CHRISLANGTON
English looking for information about Vietnam
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Registration: 27 December 2015
Opening bank account with HSBC by MarkinNam
HSBC bank operate in Australia and I'm wanting to open an account in Vietnam. Has anyone had experience in opening an account with this bank, ie open an account in Australia and being able to open a connected account in Vietnam.聽 Other question ...
Yes, I opened an account with HSBC VN. The advantage is that they鈥檙e accustomed to working with foreign customers and familiar with the process of sending/receiving funds to and from abroad. The disadvantage is that the process of opening said ... Read More
Has anyone found any use for their VNeID?
Remember the excitement a year ago when everyone was encouraged to acquire a Vietnam I.D number? In the last year, has it proven useful in any way? I ask because my new TRC came with a new number and it seemed sensible to update my VNeId app ... Read More
Permanent Residency Card by Rick Hayward
I have been in Vietnam for 11 years. My Vietnamese wife is now encouraging me to apply for a Permanent Residency Card. I seem to remember that this topic was brought up a year or so ago and the common belief was that it was likely to be unsuccesstul ...
I am curious too about the Permanent Resident Card. Yes, there are references to it on certain official websites and your wife is thus justified in suggesting you get one. However, if you contact a law firm here that offers advice on immigration ... Read More
TRC: 2 or 3 year SPOUSAL Temporary Resident Card? by OceanBeach92107
SPOUSAL TRC: FYII recently attempted to renew my 3 year spousal TRC in New 膼脿 N岷祅g City, but the immigration officer told us that only 2 year cards were being approved for spouses of Vietnamese citizens. So I contacted my long-time ...
鈥淚 have a 3 year TRC issued in HCMC but also via an agent.鈥澛� Would you let me have their聽 details? My spousal TRC is due for renewal soon and聽 the Immigration Dept. in HCMC make us go through the Tay Ninh bureau on the ... Read More
Importing (prescription) drugs for personal use, and.. by It2VN
Could someone advise or point me in the direction of official guidance on whether some items I would like to take with me are permitted or not for importation. I use almost nightly Delorazepam drops for sleep. Also where does ibuprofen stand?Also, ...
Marmite hard to find but Vegemite available. Read More
Social security by surus
Hello, is聽 there Anybody on this site that gets SS deposited directly into a VN bank?If so, could you please PM me? I'm having some problems navigating the system and have a few questions, if you don't mind.thanks,danny
Although a UK citizen, I was living, working and paying taxes in the US for about 25 years and thus a recipient of SSA retirement benefit. Is anyone charging a transaction fee or some sort of currency exchange fee - and was this a problem in setting ... Read More
HCMC Hospital by mikeymac
Hi All, coming back to HCMC in Sept after a long absence and would appreciate advice on where to go if I get sick. Now 75, last in VN 10 years ago. Got a few issues that I am on top of (DB2, HBP) but want to know where to go if I need helpAny ...
