Libhero
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
63
Contacts
9
About me
American, Single
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
Speaks English
Registration: 27 December 2016
Who pays the bill? by williamaximus123
Hello I've been living in Vietnam for about half a year. And wanted to ask what are peoples experiences about who pays for the tab and how its split up when going out to eat with a big group of people?
Emotions and money are tied together. Emotions are rooted in your gut and they sit in your heart. It's easier to feel a bowl movement, faster heart rate, or some other emotions (mad, sad, glad, afraid) when someone or the bills touch the ... Read More
Who pays the bill? by williamaximus123
Hello I've been living in Vietnam for about half a year. And wanted to ask what are peoples experiences about who pays for the tab and how its split up when going out to eat with a big group of people?
@jalgarbutt I agree with your assessment that when you invite people to lunch, dinner, or to drinks, expect to pay the bills. This unwritten rule is very strong and expected often in most honor-shame cultures, including Vietnam. 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 ...
Don鈥檛 be deceived, Cali and I will tell you why. But first, I highly encourage you to watch the 鈥淢ail order wife documentary鈥� that has been viewed 64,000 times on YouTube. It鈥檚 only 52 minutes. You will learn a lot about ... Read More
Vietnamese Indicted for marriage fraud in Houston by vndreamer
Not surprised, but given the number of people involved and the costs $50k to $70k, one has to wonder how much, if any, there are locals in the U.S. Embassy tied into this operation, given the difficulty in obtaining these types of visa in VN. ...
What's about this other source? Will you trust the figures of 70,000 people involved in fakes marriages and the arrest of dozens people across the US? Facts are facts, no matter how you hate to admit. Here's the link to the latest report. ... Read More
evisa port of entry
Call the VN immigration office near you and ask them your question. They might help you. I had a good conversation in 216 with the staff at the New York office. They were friendly and professional. Good luck. Read More
Experience letter attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs by mtariqkhan
Dear All, I am very hopeful that I will get some valuable advise from here. I am a Pakistani Software Engineer and I am offered a Job here in Vietnam. To get the work permit in Vietnam its necessary to get the attestation on [i]Educational ...
The problem with the remaining five communist authorities in the world is that they often ask for documentations that no other countries in the world have any idea about. A classic example is your case. If any job requirements are too difficult to ... Read More
Looking for a English Christian Church in HCMC by superdave02
Hi! I just moved to HCMC and I am looking for an english church. I grew up in a charismatic Christian church (Non-denominational).... if this does not exist i still want to join a church family! Any help is much appreciated. Thanks everyone.
Good to know. Thank you. Read More
Fear To Lose Face: How It Influences Everything
Hello fellow experts. Why do Vietnamese fear shame so much and the desire to save face (avoid shame) influences many of their decisions and choices? Is there any history or a story that explains this cultural practice that seems to affect so many ... Read More
Device privacy, trust, intrusion and the jealousy of vietnamese girls by SaigonSeamus
Hello all, 1st time poster, I'm Seamus and I've been in Vietnam about a year firstly motorbiking solo the length and breadth of the country now blissfully settled into ex-pat life in Saigon down near Phu My Hung. In the past few months I have ...
Decide to get used to it, or keep telling her it's not right, and she does it again and again. Or date another woman and experience the same behavior, then stop, and date another again. Repeat that circle. These are some options. In developing ... Read More
Tet "lucky money" advice by zeubie
Hi there, I have been in Vietnam for the past few weeks and currently staying in a guesthouse I booked through Airbnb. I have been at this guesthouse for the past 2-3 weeks now and will be staying here over the Tet holiday. The young couple who ...
@Ciambella, I really like your post with the education about Tet gifts. One because it explains what is important, how to give gift as a foreigner, what amount is appropriate. Two you showed the rationale behind every piece of advice you offered. ... Read More
Effective Heart Medicine That Cost No Money
In a post on this site, someone sought a futureteller to know what will happen to him/her an hour, a day, a month, or even a year later. Here are three zones of life where each one of us chooses to spend most of our day. Which one will you choose ... Read More
Retired . . . and bored by GuestPoster584
Have only been retired for around 6 months and I guess the initial elation has begun to wear off. As CEO of a group of 6 specialised research companies working mainly on military contracts the constant long haul flights and general pressure was ...
Hi Diobas, Have you read about the five stages of grief? I hope you do so. Find a good book or Scholarly article that discusses the stages of grief and the issues considered as causes of grief. Remember one of those cases is the loss of a job. Even ... Read More
Dating a Vietnamese girl by GuestPoster56932
Well, I鈥檓 about to embark on trip number 6 to Vietnam since February of this year to see a girl (girlfriend)! It鈥檚 been a rocky 9 months being in love with a woman from a different culture, who lives on the other side of the planet and ...
