River Frogs
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
63
About me
American
Registration: 24 May 2021
(Not) Earning Interest On Foreign Currency Accounts In Vietnam by OceanBeach92107
Why you can't earn interest on US Dollar accounts in Vietnam:"The central bank has remained vigilant in its watch over the exchange market and interest rates as many of its policies send a clear signal to the market that holding onto the VN膼 ...
@ OB. Regarding VN domestic bank account. Holding a 3-year TRC and an employment contract with a local NV company, is it possible to open a domestic banking account? This being with one of the major VN banks. Tks. Read More
Safe deposit boxes at banks? by Roy McRoy
hello.two similar posts on the forums, no answers.one mentioned maybe a private company providing that service, seems unlikely.many mentions of a safe at home, but that seems more of a thief magnet than deterrent, especially if not home for longer ...
Thanks, I'm anxious to hear what you discover at Techcombank. Read More
Safe deposit boxes at banks? by Roy McRoy
hello.two similar posts on the forums, no answers.one mentioned maybe a private company providing that service, seems unlikely.many mentions of a safe at home, but that seems more of a thief magnet than deterrent, especially if not home for longer ...
Thanks. The two mentioned banks hit the bottom of the banks I was considering list. Read More
Safe deposit boxes at banks? by Roy McRoy
hello.two similar posts on the forums, no answers.one mentioned maybe a private company providing that service, seems unlikely.many mentions of a safe at home, but that seems more of a thief magnet than deterrent, especially if not home for longer ...
@OceanBeach92107 I'm following up on your local domestic banking comment with a question. I hold a new 3-year TT visa along with a local company 1-year employment contract. Years back with my HSBC account I could transfer funds via the Internet to ... Read More
Instant water heaters 鈥揹o they give satisfactory shower? by ChoculaD
I鈥檓 about to move into an unfurnished apartment. Bathroom doesn鈥檛 even have water heater, and there鈥檚 no central heating. There鈥檚 already holes drilled and wiring for an instant water heater, because person who lived there ...
@ChoculaD following up on 鈥楪oodolBoy鈥� comments. Before purchasing an on demand unit read the volume flow specs. It could be their selling pitch. Without an internal pump one鈥檚 depending on the house/apartment water pressure, often ... Read More
INTERESTING OR SCAREY PHOTOS OF BEASTIES TAKEN IN VIETNAM by goodolboy
Sure there must be some beauties https://1drv.ms/u/s!AmXxixmqskv0g80tQnnnRMHL2oi3_A?e=X6P11y
@goodolboy all my years living in Vietnam I didn鈥檛 realize pigs enjoy rides in the countryside. Read More
when is tet by cooper1203
Stupid question maybe but google and other sources produce about 6 different answers. I think i come into hannoi on the 1st/2nd of feb will i of missed it?many thankscoop
@OceanBeach92107 there goes your chance as a member of the diplomatic team. Beer鈥檚 still running out my nose from laughing. Read More
when is tet by cooper1203
Stupid question maybe but google and other sources produce about 6 different answers. I think i come into hannoi on the 1st/2nd of feb will i of missed it?many thankscoop
@Aidan in HCMC聽slightly sliding off the main topic鈥 also like the wet markets, always exciting social interaction along with the always freshest veggies available. One memorable experience when living in Saigon. I鈥檇 filled my ... Read More
Sending stuff from UK to Vietnam - what's allowed / verboten by redgranite
Hi there - first post. I am looking for advice on sending items from the UK to Vietnam.I have a friend in Phan Ran province.I would like to send them a box containing some items from the UK.These include tea towels / key rings / slippers / socks - ...
@OceanBeach92107 possibly some of the checked in items are for resale? The other side is good hearted Vi峄噒 kieu traveling to Vietnam most often pack in goodies for friends and family and provide a service. Including such a simple item my ... Read More
Visa Runs鈥�..maybe the party is over. by GuestPoster1236
Spoke to an Australian today, he鈥檚 just completed his 8th visa run . On return to Vietnam , he was told that was the last E Visa he鈥檒l get 鈥�..& after leaving VN , will need to wait 12 months to re apply. He鈥檚 in a ...
