simon.1711
Singaporean expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
48
About me
Singaporean
Registration: 01 March 2014
What is stopping a VN business from paying $$s into a foreigner's a/c?
To deposit smaller amounts (below 20mil), there is usually no problem. For bigger amounts - yes you need the contact - which you have. I think they just don't want to pay you. Read More
how to reject borrowing money by thecoolchazza
I know the topic has been raised that we should never lend money to anyone. But the questions is how to reject and what to do after. btw The amount was only 2 million Dong. Eg: do you reject them and not see them again. ( because of the ...
If I don't know the person well, the answer is always no. Yes, I am "rich" but if I gave 1mil vnd to everyone I would be poor very quickly. If I know the person well, and I know he has some problems - I give them the money and never ... Read More
How much money to send to GF and baby per month in Vietnam by TonyMapleLeaf
How much money to send per month to GF and baby living in Nha Trang? I figured about $700 or 14 mil dong/month to covered baby formula, clothing, foods, ect for both. Already paid a year rent upfront no worry about that. What say you? about right? ...
I have to agree with everyone here - 700usd is plenty if you don't pay for rent. But if I'm correct the 700usd will become 1000usd and up after a couple months. Read More
how to go in vietnam and apply some works.
To answer your question directly. You can come to Vietnam with a tourist visa to look for a job. If you get a job, your employer may or may not get a work permit for you. Without a work permit, you will need to renew your tourist visa. Search the ... Read More
Can I bring Iaito to Vietnam? by HTran
Hi everyone, I am a fairly new iaidoka and am going to Vietnam for a few weeks. Can I bring my iaito (steel imitation sword to practice iaido) to Vietnam? Anyone has any experience please share. (I've got some fear that Vietnamese customs ...
I have no idea what a iaito is. I would imagine that your first problem will be checking it in at your airport. When you make it to vietnam, your challenge would be to get it past customs, which you probably can with some dongs.. Then getting it ... Read More
Bars and Clubs - DJing by Razor87
I will be moving to Ho Chi Minh in August and wondered what the dance music scene was like. I am a beginning/aspiring DJ and wanted some advice about the scene and what opportunities there are for djing in bars and clubs? I mainly play dance music ...
Lush during ladies nights on Tuesdays is quite packed. A good mix of foreigners and rich local kids. Mostly whisky drinkers there. Read More
Westerner starting a street food cart/stall? by RastaJohn
Hello, I have a question for all you expats living in Vietnam, particularly HCMC and Nah Trang. I've been bouncing around the world for about 4 years now and want to change things up. Basically, I just finished a contract with a little money to ...
Hey Jim - I would probably go once a week or so, I'm trying to lose weight. Setting up shop in D1 would not work for him - but in front of the international schools in D7 or D2 might be ok, when I used to live there, hordes of students would ... Read More
Bars and Clubs - DJing by Razor87
I will be moving to Ho Chi Minh in August and wondered what the dance music scene was like. I am a beginning/aspiring DJ and wanted some advice about the scene and what opportunities there are for djing in bars and clubs? I mainly play dance music ...
I'm not sure where you've been, but the tunes at Lush, Chill Skybar, etc are quite ok. Usually Top 40s stuff. The closest I would say is Lush, and lots of yuppies dancing there. I've not actually managed to find an real EDM place. Or a ... Read More
Westerner starting a street food cart/stall? by RastaJohn
Hello, I have a question for all you expats living in Vietnam, particularly HCMC and Nah Trang. I've been bouncing around the world for about 4 years now and want to change things up. Basically, I just finished a contract with a little money to ...
A lot of naysayers here - but I would be a customer. The food sounds delicious. I'm not sure where you would put the pushcart actually. In D1, the pollution comes from passing cars, people smoking etc etc, so the hygiene isnt going to be great. ... Read More
Missing persons, where to go for help by MarkinNam
Recently, 1 of our members has become un-contactable Tran Hung Dao as he was known on the site, is considered a friend by Cytsym and I and some others , I would guess, he is not responding to his email or TxTs from me, which is unusual, can any one ...
I don't think the police are going to do much unless you are a blood relative. "A guy that I met online is not responding to my emails and sms" isn't going to be high on the police's to do list. Read More
contracting / consultancy work by gg1965
hi all, Is it possible, if i were to open a representative office in Vietnam, that i could gain work as a either a consultant or contractor and the people that would employ me would pay my company (based in Australia) instead of hiring me as an ...
