ejmom25
American looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
53
About me
American
Registration: 08 April 2016
Medallion Signature Guarantee
We are needing to get a Medallion Signature Guarantee on a form.Does anyone know of any bank or financial institution in Vietnam that provides this service?Thanks in advance! Read More
Where to get 3rd Covid Vaccination? by Clip
I need my 3rd shot because I will have to do a border run and qualify for employment. My landlord told me yesterday the local vaccination place providing free shots was available but when I went there I was told "Next week." Problem is, ...
My understanding is, as of yesterday, no vaccination is required to enter Vietnam. If you are referring to any other government requirement for vaccines, I am not sure what that would be. In other words, I do not know anything else that a vaccine ... Read More
Where to get 3rd Covid Vaccination? by Clip
I need my 3rd shot because I will have to do a border run and qualify for employment. My landlord told me yesterday the local vaccination place providing free shots was available but when I went there I was told "Next week." Problem is, ...
Clip, We also have to do border runs for visa purposes. I am wondering what having a 3rd vaccine dose has to do with a border run or employment qualification? Thanks. Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
@ OceanBeach92107 I know exactly what you are talking about, but unfortunately I am not able to test for you because my cards are MasterCard. I can tell you that the MasterCard equivalent to "Verified by Visa" is called "MasterCard ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
@MikeTVN Yes, still using Google Voice, and have not had any problems with it. I use it via browser and on iPhone via the Google Voice app. Read More
News just in by AndyHCMC
news just in from UK Boris Johnson has given a speech outlining "England SCRAPS vaccine passports, REVERSES child vax decision, "The prime minister also announced that those 12-15 years of age would be able to now get a COVID-19 vaccine ...
This looks like good news. Can any recent travelers ... Read More
Offsite computer backup by Guest7921
Like a lot of us, I work a lot on the computer, and I make a lot of back-ups of my hard-drive in case something happens to the computer. However, I would like to be able to backup my computer somewhere offsite (I work from home) in case some ...
Since the original post mentioned the feasibility of a NAS is the US, and since a few people have mentioned some hurdles to that, let me add a bit more info here... Depending on what NAS you have, or are planning to have, there are some hurdles to ... Read More
Offsite computer backup by Guest7921
Like a lot of us, I work a lot on the computer, and I make a lot of back-ups of my hard-drive in case something happens to the computer. However, I would like to be able to backup my computer somewhere offsite (I work from home) in case some ...
If your primary purpose is backup, meaning you are not looking to frequently access data that is in the cloud, but you want to make sure it is backed up, then I would recommend Backblaze. You pay per computer and you are not limited on space. This ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
OceanBeach's suggestion to change all your contacts to include the country code was a very good one. Like he said, all US contacts would be in this format... +1-xxx-xxx-xxxx This is also very good because you mentioned your phone is an iPhone. ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
@ OceanBeach 92107 I know this is getting a little off topic, but as regards your problems with your US credit cards. I assume you are referring to the two factor authentication(2FA) they are wanting you to do when you login to their website. And ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
qnbui's suggestion is one of the best options if you want to port your current US number because it is a low one time cost. I have done this and use Google Voice in Vietnam with no problems, but you should be aware that technically speaking, it ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
Yes, I was clarifying because whether they meant "my" or "a" because porting was not mentioned at all. I was trying to be sure the need because that can totally change the answer. Also, because the reason given could be ... Read More
US expat wanting to keep US phone number by Vietnamkid
Hi all, I hope to be moving to Vietnam soon. I would like to keep my US phone mobile number so I can continue to conduct online banking, insurance, etc. I am considering using Google Voice. Appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
Question: Do you mean that you want to keep your current US mobile number or do you mean that you just want to have a US mobile number? Read More
Anyone use VPN? by Suppobill
Does anyone use a VPN? I would like to still be able to access online streaming for movies, TV, and music.
Use ProtonVPN, Windscribe, and Private Internet Access(PIA). Read More
2020 U.S. ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS for Citizens Living Abroad by OceanBeach92107
The recently authorized $1,200.00 USD ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS can be paid to U.S. citizens living abroad through the direct deposit system. Here is the Internal Revenue Service's info webpage about special circumstances for those living ...