@Aidan in HCMC a later today link https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/鈥渃umbersome and inconvenient鈥� or chasing tourists yuan, euros, and usd? My assessment is the latter. Read More
Purchase of Printer by AB_Wayne
Will appreciate information where to purchase desktop printer/scanner within Vung Tau. Thank you in advance
@Aidan in HCMC they give away color inkjet printers knowing once you鈥檙e roped in they鈥檒l make the real money selling cartridges. Or one can find a shop that will refill the cartridges as I did when working in Siem Reap. Only problem, ... Read More
E visa requirements by Guest49284
Hi GuysNewbie here , filling out my E visa it is asking for an arrival date , I am uncertain of exact arrival date but only staying for 14 days so I am assuming if I arrive a few days after the date I have on the form it will be ok as I will be gone ...
@colinoscapee Example鈥ne VNAirlines online booking I believe the name sequence was last first middle initial. I鈥檓 a Jr and entered my suffix as part of my last name. Lights and whistles went off while checking in. Most check-in agents ... Read More
Tips on Shipping a Used Laptop from US to Vietnam? Fedex / UPS / DHL? by bmpham
My parents are trying to ship me a used laptop from the US to me here in Ho Chi Minh. I'm reading mixed reviews about how to go about doing this. Many are saying flat out to not do it as it's too risky. Others are saying to use UPS, but ...
@OceanBeach92107 Thanks for getting back and all the others. And I know you (OB) normally include info links. Here are two.... forever unknown reasons with or w/o my VPN connection the USPS info pages are restricted? The VN.gov link stated used ... Read More
Tips on Shipping a Used Laptop from US to Vietnam? Fedex / UPS / DHL? by bmpham
My parents are trying to ship me a used laptop from the US to me here in Ho Chi Minh. I'm reading mixed reviews about how to go about doing this. Many are saying flat out to not do it as it's too risky. Others are saying to use UPS, but ...
Found this old 2018 thread perhaps still active? If not, please direct me to a more current thread.My sister in Calif wants to send her used laptop to me in Danang. Has anyone had personal experience and can CONFIRM this is A1 dog sure possible? ... Read More
Road rules... by Guestposter822
Just wondering if it's legal to turn right at a red light ? I've noticed that some Vietnamese stop and some go through the red light when turning right...
@Mac68 Read More
Road rules... by Guestposter822
Just wondering if it's legal to turn right at a red light ? I've noticed that some Vietnamese stop and some go through the red light when turning right...
@Mac68I clearly understand your concerns. After 16 years driving both motos and autos in Vietnam I鈥檝e arrived at two realizations, doubtfully the chaotic driving style will change, and it鈥檚 dangerous. And this took years accepting. ... Read More
New 90 Day Tourist Visa Starting October 2022? by nscprez
Love to get some feedback, rumors or facts about the Vietnamese government moving to a 90 day tourist Visa starting in October 2022.
@panda7 Until VN immigration changes current laws, a 90 day visa is nothing more than a hopeful wish along with this blog to vent frustration. In the same breath foreigner鈥檚 daily pump money into local businesses, economy in general, and VAT ... Read More
Road rules... by Guestposter822
Just wondering if it's legal to turn right at a red light ? I've noticed that some Vietnamese stop and some go through the red light when turning right...
@Aidan in HCMC multiple times I have witnessed the unfortunate results of moto drivers turning right without even a cursory glance to the left. One on me way to work in hcmc was so horrendous it ruined my entire day. However I鈥檓 certain much ... Read More
VN Foods perhaps Least Appealing to the Western Palate (or Psyche) by Aidan in HCMC
This thread is started for the benefit of new expat arrivals to Vietnam. Welcome, and, BON APP脡TIT!Your pick(s), with a pic(s), of Vietnamese food that would probably be least appealing to a western visitor.Here's two from me.Tr峄﹏g ...
