ksr2x
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
63
Contacts
19
About me
American
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City
Registration: 27 June 2016
Lost Passport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Have you considered if the medications that he takes are available in Vietnam? There are plenty of reputable pharmacies around. 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 ...
it's different. Expats currently only pay the 1.5% Health Insurance component of the Social Security tax. Starting in 2018, they'll have to pay both the 1.5% Health Insurance (HI) component and the 8% Social Insurance (SI) component. ... Read More
Vietnam expats will be subject to 8% additional tax starting in 2018
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 ... Read More
How much cash allowed out and into Vietnam by infoKQ
I was carrying 拢20,000 in GBP on me after a business settlement in China . I decided my best option to carry money home after going on a visit to Vietnam was to carry on my person. Problem arose when i was stopped by customs security on the ...
A better tip is to do everything possible to avoid bringing large amounts of cash through a country where corruption/bribery is high throughout the ranks of the gov't. What can you realistically do if they still ask you to pay a bribe? They ... Read More
Understanding Vietnamese girls by GuestPoster2698
So on my first trip to Vietnam I met a girl and saw her for a few days. Being the skeptical dude that I am and knowing nothing about Vietnam, the first night that we met I didn't give her my phone number but she and her friend made plans with my ...
I would ask myself... what do you do with a girl who is much younger than you, especially one that likely has a standard vn education and no real working experience? I'm specifically referring to when you go back to your home country. I met ... Read More
1 Day Volunteer Danang
Beach clean-up? You can do it yourself or organize one with a few locals. Will probably need to spend a little bit of money to buy bags, but i'm sure cost is nominal. Read More
Online fashion sites that ship to VN or physical stores in HCMC
are you looking to buy bulk/wholesale from those sites? Read More
Query about registering a business in Vietnam by pratikshabhanti
Hello Everyone, I want to start a service related business in Binh Dinh province. I am looking at proceeding with registering my company in the next few days. Could anyone tell me if it's better (in terms of time for registration completion, ...
What amount do you consider "charge a bomb" for the services that you require? Read More
How to contact a company in Hanoi?
google their facebook and then send them a message through there? Read More
Looking for friends by carlottalina
Hey guys, I moved to Saigon (district 3) a month ago and I feel very lonely. I came from Germany for a volunteering job in a school but I think it's very hard to find new people out here. I'm looking for some nice people to meet, drinking a ...
if you haven't tried yet, check out meetup dot com. you can find several meetup events around town that include foreigners/expats and locals. another popular spot on saturdays only is the saigon soul pool party at the new world hotel in Q1. ... Read More
Vietnam Tax Question by Kooler42
Considering opening an Hong Kong Offshore Company with my wife (Vietnamese) as director and shareholder. I will be the employee doing the work. All of the revenue is made outside of HK and Vietnam. Will she be liable for paying Vietnam taxes on her ...
If she's a tax resident in Vietnam, then her worldwide income is subject to tax. It doesn't matter where it was paid, received or earned. Tax rates vary depending on income classification. The company may also be subject to tax in Vietnam ... Read More
Where can I buy a graphics tablet in HCMC? by asthecrowflies
Hi everyone, Does anyone know where I can buy a graphics tablet in HCMC? Many thanks :)
Regarding fado, it takes much more than a week and yes they do charge import taxes and shipping. I bought something from them recently. Took about a month from when i ordered/paid to when i had the product in hand. Was an electronic product that ... Read More
Vietnamese American moving to Vietnam. Advice Please by knguyeen112
Hi, I'm considering on moving to VN this year and hoping to get some advice from fellow expats to make the transition as easy as possible. I have a college degree with 5 years of experience in the IT field. But I'm not looking for a full ...
Due to time constraints, not going to go into the intricacies of my statement re actively wanting to become a citizen of another country while still a US citizen. Never said it was not legal, only that it will cause potential issues. The DOS link ... Read More
Vietnamese American moving to Vietnam. Advice Please by knguyeen112
Hi, I'm considering on moving to VN this year and hoping to get some advice from fellow expats to make the transition as easy as possible. I have a college degree with 5 years of experience in the IT field. But I'm not looking for a full ...
it's not limited to Vietnam. From what I've read, happens everywhere else in Asia too. Read More
Vietnamese American moving to Vietnam. Advice Please by knguyeen112
Hi, I'm considering on moving to VN this year and hoping to get some advice from fellow expats to make the transition as easy as possible. I have a college degree with 5 years of experience in the IT field. But I'm not looking for a full ...