I was about to look this up. Thank you for sharing. Read More
Is A Laptop PC or Mac Necessary in Vietnam? by OceanBeach92107
I am virtually retired here, but I welcome replies from all: remote workers, teachers, those employed in Vietnam, businesspersons, even digital nomads and backpackers. I've been lugging my HP Envy 17" laptop around the country, mostly ...
Yes, THIGV, you are right. I am still using an almost 8 year old iPad 2 and have never had any hardware issues. It's not just about build quality. People view Apple as more expensive, when in reality, you are simply getting what you pay for, and ... Read More
Is A Laptop PC or Mac Necessary in Vietnam? by OceanBeach92107
I am virtually retired here, but I welcome replies from all: remote workers, teachers, those employed in Vietnam, businesspersons, even digital nomads and backpackers. I've been lugging my HP Envy 17" laptop around the country, mostly ...
An iPad can be a great replacement for a laptop depending on what you need to do with it. I have helped several people make that switch and they love it. Having said that, it is just not practical for some people. As time passes, tablet are able to ... Read More
worth updating/improving old NEC by Thaiger
thinking of adding SSD and new RAM to my old Jap NEC but im afraid that newer protcols/ puter lingo maght make it useless for teaching on line. Its about 8 years old , good spec i5, 4 gb but only 150gb ROM Wanna update but afraid its just too old ...
I will second that. I think LibreOffice is a better option as well. And yes, either should run on Linux, Mac, or Windows...for free. Read More
worth updating/improving old NEC by Thaiger
thinking of adding SSD and new RAM to my old Jap NEC but im afraid that newer protcols/ puter lingo maght make it useless for teaching on line. Its about 8 years old , good spec i5, 4 gb but only 150gb ROM Wanna update but afraid its just too old ...
There are many different types of RAM. Each machine is designed to use only certain types-that run at certain speeds. Newer faster RAM is, well, newer and faster, but very unlikely to be supported by your machine. You can lookup the specs of your ... Read More
worth updating/improving old NEC by Thaiger
thinking of adding SSD and new RAM to my old Jap NEC but im afraid that newer protcols/ puter lingo maght make it useless for teaching on line. Its about 8 years old , good spec i5, 4 gb but only 150gb ROM Wanna update but afraid its just too old ...
The upgrade to the SSD will give you noticeably faster performance. The RAM will likely not give you very much in terms of performance unless you are using RAM hungry applications. I would do the SSD upgrade first and see if you are satisfied with ... Read More
Lasik in Saigon by Guest2023
Has anyone had their eyes lasered in Saigon, I have narrowed it down to three places after reading reviews. Cao Thang eye hospital. American eye center. Saigon eye hospital. Reviews can be misleading at times, so I'm looking for replies from ...
I don't know the medical term, but I could not see well at a distance. I wore contact lens before. Thankfully, no need now. Read More
Lasik in Saigon by Guest2023
Has anyone had their eyes lasered in Saigon, I have narrowed it down to three places after reading reviews. Cao Thang eye hospital. American eye center. Saigon eye hospital. Reviews can be misleading at times, so I'm looking for replies from ...
My experience with American Eye Center was a positive one. Discussed in the following thread... /forum/viewtopic.php?id=641663#3521295 Read More
Opening Bank Account by daftshadow
I know there are already several topics on this but mines a little different situation. I'm looking to relocate to Vietnam for long-term stay specifically in HCMC. Currently I'm in the process looking for an apartment rental for at least a ...
We are in a very similar situation. We use Citibank. You can see what I posted about this in this thread... /forum/viewtopic.php?id=702197#3814178 Also, FYI, Citibank allows you to withdraw from Vietcombank ATMs with no fees ... Read More
vinaphone data only timecard top up online by mireina
Hi, how can I top up online? Most services require phone number, which I don't have because of data only.
Mireina, I don't understand what you are saying. Read More
vinaphone data only timecard top up online by mireina
Hi, how can I top up online? Most services require phone number, which I don't have because of data only.
Just to be clear, the Lazada service is not expensive. As a matter of fact, they offer discounts on the top ups. For example, for Vinaphone... To top up 50,000d costs 47,500d To top up 100,000d costs 95,000d To top up 200,000d costs 190,000d To top ... Read More
vinaphone data only timecard top up online by mireina
Hi, how can I top up online? Most services require phone number, which I don't have because of data only.
Just recently discovered that you can use Lazada to top up. I have used it several times with no problem. https://www.lazada.vn/mobilerecharge/ Read More
vinaphone data only timecard top up online by mireina
Hi, how can I top up online? Most services require phone number, which I don't have because of data only.
