks. Rob Weeks
Rob I'm British and have a French licence for cars and motorbikes up to 125cc. Filled in a form in Hanoi, 3 days later I got my VN car and motorcyle licence. The only caveat, it was issued only until the expiration date of my visa. If you are ... Read More
Yamaha or Honda ? by pilotadamp
Which bike would you prefer: Honda Airblade or Yamaha Luvias ? And why ?
Thanks for your post. I bought a Yamaha Luvias and have no complaints. As for Honda, I think it's just a case of Vietnamese "copy copy" syndrome ;-) Read More
Hanoi / Fitness Gym
Hello Looking for an inexpensive and clean gym in Hanoi - mostly interested in jogging/running machines, and rowing machine. Not interested in the ridiculous prices being quoted by Elite Fitness (especially crazy annual subscriptions). Looking for ... Read More
Bad bacterial infection in Hanoi by hs0zfe
It started with an aching tooth. The dentist cleaned out most of the rotted pulp and the swelling subsided. But he left the tooth open and food contaminated it (?). The next visit was less pleasant - this time, I [i]felt[/i] some remaining nerve ...
Forget penicilin, sounds like you need metronidazole Read More
Yamaha or Honda ? by pilotadamp
Which bike would you prefer: Honda Airblade or Yamaha Luvias ? And why ?
I bought a Yamaha Luvias Read More
Yamaha or Honda ? by pilotadamp
Which bike would you prefer: Honda Airblade or Yamaha Luvias ? And why ?
Going to have a look at both today. Aesthetically, I like the Yamaha. Other than that people say the Honda is more durable and fuel efficient. Read More
Yamaha or Honda ?
Which bike would you prefer: Honda Airblade or Yamaha Luvias ? And why ? Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
Absoulte rubbish - everybody knows that London is probably the most diversed and multicultural city in Europe. Anyway, no time for your nonsensical waffle... Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
A native English speaker is not "white" and the word "white" should not be included in the post. Come to the UK (where English originates from) and you will find a multiplicty of different coloured people who are native English ... Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
Since when does "native" mean white ? So crass! Read More
Filing Cabinet - Hanoi
Yes, I found one there yesterday and they delivered in the afternoon! Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
YES - I set up my own English Centre and it is thriving! Hard work writing all the courses, but very enjoyable. Focus on listening and speaking, not grammar. All the best... Read More
Filing Cabinet - Hanoi
Does anybody know where I can get a 2 drawer lockable filing cabinet ? It would seem that these don't exist in Hanoi!! Read More
Travellers cards
Citibank is the best. No withdrawal fees at Citibank ATM, and VND 8K daily withdrawal limit. As you can load the card from your home account, the money is safe as theoretically it never enters Vietnam until you make a withdrawal. Read More
Transferring money in/out of VN when buying/selling a property by xparte
Hi, Just been reading through most of the money transfer topics & it seems at times it can be quite complicated to get money out of VN. I've been thinking about getting a property in VN but am concerned about the complexities about ...
Hi Xparte Don't buy - far too many pitfalls and you will regret it. No safeguards whatsoever for a foreign investor (unless you are a corporate body), and nothing will change for many years. Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
Oh dear, what can the matter be.... Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate by pilotadamp
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ?
Thanks a lot. Somebody was trying to fob me off with USD 20 /hr when I knew that USD 30 /hr was applicable to my experience and qualifications. Read More
Teaching English Hanoi - Hourly rate
Can anybody tell me what is the normal hourly rate for an experienced TEFL teacher in Hanoi ? Read More
Psychiatric Test For Marriage by milkybunnyHCM
Where can I get this done? I called FV and they said no can do for Americans, call Cho Ray! I call Cho Ray, they said they stopped doing that recently, you have to go to a psychiatric hospital. Anybody have an idea where those might be?
I could not agree more with bluenz and khan44!! I've been working and visiting Vn since 2008, and your approach certainly works, and is correct. There are some poor people in Vn - just like every country. But in Vn, people habitually lie about ... Read More
Official Electricity Costs Hanoi
Does anybody have the official electricty costs/tarrifs in VND per KWh as charged by EVN the electricity company ? Or the exact website link where this can be found ? I am not interested in what your landlord/owner charges. Read More
Looking to rent Hanoi non-serviced apartment
I am interested in Ba Dinh and Dong Da districts. Read More
Looking to rent Hanoi non-serviced apartment
Looking to rent a non-serviced apartment in Hanoi. I don't want all the usual expat stuff, just a 1 or 2 bedroom place with seperate bathroom and kitchen. Read More
Safest way to send a gift from USA to Vietnam by charlesle9
I was advised to post this topic here as it would give me a better response. I live in the USA near Little Saigon, Orange County. I have a family member in Vietnam whose birthday is coming up soon. I want to buy him a gift here in the US, then ship ...
It's easy - don't send it unless you want it to go missing or for Customs officials to 'hold ' it permanently. Still too much corruption in Vietnam and in my opinion it is highly structured Read More
why is it difficult for foriegner to assimilate into VN culture by MarkinNam
It is becoming more and more apparent that when people move from thier home country, they just want to change the locals to be just like what they left behind (for what reason?) are we all so self absorbed that we can't enjoy the break ...
I agree with you completely Read More
what is true love with Vietnamese girl? by nnthuy154
I incidently read a story about a British man maried with a dirty Vietnamese girl. I fell very ashamed because I am Vietnamese too. You should agree that you may meet the good ones or the bad ones in every country, but especially the ones origined ...
poor girls nearly always marry only for money - that is a fact ! Read More
what is true love with Vietnamese girl? by nnthuy154
I incidently read a story about a British man maried with a dirty Vietnamese girl. I fell very ashamed because I am Vietnamese too. You should agree that you may meet the good ones or the bad ones in every country, but especially the ones origined ...
I am British and also have this dilemma. You are 100% correct in everything you say. For me to read your posting was like a bit of fresh air: it is good to know that there are some very decent Vietnamese girls like you @@ Read More
5 months of overstay - 2 passports - SO MANY QUESTIONS!! ^_^ by -jag-
Hello. I am in quite a sticky situation and was wondering if anyone here could answer my questions... My tourist visa expired about 5 months ago. At that time, I was supposed to exit and re-enter the country when renewing it, but I didn't have any ...
The only quick solution I can think of, is to get out of Vietnam through one of the unofficial border crossings into say Cambodia or China. Apply online for visa on arrival using your second passport. that way you can get back in..... Read More