videriant
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
51
About me
American
Lives in Tr脿 Vinh, Tr脿 Vinh
Speaks English, Vietnamese
Registration: 17 October 2017
Why the morally suspicious behaviour of some Vietnamese people? by WillyBaldy
I've had this question for a long time but it's very subtle and not easy to correctly express. I don't want the question to sound like "Why are so many Vietnamese people morally corrupt?" because it's not really want I want ...
Cultural differences. Lines: Westerners : what rude VN people not lining up. No etiquette! Vietnamese : what a naive Westerner. He'll never get his turn if he just stands there dumbly like that. Crossing the streets: Westerners : it's ... Read More
Relationship with Vietnamese girl by vic50
I need some advice here. I have been in this relationship now for 4 months and there are some worrying signs. As a foriegner ( we are perceived to be rich here ) . I thought by moving here eventually I would save money. So far it's has cost me ...
Warning signs - If you are paying for all outings with friends and family, those are the same friends and family you'll be stuck with if you get married. The paying isn't the important part, it's the attitude of expecting you to pay ... Read More
Maybe ignorance is bliss ? by GuestPoster288
Since being involved with my wife's family for around 12yrs now I have to say that, for the most part, I have been pretty unsuccessful in achieving much despite a valiant effort. Having switched their crop from rice to Coconuts, Shrimp and ...
Disclaimer : I'm an american born ethnic Vietnamese. Today my brother told me that next time I go back to VN I should bring a poster that says "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different ... Read More
Why the morally suspicious behaviour of some Vietnamese people? by WillyBaldy
I've had this question for a long time but it's very subtle and not easy to correctly express. I don't want the question to sound like "Why are so many Vietnamese people morally corrupt?" because it's not really want I want ...
Cultural differences. Which by definition can be moral and ethics differences. But by definition does not make one side right and the other side wrong. Back in the days (1997?) I saw Americans raising a fuss over the fact that the prices of ... Read More
Health of The Mekong River by OceanBeach92107
Here's something for Jim and Maverick to discuss... [url=https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1Z919K]Reuters: Green algae, blue water add to fears over health of Southeast Asia's Mekong[/url]
Don't forget the people selling boatloads of silt/sand to other countries. Singapore's landmass increasing annually ain't natural. Lower flow combined with lower river depths is an even bigger diaster waiting to happen. Read More
Expat project manager salary? by Mathiasbaka
Hello. Is there anyone here who can help me clarify how much I can ask for as desired salary at a project manager? I just graduated but got 8 months experience in a similar company and I also got a diploma in project management? Looking forward ...
In my experience, it's a culture issue. Vietnamese pay the "going rate" but their true expectations are pretty low and they don't manage/differentiate/appreciate quality. Westerners paying over the going rate is fine as long as ... Read More
Tap water filter by Kerensharon
Do you have any recommendation and where to buy Tap Water filter in HCMC?
If you really want to play it safe then buy jugs of bottle water to use for washing. There's no guarantee but it definitely better than the tap. Down in Tra Vinh i used the jugs of water for washing vegetables, the dishes, and brushing. But ... 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 ...
The "she will be loyal if you get married" isn't guaranteed either. Some girls pick up the bad American ways real quick. And I've heard even worse, in Asia, specifically developed Asia (i.e. Japan & Korea) . The stigma ... Read More
Kitchen Items wanted
Let me know how that works out. My friend wanted a good one for his in-laws and he was leaning to having to import one from Taiwan or the UK to match voltage. Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
In my experience, even in the US, almost everyone can intuitively tell the difference between farm-raised and free-range chicken. The just don't know to look. And end up confusing the "firmness" of free-range by calling it ... Read More
Fear To Lose Face: How It Influences Everything by Libhero
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 ...