From what I'm reading - you are thinking of something like a freelance consultancy. Then I don't see why you need to have a rep office here - unless you want to claim the expenses that you have incurred in Vietnam as business expense in ... Read More
Kenneth Coffing - expat living in Saigon District 8 by Kennethc
Over six years ago I came to Vietnam visiting DaNang. Being from Ocean area of Florida DaNang appealed to me very much with the fresh sea air, beautiful cloud formations with added features like 3 mountain ranges in DaNang IE: Monkey Mountain, ...
I think 1000CAD (800USD) is enough for decent living, even in Saigon. The main cost is the room, which can be between 200 to 500usd, depending on what you want. The issue, for older guys, would be healthcare, if you fall sick, you can either go to ... Read More
Thinking of moving family to HCMC - lots of questions !? by AlandjulesUK
Hi All I am in discussions about a job in HCMC. From a personal perspective i am very excited but i have a young family (1 year old son and 4 year old daughter). But i have lots and lots of questions that i am desperate to ask someone ...
I've visited the British International School (BIS) a couple of times, I think its very well run. Also, they have activities for the stay at home moms to gather with their toddlers two or three times a week. This would be the opportunity for ... Read More
Cost of living in Vietnam for an expat by Nguyet Truong
Hi All A friend of mine being from US just wants to know if he can survive in Vietnam with US$1,000/ month before getting a job. Based on your experience living here in Vietnam, could you please share your thoughts to my friend. I estimate the ...
I always thought the definition of expat was the ones sent by large companies with housing allowances, school allowances for the kids, etc. That's the "Expat" package. Other than that you are a foreigner working/living here. A ... Read More
ONE WAY TICKET by philcon
Hi I am planning to fly into Vietnam from Australia in January 2015 I am hoping to stay for an extended period, I am not sure how long. Question: Can i fly in with a three month visa on a one way ticket? Thanks for any reply
I have been asked to show my return ticket once or twice. Once I had the ticket, the second time I said I hadn't bought the ticket yet. I do have more than 3 dozen entry and exit stamps on my passport - so they don't usually bother me ... Read More
BUYING APARTMENT IN HCM by noah83
Hi guys, Just to check, is this a good time to buy apartment now? Any input will be much appreciated. =) -noah
I'm only familiar with HCMC. So what I'm saying is only applicable to HCMC. The cost of buying an apartment in HCMC is less than the downpayment of an apartment in Singapore - so I was tempted to buy a unit myself. If you are buying a place ... Read More
Realistic Amount of money to relocate to Vietnam by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I know this is one hard question maybe expats in a similar situation to me can answer help answer the questions, I am really tossing up how much money I should have in savings prior to attempting to relocate to Vietnam I am looking at ...
I think you have to consider how you are going to carry such a large amount of money while you travel around on a motorbike? I don't think a bank will accept a cash deposit of USD30,000 Read More
Latest VISA legislation? by Subzero_Cool
Hello all, My wife (Kenyan) and I are considering a move to the madness of Saigon (HMC). I have been reading up on the visa procedures and extensions and ran into some conflicting information. Could someone shine a light on the latest information? ...
I don't see how that is destroying the tourism industry. If you are tourist - then 3 months is more than enough. If you are staying for >3months, you aren't a tourist anymore - but a long term resident. Read More
Bank and international transfers
As it has already been discussed many times in this forum, its very difficult to transfer money out the country due to money laundering rules. Every bank in Vietnam will be the same. Read More
Banking - depositing US dollars in VN bank by swendig
Hi all. I own a business in Cambodia where I earn US dollars. I used to be able to bring that money here and deposit it in my Vietnamese bank, but because of new money laundering regulations, they no longer allow me to just bring the money in. ...
If its not too much (say over 50kUSD), then you could pay a 1 or 2% "fee" depending on your relationship and no questions asked. I've done it recently. But it really depends on who you have to negotiate for you. If its over 50kusd, ... Read More
Tan Son Nhat Airport by bluecheer
I'm on my way home in March ( been here since last April ). Can anyone tell me something about Tan Son as my flight from Da Nang gets in at 10.30pm (16th March) and my flight out is at 8.55am (17th March) the next morning. Is it possible to stay ...
