Michael Bones
@Bonesy
English expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
71
Contacts
6
About me
English
Lives in Saigon
Speaks English
Registration: 19 October 2011
Need a favour please..
I am in some need of a favour from a Vietnamese member on this forum please! I need someone who can spare me 5 minutes to translate a paragraph or so from English into Vietnamese. I would ask one of my Vietnamese friends but it is quite ... Read More
Vietnamese wife? by bta87
I realize this is a very subjective question, but are what are the experiences of the men on here that are married to VN brides? Question #2) What should I look out for. I've heard some real horor stories. Mind you I'm 63, have money and girls are ...
I'm not saying we are all viewed in that way, just introducing the comparitive between those who view us as them against those who don't. Read More
Vietnamese wife? by bta87
I realize this is a very subjective question, but are what are the experiences of the men on here that are married to VN brides? Question #2) What should I look out for. I've heard some real horor stories. Mind you I'm 63, have money and girls are ...
Reflecting on my previous post I didn't word it correctly (blame it on the lack of sleep recently) What I'm trying to say is Vietnamese women who look at foreigners as ATM's vs the Vietnamese women who look at foreigners as genuine soul ... Read More
Vietnamese wife? by bta87
I realize this is a very subjective question, but are what are the experiences of the men on here that are married to VN brides? Question #2) What should I look out for. I've heard some real horor stories. Mind you I'm 63, have money and girls are ...
What I am most interested in reading is the percentage of traditional women against the women with more of a western influence. My girlfriend has traditions but in no way like some mentioned above. Now I don't feel this relationsghip could of ... Read More
Vietnamese wife? by bta87
I realize this is a very subjective question, but are what are the experiences of the men on here that are married to VN brides? Question #2) What should I look out for. I've heard some real horor stories. Mind you I'm 63, have money and girls are ...
I've been with my Vietnamese girlfriend for a year now. I know my situation is slightly different as we are both the same age but thought I would still share our routine with finances. Originally before things were too serious between us I would ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Being perfectly honest no I haven't. I know there are open universities but from what I understand the costs would not really change. I'm hoping to head back to the UK for a few weeks in May. If I do I'll certainly try and speak to someone about ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Whilst I appreciate your advice about women Wild, my original post here was for advice about permits ;) I know what I have, my head is screwed on straight and I have never been happier than when I'm with her. :) Read More
Bad experience and so angry !!!! by nguyen.tien
Not all is bad and not all is good. I had very bad experience about expat yesterday. I have been working and also have alot of friends are expats. I am always respect their culture, life style and private life. But I never see anyone in my life ...
+1 for the above. In my 16 months in Vietnam I have met a lot of expats who do embarass me when I see them behaving in front of Vietnamese people. Just remember that the percentage of those nasty, ignorant, highly opinionated westerners will be ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
You're not implying that women use men for material things or to get a passport of a different color, are you Howie? Let the kid be in love man...I thought I had the world by the b^lls too when I was 21! :D:D:DA kid am I? haha. Age is just a ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
You are WRONG, young man. If you are legally married to a Vietnamese woman, you can get a Temporary Resident Card for a few years (3 years max, I believe). When it expires, you just go renew it. After 5 years (I think), you can get Vietnamese ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Thank you for your reply, Yes it is a Post Graduate certificate, nowhere does it mention that it is a degree. I don't want to study, I feel I have plenty of work experience and know how but if I don't my work circumstances will change. I guess ... Read More
Playing brass music? by geoff3456
Does anyone here play and own (or know of someone who does) a brass instrument such as a trumpet, a horn, or a trombone? I play tuba and I was hoping to read through some quintet music while I'm living in HCMC. I realize it may be a bit of an ...
Hi Geoff, I've been in Ho Chi Minh city for 16 months and only saw my first Trumpet yesterday! I played in brass bands in England for 10 years with my family but obviously sacrificed that when I came to Vietnam(I probably needed a bit of a break ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Hi Deeandfleur, Completely understand your presumption, but I do hold pretty valuable experience for my young age (I hope..) I was a sales and service trainer and Commercial Aviation Executive for just shy of 4 years. Experience I doubt many have ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Hi! I have explored that option and apparently marriage means nothing. (Someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!) I have considered business but I have no real experience. There are definitely things I could bring to the table but would be lacking ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Trust me Howie I'm not doing this because I want to.. I've been working for a well known English language centre for the past year and will lose my job in a few months because the government are cracking down on work permits. My boss doesn't want ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Well I can update you all on my situation today. My boss managed to find out for me and said yes, I can legally gain a work permit with a PG and business experience alone. Now I have two options. Option 1. Study a BA at a Vietnamese University ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
I'm sorry if I'm being thick here but I don't get your point. It is a legitimate University and a legitimate course. There is nothing wrong or illegal about this. If they question the legitimacy of it, they would merely have to do a bit of ground ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees by Bonesy
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ...
