James Liu
Taiwanese expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
43
About me
Taiwanese
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
Speaks English, Mandarin.
Registration: 24 April 2023
Cheap and Reliable Wrist Watch by Klmeermpt666
Have bought several digital watches cheap in market however the quality is not good and after a couple of months the are caput. So can anyone recommend a decent reliable watch maybe on lazada ?thanks
I once saw a business acquaintance in Saigon. After a few drinks and feeling less inhibited, I asked him what caused the huge scar on his wrist. He said that scar was where his Rolex used to be. Read More
Club Life? by Papawads
We'll be returning for 6-8 weeks in Vietnam, looking for possible (young) retirement locations. There is fantastic information on this forum! Cannot thank you all enough xxOur specific wish is what we call 'club life'. We're both super-keen on ...
As Groucho once said: I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. Your best best is to stay at a serviced apartment with a pool and gym. Read More
Bank Transfer Scrutiny by mitsmaak
I want to transfer around $20k to my wife's Timo(viet capital) or VIB account anyone have recent experience with this? Mostly I am wandering what happens on the vietnam bank end. Is there going to be any issues or problems, explanations of the money ...
@SteinNebraskaDid you transfer USD directly to a foreign currency account at a Vietnamese bank? If yes, it is possible to withdraw USD in cash from that foreign currency account at that Vietnamese bank? Read More
Process of buying home or condo in Vietnam (Saigon) by jrharvey
I realize there are probably not a lot of experts on this subject but hoping someone out there may know a few things. Not seeing much in the search or past discussions. So the story is that me and my wife are looking to buy a house or condo. I do ...
@Kingsley Dedunewic *** Read More
New Foreign English Teachers Requirements Decision 4159/QD-BGDDT by Aidan in HCMC
Aspiring English teachers to Vietnam, take note.As of Dec6th/2023, new regulations regarding foreigner's eligibility to teach English in Vietnam.Applies to native speakers (English language) with a college degree or higher, foreigners with a college ...
"...the ministry's program targets individuals with English language proficiency but lacking suitable pedagogical skills."Therefore, foreigners who meet the language proficiency requirements and have recognized English teaching certificates are not ... Read More
Anyone living at the Nassim in Thao Dien?
My landlord is selling my rental apartment. I'm thinking of moving to Thao Dien in Q2. Long commute but I really like that area. I've looked at Nassim Thao Dien. Anyone living there or lived there or visited the apartment? What do you think of that ... Read More
HSBC ATM Conversion Bait by James Liu
Just a warning here about HSBC. I normally withdraw 10 million each time and with the demise of Citibank I regularly withdraw from HSBC ATMs. HSBC gives two conversion rates amount to choose from. They use their VND to USD own rate and it shows the ...
@secedit I'm an American so I am used to being screwed by corporations. America is the land of cheap luxuries and expensive necessities. In Vietnam, I take comfort of being screwed on a daily basis with regard to race and nationality. Read More
HSBC ATM Conversion Bait
Just a warning here about HSBC. I normally withdraw 10 million each time and with the demise of Citibank I regularly withdraw from HSBC ATMs. HSBC gives two conversion rates amount to choose from. They use their VND to USD own rate and it shows the ... Read More
Buying Condo: Finance Options
Happy New Year everyone. I'm currently renting a condo in Binh Thanh District. The owner is willing to sell it to me. I think the price is very reasonable. It's a SPA (sales and purchase) only unit. No pink book. A bit risky but a lot of good condos ... Read More
Searching for a Quiet Safe Uncrowded Bike Route Around Saigon
Has anyone found a paved bike path around Saigon? Could be within 1 hour or 90 mins by car from D1. I'm looking to ride for a few hours but prefer paved paths and no off road gravel. Looking for suggestions for a Christmas holiday ride with friends. ... Read More
Writing a will in Vietnam by Vagues
As a TRC holder, who do I need to see to write my will? A lawyer or a notary?
I am not giving legal advice but jurisdiction matters most. When you prepare a will, the first question to ask is can your executor enforce the will if your spouse lives in Vietnam and does not have permanent residency or citizenship in the country ... Read More
Bringing pit bull to Vietnam by Sararella
Hi there I鈥檓 looking for information on whether it is possible to bring my pit bull from Bali to Vietnam. Has anyone brought this breed in before without any hassle ? I haven鈥檛 read anywhere that Vietnam has breed restrictions like most ...