@colinoscapee I was raised a vegetarian in the 50鈥檚. Vietnam is a chay heaven. I鈥檒l try most any eats once. Silk worms remains on the ONCE list. That having been said, I鈥檒l eat fried crickets with both hands. Read More
Earthquakes In Vietnam? by OceanBeach92107
12 earthquakes in two days jolt Central Highlands ProvinceAfter the first tremor occurred at Kon Plong at around 2pm on Tuesday with a magnitude of 4.7, 11 more tremors were recorded with scales ranging from 2.5 to 2.9 magnitude.聽Although the ...
@Sobie聽I'm a civil engineer. On my first Vietnam project, I questioned the structural design consultant about TCVN seismic building codes. No answer, only a sideways smirk. On every new design project since I'll raise the question, but it goes ... Read More
Zoophobic? Might want to reconsider Vietnam as your expat destination by Aidan in HCMC
Though I don't consider myself to suffer from zoophobia, here are a few instances where I would have preferred to not have been exposed to some of VN's fauna.Motoring from D7 to D1 in Saigon one afternoon, I was about halfway through D4 when I ...
@OceanBeach92107聽I feel most critters pose a purpose in the big picture. Centipedes, fire ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and intestinal worms failed to make my big picture cut. A single OTC Mebendazole tab chewed up every 6 months only sets one ... Read More
Bank card fraud in VN by Friday with Mateo
Has anybody had experience with bank card fraud in VN ... and what to do about it?聽 I am pretty sure my card info got scanned by an ATM skimmer ... I reported it to my bank today and they shut my card down until the $329 mystery charge fully ...
@Andybris2020聽The same happened to me in 2018. Transaction was approved but dispensing door did not open. My bank also corrected the transaction. Back in the day 2006 in Can Gio the hotel made the standard card 聽charge at check-in using ... Read More
Rabid Dogs & Dog Bite-Related Fatalities in Vietnam by OceanBeach92107
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD) has urged cities and provinces nationwide to set up teams to catch stray dogs in an attempt of curbing dog bite-related fatalities and better manage rabies among domestic dogs and cats..." ...
@RTLisSB聽Like Aidan I never drink an offered ruou wondering if it could be mixed with 92 from the pump. As for my taste, most spirts taste like medicine. However, those who enjoy an aged single malt would disagree. That having been said, I must ... Read More
Vaccine Certificates for foreigners and further jabs by GuestPoster13975
I'm busy applying for a job in Vietnam, will my vaccine certificate be efficient or will I require more/further jabs in Vietnam?
@Aidan in HCMC聽Here's hoping I'm on the right topic page. Aidan's was the latest vaccine certificate link I found.聽Question; Have any in Saigon who received their covid booster in Saigon noticed their 4th vaccine was auto-registered on ... Read More
LETS HAVE A LAUGH BUT NO FILTH by goodolboy
windscreen wipers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=020InK5E99A
@Aidan in HCMC聽Was that a Sun Tzu or Groucho Marx quote? Regardless, good practical advice.聽 Read More
Work Permits by River Frogs
A million pardons, however, I couldn't find a dedicated work permit blog. Heavy on the visa side.So here we go anyway. 16 yr Vietnam resident with 3 yr residency visa. Covid's now in the review mirror and I'm offered an employment position.Question; ...
@alexneoh聽Unfortunately, department uniformity remains in the conceptual stage. Persistence, your best smile, and a scoop of good luck eventually produce what one's after. Frustrating, ooohhh yes! Best of luck.聽 Read More
Vietnamese driving license. by bertieboy123
Hello all. What is involved in a foreigner obtaining a Vietnamese drivers license ? I know some will ask why on earth i would want to drive in Vietnam lol :-) But i am married to a Vietnamese lady (Who normally drives me around when in Vietnam) We ...
@colinoscapee聽My experience has been if anything expires, TRC, passport, work visa, US driver's license in my case, or a change in hairstyle my VN driver's moto and auto license expired. While gathering up documents, visiting the local wat for ... Read More
Work Permits by River Frogs
A million pardons, however, I couldn't find a dedicated work permit blog. Heavy on the visa side.So here we go anyway. 16 yr Vietnam resident with 3 yr residency visa. Covid's now in the review mirror and I'm offered an employment position.Question; ...