鈥淕ot a few issues that I am on top of - DB2, HBP.鈥� The hospitals that have been mentioned are good. I just visited Tam Anh nr Lotte Mart in District 7 and was impressed. My advice would be to look around and find a good pharmacy. Eg. ... Read More
Social security by surus
Hello, is聽 there Anybody on this site that gets SS deposited directly into a VN bank?If so, could you please PM me? I'm having some problems navigating the system and have a few questions, if you don't mind.thanks,danny
鈥淎nybody on this site that gets SS deposited directly into a VN bank?鈥� It鈥檚 simple and easy. Assuming the SSA have your Vietnam address, you download the SSA-1199-OP80 form and send it off to their regional office in Manila. The ... Read More
50-day campaign for issuing e ID accounts for foreigners by OceanBeach92107
VNeID - My wife uses it and I'll be glad to have ithttps://vietnamnews.vn/society/1720536/50-day-campaign-launched-to-issue-identity-accounts-for-foreigners-in-viet-nam.html
I respect those who fear the Government acting as Big Brother, be it in the UK, the US or Vietnam. But let鈥檚 face it, the authorities here already have your passport number; a digital copy of your fingerprints and a retinal scan. Oh yes, and ... Read More
50-day campaign for issuing e ID accounts for foreigners by OceanBeach92107
VNeID - My wife uses it and I'll be glad to have ithttps://vietnamnews.vn/society/1720536/50-day-campaign-launched-to-issue-identity-accounts-for-foreigners-in-viet-nam.html
I鈥檓 hoping the VNeID will simplify the TRC renewal process. The scene at the Immigration Office on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai was chaotic, with a hundred or more people queuing up even before the doors opened at 7:30am; a rush to get inside; then a ... Read More
graphic design/website design
I'm looking for a graphic designer - here in HCMC - who can help me do something in WordPress for a website. Nothing fancy. There are half a dozen people listed on the 'services' section of this website but it is all rather hit and miss. Does ... Read More
Watch battery
I鈥檝e been to a few watch shops but they want to sell a whole new watch. Anyone know of a place (pref. District 1 or 7) that will install a replacement watch battery? Thanks Read More
PRC not TRC by CHRISLANGTON
I'm sure there are several on this forum who've acquired their 3 year TRC, either through work or through marriage. Moreover, there are various brokers and agents who'll help with getting all the right papers in the right order. Does anyone know ...
Yees and No. The PRC rules as described on the Govt. website and as mentioned in the link you attached seem quite straightforward. In actuality, an acquaintance who did manage to obtain one talks of having to produce a Red Book to show investment ... Read More
PRC not TRC by CHRISLANGTON
I'm sure there are several on this forum who've acquired their 3 year TRC, either through work or through marriage. Moreover, there are various brokers and agents who'll help with getting all the right papers in the right order. Does anyone know ...
Aidan. The webpage makes it look relatively straightforward.....https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en/tin-tuc/procedures-permanent-residence-cards-foreigners-vietnamSo I contacted a law firm that handles immigration matters. They didn't deny its existence ... Read More
PRC not TRC
I'm sure there are several on this forum who've acquired their 3 year TRC, either through work or through marriage. Moreover, there are various brokers and agents who'll help with getting all the right papers in the right order. Does anyone know ... Read More
US Citizen wanting to marry in Vietnam by tracydinh1988
Hi everyone, I am going to Vietnam next year to marry my bf who lives in VN. Questions on the specific paperworks that I need to complete here prior to going.. *Single status statement *Divorce statement should i also get a STATEMENT OF ...
Before getting married in HCMC, I had to provide a copy of my divorce document from the US and a statement (notarized by the Consulate here) affirming my single status. That's it. I know nothing of a "statement of non-impediment" unless you mean ... Read More
Retirement and SSA forms by CHRISLANGTON
This is for anyone receiving US retirement benefit over here. As you know, the SSA write occasionally with a 'proof of life' form called the 7162. However, their correspondence doesn't arrive as it is not sent special delivery. It is easy enough ...
Social Security AdministrationWilkes-Barre Direct Operations CenterAttention: FEQ Analyst # 7162 -Courier Service1150 E. Mountain Dr. Room 341Wilkes Barre, PA 18702-7997聽 聽USATel: 1800 772 1213 Read More
Retirement and SSA forms by CHRISLANGTON
This is for anyone receiving US retirement benefit over here. As you know, the SSA write occasionally with a 'proof of life' form called the 7162. However, their correspondence doesn't arrive as it is not sent special delivery. It is easy enough ...
