dbrutter
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
68
Contacts
22
About me
American, Married with children
Speaks English
Registration: 23 September 2016
Please take this seven question English quiz for me by SteinNebraska
My wife's daughter was doing an online quiz for her Vietnamese school English class. She had some questions that she was unsure of and I helped her with some answers. After the quiz she got 70% right. After the quiz it shows the questions ...
The first 6 answers are correct as you listed them. That last one is bull sh*t. This is a great example of why Vietnamese teachers should NOT be teaching English. Read More
Payment methods in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Vietnam, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment ...
I suspect you are correct. I don't think Vietnam is ready for POS in most markets yet ... but they'll catch up soon enough. Read More
Married a Vietnamese, no stimulus check for me? by gobot
US citizen, I'm married to a Vietnamese, I file US taxes, the IRS has my bank info. I added my wife as dependent as required by US law years ago. When I did so, she got an ITIN number automatically from IRS. I haven't received my $1200. I ...
Yup! I'm in the same boat. Some guy in Chicago has already filed a lawsuit. It is obviously not fair ... *** I guess all we can do from here is wait and see what happens. Read More
E-File US Tax Return With NRA Wife Without ITIN/SSN? by mtgmike
Anyone know a way to e-file taxes when you are married to a non-resident alien spouse that doesn't have an ITIN or SSN? I'm filing MFS, not claiming HoH or dependents or any other tax breaks or deductions. Turbo Tax won't let me do it ...
For the U.S. - As I recall (it's been a couple of years) you can use 999 99 9999 for her number. You will then need to fill out the request for the ITIN and send it in with her origional passport or a certified copy translated in English. As ... Read More
U.S. SSA and Veterans Benefits in Vietnam Update by OceanBeach92107
Vietnam has been ADDED by the Social Security Administration to the list of countries with a Direct Deposit agreement with the United States: ...
Wow! Thanks for sharing that here. I've been wondering if I would get it sinse I'm overseas but I do file my taxes as required by law, so I should get it. Now my only question is if I'll get $2400 sinse we are married filling jointly. My ... Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
Great! Thank you so much for all the information. I am well aware that everything is always changing so I'll do my best to keep on top of it. Have a great night. Read More
Amazon ships to Vietnam - anyone have experience with this? by Jim-Minh
They will deliver to Vietnam which is a part of their AmazonGlobal service where they will even calculate any taxes and duties as part of the checkout process and organise customs clearance so you get your order quicker and to your door. If you ...
Hi, Wavehunter Thanks for sharing. I just signed up with Planet Express. I was just reading about the de minimis last night and I was wondering if you could confirm my understanding. Can I order any packages up to the stated amount ... Read More
Quick in and out from VN to Cambo problems?
The only problems you'll have are all the leches telling you anything you'll believe to get your money. Know the price before you go and wait in line like everyone else - they will not get you through any faster but they will be happy to ... Read More
FPT Internet connection by goodolboy
Anyone with FPT noticed their internet connection has slowed right down in the last month or so. Its driving me nuts, [b]could it be because all the schools are closed & lots of kids at home using up band width?[/b] Had the "engineer" ...
Ha ha馃ぃ Why not just knock the walls right on down? Read More
Banh mi. by Guest2023
Anyone who pays 100 bucks for a banh mi needs to have a mental health check. [url=https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/features/20200228/this-acclaimed-chef-is-selling-100-banh-mi-pho-in-vietnam/53202.html]Banh mi[/url]
Ha, ha 馃槉 I can't get my old choppers through the bread eather. I have to cut it into bit size pieces... my wife teases me and says I'm like a baby. I tell her to come back in 10 years and tell me that. Read More
Health Insurance by NomadBob123
Hello All, I am soon to be moving to Hanoi on a personal 2 year R&R. Can anyone living in Vietnam or SE Asia for that matter about health insurance. Any recommended programs, costs, do I need any, etc. Thank you in advance for sharing your ...
You are very welcome. The Expat rules will not allow me to post contact information here. If you look at the top right of this post you should see a rectangular shaped box that looks kind of like a note pad. Touch the box and send me a personal ... Read More
Health Insurance by NomadBob123
Hello All, I am soon to be moving to Hanoi on a personal 2 year R&R. Can anyone living in Vietnam or SE Asia for that matter about health insurance. Any recommended programs, costs, do I need any, etc. Thank you in advance for sharing your ...