Howie, I am not looking for 'short cuts'. I am looking for the best path for me. This is a reputable University who have reviewed my situation and suggested what move would be best. They could of suggested I complete a BA, but they didn't. I am ... Read More
Work Permit - Question about degrees
Hello, I'm looking to study whilst teaching in HCM as I would like to be able to legally work full time in Vietnam (I see myself living here for a long time!) I have found a university in Australia who can offer me a 2 year, part time, distance ... 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?
Good to know Bud. Do you have a family? 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?
Just about to head off to work but saw this and thought I would give my input. In my opinion, It's up to the foreigner to be completely honest with himself/herself as it is only he/she who really knows if the relationship is serious or not. Like ... Read More
Racism? - Hugely Disappointed by Bonesy
I've been in Ho Chi Minh for over a week now and I am getting used to the glares you naturally get when walking in areas that are not exactly populated by expats or tourists. Today however, I came across what I can only point at as Racism (please ...
Haha sorry I haven't shown my face much, I'm going to make a bigger effort now! Sound advice Teacher Mark, forgive and forget ey! Read More
Best Way to Learn Vietnamese? by cdogstu99
I live in the states so not an expat, but I'm really interested in learning Vietnamese. My wife is Vietnamese and many of her family members speak only Vietnamese, and so I would love to communicate with them. They are from South Vietnam. I have ...
Hello! I've been learning Vietnamese for the past 5-6 months and have had experience with Rosetta Stone when I was learning Spanish in College. Your question is a tricky one. The biggest challenge for foreigners learning Vietnamese is ... Read More
Racism? - Hugely Disappointed by Bonesy
I've been in Ho Chi Minh for over a week now and I am getting used to the glares you naturally get when walking in areas that are not exactly populated by expats or tourists. Today however, I came across what I can only point at as Racism (please ...
lol, whilst I can appreciate and agree with this it wasn't just a look. This was flat out refusal to even let me in his shop! I have now been in Vietnam for over a year and can say this has been an isolated incident. I love the country and the ... Read More
Racism? - Hugely Disappointed by Bonesy
I've been in Ho Chi Minh for over a week now and I am getting used to the glares you naturally get when walking in areas that are not exactly populated by expats or tourists. Today however, I came across what I can only point at as Racism (please ...
Guessing you have lived in Vietnam for some time I'm very surprised you haven't been into a local shop and been asked to take off your shoes. It's not a question of it being a religious place. A lot of families operate business from their home, and ... Read More
Taking my Vietnamese girlfriend to the UK
Hi Everyone, I was hoping I could try and catch someone on here who has experience in the above. On March the 5th I have a flight booked to Hanoi with my girlfriend for an interview she needs to have with the embassy for a proposed visit to the UK ... Read More
Teaching in Ho Chi Minh, with a CELTA, but no degree by Olin
Hello, I'm Oli 32, from London. I have recently passed my CELTA, and I really want to teach in Ho Chi Minh, for about a year. I love Vietnamese culture and the food! My one problem is that I don't have a degree...yet! Is it possible to find ...
I'm going to add my story which might be helpful to some. I came to HCM without a full degree and a TESOL. With hard work and a bit of luck I am now 8 months into my stay and have secured a 20 hour part time contract at a highly credited ... Read More
ANY EUROPEAN MUSICIANS in SAIGON? by meaniejoanie
Hi there! If there are any European/Western nationalities here in Saigon who are inclined to play music at my cafe please let me know. I have a Belgian friend who plays Sitar and he is playing with 2 other Australians every month. This is not a ...
Hi Joanie, I have sent you a PM :) Michael Read More
Obtaining a Vietnamese driving license by Bonesy
Hello! Long time no post! I have been quite busy completing my TESOL course and getting settled in. I have been riding an old 50cc Kawasaki for the last month and absolutely hate the thing. It's unreliable, the breaks are shocking and the bike ...