You will land at the domestic airport and have to walk to the international airport. Tan Son Nhat has some fast food outlets outside, and a restaurant inside on the 4th (?) floor. Do you want to sit on a chair the entire night? Because thats about ... Read More
missed my air flight by richard hunter
missed my air flight from Canada to vancover, to china and final Vietnam. was assigned wrong gate number. through westjet and southern china airlines. woundering if I have to purchase ( another ) new ticket more at my expense ? or will the airline ...
Sorry to hear you missed your flight It depends, assigning gate numbers are automatic, and if the numbers are changed, there are usually announcements. If you were the ONLY one that didn't get on the flight - then perhaps you have less of a ... Read More
Cost of living in Vietnam 聳 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in Vietnam in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of Vietnam you are living in. How much does it cost to live in Vietnam? > accommodation ...
> accommodation prices (Ho Chi Minh, D1, Studio Apartment, USD500/month) > public transportation fares (walk to work!) > food prices (About USD10 per day) > health prices (haven't been really sick yet) > education prices ... Read More
Lawyer-HCM: Looking for competent lawyer to write a 'nasty' letter by Rumpole of the Bailey
Hi, Ho Chi Minh members. I'm looking for a Vietnamese lawyer, who speaks at least broken English, to write a 'nasty' 'lawyers letter' to shake up my landlord. And cheap (not too expensive). If you know of or have used such a ...
A contract doesn't help either. Would you know how to start suing someone in Vietnam? Read More
Beer....have they faked that too. by Yogi007
Hi, I've often wondered if the brand beer, ie Tiger, Heinekin, Carlsberg etc is the same quality & alcohol content of the same product back home. I know Tiger prints 5% on the label but this stuff tastes like low alcohol beer. I'm ...
Yup - even at the higher end bars where they keep your bottles for you until you get back.. The new bottles are fine, once you put them at the bar and come back and get them - its been replaced with fake liquor. Read More
Collecting money - Filipino making $ 800 as a teacher by hs0zfe
How does debt collection work when foreigners are the parties?
I don't think it works really. I've had suppliers owe me 80k usd for 6 months and nothing happens.. In the same way, I've owed others lots of money as well, as I don't see why I should pay until I've been paid. Trying to ... Read More
Lawyer-HCM: Looking for competent lawyer to write a 'nasty' letter by Rumpole of the Bailey
Hi, Ho Chi Minh members. I'm looking for a Vietnamese lawyer, who speaks at least broken English, to write a 'nasty' 'lawyers letter' to shake up my landlord. And cheap (not too expensive). If you know of or have used such a ...
You do know that a lawyer's letter is worth nothing? If you packed up and left and went to another district, your landlord could do basically nothing. Similarly, I think you can do nothing if you landlord refused to fix up the place. Contracts ... Read More
Investors by yttocs
I'm looking to arrange an initial meet-up of investors interested in putting together an incubator / seed fund here in HCMC. I think the minimum capital per individual should be $10,000 USD, but we can get into the details later. I figure the ...
I think you need to put a few more details out there. What's the investment idea? If its AMWAY or some other MLM/direct sales - I don't think there is a big interest here. An incubator/seed fund generally means you put up money into ... Read More
Working in Vietnam by andytruong91
Hi Everyone! I am newbie here :) I was born in Vietnam and now living in Melbourne Australia with my family. I am fresh graduate student from RMIT with bachelor degree in I.T. It quite tough finding a I.T job in Australia, that is why i am planning ...
I guess it would depend on the salary they pay you - if you are considered "local" maybe you get paid less? Read More
experience for traveling in Singapore by Jiao
Hi everyone I'm planning to SIN next Mar or Apr. I've never been to there before. Can you help me share experience where I should go for staying ( hotel, motel), sightseeing, shopping, drinking, enjoying food,.. . Maybe I'll have been ...
Hi. If you are travelling by yourself - I would suggest not to stay in Geylang. For a little more - you could stay at the Novena area. The Value hotel chains there are ok, and some VN friends have stayed there before. Also relatively cheap. When ... Read More
Bad News for Expats wishing to Extend their Visas. by DirtyPierre
Since last Monday morning, you cannot extend a Viet visa, you have to go out of the country and buy a new one. Welcome to the smart Viet immigration Authorities. NOT
Actually I don't see what the big problem is. If you are a tourist - 3 months is more than enough to see the sights. If you are teaching english/have a business/have a girlfriend, please go ahead and get the right visa for your activity. Read More
What are the possibilities in water supply ? by Sam Phil
Hello all! I am french (and half vietnamese) I study a professionnal degree about Water supply and management, I should finish in june. I know that in Vietnam, there is improvement to do in water supply and quality. so I was wondering are there ...