Viet-American here. My profile is similar to yours except that I was born and grew up in the U.S. I grew up in CA near many Vietnamese and now know many VKs here in Vietnam. First, I would avoid trying to get a Vn citizenship as someone else ... Read More
Having garments produced in Vietnam
Henry, I'm an American-Vietnamese who now lives in Vietnam and works in this industry. I'm familiar with the entire process - from identifying fabric wholesalers to getting it on the ground in the U.S. Note that Vietnam and the ... Read More
local police want me to "extend the time of stay" by ilyousha_marko
I have a 12 month DN business visa, which started in November 2016. If I understood right, it allows me to stay in country for a year without leaving. My landlord took pictures of it and passport when i moved in in December 2016, and supposedly ...
I have the same type of visa, 12 month DN business visa. It was originally supposed to be a 3 month DN visa, but I obtained it around the time when there was a requirement for US citizens to have one year visas, so that's what they gave me. So ... Read More
T-shirt Manufacturer
I'm a Vietnamese-American residing in Vn with deep connections in this industry (manufacturing, print, and logistics to get your shipment to the US). I assume that you know that the US and Vietnam do not have a trade agreement in place, so that ... Read More
Are camera stores in HCMC reliable? by espinozr
Hello, I am looking to buy photography equipment. I've contacted a few stores in HCMC asking for a specific Canon Lens (70-200 f2.8 Mark II IS), and they all quoted a suspiciously low price. I was not expecting to get lower prices here in HCMC ...
You can also visit an authorized Canon dealer in Q1. Shop's name is Le Bao Minh, 99 Tr岷 H瓢ng 膼岷 (near Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien). Currently selling the 70-200 for about US$2,300. Read More
What is the best place to hang out in evening in Saigon?
Depends on what you like to do? Like to look at people, cars, and overall craziness while sipping on a cheap beer? Then go to Bui Vien street. Like to relax and walk around a more mellow, family-oriented crowd? Then go to Nguyen Hue street. Like ... Read More
Looking for a small office to rent by JasonV
Hi everyone, My name is Jason and i'm from London. I'm looking to rent a small office for 2 - 3 people in Hanoi, Vietnam. This is a new venture so im looking for help and advice as to what to look for, price, areas to consider. Then comes ...
if you're a new venture or start-up, I would consider looking into co-working spaces in Hanoi. They should have options for 2-3 people. Monthly fee is reasonable, but other major benefits include being able to network with other start-ups and ... Read More
Are camera stores in HCMC reliable? by espinozr
Hello, I am looking to buy photography equipment. I've contacted a few stores in HCMC asking for a specific Canon Lens (70-200 f2.8 Mark II IS), and they all quoted a suspiciously low price. I was not expecting to get lower prices here in HCMC ...
What is your concern? that the lens are fake or that they are refurbished? I used to own a 70-200 IS II -- not sure if it's practical to fake those lens to the point where you can fool someone who has the money to buy them. You can quickly ... Read More
Where to buy safe vegetables/ groceries from? by HuiTing88
Hi All, Is there any shop which sells ALL clean and safe vegetables and groceries in Ho Chi Minh City which you guys are patronizing already? I have read articles/ stories online that not all vegetable from supermarkets/ stores are clean and ...
I came from the U.S. and used to buy almost 100% organic fruits and vegetables, which were readily available in every local supermarket that I went to. If you look at the numbers, the U.S. market for organic foods is significant and continues to ... Read More
Denied exit from Vietnam by Expat_Glenn
Has anyone had their exit from Vietnam denied before? I have a no-exit on my passport due to an ex employer not paying the personal income tax they deducted from my pay in Vietnam. It appears to be a very convoluted and difficult process. i ...