This is a dated reply but I absolutely advise against bring a dog to Vietnam. I have friends who brought their pets to Saigon and considered bringing my dog from Taiwan here. The shittiest place to keep a dog. Lack of walkable space. Dog theft for ... Read More
LETS HAVE A LAUGH BUT NO FILTH by goodolboy
windscreen wipers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=020InK5E99A
@Aidan in HCMCAlso Members Only jackets. Read More
LETS HAVE A LAUGH BUT NO FILTH by goodolboy
windscreen wipers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=020InK5E99A
Was cool when I was young: Waist pouch for men.Useful as anti-pickpocket bag for Ben Thanh Market on a crowded day: Waist pouch for men.Was cool when I was young: Barry Manilow. Still annoyingly cool in Vietnam: Barry Manilow. Never cool when I was ... Read More
Banks with the largest ATM Withdrawal Limits by GuestPoster2469
Can somebody please tell me which banks offer the highest ATM withdrawal amount (so I can cut down on fees)? My understanding is that the fees I will be charged if I take money out from an overseas debit card are the local bank's ATM fee, a margin ...
With my Fidelity or Schwab ATM cards, I always avoid Vietnamese bank ATMs. Limit too low. My guess is that they want you to withdraw as often as possible to eat the fee. Also, I'm not sure what their exchange rates are. Hanoi, or Saigon I always go ... Read More
Another Halong Bay Cruise..Yawn
I love Ha Long Bay, but I have been there too many times. Every time relatives or friends come from abroad, we do the obligatory tour of Hanoi and day cruise in Ha Long Bay. In December, two really close buddies are coming to Vietnam and I'm taking ... Read More
Which Post-Paid Cellular Data Plan Do You Use?
Any post paid cell plan user? How much does a plan does it cost you and is roaming outside of Vietnam reliable for text messages for banking APP authentication? Thank you in advance. Read More
Hernia surgery by garp09
Any suggestions for a good hospital in HCMC to go to for inguinal hernia surgery?
I would consult a doctor but I think FV Hospital is expensive for the services that you get. I had a minor procedure done there. It was covered by my expat insurance and they asked me to stay for two nights. When I got back to Taipei for a follow ... 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 ...
I understand why the extra scrutiny for workers from Pakistan: Link to this news item from 2020:https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20200628/vietnam-suspends-27-pakistani-pilots-on-suspicion-of-fake-license-use/55302.html Read More
Reclaiming property after 40years by Aranneera
I am Mohamed Sadiq from India. Posting this query here requesting anyone who is having knowledge on this matter will be able to give me suggestions, Godwilling.Straight to the point - My grandfather had properties in Ho Chi Minh City. During the ...
@Lennerd I love visiting this site. Full of nice and helpful people who like to help each other out. So unlike the toxicity of reddit/vietnam Read More
Applying Visa with New System Online Payment Issue by James Liu
I tried applying for a relative. Here's my experience. New link very easy to navigate (though a bit slow): https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277It does allow multiple entry for $50. The problem is that visa usage ...
@quik1 You don't go into the application folder to view details. On the first page, when it pulls up your record there should be a payment button. Just scroll down and it will show payment option. I have already done it so cannot capture the screen ... Read More
Applying Visa with New System Online Payment Issue by James Liu
I tried applying for a relative. Here's my experience. New link very easy to navigate (though a bit slow): https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277It does allow multiple entry for $50. The problem is that visa usage ...
Payment is ok now. You need to enter the query page and retrieve your file. Used Google Chrome browser. Only in Vietnamese no English. I tried several cards, but Vietcombank only accepts Mastercard. Payment successful. Application completed. Now ... Read More
Applying Visa with New System Online Payment Issue
I tried applying for a relative. Here's my experience. New link very easy to navigate (though a bit slow): https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277It does allow multiple entry for $50. The problem is that visa usage ... Read More
Reclaiming property after 40years by Aranneera
I am Mohamed Sadiq from India. Posting this query here requesting anyone who is having knowledge on this matter will be able to give me suggestions, Godwilling.Straight to the point - My grandfather had properties in Ho Chi Minh City. During the ...
@OceanBeach92107 Hyman Roth already took care of that thanks to Fredo. Read More
Reclaiming property after 40years by Aranneera
I am Mohamed Sadiq from India. Posting this query here requesting anyone who is having knowledge on this matter will be able to give me suggestions, Godwilling.Straight to the point - My grandfather had properties in Ho Chi Minh City. During the ...