I can introduce you to my insurance agent, who also happens to be my wife, so yes perhaps I am a little partial but I've been using the insurance for 4 years with out any trouble. She can provide you coverage for health, life, and accident at a ... Read More
Landlords scams? by Jess the Kiwi
Hey Everyone! Me (New Zealander) and my partner (Venezuelan) are moving to Da Nang next week. We have found a beautiful place but we haven't seen it in person. The landlord wants the one month deposit before moving in and rent on arrival to ...
If it's anything like I have experienced, the construction will also go on into the night. My wife said this happens because the roads are so congested during the day that the large trucks cannot deliver supplies and take away unwanted material, ... Read More
Landlords scams? by Jess the Kiwi
Hey Everyone! Me (New Zealander) and my partner (Venezuelan) are moving to Da Nang next week. We have found a beautiful place but we haven't seen it in person. The landlord wants the one month deposit before moving in and rent on arrival to ...
I'll only confirm what everyone else has already said, "No money until you see the honey." Things are not always as they appear. Another word of advice, don't book a room online (except maybe through airbnb). The prices are ... Read More
PC / Laptop Repairs by Jlgarbutt
Morning all, I used to have a spare / part time side line of earning an income in the UK - building / repairing PC's & Laptops. I'm happy to offer free advice on repairs / upgrades for anyone having problems with their laptop or ...
Send me a personal message (pm). I might be able to keep you busy for a little while. Read More
Carpooling in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Vietnam, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
Joeaports59 What you call, "liberal snowflake thin-skinned avoidance of hard fact." I call rude and obnoxious. You're a guest in a foreign country, try being a little polite. My mother used to say, "You will catch more flies with ... Read More
Carpooling in Vietnam by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Vietnam, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
With the narrow, busy roads in VN, carpooling just doesn't make sense. Like Oceanbeach 92107 says, 'Vietnam invented bike pooling.' Read More
Advice needed - UK visitor visa for VN girlfriend by Redmundial
Hey guys So I want to take my girlfriend of 2 years to the UK to visit my family in June. Just for 10 days. One of the requirements is she needs a letter from her longterm employer stating she has the time off and will return to that job. The only ...
I think the problem is they want to make sure she doesn't run off and get lost in the UK. If she has a job to come back to the risk is lowered. I'm not sure there is any way you can get around this. I suppose you could try buying your way ... Read More
Expat Health Insurance, Age 60+ by DaveTonetti
Does anyone 60 or over have any experience and / or recommendations in regard to getting health insurance here? Cheers
Hello, Everyone I stand corrected, by my lovely wife, you do NOT have to have the insurance in place 5 years before your 65th/75th birthday. As long as you are signed up ANYTIME before your 60th/70th birthday they will allow you to renew ... Read More
Paypal refill by Amenaeasmin
Hi everyone, I would like to know, how do you add money to your Paypal account in VN? Can anyone help? Thanks.
When I arrived in VN back in January 2016 I already had a US Paypal account. Soon after that, I opened a Paypal account here in VN and I have been using them both ever since. But You cannot transfer money from one to the other and yes, I did open ... Read More
Paypal refill by Amenaeasmin
Hi everyone, I would like to know, how do you add money to your Paypal account in VN? Can anyone help? Thanks.
Johnross23 is correct, however, you don't have to close one account in order to open another one. I still use my US PayPal account (linked to my bank in the US) and I use another Paypal account linked to my bank here in Vietnam. Since I work ... Read More
Paypal refill by Amenaeasmin
Hi everyone, I would like to know, how do you add money to your Paypal account in VN? Can anyone help? Thanks.