Mireina, I may be mistaken, but I think all data sim cards have a phone number associated with them(even if you don't know what it is). I know all of them that I have used have had a number. You usually can see this somewhere in your settings ... Read More
Co-Working Locations in District 7 by ejmom25
Hey Guys, Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good co-working location in District 7. I have a trainer traveling here for some on-site training and I need a good place. There will only be the two of us. It will be for 3 consecutive 8 hour ...
Gobot, yes, I never had been over there either, and the traffic in the morning is a little crazy, but after the rush it was relatively quite. Collwing, it sounds as if you are implying that I own that business. If that is what you are implying, I ... Read More
Co-Working Locations in District 7 by ejmom25
Hey Guys, Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good co-working location in District 7. I have a trainer traveling here for some on-site training and I need a good place. There will only be the two of us. It will be for 3 consecutive 8 hour ...
Well, no one ever replied, but I found a great place in D7. I wanted to report back in case anyone else ever has the need. The only place I could find in D7 was a place that was just opening it's location in D7. They evidently have other ... Read More
Female dermatologist
FV Hospital in D7 has a female dermatologist. Dr. Nguyen Kim Phuong Read More
Co-Working Locations in District 7
Hey Guys, Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good co-working location in District 7. I have a trainer traveling here for some on-site training and I need a good place. There will only be the two of us. It will be for 3 consecutive 8 hour ... Read More
VPN - UK Setting by 1312j
Not seen anything recent on this topic so will create a new one. I'm after a VPN that places me in the UK to use SkyBet, iPlayer and other sites. Anyone got any recommendations that they've used previously? Tried a couple but they ...
We have been happy with Private Internet Access (PIA). They have UK servers. Read More
Accounting software by Dk viet
Dear All I am searching accounting soft ware with option in english language . I have contacted most of soft ware service provider its only in vietnamese language . I will be thanks full if any one can guide available of such accounting soft ...
Dev, I can't speak to standards here but in America the most common software package for this for small to medium sized businesses is QuickBooks from Intuit. I personally hate this program for various reasons but nevertheless it remains the ... Read More
Accounting software by Dk viet
Dear All I am searching accounting soft ware with option in english language . I have contacted most of soft ware service provider its only in vietnamese language . I will be thanks full if any one can guide available of such accounting soft ...
Dev, Can you outline some of your criteria? What do you need it to do? What operating systems will you want to access it from? There is quite a bit out there, but knowing just a few things can narrow the field considerably. Read More
Air Conditioners by michaellieptourists
Need to install two air conditioners, the outside units will be fairly exposed to the elements, which brand do you think would be the best to buy... Is it better to buy the units from the cheapest shop or buy through an a/c company? Thanks for your ...
eodmatt, True enough that I can compare the efficiency figures, but I have not found where the manufacturers list decibel levels. Also, what is hard to discern from a spec sheet is a company's reputation for long term reliability of their ... Read More
Air Conditioners by michaellieptourists
Need to install two air conditioners, the outside units will be fairly exposed to the elements, which brand do you think would be the best to buy... Is it better to buy the units from the cheapest shop or buy through an a/c company? Thanks for your ...
Thank you for posting, as I have been wondering some of the same things. Daikin has also been recommended to me. Panasonic is a much more familiar brand to me. Can someone who knows please tell me how the two compare? Daikin vs. Panasonic Primary ... Read More
Banking by E52
Anyone share some banking info? Such as can I go to a bank and withdraw $ from my stateside account monthly, and fees to conduct the transaction. Thanks in advance for any help.
Forgot to mention...With a Citi VN account, you can use Citi or any of the following bank's ATMs without any fees.... Agribank ANZ ACB BIDV Commonwealth DongA Eximbank MBBank MHB Sacombank Saigonbank Seabank Standard ... Read More
Banking by E52
Anyone share some banking info? Such as can I go to a bank and withdraw $ from my stateside account monthly, and fees to conduct the transaction. Thanks in advance for any help.
We too moved here from the US and was trying to accomplish the same thing. It has worked out well. We opened a US CitiBank Checking account before we left for this purpose. Then when we got here, I walked into CitiBank and opened a Citibank VN ... Read More
LASIK Recommendations by ejmom25
I am currently looking at having the LASIK procedure done on both of my eyes. I am just wanting to get feedback from you guys. I have looked at the other past posts here in the forums but much of the information that was shared seemed biased or ...