@cougarcar20聽Yes TT status.聽 Read More
Work Permits by River Frogs
A million pardons, however, I couldn't find a dedicated work permit blog. Heavy on the visa side.So here we go anyway. 16 yr Vietnam resident with 3 yr residency visa. Covid's now in the review mirror and I'm offered an employment position.Question; ...
Thanks. The work permit process has restarted聽 in HCMC and Hanoi? And permits are being currently issued? Read More
Work Permits
A million pardons, however, I couldn't find a dedicated work permit blog. Heavy on the visa side.So here we go anyway. 16 yr Vietnam resident with 3 yr residency visa. Covid's now in the review mirror and I'm offered an employment position.Question; ... Read More
US State Department Issues Level 4 Do Not Travel Warning For Vietnam by OceanBeach92107
(received in an email from the US Embassymbassy in Hanoi): U.S. Mission Vietnam Message for U.S. Citizens Level 4 Travel Warning for Vietnam March 1, 2022 On February 28, 2022 the U.S. Department of State updated its Travel Advisory for ...
Good information, bad news. Omicron certainly has arrived. Combining this with TET's 10 days of nonstop karaoke partying helped create a perfect storm, (opinion) void of solid facts. Based only on what I observed in Danang. Numbers started ... Read More
travel question information news i got from my family here by vietnam nguyen
my family and girlfriend in vietnam got told me that i can get in to vietnam on janurary 1th 2022 with no visa no documents no papers no id im a american married to veitnam lady is this true i can fly to vietnam or not i hope the questions make ...
Bottom line - continuous information moving target. I must admit I have come across a few capable and in the know visa agents. Following your once rescheduling a non-refundable ticket success. I'll take a few deep breaths, work up my courage, ... Read More
travel question information news i got from my family here by vietnam nguyen
my family and girlfriend in vietnam got told me that i can get in to vietnam on janurary 1th 2022 with no visa no documents no papers no id im a american married to veitnam lady is this true i can fly to vietnam or not i hope the questions make ...
What would be sweet is a Central Government 'Vietnam' visa/covid/etc. information website similar to Singapore's and Thailand. Vietnam's information and the information sources are all over the place. As OB mentioned, 'Central ... Read More
Astra Booster Shot by mikeymac
Can anyone please advise the cost of an Astra Booster shot in HCMC
Got it! My first 2 shots I had to chase. I believe my ward director (nice guy) takes extended naps? Looks like I (wife) will also be chasing the gov office for my booster. I now know where to start. Thanks for the info. Read More
Astra Booster Shot by mikeymac
Can anyone please advise the cost of an Astra Booster shot in HCMC
"Management Office". Are you referring to your apartment's management office or gov health management office? The reason I ask, I'm eligible for the booster but I live in a row house. My ward director's a swell guy, ambitious ... Read More
Astra Booster Shot by mikeymac
Can anyone please advise the cost of an Astra Booster shot in HCMC
You had to register or 'reregister' for the 3rd (booster shot)? Read More
Remote Worker Tax
C'mon folks. This thread quickly went south after the first few comments. Clearly, tax issues are real. Unfortunately, no knowledge was gained in this tread. I thought I must have missed something but after a few seconds of thought, I realized I ... Read More
News just in by AndyHCMC
news just in from UK Boris Johnson has given a speech outlining "England SCRAPS vaccine passports, REVERSES child vax decision, "The prime minister also announced that those 12-15 years of age would be able to now get a COVID-19 vaccine ...
Rational wisdom. Agreed, it's the same moon I won't see tonight in Danang. Clouds and rainy. Quite an impressive nighttime phone photo. Gives me cause to consider I should upgrade my old Sam s7. But I'm the type that drives a purchase ... Read More
LETS HAVE A LAUGH BUT NO FILTH by goodolboy
windscreen wipers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=020InK5E99A
Free 'nature' textured concrete! Union card not required. Read More
House building by GuestPoster327
Hi everyone, my name is Peter and hope someone can help me with an argument I鈥檓 having with my Vietnamese wife. We have purchased a property in LaGi which is in Binh Thuan Province and I鈥檓 designing a three story house. I want a flat ...