Complicated. Cannot be easily put into words. Here's the best I can do. Power, money and reputation are important. In the West, money is king. Power and reputation are tools to reach that goal. In the East, reputation is the emperor with ... Read More
Random observations by Jim-Minh
There are a number of things that strike me unusual about Vietnam, and I thought I might comment and possibly petition your observations. You don't need a wallet in Vietnam, you need a filing cabinet. Vietnamese LOVE their soccer and remind me ...
I've seen asians leave the stickers on in the US. In their mind, it keeps the sense of newness. The "new car smell" equivalent of everything not a car. Driving is VN is chaos but there are still rules. People are more aware when ... Read More
Vietnamese like 'Language exchange' not serious teaching !! by charmavietnam
Recently I posted an ad in FB to ask for a Vietnamese Language Teacher to come to my company in Q5 to teach as I cannot go for class due to business. All I asked is a real teacher with minimum degree in Vietnamese language. Do you guys think I have ...
Losing touch with the Vietnamese language is an issue and it's compounded by the fact that the current generation in general does not know how to or bother to communicate. At work, I have to force people into 1-on-1 meetings and two minutes ... Read More
Vietnam relationships / Children / Marriage by braymor
Hello all, I have spent the last couple of hours reading the various threads on this topic, and have received some good information. I'm really happy there is a forum dedicated to these types of topics. I am in a particular situation, and I ...
Since this thread is still open I'll put in my 500 VND from reading the first page and skimming the 2nd. For all people in the same situations. @braymor 1) Assuming your avatar is you than your are causcasian. I will also assume your cousin ... 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 ...
Every culture has it's quirk. And we can't kid ourselves. A lot of the "sophistication" of cultures was built upon the blood and tears of others. That said, reading "...there is no paradise, it only exists in the minds of ... Read More
What is life like during Tet? by Jim-Minh
This will be my first experience with life during Tet. How should I prepare? What will be in short supply or unavailable? Can you post examples of what you've learned the hard way? How do you cope? What are the upsides?
Back to answering the question about what to expect during Tet. I'm a American born Vietnamese. Last year was my first Tet in Vietnam. I stayed with my uncle in HCM. The week leading up to Tet a bunch of flowers (traditionally apricot and ... Read More
What is life like during Tet? by Jim-Minh
This will be my first experience with life during Tet. How should I prepare? What will be in short supply or unavailable? Can you post examples of what you've learned the hard way? How do you cope? What are the upsides?
More detail. T岷縯 is actually a vietnamese word for festival/feast. It is used as the default for T岷縯 Nguy锚n 膼谩n or "Feast of the First Morning of the First Day". Vietnam was originally on the lunar calendar ... Read More
Marrying Vietnamese woman by GertrudeW
I am seeking advice. A very good family friend met Vietnamese girl (he is 58 she is 28) online. He travels to Vietnam regularly & has many expat friends. They have tried to warn him. He sends lots of money, sometimes $500 per week. Within a year ...
All women (and men) make you pay in a relationship. It can take the form of money, time, emotions or all of the above. If you can't fulfill those needs to land a western woman who doesn't care about money do not run to asia, be a US$30,000 ... Read More
Is begging good for some people and bad for others? by Libhero
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 ...
There's this impaired guy on this stretch of 2-3 restaurants selling lottery tickets where I'm at. At first I thought that it was crazy and irresponsible that his family would let him do that but it's been a year now and he's still ... Read More
Is begging good for some people and bad for others? by Libhero
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 ...
For many reasons, yes. 1) There are too many beggars. You give to one and the rest swarm you. 2) There are things the church can do better I'm aware. The devil I know vs the ones I don't. 3) I've never had the church turn down food ... Read More
Talking to a Viet girl in HCMC. Need some clarity. by Nielsen Flute
Hello everyone. I need some advice on how to proceed with this girl I've been talking to for a while. We've been talking to each other for a few years now on and off through Skype/Viber. By chance I was in Saigon for work in 2015 and we ...