The Manila office just provided a physical address which DHL or FedEx will accept. Let me know if you require. Read More
Retirement and SSA forms
This is for anyone receiving US retirement benefit over here. As you know, the SSA write occasionally with a 'proof of life' form called the 7162. However, their correspondence doesn't arrive as it is not sent special delivery. It is easy enough ... Read More
An alterations tailor by CHRISLANGTON
Ashamed to say, I've put on some girth: to the point that a beloved suit jacket looks scrunched if buttoned. Anyone know of a HCMC tailor who does alterations? Thanks
Great. Thanks to you both. Read More
An alterations tailor
Ashamed to say, I've put on some girth: to the point that a beloved suit jacket looks scrunched if buttoned. Anyone know of a HCMC tailor who does alterations? Thanks Read More
Unprocessed kimchi
Anyone know where to find raw kimchi? I'm looking for the natural, unpasteurized variety that's rich in probiotics. Living in District 7 there are a number of Korean food stores around, but even with Google translate I don't fancy my luck. Lazada ... Read More
Do you have a preferred US Bank & Vietnamese Bank? by Stillwater71
Hello! I will be retiring early from Public School (Educator/Counselor) in a couple of years and plan to move to Vietnam soon after and work as an English Teacher. I would like to set-up a Bank Account here in the US and in Vietnam that is ...
I'd like to put in a word for HSBC. Open a $ account while in the US and channel any funds into it. Later, when you've established yourself in Vietnam.you can open a US dollar account as well as a VND account with them here. Simple Read More
Fencing in Saigon - Starting July 2018 by lihnsanity
Hello, First I have to apologize for cheating the system over here. I'm currently a Viet living overseas in the US and I'm actively practicing fencing (olympic fencing, foil and sabre). I saw an inactive thread on this website in 2016 from ...
Ideas for a Saigon fencing club. I just came across an old posting of yours on this subject. Did you ever proceed? Chris Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
Correct. It鈥檚 not my first rodeo. Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
So here's a Happy Postscript of sorts. Step 1. We visited the Immigration Dept. on Nguyen Trai (somewhat chaotic) in District 1 in the hope that our bundle of documents would save us from an excursion to my wife's home town, which happens to be in ... Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
No, one cannot Just take the completed "TRC application along with the necessary documents to the nearest immigration office." If only it were that simple. Web just visited both Immigration Ministry offices in HCMC (the one in District 1 and the ... Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
We visited the Immigration Dept here in HCMC and they confirmed what rumor had led me to suspect. Namely, if the Vietnam spouse is from x.y.z city, that鈥檚 where you must file - regardless of where you and she currently reside. Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
I鈥檓 guessing that the Govt. took notice of the high fees and commissions being charged by the intermediaries and decided to sweep them all away. There seem to be 2 possible SGN locations where one can apply. Nguyen Thi Minh Khai in District 3 ... Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
"Agents & lawyers are now forbidden to get involved." I'm guessing the Govt. took notice of the high fees being charged by all those intermediaries and decided to sweep them away. It seems there are two offices in SGN where one can go. - ... Read More
Spousal TRC. by CHRISLANGTON
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ...
Thanks, Mr OceanBeach. My wife was born in Tay Ninh but she has estd. Ho Chi Minh Residency status, so I guess we'll start here. Read More
Spousal TRC.
My 鈥楾RC by Marriage鈥� expires soon. Wife and I have been collecting all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, the Agent that I鈥檝e used previously has shut up shop. Does anyone know someone good? Yes, I can take myself off to ... Read More
SGN airport
Anyone traveled internationally from SGN recently? The official advice is get there 3 hours ahead of time, which seems unnecessarily cautious. Is 2 hours reasonable? Read More
The Gentrification of Vietnam? by OceanBeach92107
Ho Chi Minh City running out of affordable housing (for PURCHASE) while there is a glut of luxury ...
An optimist observes the new apartment blocks going up and sees this as evidence of buoyancy in the market. Being more of a pessimist, I note that many of those buildings are empty and see it as a speculative bubble, akin to what鈥檚 happening ... Read More
Opportunity to Change Lives as a Teacher of English in Vietnam by VanKhanh Ho
I have this idea to build an English center back in my hometown - Nghe An - 1.5 hours flight time away from Saigon. It's a poor beach village, kids study English in school but mostly grammar. So I really want to give them an opportunity to learn ...