Hello I also had trouble with my US Paypal account when I got here back in 2016. The only way I found around it is to open a Paypal account in Vietnam. Read More
Expat Health Insurance, Age 60+ by DaveTonetti
Does anyone 60 or over have any experience and / or recommendations in regard to getting health insurance here? Cheers
Yes, my policy has been in place since I was 57 but my wife doesn't think your friend will have any trouble purchasing a plan after 60 years old as long as your friend is in fairly good health. Here are some things she tells me they will NOT ... Read More
Expat Health Insurance, Age 60+ by DaveTonetti
Does anyone 60 or over have any experience and / or recommendations in regard to getting health insurance here? Cheers
My wife purchased this insurance for me because I am self-employed. It sounds like your friend may have been working for a company here in Vietnam. The Vietnam government requires all companies to provide health insurance for there employees ( for ... Read More
Expat Health Insurance, Age 60+ by DaveTonetti
Does anyone 60 or over have any experience and / or recommendations in regard to getting health insurance here? Cheers
Hello, David I believe my wife can help you out. She is an insurance agent and I get my health insurance through her company. Also, I just past my 60th birthday so our ages are about the same. Basically there are 5 plans you can ... Read More
How to apply? by Maki05
Hello! How can I send my CV to employer?
I almost always send mine by email. Read More
Maid and nanny by Friedrich Weiss
Does somebody know a trustworthy english speaking maid or nanny in hcmc? Please if yes then you can contact me via email **** Thanks a lot in advance Friedrich
Which district are you in and are you looking for someone to live there on the premises? Read More
good clothes store to buy clothes in HCMC
Go to the Russan Market in District 1 if you want European sizes. Other than that you can find clothes anywhere and everywhere in HCMC. Read More
Vietnamese ladies and their "dead" husbands... by Guestposter822
After asking me for a coffee and upon querying a Vietnamese lady told me that her husband was dead. A few days later though I received a nasty email from her so called husband saying he was going to get his crazy on if I continued to go out with his ...
My wife's late husband really is dead. I've been to his gravesite with her and his daughter and they have an altar set up for him in the house. He died on his motorbike 10 years before we met and left her with a young daughter... so not all ... Read More
Some questions about driving in Vietnam... by amada1280
Just some Qs for any locals to help me get my head around driving a motorbike here... I've noticed many people on bikes here don't wear helmets, and do run red lights. What are the rules on this, and why are so many allowed to ignore ...
These are the reasons I've been living in HCMC for almost 4 years and still refuse to drive on the streets. I use Grab Bike, taxi. or other alternatives. I also do a lot of walking. Basically, all it takes is a little coffee money to turn ... Read More
Vietnamese age by Guestposter822
My understanding is when a Vietnamese person is born they are given the age of 1 at birth which carries up until their first Tet holiday and then their age increases by +1 at every Tet after that. The problem with this is if you are say born in ...
If I understand you correctly (and I'm not sure I do) this would mean everyone celebrates their birthday on TET. My wife celebrates her birthday in October and my step-daughter celebrates hers in September, also many of my students have ... Read More
Work permit for teachers by markcrandell
I dont have a degree and but A tefl and other docs.. i am finding it difficult to get application accepted, i do have scan of reference saying i have over 5 years experience by former school in Hanoi, can i get scan printed and notorized.. in place ...
If you find a school ready to hire you they should be able to take care of the work permit for you; however, it may take a little effort to find a school ready to hire you without a degree... but there are some out there. Read More
Reading habits in Vietnam by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Books can be your greatest companions whether you have already settled in Vietnam or are now planning your move. Are you an avid or occasional reader? We would like to know more about your reading habits. What type of reading ...
Yes, I am an avid reader. I read mostly novels and I've been working with students online as a reading tutor since 2012. I have tried to set-up reading programs with students here in Vietnam but haven't had much success. It seems most ... Read More
Vietnam Girl Asking For Money by Caliborn
Hello everyone. I know this subject has been beaten into the ground but I thought I would raise it again. For conversations sake, let's say the girls name is Bibi and she lives near the Mekong delta and is 14 years younger the me (I am in my ...
Deep inside you already know what's going on. Accept your losses and count it as an expensive lesson learned... or it wii get more expensive! Read More
Payment methods in Vietnam by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once you聮re settled in Vietnam, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment ...
Like everyone else said, "Cash is King" in Vietnam. We do have credit cards for large purchases but, generally speaking, we pay cash for everything. Read More
Anybody else think that Vietnamese coffee is more like cocoa? by robsamui
I'd been looking forwards to getting to Vietnam for a long time, and one of the highlights was the coffee. I'd read a lot about the excellent Viet coffee, the influence of the French on cuisine in general and couldn't wait. But I was ...