Three points popped up here. Let's say you want to find a partner in the US. Know that the chances are very high that any woman you meet with a first degree and career, carries at least $30,000 consume debts. Plus your own debts. That's lot ... Read More
Is begging good for some people and bad for others?
This story about white expats begging in Ho Chi Minh City got me thinking. Why is it okay for a Vietnamese to beg but terrible for a white or expat to beg? This is what I call double standard played by most people from the west. Whether white ... Read More
Device privacy, trust, intrusion and the jealousy of vietnamese girls by SaigonSeamus
Hello all, 1st time poster, I'm Seamus and I've been in Vietnam about a year firstly motorbiking solo the length and breadth of the country now blissfully settled into ex-pat life in Saigon down near Phu My Hung. In the past few months I have ...
You control only two variables, you attitude and your behavior, nothing else. So you cannot control how your VN woman chooses to think and behave. Also, no one can change another person if they are not ready to change themselves. People don't ... Read More
Dating a Vietnamese girl by GuestPoster56932
Well, I鈥檓 about to embark on trip number 6 to Vietnam since February of this year to see a girl (girlfriend)! It鈥檚 been a rocky 9 months being in love with a woman from a different culture, who lives on the other side of the planet and ...
Hi Nate. Here are a few things to be aware of. They are based on my experience. I dated a VN woman 34 for two years until 36 years old. We broke up this September. I made two trips to Ho Chi Minh City. We enjoyed time traveling around VN. She was ... Read More
US Expats... Do you have to return to US each year to do your tax? by ttra
To US Expats currently living in Vietnam. Do you have to return each year to do your tax? The deadline for yearly tax filing to the IRS is April 15. If you do your tax each year, does that mean you still keep your house (residence) in America? We ...
Ttra. This forum can ONLY give you pointers not absolutes when it comes to USCIS immigration related issues, US citizens relocating overseas, and filing taxes from overseas. But your best option to clearly understand what to do is to sacrifice ... Read More
Catholic Church Wedding Problems! by justme71
I need a little help in a matter of the church and I am unsure where or whom to ask. I just got married by a civil marriage, after our civil marriage we went to the church to set for our church wedding and the steps we needed to follow. In doing ...
God accepts and ordains civil marriage just as He does with church wedding. Church wedding is western tradition and does not add to nor take away anything from civil marriage that God equally accepts and ordains. If Vietnam government accepts civil ... Read More
AMERICAN NEEDS GREEN CARD FOR VIETNAMESE WIFE by drutter
Hello, Everyone I am an American citizen looking to retire in a few more years. I have a lovely Vietnamese wife and we intend to spend the remainder of our years here in Vietnam. However, my understanding is that my wife has to obtain a green ...
Our American immigration processes and policies are the most complex, difficult, and not uniformed. No two cases are ever the same. For example. Two Americans may marry two VT women, apply for their green cards the same week or day. One ... Read More
Vietnamese Girfriend by SIVAGAIT
Hi, I am a 56-year old professional from Canada; single at the present time. While visiting Vietnam last year and on my way to Danang, I met a 21-year old Vietnamese girl who is a university student in the USA. We started talking and became ...
I dated Vietnamese women. From my experience, you will save yourself time, grief, and other resources, if you end it now rather than later if the father refuses you to marry his daughter. And also, be prepared to answer the one question that will ... 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 ...
@Markin Nam, you assume that everyone here do the same habits of life you do. Therefore, you expect them to understand your jargon or coded language---"large ones". You truly proved that you are a native English speaker as you assumed ... Read More
getting a job there as a foreign national by rdoearth
Hello. My name is David and I live currently in Atlanta, Ga. and am interested in possibly moving to Vietnam for a few years... I am engaged to a lovely lady in Ho Chi Minh that I met online three years ago. I have visited her and her country ...
Life offers very interesting situations to humanity. Asian parents in general are very happy giving their daughters to a Caucasian skin man who does not even have the minimum higher education (bachelor degree) that is an evidence he can have a job, ... Read More
getting a job there as a foreign national by rdoearth
Hello. My name is David and I live currently in Atlanta, Ga. and am interested in possibly moving to Vietnam for a few years... I am engaged to a lovely lady in Ho Chi Minh that I met online three years ago. I have visited her and her country ...
America is fast pace society and we Americans want to plan, know all details, and anticipate how the result will look like before we start to implement plans. But people in Asia and Africa generally are way lay back and usually don't worry ... Read More
Blasian-couples in Vietnam
Hello Forum. I wonder if there are any Blasian-couples living in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Please share your experiences regarding how you navigate the culture. How do you relate to the Vietnamese family? Did they accept you? How ... Read More
ATM withdrawal amount by vikingjeger
For those that are interested in larger then an average 2 million withdrawal amount, try MB Bank at 26 Phan Dinh Phung street. Was able to withdraw 5 million
I went to ATMs and withdrew money using my American debit VISA card. In Binh Thanh District, I could only withdraw max 1m vnd, but only after I discovered I had to say no to accepting receipts. If I said yes, I want receipt, the transaction ended as ... Read More
How travelers are treated by supertaper
I just read a post by a person who had nothing good to say about visiting Vietnam his main complaint was that the vendors and market sellers and restaurants were constantly trying to rip him off, his thought was because he was a backpacker but he ...