Veolia has an office in Saigon, you could try that Read More
Been asked to relocate to Ho Chi Minh by Francischong
Hi Community, Me and my wife are considering to relocate to Ho Chi Minh. And yes we have tons of questions ! Could you help us out ? 1. Where would be the 'best' place to stay and mingle with fellow Singaporeans. 2. What would the best ...
Hi Francis, Most Singaporeans that I know either live in D7 (PMH area) or Binh Thanh area. Skygarden in D7 seems popular while the Manor or Saigon Pearl are quite ok too. The high end condos you can expect to pay USD1000 or so for a two bedroom. ... Read More
USD 2 dollar note
Hi guys, Just wanted to check with the Vietnamese in the forum. Is the USD 2 dollar note considered "lucky money" by Vietnamese? I heard it from a taxi driver the other day! One of my Vietnamese friends is getting married, and I'm ... Read More
received a weird offer that's too good to be true by LongMai
Hi Expats, I came home from a class tonight and received a very odd email from someone named Dan. He asked me to come to UK and tutor his family (3 kids) for 1.5 yrs. He'll give me accomodation and pay me $9,000/month. Right now, I'm ...
If you think its a scam.. it probably is. Read More
Any Job opportunities in HCMC ?
Hi Maybe you can provide us with some information about yourself? Would it it easier for us to help you! Read More
Unmarried expat couple having child in HCMC by hoppy05
Hello, I am an Irish expat and my partner is Thai. We will be having a child in August this year. I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience and what difficulties they had. I have heard it is difficult to get the fathers name on the ...
It is hard to get your name into the birth certificate if you are not married, though with two foreigners, I'm not sure how it works. My Singaporean friend with his vietnamese girl friend had a child, and to get his name into the birth certificate, ... Read More
How many expats have had to pay bribes to police? by I do believe
I have been stopped by the police maybe 10 times over the last few years for driving in the wrong lane, driving the wrong way on a one way street and speeding. Most of the time I get stopped for not being in that narrow right hand lane for ...
I've never been caught myself, but my driver has. If he doesn't think he is in the wrong - usually its a 10 minute argument and then we go off without paying. If he is in the wrong, usually its 200 to 400k and off we go. I guess the moral is you ... Read More
how to transfer money from american bank to vietnamese bank quickly by lamhoang
I am now living in Nha Trang city. I have problem about transfering money from American bank to Vietnamese bank, exactly in VCB in Nha Trang. I open have to go to Saigon to get money in steads of in Nha trang. Who know the best way please share to ...
Telegraphic Transfer is easy, I've done it a couple of times. Transferring money out of Vietnam is a giant pain, so I suggest you only bring what you need Read More
Slow Internet by BradCanTho
Are you guys experience a slow down with internet speed in the last couple of days? Running speedtest.net, everything normal when hitting Vietnamese servers, but servers outside of Vietnam are at a stand still. Another undersea cable has been ...
Viber doesn't work for me either. Read More
I want to relocate to HCMC
Hi I think there is a separate classified forum for renting an apartment. I've seen apartments for USD100 up to USD2,500, depending on where you want to stay. Additional costs also vary depending on how you negotiate with the owner. Conditions ... Read More
Domestic drinking water? How safe? by Dannytan
Hi All, I was told that the water supplied at my house is domestic drinking water, what is it? I presume that it is from the tap. If so how safe is it to drink. ciao' danny
Stick to beer, the alcohol acts as a disinfectant! Read More
My experience being married to a Vietnamese woman by pissedoffdude
I would like to start by saying that I love Vietnam and the people, I have many good VIetnamese friends. I would just like to share my experience. I met her mid may, we seemed to hit it off. She was so sweet and fun. We kept in touch after I ...
Hi I couldn't finish reading the great wall of text. However, I can guess the content of your rant. I think you could substitute Mainland Chinese, Indonesian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, Eastern European, Mexican, into the story, and its the ... Read More