@colinoscapee, you're right, in western countries I'm sure that if you show clear evidence that the employer withheld money from your paycheck for purposes of paying taxes on your behalf, then you'll be off the hook. Not sure if Vietnam ... Read More
Denied exit from Vietnam by Expat_Glenn
Has anyone had their exit from Vietnam denied before? I have a no-exit on my passport due to an ex employer not paying the personal income tax they deducted from my pay in Vietnam. It appears to be a very convoluted and difficult process. i ...
The company is responsible for withholding the taxes that you ultimately owe. In other words, the tax liability is not imposed on the company. Rather, the liability is imposed on you as an individual who is earning gross income from working in ... Read More
Mobifone codes / refill questions
Hi, i'm new to Vietnam and have a few questions about how Mobifone works. I purchased a custom phone number a few months back and paid about 300d at a local phone shop. I used the phone frequently for primarily surfing the internet, watching ... Read More
Language Barriers Make Getting Around HCM Difficult: Please Advice by Libhero
Hello Exparts in HCM: I am new in HCM from USA, visiting HCM. I want to get around, but I cannot communicate with drivers of motorbikes and taxis who do not speak or understand English. Please advice how easily I can navigate my way around the city ...
A few other tips - use Uber to get around because you'll be able to enter pick-up and destination locations without having to speak much to the drivers. Go to the "backpacker's area" to meet visitors, expats, and locals who speak ... Read More
salary
there are a bunch of salary guides out there that provide this information. For example, Google adecco vietnam salary guide. Read More
Citibank - global account link between US and Vietnam? by ksr2x
Has anybody had any luck linking their Citibank Vietnam checkings account with their Citibank non-Vn checkings account? Citibank advertises that you should be able to do this seamlessly through their Globalview link option. If so, appreciate any ...
Hi THIGV, I spent more time looking into this by starting with your suggestions. I think I managed to find a temporary solution for now. I've already had two separate online Citibank accounts -- one for the U.S. account and the other for VN ... Read More
Citibank - global account link between US and Vietnam?
Has anybody had any luck linking their Citibank Vietnam checkings account with their Citibank non-Vn checkings account? Citibank advertises that you should be able to do this seamlessly through their Globalview link option. If so, appreciate any ... Read More
Volunteering in Ho Chinh Minh
avoid orphanages if you're only going to be here for a few months. if you do a quick search on google, you'll see countless testimonies from long-term volunteers that short termers do more harm to the kids than good. give money to them if ... Read More
Hey guys, anyone can recommend a good gym? by Andrewmylett
Hey everyone, I am moving to HCMC this October to start working and will be completely new to Vietnam. My company is putting me up in a hotel for a few weeks then looking for a place to live, meet new people etc. Really into my training and ...
Just signed up earlier this week to CYFC. Annual contract, about $30 usd per month for a platinum pass. Had to bargain it down. Read More
Why the blood test for a working visa? by duanef
I smoked a joint about three weeks ago with a French tourist and heard that thc stays in your blood for a month. I just had my blood tested, and not for HIV, like other countries screen for. Why do they take a blood test here? Naive Duane
I recently went to a place called International SOS Vietnam to get a health check to obtain my work permit. I got the results back a few days ago, but did not see that they tested for any type of STD? Not sure if I'm reading it right, but ... Read More
ATM's by Guestposter822
hi, just wondering if anyone knows the general withdrawal limit for ATM's in ho chi minh ? my bank slogs me a lot so I want to find the best. Thanks
atms are safe. Just take the usual precautions that you would with any ATM anywhere in the world (e.g., cover keypad, use ATMs inside stores & buildings). Read More
How and Where to apply for Vietnamese Citizenship? by thuy4tien
We left Vietnam during war in 1975.....lived in America since. We have American passports. We are currently in Vietnam and plan to apply Vietnamese Citizenship. We still kept our birth certificates from Vietnam..... so we hope the process would be ...