Traditional taxis in Ho Chi Minh City use meter system like in most developed countries, so the rate suppose to be consistent. But the drivers cheat in one area that I observed. They cheat with the starting rate when passengers sit in the taxi. Each ... Read More
Internet and phone service by supertaper
One of the main things I forgot to ask about was how is the internet service there are their restrictions on what is available to access and how is the phone service as well I have Verizon international calling or do I have to find a provider there ...
Here is my experience. I arrived at Airport in HCM Jan 16, 2018 and bought Mobilfone Sim card. I told them that I wanted one month unlimited call, text, and internet without interruption. The agent agreed, charged me, and I paid. I trusted him. ... Read More
Dual Citizenship Process - Child of American and Vietnamese by America2Vietnam
I've run a search on the HCMC forum and was unable to find much about this specific topic. I'm looking to learn specific experiences from American citizens with a Vietnamese partner that gave birth in Vietnam. What was the process you ...
Obama was born in Hawaii yet many Americans denied he was an American citizen qualified to become a president of the United States. Imagine the situation of this child born in Vietnam deciding to run for president in the future. Don't you ... Read More
Dual Citizenship Process - Child of American and Vietnamese by America2Vietnam
I've run a search on the HCMC forum and was unable to find much about this specific topic. I'm looking to learn specific experiences from American citizens with a Vietnamese partner that gave birth in Vietnam. What was the process you ...
Here is a link to begin with: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel_old/en/legal-considerations/us-citizenship-laws-policies/citizenship-child-born-abroad.html Read More
Dual Citizenship Process - Child of American and Vietnamese by America2Vietnam
I've run a search on the HCMC forum and was unable to find much about this specific topic. I'm looking to learn specific experiences from American citizens with a Vietnamese partner that gave birth in Vietnam. What was the process you ...
I mentioned back then an example of a government official who lost her post because she held dual citizenship, originally Vietnamese and later became American. You can Google that story. Does that suggest that Vietnam does not recognize dual ... Read More
Teaching in Vietnam without a degree by Courtzdr
Hi there My name is Courtney and I'm from South Africa I was reading through the forum about teaching in Vietnam without a degree and then lost track of the forum and cannot track it, from Jan/Feb/March 2017 hence this message. Is not having a ...
In the British education system, the following credentials are equivalent to the American education system: - Diploma is equivalent to Associate of Arts degree in American system. -Graduate is someone who completed a bachelor's degree. ... Read More
Hotels Now Demand Bills Prepaid at Checkin
The receptionist at the hotel I checked in requested my passport and demanded the full bills for the night before she gave me the keys. I have traveled to two provinces and two districts and have slept at four hotels. Each one demanded the full ... Read More
Does anyone else have complications during the visa check in VN? by Vette Moto
By complications, I mean standing there having the officer either ask many questions and/or have periods of long silence (4-7 minutes) where the officer sits and looks around while holding my passport/visa. Getting through customs is quite similar ...
I came last week to HCM for my second time and had no problems at all at immigration. First time in Dec 2016 I came with my Tecra $1500 laptop and a large checked luggage with a traditional visa. Immigration officer treated me with respect and ... Read More
Online Tourist visa to Vietnam by Libhero
Hello Forum members. I will visit Ho Chi Minh City very soon and want to learn your experience. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and ...
Caution #3. Immigration officer took only one passport photo and returned one to me. I did not see why they requested 2 anyways. They require a 4 x 6cm size. Most photographers in US set cameras at 2x2 inches. Use the 2x2 and it works well. ... Read More
Online Tourist visa to Vietnam by Libhero
Hello Forum members. I will visit Ho Chi Minh City very soon and want to learn your experience. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and ...
--17 Jan 2018. Final update. I arrived to Ho Chi Minh City Airport Jan 16, went to the landing visa office. I presented approval letter, 2 passport photos, and in 15 minutes I was called back and paid $25 for single entry. Caution#1. You cannot get ... Read More
Vietnam visa on arrival by Koji Kajima
Hi all! I'm planning to go to VietNam by the end of next month. I'm looking for a company that making visa on arrival. A friend suggested me to try with Vietnam visa easy company (http://www.vietnamvisa-easy.com/). My question is: Anyone in ...