I agree with what everyone else said. I think you stopped someplace with the cheap imitation stuff. True Vietnamese coffee is thick, dark, strong - and delicious. Look around and ask the older folks where you can get "the real deal." ... Read More
Moving from USA to Vietnam by Vegetivita
Hello all, I have about $5,000 saved up (will be more before I leave) for my move to Vietnam. Initially, I had planned to withdraw the maximum amount of $5k and head into Vietnam with no problems. Then I read a thread on this forum about a guy ...
I arrived here in January 2016 with just over $5,000 in my pocket and never had any problems - nobody ever stopped or questioned me. As long as you don't intend to live with all the luxeries of home, $5000 should be enough to last you until ... Read More
Vietnamese women by Dangib
I am on holiday in Vietnam and I met a girl on tinder, we've met up a few times for food and drinks, she is beautiful, seems kind and very family oriented. Then I read these forums and there seems to be a lot of comments about these seemingly ...
I can't speak for everyone. I can only tell you that I have been happily married to a lovely Vietnamese lady for about 18 monthes now and they have been some of the happiest months of my life (57 years worth). She is priceless to me. Honest, ... Read More
Bans in primary school English classes by ralphnhatrang
More action by those more interested in rules rather than ...
Names, maybe, but technology? Come on! Every student in the class has replaced their baby bottle with a smart phone. What's going to happen when they go overseas to college? I am not aware of any colleges that doesn't use technology. They ... Read More
Pension
$1500 is equil to about 30,000,000 vnd...but keep in mind everything here is priced in thousands and millions - even a simple meal will cost 20,000 - 25,000 vnd. Honestly, you are asking a question that only you can really answer, it depends on ... Read More
Hello from Canada! by arleybob
Good morning! My name is Arley W. I'm a 26-year-old male from Winnipeg, MB, Canada. I have been thinking about making the move to SE Asia for the last couple years so that I could teach English, and now I am finally ready. As soon as I save the ...
Yogi007 and edomatt both offer some sound advice. You would do well to follow it, as there isn't much I can ad. Therewise, welcome aboard : - ) Read More
How to date a foreigner and NOT get your heart broken? by UKGuyInSaigon
Does anyone have any advice to offer to both foreign men and Vietnamese women about how to achieve long lasting success in a relationship?
Wow! What a subject. I am very happily married to a lovely Vietnamese lady. Of course, that doesn't mean everything is perfect - happily ever after only happens in fairy tales. I guess the best I can think of to add is that, like women, not ... Read More
Job in Vietnam/ Saigon by greglavalleye
I will be in Saigon June 21 and looking for a job! Can someone please help me with getting a job I would be grateful and pay if needed. Please let me know! I am from USA.
I am in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. I have been here for 18 months and happily married for a year now. The women here are great. Of course, there are always a few bad apples in every bunch but I think the majority are good apples in this bunch. The ... Read More
health insurance by VanRoss
HI Folks: a boring topic perhaps. It's been done before - maybe many times - but still not to my satisfaction. OK, Here goes: Question: Who here has a positive experience using private health insurance to pay for something? This question was ...
Hello, my Vietnamese wife sells Life Insurance (Chubb Life, USA) but she got me set-up with a decent health insurance plan with a company called "Bao Viet." It is a Vietnamese company but they do speak some English and will cover you ... Read More
Blacklist by orange odissey
Hi everyone! Since I arrived in HCMC I've hard many stories about schools that don't pay the teachers or pay way less that they were supposed to. What about creating a blacklist of all those schools so it will not happen to other expats? Who is with ...
The school wrote up the agreement/contract that they asked him to sign. The very same day the school broke the agreement/contract when they lowballed him on the salary they promised him. Honestly, I am so tired of schools/language centers that ... 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 ...