There was a particular conversation we had where I did tell her of my intentions to live long term in Vietnam and I wouldn't be returning to the US for a while. And of course I'm nice where I simply ask her how her apps are doing. She seemed ... Read More
1 year/6 month business visa suspended by zeubie
Hi there, I searched the forum and could not find an answer to my question. I am planning to come to Vietnam in November and would like to obtain a 1 year business visa for non-USA citizens (I am Canadian). I have spoken to 2 different online ...
It's inconsistent. I currently have a 1 year multiple entry business visa. It is supposed to allow me to stay the entire year and we were told this by the HCMC consulate. It was issued from the consulate in San Francisco and they said I had ... Read More
Talking to a Viet girl in HCMC. Need some clarity. by Nielsen Flute
Hello everyone. I need some advice on how to proceed with this girl I've been talking to for a while. We've been talking to each other for a few years now on and off through Skype/Viber. By chance I was in Saigon for work in 2015 and we ...
You have to make your own judgement. Are you asking us hoping we give you permission to go out with her or are you hoping we affirm that you should run? If you have a chance to be in Vietnam then try it out. But don't come in with false ... Read More
Is begging good for some people and bad for others? by Libhero
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 ...
Everybody has pretty much expressed my opinion. We don't know the situations of the thousands of local beggars but this one specific guy sounds fishy. I do not buy lottery tickets because I am retentive but I do feel sorry for the people. ... Read More
Saigon Vs Shanghai by Mickeyevans99
Hi! I was wondering which city I should live in as an expat english teacher. Saigon or Shanghai? I got a great offer in Shanghai but i'm hesitant, I feel like I would like Ho Chi Minh more.... I'm single, a guy, late 20's, like going ...
Both cities have their own charm and offer nearby weekend destination. If you have a good offer from Shanghai then take it. The HCMC option will always be there. I did a semester in Shanghai in 2005. What I remember from Shanghai is a newly ... Read More
Why some VietKieu succeed while others dont? by andyhrboss
Hello I have seen many VietKieu came back to Vietnam, failed, lost money then ran back to US or Canada or wherever with resentment, angry and in cases hatred for the local Vietnamese. This post is not to discuss that but rather an attempt to ...
I think it's basically what the OP said. The ones that came thinking they could make a quick buck did not adapt to the environment but instead of shouldering the blame place it on others. Ironically, they probably failed back at home ... Read More
Planning to Retire in Da Nang Next Year by aimhigh888
We're planning to retire in Vietnam next year due to my husband health. He had 2 strokes and not going back to work anymore. We won't be able to afford the cost of living here California with his small retirement money. We've been ...
Keep in mind the tradeoffs. Cost of living is cheap but health coverage isn't anywhere near US standards. Read More
Which city isnot hot? by Zahra5
Hello Which city of Vietnam has cold weather or not hot? Thank you for reply
Da Lat is awesome. It's cold to the southern Vietnamese but I was wearing shorts (I'm from Texas). It has a lot of touristy areas scattered around the region but is light on the night life. Everything shuts down at 10 PM, even on NY, lol. 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 ...
There's also different rates depending on the type and size taxi you get into. It should be clearly listed on the dashboard underneath the meter though. The scam would be whether the meter is rigged to measure km incorrectly or the driver ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
Actually, I was trying to point out that the problem is on the English side. Levels of cousins is clearly defined in English genealogy but in common usage when most Americans say "cousin" they are thinking "first cousins". ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
On the matter of rank trumping everything if two distant cousins marry then usually you marry down not up. And before some says "ick, kissing cousins" keep in mind the fact that vietnamese may know their sixth cousins while americans may ... Read More
I just want to know what vietnamese people think. by bawindayak
First time when I come to vietnam, I think they is nice and friendly when I walk alone. but for some month I living here. I just learn about vietnamese. just one think, I don't understand about vietnamese people attitude. I think they very nasty ...