鈥淜ids study English in school but mostly grammar. So I really want to give them an opportunity to learn real English - pronunciation and fluency.鈥� I鈥檝e noticed that many schools in Vietnam make a Big Thing about grammar and in so ... Read More
watch battery by gunner10
Where can I find a reliable shop that provides the service of installing a new battery for a watch (Invicta) without paying an arm and a leg. I live and work in District 7
Thanks again. In the last 3-4 months, various appliances and I have run out of steam. Read More
watch battery by gunner10
Where can I find a reliable shop that provides the service of installing a new battery for a watch (Invicta) without paying an arm and a leg. I live and work in District 7
Hi. Where are Tan Tan Clock? I Googled but couldn't find a mention Read More
Electronics repair by CHRISLANGTON
In the last week or two, my TV (Samsung) and CD changer have become faulty. Anyone know of a repair shop, preferably near District 7 ? Thanks
Brilliant. Many thanks Read More
Electronics repair by CHRISLANGTON
In the last week or two, my TV (Samsung) and CD changer have become faulty. Anyone know of a repair shop, preferably near District 7 ? Thanks
Andy, you're quite right about CD changers being a thing of the past. As one heads from Lotte Mart on Nguyen Thi Thap is it on one's right (e.g near Mobifone) or on one's left - e.g. where Quan Ut Ut used to be? Chris Read More
Electronics repair by CHRISLANGTON
In the last week or two, my TV (Samsung) and CD changer have become faulty. Anyone know of a repair shop, preferably near District 7 ? Thanks
Agreed. I鈥檓 looking forward to next month..... or whenever things improve. Read More
Electronics repair
In the last week or two, my TV (Samsung) and CD changer have become faulty. Anyone know of a repair shop, preferably near District 7 ? Thanks Read More
Let鈥檚 not behave like Colonialists
Thanks for asking. I'm in District 7 : happy to report that food situation is good (can order food supplies online which Security bring to our door) and stocks of beer & wine are adequate. Chris Read More
Let鈥檚 not behave like Colonialists
I鈥檓 writing this from extreme quarantine due to the fact that the family of 6 in adjacent apartment have been Covid diagnosed. In response to those who want to petition their respective Governments in the UK, US, etc, requesting special ... Read More
Clarks Desert Boots by CHRISLANGTON
Anyone know where to find Clarks Desert Boots in Saigon? They're made in Vietnam but mainly for export and - seemingly - not available here.
Thanks to everyone who listed the Clarks shoe stores in Saigon. They stock all manner of stuff. Except the proper Desert Boots. Read More
Clarks Desert Boots
Anyone know where to find Clarks Desert Boots in Saigon? They're made in Vietnam but mainly for export and - seemingly - not available here. Read More
Cataract surgery by Swee Loke
Hi, has anyone on this site done a Cataract surgery here in Vietnam? Which hospital was that done and idea of costs involved? Thanks for any reply..
I'm in the same boat: a few years ago had a torn retina and soon requiring cataract surgery. I think you're recommending the E.E.C but slightly confused by the phrase "don't recall hospital's name but all was good." Is it ... Read More
Play Tennis! by ulter
Anybody up to play tennis with me? Phu Nhuan, D1, Binh Thanh. My Zalo: ****
I live in District 7 and enjoy tennis. I鈥檝e been taking weekly lessons at a 鈥榗heap and cheerful鈥� place adjacent the Taipei school. But it鈥檚 brutally hot. Chris Read More
Something strange....
Something strange today. When I tried to deposit some cash at my local bank, they refused 鈥渂ecause I鈥檓 a foreigner.鈥� The Relationship Manager came to explain that (like any other foreigner) I鈥檓 welcome to pay money in at ... Read More
Shipping Household Goods to Vietnam from Hawaii by GuestPoster954309
Anyone know a good moving company in Hawaii that can arrange a smallish shipment to my Home in Vietnam?? I am more concerned with the receiving company that the shipper but would welcome any and all information. My Vietnamese lady will be the ...
Overall, I agree with the comment that "you are at the mercy of VN customs." You'd be subject to vagaries of US or UK customs if importing something to America or Britain but here the "vagaries" are more onerous. A few ... Read More
Customs Admin by CHRISLANGTON
A few years ago I brought across a bunch of stuff (furniture, clothes, books etc) from the USA. Unfortunately, I didn't bring over my most treasured possession (an antique English long-case clock) as had wanted to get myself situated first. ...