Firstly, my employers did not 'drag' me half way across the world. I came by my own free will to explore new cultures and experiences. Secondly, I asked them for advice about getting a driving license and they offered to help. I think your ... Read More
Obtaining a Vietnamese driving license by Bonesy
Hello! Long time no post! I have been quite busy completing my TESOL course and getting settled in. I have been riding an old 50cc Kawasaki for the last month and absolutely hate the thing. It's unreliable, the breaks are shocking and the bike ...
I'd be interested to know what other 'mistakes' you think I have made Howie. Your second answer doesn't make sense. I haven't paid 5 million dong so I haven't made an error. I did the right think and asked for advice. Thanks for the useful ... Read More
Obtaining a Vietnamese driving license by Bonesy
Hello! Long time no post! I have been quite busy completing my TESOL course and getting settled in. I have been riding an old 50cc Kawasaki for the last month and absolutely hate the thing. It's unreliable, the breaks are shocking and the bike ...
Bonesy, Why is it always you?What is that supposed to mean?! :p Man, go read that other post. As for the 5 million, take the time and go do it yourself. It shouldn't cost you more than 500 thousand VNDs, and that includes your margin for errors ... Read More
Pakhar storm yesterday by Anatta
I am sure you experienced the storm yesterday. It was an unusual storm in two aspects: it happened early (first time in 30 years a storm lands in Vietnam in beginning of March) AND it landed in South Vietnam (had not happened for a long time). The ...
Yeah it was scary stuff last night! I was travelling from Go Vap to District 1 for a gig and saw so many upended trees and debris. The roof of the school I teach at also caved in.. pretty bad. I hope no one was hurt in it all! Read More
Obtaining a Vietnamese driving license by Bonesy
Hello! Long time no post! I have been quite busy completing my TESOL course and getting settled in. I have been riding an old 50cc Kawasaki for the last month and absolutely hate the thing. It's unreliable, the breaks are shocking and the bike ...
I have just realised there is a recent similar post from another user. If people still want to give opinions on if 5 million is worth it please let me know. (ps I forgot to mention, it is genuine and I will still take the practical test) Read More
Obtaining a Vietnamese driving license
Hello! Long time no post! I have been quite busy completing my TESOL course and getting settled in. I have been riding an old 50cc Kawasaki for the last month and absolutely hate the thing. It's unreliable, the breaks are shocking and the bike ... Read More
Nha Trang - Teaching English
Hello all, I hope everyone had a fantastic TET experience like I have here in Nha Trang. I have been here for a week and I must be honest prefer the lifestyle to Saigon. I love the sea breeze, the quieter traffic and of course the beautiful ... Read More
Watch What You Eat & Your Pockets by Wild_1
Hi Gang, Chuc Mung Nam Moi to all. On the 1st day of the new year, by tradition, I was going to stay at home. But, one of my local friends had issues with her husband and dragged me out to one of a few restaurants that were opened in Can Tho ...
Wow it's nice to know that there is a police force in Vietnam! I still haven't seen a Policeman/Policewoman! Thanks for the advice Howie, I spent my TET celebration on a sleeper bus and wasn't gassed like some of the stories I've read in books so ... Read More
Teaching in Vn, what are the classes like? by klavsy
Hi all, just wondering, ill be heading to HCMC soon looking for employment as an english teacher, can anyone give me an idea of class sizes, appropriate material, what things students enjoy/and not so much. Anyone who may have taught or is ...
13ully think your last post should of been directed towards Jaitch ;) Read More
Teaching in Vn, what are the classes like? by klavsy
Hi all, just wondering, ill be heading to HCMC soon looking for employment as an english teacher, can anyone give me an idea of class sizes, appropriate material, what things students enjoy/and not so much. Anyone who may have taught or is ...
Wideawake, Can I ask for your opinion on something please? I hear CELTA being mentioned a lot for the preferred qualification. I am doing a combination of both TESOL and TEFL receiving both certificates at the end of the course - See below ... Read More
Your top 3 Tips for a newbie coming to HCMC for the first time! by Silverfox88
Everybody has an opinion and I'm sure everyone can offer their 3 top tips for travelling to HCMC. It could be anything from money tips to bringing plenty of Imodium. If you don't have any tips then maybe your top 3 places to eat, drink or shop ...