All comments to your dilemma offer good thoughts for consideration. Pitched roofs can provide a cooling air space and tend to minimize water infiltration. Roof tiles over a steal frame can be like living inside a snare drum during hard rains ... Read More
Ministry of Health app So Suc Khoe dien tu: cant dowload app by danrodri
To show the yellow or green status for vaccination, we will need to download the app. Funny thing, It says in my phone (android, Redmi, with viet number, phone bought in Vietnam) "This item isnt available in your country". Anyone knows if ...
PC-Covid appears to be moving towards the main VN gov covid app. Yet after mult 30-minute attempts, my wife was unable to update showing I've received 2 vaccine pokes. Any new PC-Covid info sources to check offering 'HOW TO'? Pollyanna ... Read More
COVID 19 (CORONA VIRUS) UPDATES FOR ALL NATIONALITIES & STATUS by goodolboy
Was not to sure exactly where to post this link so started a new topic, most of us not in this situation but some might be! https://www.facebook.com/ukinvietnam/photos/a.388627835543/10157163891370544/?type=3
Cadilac or Fiat, either are better than being towed to the junk yard. Read More
Ministry of Health app So Suc Khoe dien tu: cant dowload app by danrodri
To show the yellow or green status for vaccination, we will need to download the app. Funny thing, It says in my phone (android, Redmi, with viet number, phone bought in Vietnam) "This item isnt available in your country". Anyone knows if ...
Nope, vaccines ++4 months too late, at least in Danang. The app is secondary yet remains a worthless bug host that no longer lives on my phone. I believe all are trying, problem, vaccines to arms came too late. Obviously, the app was cobbled ... Read More
Ministry of Health app So Suc Khoe dien tu: cant dowload app by danrodri
To show the yellow or green status for vaccination, we will need to download the app. Funny thing, It says in my phone (android, Redmi, with viet number, phone bought in Vietnam) "This item isnt available in your country". Anyone knows if ...
Now comes the frustration. The app sucks, full of bugs, and will reduce you to a state of complete MADNESS! Read More
Won't be long till the tourists are back in Vietnam. by mikedylan2001
Looks like Vietnam will go the way of many other countries in the not too distant future. Fully vaccinated tourists to be allowed in after a seven day hotel quarantine. This measure will protect people from the disease as well as protect tourist ...
Interesting theory based on鈥�.facts or uhm, well, err, something ;-D Read More
Transferwise by sgndep
Hi guys, A question about transferwise. Is it possible to receive a payment from Europe in euro and then send to my local bank. Or safer to let my Vietnam partner do all the admin and then transfer to her account. She's a Vietnam national. ...
Gone are the days when I monthly transferred funds from my Vietnam HSBC account via the internet to my Hawaii bank. Colinoscapee鈥檚 wife is either a magician or capable of holding a charming Vietnamese 4 hours smile. I suspect both! Read More
DAILY LIFE IN VIETNAM DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2020-2021 by goodolboy
Day 4 self imposed isolation in apartment :- Today the lock down seems to be taking effect Q 12 Tan Thoi Nhat . All big coffee shops, BBQ etc now closed, Some small coffee shops & street eating places still open. Most Supermarkets & street ...
Classic and my belly laugh for the day. Read More
information on motorcycle? by nscprez
I am looking for some information on motorcycles since I am 6'3" and weigh about 205 lbs. Are Honda Goldwings or something similar available in Saigon as I want to do some travelling around Vietnam when it opens up? What's the cost of ...