Its valuation for insurance purposes is approx $4,000 It has been in my family for many years (e.g. generations) so I feel an obligation. It鈥檚 strange how certain an inanimate thing (say, a Christmas tree) can cast a spell. This morning I ... Read More
Customs Admin by CHRISLANGTON
A few years ago I brought across a bunch of stuff (furniture, clothes, books etc) from the USA. Unfortunately, I didn't bring over my most treasured possession (an antique English long-case clock) as had wanted to get myself situated first. ...
I鈥檝e contacted 鈥淪hipping & Moving鈥� companies and there鈥檚 indeed a cost to crating up the old dear. However the biggest complication is this end, hence my point about customs. It must be doable: reluctant to believe that ... Read More
Customs Admin
A few years ago I brought across a bunch of stuff (furniture, clothes, books etc) from the USA. Unfortunately, I didn't bring over my most treasured possession (an antique English long-case clock) as had wanted to get myself situated first. ... Read More
High Import tariffs by Bruce007
I recently ordered some paint brushes from a shop in Singapore, for personal use, not for resale, they sent it through DHL DHL wants me to pay government taxes which is shockingly more than half the value of what I paid for it DHL cleared it at 25% ...
Hello again. A day or two ago, you were kind enough to give some advice about an SSL for my laptop, so I鈥檓 wondering if you have any thoughts on freight forwarders...... Two or three years ago, I shipped a bunch of stuff (furniture, pictures, ... Read More
Selling house in Italy ... no Italian Bank account by GuestPoster221
I am hoping to sell my house in Italy. I have lived for 2 years in Vietnam. I do have VN bank account but not an Italian account. I have been doing a mix of work permits and border runs. With CV 19 it is next to impossible to open a bank account ...
Assuming your query is legit (and that you鈥檙e not related to a nice chap in Lagos who wants to cut me in on a generous legacy for only a modest commission) I can tell you how I accomplished something similar last year. Step 1: hired a real ... Read More
Made to order Christmas/Birthday/Wedding cakes by CHRISLANGTON
There are some beautiful looking cakes around Saigon. But on closer inspection, they're feeble things slathered in cream. Does anyone know of a place that does 'real' cakes to order?
"My fianc茅 in Saigon makes cakes and festive cookies to order." Great. Could you ask her to contact me. Thanks, Chris Read More
Good travel agent in SGN or BKK for air tickets from USA and EU
Some friends are visiting from London and seeking affordable tickets. It occurred to me that there may be someone who can help from this end. Does anyone know of a travel agency that's good on incoming flights? (The agents I've spoken to ... Read More
Made to order Christmas/Birthday/Wedding cakes by CHRISLANGTON
There are some beautiful looking cakes around Saigon. But on closer inspection, they're feeble things slathered in cream. Does anyone know of a place that does 'real' cakes to order?
Yes, please. As you may know, the fashion here is for a very light sponge cake oozing cream frosting and I'm keen to find someone who can do something a bit more substantial. If your fiancee would care to contact me, my email is *** Thanks, ... Read More
Made to order Christmas/Birthday/Wedding cakes
There are some beautiful looking cakes around Saigon. But on closer inspection, they're feeble things slathered in cream. Does anyone know of a place that does 'real' cakes to order? Read More
Volunteering.
In a few months, I plan to stop working. I may continue to work part-time but I won't face the necessity of earning an income. What are the opportunities (in or near HCMC) for some kind of volunteer work? In the UK and USA, I've had ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Hi. My name's Chris and I joined this forum a year or two ago and forgot about it so I'd like to remedy that and Introduce myself now. I'm from the UK but lived and worked (advertising & marketing) in the USA for several years. What ... Read More
Looking for friends by Mj Domenden
I'm new in Vietnam,and I feel bored because i don't know anyone here,so now im looking for a friend to hangout when i have free time...feel free to comment if u interested..thanks
I understand how you feel. We live in a bit of a bubble (because of the language thing) and it is hard to step outside of it. Chris Read More