Hi bonsey. Thanks for the heads up. I usually dress quite well at home in the uk. But will try to shorts tshirt and sandles it all the way in hcmc to try to blend in. Crocs are a personal fav of mine for comfort an now i can wear them without ... Read More
Your top 3 Tips for a newbie coming to HCMC for the first time! by Silverfox88
Everybody has an opinion and I'm sure everyone can offer their 3 top tips for travelling to HCMC. It could be anything from money tips to bringing plenty of Imodium. If you don't have any tips then maybe your top 3 places to eat, drink or shop ...
Hi Silverfox, I have been in Ho Chi Minh for 2 weeks now and can think of a few things I wish I would of done differently. 1) Unless you're really into fashion and owning a big wardrobe, pack as lightly as possible. I can count many items of ... Read More
Racism? - Hugely Disappointed by Bonesy
I've been in Ho Chi Minh for over a week now and I am getting used to the glares you naturally get when walking in areas that are not exactly populated by expats or tourists. Today however, I came across what I can only point at as Racism (please ...
Maybe being English our view on racism is slightly different. But I can tell you in the UK if a Negro/Asian tried to walk into a guitar shop in England and was denied entering because he didn't like the person It would be put down to ... Read More
Racism? - Hugely Disappointed
I've been in Ho Chi Minh for over a week now and I am getting used to the glares you naturally get when walking in areas that are not exactly populated by expats or tourists. Today however, I came across what I can only point at as Racism (please ... Read More
Facebook out again? by Hisdudeness
Facebook has not been working again for me over the last few days even with the DNS settings updated. Has anyone had any trouble with it or could you share what DNS you're using?
For me I'm still able to access FB ok, albeit a little slower than usual but I still gain access ok :)Way to rub it in ;) Read More
Facebook out again? by Hisdudeness
Facebook has not been working again for me over the last few days even with the DNS settings updated. Has anyone had any trouble with it or could you share what DNS you're using?
FB, to me, is lik those American TV programs where sparring partners go on ir and reveal all about their nothing lives. Not so long ago people preferred to deal with problems in private. FB is a great source of help to police, private detectives ... Read More
Tet by remawe
Another newbie who is dumb and hasn't booked Tet yet. I've been so busy with settling in, that I haven't done any planning. I understand the city will be cool, but considering work never gives off this much time, I need to take advantage and get out ...
Does Cambodia celebrate TET? It depends what you're looking for really. If it's country side then I guess Nha Trang wouldn't be the best option. You may not be able to be too picky now if you're trying to stick with a budget, get yourself on ... Read More
Facebook out again? by Hisdudeness
Facebook has not been working again for me over the last few days even with the DNS settings updated. Has anyone had any trouble with it or could you share what DNS you're using?
I wouldn't use Hotspot either.. It plasters your screen with adverts (some very in-appropriate), slows down and periodically cuts your connection to the internet. Hopefully it will get better over the next few days, I would try to be patient and ... Read More
Facebook out again? by Hisdudeness
Facebook has not been working again for me over the last few days even with the DNS settings updated. Has anyone had any trouble with it or could you share what DNS you're using?
I can get on facebook at my work but not at home, I was using google DNS but it's not working at all and I know my friends have the same problem!Google DNS would of stopped working from April 2011 when the government found a fix to disable the ... Read More
TET - Help! by Bonesy
Hello! I am currently in transit on my way to Ho Chi Minh to start a TEFL/TESOL course in the middle of February and have free time leading up to it. Me being the stereotypical ignorant English citizen I've completely forgotten about TET and ...
Hi everyone, Thank you very much for your advice - your answers have given me much more knowledge on it than any of the researching I attempted to do! Maybe jumping the gun a bit to soon, I booked a hotel in Nha Trang 2 days ago. As if by fate I ... Read More
are you having internet problems? by maximus0760
Hello, I am experiencing internet connection problems, which have been going on for almost a week. Several websites are unavailable, and I cannot open my email on hotmail.com Is anybody experiencing the same? Thanks in advance for any reply.
For all Ex-Pat facebookers considering using Free proxy servers such as 'Ultrasurf' don't. 99% of the programs contain hidden malware that standard Anti Virus and Firewall software cannot detect. Check out this link for more ... Read More
Facebook out again? by Hisdudeness
Facebook has not been working again for me over the last few days even with the DNS settings updated. Has anyone had any trouble with it or could you share what DNS you're using?