nscprez, I saw a few good replies to your query. I've traveled this path. 1. I had a cycle license before I moved to Vietnam and easily converted to a local auto and moto license. Way easier getting your moto license in your country. 2. If any ... Read More
c19 vaccine by samkuansiong
Hello, Does anyone know where and when can i get myself and my family vaccinated for c19 with Pfizer or Moderna in Ho Chi Minh? Also maybe know what will the costs be for a set of 2 doses per person? thanks
The Vietnamese covid vaccine registering portal will translate into English. It did take a few tries but eventually the English language registration page opened. I successfully registered myself and my wife including a registration confirmation. ... Read More
Vaccine for foreigners by Guest2023
Here is the English translation of the story. [url=https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20210628/foreign-citizens-in-vietnam-to-be-vaccinated-against-covid19-foreign-ministry-spokesperson/61755.html]Vaccine[/url]
I posed the same question to FMP and received a similar answer. Unfortunately, the procurement channel is limited through the VN government. I fail to understand why the VN health department is unable or unwilling to middle man procurement ... Read More
Overstay in Vietnam by jonnysharp6
Hi all Due to the immigration not extending visas or companies not providing TRC's . What are the penalties for not renewing the visa during lockdown? The travel agents and visa agents charge a fortune now for only a 15 day extension visa. One ...
OR the apartment building supported the ward's expectations. I've never encountered a problem; I imagine the building's management clearly understood the business procedures. Read More
Transferring Money to Vietnam by International MD
Hi everyone, In my research I read about the American Express' Bluebird card which allows one to put money on it without a bank account for purchases. Is American Express widely accepted in HCMC (is. grocery stores, shops, restaurants, etc) ...
2014 in Hanoi I attempted to mail a personal check drawing on a US bank account to a friend in the US. A that time an envelope always had to be open for inspection before licking it closed. The post office refused to send it even after I explained ... Read More
Vaccine for foreigners by Guest2023
Here is the English translation of the story. [url=https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20210628/foreign-citizens-in-vietnam-to-be-vaccinated-against-covid19-foreign-ministry-spokesperson/61755.html]Vaccine[/url]
Thanks, Ciambella. I'll take it you weren't correcting my sloppy grammer, rather clarifying 'one or the other'. Like all major cities, commerce / tourism appears to be one of the vaccine's priority considerations. ... Read More
Vaccine for foreigners by Guest2023
Here is the English translation of the story. [url=https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20210628/foreign-citizens-in-vietnam-to-be-vaccinated-against-covid19-foreign-ministry-spokesperson/61755.html]Vaccine[/url]
Good Info OB. 1-16 priorities I read in a recent local published article was slightly different and as follows. Item number 10 priority I believe; 'People with chronic illnesses, (comma) people over 65', in the same category. Somewhat ... Read More
French support for it's citizens COVID 19 by Budman1
I read this: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/france-announces-covid-19-vaccination-program-for-citizens-in-vietnam-4309056.html Then this: The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens ...
Can there not be more than one option? I agree with the sadness of the colonial past. However, the past has passed and Vietnam has successfully entered into a new era. Sure, it would be sweet if the US provided covid protection for all expats ... Read More
Overstay in Vietnam by jonnysharp6
Hi all Due to the immigration not extending visas or companies not providing TRC's . What are the penalties for not renewing the visa during lockdown? The travel agents and visa agents charge a fortune now for only a 15 day extension visa. One ...
Colinoscapee nailed it. Whining is nothing less than venting online frustrations. Better is hanging on the positive side. 15 yrs. of local experience taught me a simple approach. Do one's homework as best one can, plan actions further in advance ... Read More
Temporary residency visa extension. by River Frogs
My 2-yr TRV will expire within 2 months. Does anyone have current and accurate information regarding if it is possible to extend an TRV? I have heard opinions and have my own belief. Problem being, heard opinions and my belief could be far from ...
Thanks for your response Drutter, Difficult process in now more difficult times. Wish us both good luck. Read More
Temporary residency visa extension. by River Frogs
My 2-yr TRV will expire within 2 months. Does anyone have current and accurate information regarding if it is possible to extend an TRV? I have heard opinions and have my own belief. Problem being, heard opinions and my belief could be far from ...
Thanks, Jlgarbutt for your renewal TRC comments. Always excessive moving parts involved, but worth the effort. Read More
Temporary residency visa extension.
My 2-yr TRV will expire within 2 months. Does anyone have current and accurate information regarding if it is possible to extend an TRV? I have heard opinions and have my own belief. Problem being, heard opinions and my belief could be far from ... Read More