Ha, ha :) I can't even hold rice with chopsticks yet. Read More
Working in Vietnam
The only one I know of is what most of us are here for - teaching English - but you're going to want TESL certification, at the least, a BA in any field is better. A teaching degree is the best but I can't imagine you would be asking if you ... Read More
Moving to Saigon by Ulana
Hi everyone! I'm looking for an apartment/serviced apartment in D1 and D2. I see lots of ads and stuff around but when I scroll through the photos - I do not see any ovens in the kitchen. I really have to wonder why. I love to bake! :-) How ...
I'm sure GOBOT is right about finding some semi-portable ones in appliance stores. If you look around you could probably find some large commercial ovens too. There are pizza places and other restaurants that use them so they've got to be ... Read More
Moving to Saigon by Ulana
Hi everyone! I'm looking for an apartment/serviced apartment in D1 and D2. I see lots of ads and stuff around but when I scroll through the photos - I do not see any ovens in the kitchen. I really have to wonder why. I love to bake! :-) How ...
I've been here for over a year and never saw a stove in a house/apartment yet. Almost everyone here uses stove top burners and microwaves. Sorry to bring you bad news. Read More
Teaching documentation question! Thanks! by vicvo84
Hello everyone! Sorry if I am posting this in the wrong category. After years of living in denial in America, I was finally convinced to change my life (for the better) and have decided to move to Vietnam to teach English. Upon researching about ...
Everything has to be authenticated, apostilled, and translated into Vietnamese. Read More
Start a small cafe business in Ho Chi Minh CIty by frankieyow
Hi, I am from Singapore and have been here in Vietnam (Hanoi and HCMC) on and off for the past 7 yrs. I am now interested and looking for an opportunity to set up a small caf茅 business, serving mainly drink and pastry for a start, in HCMC. My ...
Good luck. I sincerely wish you all the best! Read More
Vietnam experience by Japanese4fun
1. To Hot 2. To many pesky mosquito's that bite ( everyday !!! ) not just once. 3. Way over the top to much motorbike traffic and people it's off the hook crazy. On the positive side: the food is cheap. William from California
The heat beats the "freezer" back in Michigan where I grew up but I can't deny the motorbike traffic is beyond crazy - especially with NO rules being enforced. Also, the pollution here in HCMC is sooo bad! Even after being her over a ... Read More
Start a small cafe business in Ho Chi Minh CIty by frankieyow
Hi, I am from Singapore and have been here in Vietnam (Hanoi and HCMC) on and off for the past 7 yrs. I am now interested and looking for an opportunity to set up a small caf茅 business, serving mainly drink and pastry for a start, in HCMC. My ...
I sorry I don't mean to discourage you, buddy. Truly, I wish you all the best but honestly, I think the greatest piece of advice I can give you is to consider something else - maybe try to find something unique to Vietnam. There are cafe's ... Read More
Who keeps wedding gifts in Vietnamese culture by karamba1
My fiancee and I are planning to get married this year. I understand that being the groom, I am expected to pay for the wedding ceremony. However I recently learned that my fiancee's mother plans to keep our wedding gifts. I thought ...
The one wedding I have been to did not involve any gifts. You just put "lucky money" in the big box for the new couple. My wife is Vietnamese and when I asked her about buying a gift this is what she told me. When I walked into the ... Read More
Send money via Google wallet/gmail to my VN bank acc Agribank ?
I had to open a VN Paypal account here in Vietnam shortly after I arrived. I now have a VN PayPal account linked to my VN bank account and a US Paypal account linked to my US bank account. They will hit you with charges, of course, but not ... Read More
Looking for teaching job in HCMC by Joshua woodward
Hello everyone I am Josh I'm from Liverpool England I've been in Vietnam for one month, I really like it here and Would like to teach English but I have no degree in this area, would be very grateful if anyone could give me any advice or ...
"Has going and earning a BA been suggested? City College of London has a distance learning program that a friend of mine used to earn her degree. You're young (I assume) and will regret not doing so later on down the line if you ... Read More
Looking for teaching job in HCMC by Joshua woodward
Hello everyone I am Josh I'm from Liverpool England I've been in Vietnam for one month, I really like it here and Would like to teach English but I have no degree in this area, would be very grateful if anyone could give me any advice or ...
"Would like to teach English but I have no degree in this area." That is a tuff one. A bachelor degree is your best bet, but you could just get your certification to teach English. I have heard that there are jobs to be found without any ... Read More