THIGV, Thank you very much for the recommendation. That sounds like something I should certainly do sooner rather than later. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your counsel in this matter. Read More
Voltage surge? Power supply issues by dariyka
Hi guys Living in D2, for 1 week Yesterday I left my MacBook and mobile phones charging overnight - none of them powers on since the early morning today. And when I'm trying to charge (socket, powerbank, from PC via USB cable) they are not ...
Whether or not you want a UPS depends upon your reason for having one. If you only want a UPS to help your equipment stay on during short power outages or flickers then dudumomo is right. You don't need one for your laptop and phone because they ... Read More
Voltage surge? Power supply issues by dariyka
Hi guys Living in D2, for 1 week Yesterday I left my MacBook and mobile phones charging overnight - none of them powers on since the early morning today. And when I'm trying to charge (socket, powerbank, from PC via USB cable) they are not ...
Yes, based on the rest of his reply, I think THIGV meant UPS and not surge protector. UPSs of course have surge protection as well but good ones also provide "clean" power - sine wave or simulated sine wave. They will compensate for both ... Read More
Voltage surge? Power supply issues by dariyka
Hi guys Living in D2, for 1 week Yesterday I left my MacBook and mobile phones charging overnight - none of them powers on since the early morning today. And when I'm trying to charge (socket, powerbank, from PC via USB cable) they are not ...
dariyka, Just saw your post and trying to understand. Are you saying that you had your MacBook charging and you were charging your phone via one of the USB ports on your MacBook? Or was the phone charging independently of the MacBook? Can you now ... Read More
Bank that accepts deposits by foreigners, for Debit card use only by HAHutsell
I would like to find a bank where I could deposit funds and possibly have my Social Security check direct deposited. I tried my future wife's bank, Sacombank , because they are just a few meters from our Apartment and they could not accept ...
Just to reiterate...I opened multiple VN CitiBank accounts in September with no work permit. I did already have a US CitiBank account as well. I use Citi Global Transfer regularly fee free. I use my CitiBank VN debit card to withdraw cash(dong) ... Read More
Bank that accepts deposits by foreigners, for Debit card use only by HAHutsell
I would like to find a bank where I could deposit funds and possibly have my Social Security check direct deposited. I tried my future wife's bank, Sacombank , because they are just a few meters from our Apartment and they could not accept ...
You do not have to have a work permit to open a CitiBank account in Vietnam. And I can confirm that the Citi Global Transfer between CitiBank accounts works great and it is completely free. I would recommend going into their main office @ Sun Wah ... Read More
LASIK Recommendations by ejmom25
I am currently looking at having the LASIK procedure done on both of my eyes. I am just wanting to get feedback from you guys. I have looked at the other past posts here in the forums but much of the information that was shared seemed biased or ...
Just wanted to post a quick update.... I pulled the trigger and had the LASIK procedure done with American Eye Center. The procedure itself was done at FV Hospital. It went very well, and even though it has only been about 48 hours since the ... Read More
LASIK Recommendations by ejmom25
I am currently looking at having the LASIK procedure done on both of my eyes. I am just wanting to get feedback from you guys. I have looked at the other past posts here in the forums but much of the information that was shared seemed biased or ...
@Kupo Thank you for the information and for sharing your experience. I am glad to hear that it certainly sounds like a success story. I had not yet received pricing from Cao Thang Eye Hospital, so that is very helpful. I have received pricing ... Read More
LASIK Recommendations
I am currently looking at having the LASIK procedure done on both of my eyes. I am just wanting to get feedback from you guys. I have looked at the other past posts here in the forums but much of the information that was shared seemed biased or ... Read More
Programming learning. by John1212
Is there anywhere I can learn to program in Ho Chi Minh? Does not have to be a formal school, just a basic way to obtain information and learn the fundamentals of programming. Thank You
John, If you are willing to learn on the internet, there are many many free resources available. Some recent one of note are the many free resources offered by Apple. Apple has developed a programming language know as Swift, that is for ... Read More
Braun Razors and Cleaning Solution
My family is moving to Saigon in the fall. My husband currently owns a Braun razor, but we are unsure if we will be able to find cleaning solution for it in the city. Anyone know if there are stores that sell Braun razors and/or cleaning solution ... Read More