I've never been through it, but read extensively about it because I was considering it at one point. Your first step will be to talk to your local Vietnamese embassy in the US. There are 3 Vn embassies in the U.S., each with a page dedicated ... Read More
One way ticket & TRC by GuestPoster6458
Hi, I have completed my teaching degree and I am planning on moving to Nha Trang around May 2017 after my graduation. However, I have concerns about whether I am able to surpass Australia and the Vietnam immigration with a one way ticket as I am ...
I was born and raised in the U.S. to parents who are both from Vietnam. I was able to get the 5 year multi-entry VEC a couple of years ago while I was in the U.S. At the time, I was only going in and out of Vietnam for vacation and did not have a ... Read More
Where to watch American football in HCMC by Hieumi
Hi guys, I have an American friend who is very keen on watching American football. He just moved to Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam and wants to find some nice bars/restaurants where show American football. Many thanks to who can give me some ...
There are plenty of places in Saigon to watch the NFL.. i) Phatty's Sports Bar on T么n Th岷 Thi峄噋 (google for their website and schedule), or ii) Universal Sports Bar on duong B霉i Vi峄噉 (open 24 hours). Go Patriots! Read More
Business Visa Help? by sward654
Hello everyone, I have recently joined this forum and I really appreciate all the help it provides. I am from the UK and I intend to travel to Vietnam next month for business purposes. I have been informed by the Vietnamese embassy in the UK that ...
I'm a US citizen. My situation required me to get a business visa so that I can obtain a long-term work permit when I'm in Vietnam. I'm working for a MNC that has operations there. That's why I commented specifically on the ... Read More
Business Visa Help? by sward654
Hello everyone, I have recently joined this forum and I really appreciate all the help it provides. I am from the UK and I intend to travel to Vietnam next month for business purposes. I have been informed by the Vietnamese embassy in the UK that ...
You make it seem as if it's as easy as sending an email to someone and you'll instantly receive a business visa. In my view, it's not that simple. You're being presumptuous thinking that your situation should apply to everyone. Read More
Business Visa Help? by sward654
Hello everyone, I have recently joined this forum and I really appreciate all the help it provides. I am from the UK and I intend to travel to Vietnam next month for business purposes. I have been informed by the Vietnamese embassy in the UK that ...
For a business visa, the rules require you to obtain a sponsorship or letter from a company operating in Vietnam. Even people above said the same thing. And yes, I just obtained my category DN business visa, which required me to obtain a letter ... Read More
Considering job offer in HCMC - How is it like to live there? by Garyk1982
I am considering an opportunity to work in HCMC and would like to find out as much as possible about living/working there before making my decision. I have spent 3days there as part of holiday in Vietnam and thoroughly enjoyed doing all the ...
looks like expat shop got banned?! I thought she was helpful... anyways, i'm curious about other people's view on the income question too. Read More
Business Visa Help? by sward654
Hello everyone, I have recently joined this forum and I really appreciate all the help it provides. I am from the UK and I intend to travel to Vietnam next month for business purposes. I have been informed by the Vietnamese embassy in the UK that ...
There's still a major difference between a tourist visa and a business visa even though both are one year multi-entry now. With a business visa, you're able to obtain a Vietnam work permit, but with a tourist visa, you cannot unless you go ... Read More
HCMC neighborhoods/buildings with fiber optic internet?
Does anyone have any suggestions on neighborhoods or apartment buildings in District 4 or 1 that have the ability to use Vietel's fiber optic internet packages? Read More
Anybody have any suggestions on where I can start looking?
I'm looking to hire experienced seamstresses/sewers to work in the D3/D1 area in HCMC. Anybody have any suggestions on where I can start looking? I'm not sure posting a job want ad on an internet forum would be effective for searching for ... Read More
Personal Fitness Training in HCMC? by jieyu13
Hi, I'm just wondering what the average cost for personal training is in Ho Chi Minh and are there group personal training classes available? Do the personal trainers speak english? Thanks
There are plenty at the gym that i go to when I'm there - California fitness & yoga. I go to the one in HCMC, Q4. My gym membership includes group personal training classes. I also know that they offer personal training. My gym ... Read More
Looking for university in ho chi minh that use English language
I would start by reading through the websites of the top universities operating in HCMC: 1. foreign trade university - http://english.ftu.edu.vn/en/ 2. rmit - https://www.rmit.edu.vn/ 3. university of economics - http://www.ueh.edu.vn/ Read More
Xin chao! Am i too young to be an expat? by TonyVNguyen
Hello everyone! My name is Tony V. Nguyen, 20. If you are somewhat familiar with the Vietnamese culture, just by seeing my (last) name, you guessed right - I am Vietnamese! Although, I have only lived in America my whole life (thus far) and rarely ...