On the main OP topic. The stories about the man following you and yelling at your and the bank guard are disturbing and issues like that should be resolved. If it's old or really young people staring at you that's their problem not yours. ... 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 ...
This is the best analysis I have seen on why there is double pricing. In the open markets, where everything is subject to bargaining, the seller will naturally start high. However the analysis falls short in some areas. It does not explain or ... Read More
12 month business visa without a work permit? by Vegetivita
Hey all, A Vietnamese friend of mine recently told me about a company she found that can get 12 month business visas for people without a bachelor's degree (i.e. me). It's from a company called Vietuytin (website: dichvuvisauytin.com/en/ ...
Excuse my ignorance but I'm still confused because of your line "anything that involves a company paying you wages while residing in Vietnam requires a work permit". Is the company you refer to mean a local company or can it also be ... Read More
money by supertaper
Where do you exchange US currency for Vietnamese Dong or can you use US currency or do you do the money exchange at the airport the airport or do you have to go to a bank there or do I exchange it here before I leave the US, because I was wondering ...
I'm american so I struggled with the money. Too many zeroes. The trick is to break the american habit of looking at just the numbers and also start paying attention somewhat to the colors and maybe the size. 500.000 is light green. 50.000 is ... 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 ...
I'm Vietnamese American so my view may be slightly skewed (versus Vietnamese Vietnamese and non-Asian American) but here's what I've seen. Definitely install and use the Uber and Grab app but also get a feel for the taxi (VinaSun and ... Read More
Working with blue-collar workers by videriant
Hello, I am a Vietnamese-American from Texas. Born in the US but my Vietnamese is passable. Conversational speaking, slower with listening to the softer southern accent, can write if my phone auto-adds tones and struggle to write. MBA, ...
There are too many employees for me to keep track off. Right now it is 40 but it may go up to 300. I rarely interact with them other then greeting them in the morning and have a hard time remembering most of their names. I still need to ... 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 ...
Current feminisim is where instead of a fixing the double standard where men are treated better then women there is a second double standard where women get treated equally on their terms when they feel like it but demand to be treated differently ... 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'm vietnamese american and I remember this one time I was having lunch with another vietnamese american coworker and for some reason we started talking about gold-diggers. I made a comment about how that phrase can or cannot encompass a lot of ... 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 ...
Read the early posts then started browing when everyone went off topic. Some keys takeaways: 1) There are some things that are human nature, not just Vietnamese women. 2) There are some things that are womanly nature, not just Vietnamese women. 3) ... Read More
Working with blue-collar workers by videriant
Hello, I am a Vietnamese-American from Texas. Born in the US but my Vietnamese is passable. Conversational speaking, slower with listening to the softer southern accent, can write if my phone auto-adds tones and struggle to write. MBA, ...
I know what I'd like to do, but execution is the hard part. 1. Can't come up with a timeline when corporate won't give me one. They can't even agree on whether they are extending my contract or not. 2. When I've asked key ... Read More
Salaries in vietnam by Andrefk
Any ideas what is the salary range (all inclusive) for senior project managers in Vietnam
And don't forget that on top of all the *** you have to deal with from the locals, you have to deal with an equal amount of *** from your parent company halfway around the world and it's cultural indifference. Ex1: " We only want the ... Read More
Working with blue-collar workers by videriant
Hello, I am a Vietnamese-American from Texas. Born in the US but my Vietnamese is passable. Conversational speaking, slower with listening to the softer southern accent, can write if my phone auto-adds tones and struggle to write. MBA, ...
Thanks for your responses. Beyond what the employees think what they want and what corporate HR thinks they want I need to figure out what builds long term loyalty. There's some components of cultural differences and then some that is not. ... Read More
Working with blue-collar workers
Hello, I am a Vietnamese-American from Texas. Born in the US but my Vietnamese is passable. Conversational speaking, slower with listening to the softer southern accent, can write if my phone auto-adds tones and struggle to write. MBA, ... Read More