For all Ex-Pat facebookers considering using Free proxy servers such as 'Ultrasurf' don't. 99% of the programs contain hidden malware that standard Anti Virus and Firewall software cannot detect. Check out this link for more ... Read More
TET - Help!
Hello! I am currently in transit on my way to Ho Chi Minh to start a TEFL/TESOL course in the middle of February and have free time leading up to it. Me being the stereotypical ignorant English citizen I've completely forgotten about TET and ... Read More
Australian looking to make friends in Saigon :) by klavsy
Hi all Im Adam i will be living and teaching in Saigon soon im trying to get a place in District 1. If others are living here or close and would like to take some time to show me something Vietnamese i would love to hear from you. :):):lol:
Hi Adam, When do you move to Saigon? I fly on the 6th of Jan and will also be teaching. I've visited for a week so if you want any info/advice let me know! MichaelHi michael, i should be flying into HCMC early march to teach, still tying up a few ... Read More
Australian looking to make friends in Saigon :) by klavsy
Hi all Im Adam i will be living and teaching in Saigon soon im trying to get a place in District 1. If others are living here or close and would like to take some time to show me something Vietnamese i would love to hear from you. :):):lol:
Hi Adam, When do you move to Saigon? I fly on the 6th of Jan and will also be teaching. I've visited for a week so if you want any info/advice let me know! Michael Read More
Pre Arranging a Airport Taxi pick up - Ho Chi Minh Airport by Bonesy
Hello! My move to Ho Chi Minh City is only a few weeks away and I now want to look at pre-arranging a taxi pick up for my arrival to avoid paying high costs. Can anyone advise me the best way of going about this? Is there a company I can ...
Hi Howie, Yep that's me! From my week in Saigon in September my receptionst was great so I can totally relate to your post. However I'm staying with a friend for a few days at the start of the trip so I won't have that luxury! :( Ok great I'll ... Read More
Pre Arranging a Airport Taxi pick up - Ho Chi Minh Airport
Hello! My move to Ho Chi Minh City is only a few weeks away and I now want to look at pre-arranging a taxi pick up for my arrival to avoid paying high costs. Can anyone advise me the best way of going about this? Is there a company I can ... Read More
Motorcycle license in VN by NashCat
I have a motorcycle license in Canada, is it valid in Vietnam too or do I need an international license to drive a motor bike? Thinking of a bike trip in Vietnam this winter ....
You have certainly sent chills down my back Jacko! Read More
The Ho Chi Minh Trail - Advice by Bonesy
Hello, I was wondering if I could get any tips/advice on completing the Ho Chi Minh trail from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh I fly to Ho Chi Minh on the 6th of January, drop my main luggage off and then plan to take an internal flight to Hanoi and work my ...
Thanks so much for the advice Wild, MrOcean and Budman. I completely forgot about the Lunar New Year so I'll have to re-think my strategy. I can definitely see the sense in delaying the trip for a while, plus If I can meet someone there who wants ... Read More
The Ho Chi Minh Trail - Advice
Hello, I was wondering if I could get any tips/advice on completing the Ho Chi Minh trail from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh I fly to Ho Chi Minh on the 6th of January, drop my main luggage off and then plan to take an internal flight to Hanoi and work my ... Read More
Contact Lenses
Calling all Ex-Pats! If you wear contact lenses, do you get them delivered from your home country or can you get them easily in Vietnam? When I spent a week in Ho Chi Minh I didn't see any Opticians. Thanks, Michael Read More
Advice on job search by Bonesy
Hello! I move to Ho Chi Minh on the 6th of January and start a TESOL course at the beginning of February. I have a room arranged for the duration of the course and plan during this time to look for a job and room for when I complete the course. ...
Hi Laidback, Thank you very much for the advice. Yeah sorry for not being more specific, by schools I do mean language centers. That's good news, I'll make sure I update it before I go! I'm not too sure really, If I do just look for a room I ... Read More
Advice on job search
Hello! I move to Ho Chi Minh on the 6th of January and start a TESOL course at the beginning of February. I have a room arranged for the duration of the course and plan during this time to look for a job and room for when I complete the course. ... Read More
20/M/UK - TESOL Teacher moving to Ho Chi Minh
Hello! I have been reading this forum for quite some time now getting tips and advice from Ex-Pats and thought I should introduce myself now I have taken the plunge and booked myself a one way flight to Ho Chi Minh on the 6th of January! My name ... Read More