You can see my updates at my thread. The process woks without any problem. I used it and am in Ho Chi Minh City right now. Thanks 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 ...
Hahaha, :lol: You put the numbers in context and they wear human face with sense to understand them. Read More
Online Tourist visa to Vietnam by Libhero
Hello Forum members. I will visit Ho Chi Minh City very soon and want to learn your experience. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and ...
--4 Jan 2018. I received official letter of approval for visa on arrival in my email. They took 13 hours to process my application. They accurately wrote all my information on the letter. No problem. Now I wait to see how this letter plays out at ... Read More
Online Tourist visa to Vietnam by Libhero
Hello Forum members. I will visit Ho Chi Minh City very soon and want to learn your experience. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and ...
I will update this thread with my experiences from the processes of applying for Vietnam visa on arrival. I will be objective as possible to help other people too. Timeline --21 Nov 2017. I posted here and asked members to respond. Two persons did ... Read More
Vietnam visa on arrival by Koji Kajima
Hi all! I'm planning to go to VietNam by the end of next month. I'm looking for a company that making visa on arrival. A friend suggested me to try with Vietnam visa easy company (http://www.vietnamvisa-easy.com/). My question is: Anyone in ...
Hi @Koji Kajima. Please tell me your experience if you used the visa on arrival services. Did you actually get the visa at the airport in Vietnam.? Did you encounter any issues in the process and at the airport? I have one week to come to Ho Chi ... Read More
Online Tourist visa to Vietnam
Hello Forum members. I will visit Ho Chi Minh City very soon and want to learn your experience. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and ... 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 ...
Hello Forum members. I will visit Vietnam soon. What is your experience with getting the online tourist visa (single entry, 1 month) upon arrival at Vietnam airport in hcm? How effective and reliable is the online visa application? I have a ... Read More
Do I qualify for a dual citizenship with Vietnam? by tqt76
I was born in Haiphong/Vietnam in 1976 to my mom a Vietnam Citizen, at that time. My family was sponsored to the United States by a church as permanent residence in 1981. I obtained United States Citizenship in 2011 through naturalization; I never ...
Do you believe VN law allows dual citizenship? If so, why in 2016 a female government official resigned or was forced from office or something like because she had a USA or foreign citizenship? Although she was originally a VN citizen. I don't ... Read More
Is anybody traveling from USA to ho Chi Minh city this April? by Libhero
Hello forum members. I wonder if anyone is traveling this April from USA to Ho Chi Minh city to take a small parcel with one lipstick, and 4 OZ lotion 脳2 to a friend who asked for them. Please let me know. Thank you
Thanks for all your comments. I appreciate them very much. I understand the fear, uncertainty, and the risks associated. But I have lived in expat community elsewhere and we do that all the time for one another. I know many people in this forum ... Read More
Resizing Profile Photo
I uploaded the picture from my gallery and resized the picture using the dotted limes on the screen. But then no other instructions to save or proceed. Yet the picture doesn't save automatically. There should be an instructions what to do next ... Read More
Property by Dongha123
Hi,just wanted opinions on the rules regards buying an apartment in HCMC. Am I allowed to buy and keep,sell or rent as I please or is there a nasty catch in the future? Thanks
Neighborhood and Neighbors are a huge part to consider when buying or leasing properties in VN. Neighbors disregard their other neighbor's needs, feelings, interests, and health. For example, I know of a neighbor who uses part of his tiny ... Read More
A quick guide to Certificate of Visa Exemption (VEC), Vietnam by charmavietnam
Dear Expats! We already covered this topic many times but still some members has doubt about - how to obtain a VEC, who are eligible, what document needed, how much does it cost, how long it take to get processed, etc. I hope this short guide will ...
I expressed my passport to the VN office in New York in Nov 2016 and got three months only but I stayed 34 days in VN. I paid visa fee of $110 and also enclosed an self-expressed envelope. I was surprised how effective the New York office was. ... Read More
Resizing Profile Photo
Hi forum members: I do not see the tools to resize my large photo for my profile. It is large and does not fit. Please advise how you made your photo smaller to fit on the profile page. Thanks Read More
Is anybody traveling from USA to ho Chi Minh city this April?
Hello forum members. I wonder if anyone is traveling this April from USA to Ho Chi Minh city to take a small parcel with one lipstick, and 4 OZ lotion 脳2 to a friend who asked for them. Please let me know. Thank you Read More
A Vietnamese Woman Being Stalked Needs Help
Hello Forum members. Do you know any women's organization in HCM city that works with women experiencing violence, stalking, and abuse to suggest for a Vietnamese woman living in HCM and experiencing emotional torture? She wants to seek ... 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 ...
Thanks for advising. But what "large ones" do I need to have at that place? Read More
Language Barriers Make Getting Around HCM Difficult: Please Advice
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 ... Read More