Would also second the caution about trying to get your Vietnamese citizenship. If something were to happen to you in Vietnam, then the U.S. will not try to help you as they normally would with their U.S. citizens. The reason is because you ... Read More
Hey guys, anyone can recommend a good gym? by Andrewmylett
Hey everyone, I am moving to HCMC this October to start working and will be completely new to Vietnam. My company is putting me up in a hotel for a few weeks then looking for a place to live, meet new people etc. Really into my training and ...
You can also try California fitness in district 4. they have a full boxing ring, boxing equipment, etc.. and i believe they have trainers as well. Gym is very clean and has a very good crowd, but fee will likely be much higher than the other gyms ... Read More
Best Banking Option for Americans in HCMC by abcdefghizzy
Hi everyone! So my boyfriend and I just moved to HCMC and we're looking to open a bank account. My question is, which international bank provides the easiest and cheapest transfer of money? We want to avoid being ripped-off as much as possible. ...
that makes sense. i didn't realize that the interest rate is so high over there! Read More
Best Banking Option for Americans in HCMC by abcdefghizzy
Hi everyone! So my boyfriend and I just moved to HCMC and we're looking to open a bank account. My question is, which international bank provides the easiest and cheapest transfer of money? We want to avoid being ripped-off as much as possible. ...
thanks THIGV - you're always very helpful. I'm still in the US and didn't think about fees that the local Vn Citibank would change. I've been mainly concerned with making sure that my US/Vn month transfers are solid while I'm ... Read More
any expats here come from the US professional services industry?
I work at a firm in the US will be transitioning to work in Vietnam soon. Very excited! Curious if there are any other people who used to work in the professional services industry in the US and are now working in Vietnam? What's your ... Read More
Best Banking Option for Americans in HCMC by abcdefghizzy
Hi everyone! So my boyfriend and I just moved to HCMC and we're looking to open a bank account. My question is, which international bank provides the easiest and cheapest transfer of money? We want to avoid being ripped-off as much as possible. ...
Wanted to share my experience since I'm going through the process now. Was debating between HSBC and Citibank since they have branches in Vietnam and in the US. Ended up going with Citibank since they do not charge any fees to transfer money ... Read More
Which Vietnamese dish do you like the best ? by LetEatGo_YourFoodPartner
I just wonder which dishes make you hungry in Vietnam cuisine ? :)
H峄� Ti岷縰 Nam Vang Kh么 Read More
Federal and State income tax for US citizen working abroad? by yroftherat
Hello, I am a 100% teleworking working for a U.S. firm. I plan to move to Vietnam to for several months (possibly years) while I still plan to work for the US firm. Am I exempt from paying Federal or State tax? I understand that I may have to pay ...
I'd asked my company to adjust the withholding on my wages, but that would all that you'd need to them for tax purposes. Read More
How to find a Job in Vietnam from Websites? by Musthafatram
Hello friends I am Musthafa from India currently I am working in Malaysia. Actually I am looking job in Vietnam because I am because Vietnam expat. I am searching job by use alots of websites but no use. I want to know how to find a job in ...
vietnamworks (search google) and linkedin might be other resources that you can use. Read More
Federal and State income tax for US citizen working abroad? by yroftherat
Hello, I am a 100% teleworking working for a U.S. firm. I plan to move to Vietnam to for several months (possibly years) while I still plan to work for the US firm. Am I exempt from paying Federal or State tax? I understand that I may have to pay ...
As a US citizen, you'll be allowed to exclude up to about $100k from federal taxable earnings if you meet certain requirements. See IRS publication 54 for additional information. Most people have trouble meeting the 330 day requirement. US ... Read More