@Aranneera I have a Viet Kieu friend who are in the same situation. He gave up after trying to reclaim his father's property that was owned before 1975. They gave up after countless trips back from the US to bribe the right people. He told me that ... Read More
Schwab Accounts in Vietnam by GuestPoster954309
I just opened a Schwab Investment/Saving/Checking account in preparation to relocate - for good - to Vietnam. During a search of the forum, I noticed the threads are pretty old, anyone have incite on if Schwab is a dependable brokerage to use in ...
I use Mint only to get text messages for authentication for banking and brokerage accounts when I am in Taiwan and Vietnam. It's cheaper than a monthly T Mobile, Verizon, or ATT plan. Mint is prepaid and you can add money to International roaming ... Read More
Looking for a Westerner in HCMC for our event by Teck Ng
I am Teck Yeong from Malaysia. We have just started our business (education training centre) in HCMC. We are looking for a Westerner as a VIP guest to grace our opening ceremony on 9th Aug, Wed, 10am. We will pay cash after the ceremony. You may ...
You mean a token white Caucasian? I hope your "education training centre" hires qualified educators rather than resorting to white tokenism to get naive customers through the door.My friend Sir Les Patterson would be happy to grace your opening ... Read More
Latest news on visas by GuestPoster327
TourismNewsWednesday, March 15, 2023, 14:20 (GMT+7)Prime Minister: Will increase the number of visa-free countries, extend the duration of stayPrime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested to amend and complete the policy on immigration procedures for ...
@Aidan in HCMC Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a 90 day visa? Why grant entry usage validity as 90 days but only allow the visitor to stay for 30 days or 45 days. It doesn't make sense. Only 13 more days before implementation and they are ... Read More
Bamboo Airways to Frankfurt
Has anyone taken this flight recently? What's your experience? Family and I are taking a trip for a holiday and Bamboo seems to offer the cheapeast fare. Not sure how reliable they are with delays? With company on the verge of bankruptcy I'm waiting ... Read More
Bank transfer dispute by jrharvey
Long story short. Did a bank transfer and apartment manager is breaking his written agreement on the deposit. Any generic advice on what can be done realistically? Police? Dispute with the bank? Spam the review section? Throw rocks through the ...
My advice is to get on a Facebook page and shame him. Going to cops or talking to the bank would be a waste of time. If it's a high-end condo project: Sunwah, City Garden etc.., even easier. Every building has its own dedicated FB page: for rental ... Read More
Moving to Vietnam temporarily by Eile
Hi all expatriates My name is Eileen and I have taught ESL in the North of Vietnam and it was a wonderful experience one that is edged in my memory for ever. I have booked accommodation and n Da Nang resort for one month and will see how things go ...
Da Nang is great, but avoid the horrible rainy season. Read More
i am opening a new three wheel bike businesses in vn by nickuscdds1
i am an expat from usa and love to live in vn. i am opening a three wheel bike business in saigon. since vn has alot of accidents, i think we need three wheeled bike to prevent falling off bike and hit the head. what u think, please give me some ...
I don't know much about how commercially viable this is but I think it's a great idea. There's a huge population of people in their 60s and 70s who suffer from polio and need to get around. Three wheelers are common in Taipei but as these people get ... Read More
LETS HAVE A LAUGH BUT NO FILTH by goodolboy
windscreen wipers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=020InK5E99A
Capitalism is when man exploits man. Communism is the other way around. Read More
Latest news on visas by GuestPoster327
TourismNewsWednesday, March 15, 2023, 14:20 (GMT+7)Prime Minister: Will increase the number of visa-free countries, extend the duration of stayPrime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested to amend and complete the policy on immigration procedures for ...
Let's not kid ourselves here. Vietnam's three main international airports cannot handle a huge uptick of arrivals. Those of us who have waited in line at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat know this. No electronic gates and immigration is still using the ... Read More
Latest news on visas by GuestPoster327
TourismNewsWednesday, March 15, 2023, 14:20 (GMT+7)Prime Minister: Will increase the number of visa-free countries, extend the duration of stayPrime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested to amend and complete the policy on immigration procedures for ...
@THIGV ** Read More
tablo茂ds , scandal paper by fuselimo1
Is there any tablo茂ds in vietnam like scandal, sensation-mongering press , yellow press as we have in western countries such as UK , or france or...... ?Seems so peaceful here , i am wondering jow it is here about this kind of things .
Plenty I think on FB and other discussion websites inside Vietnam. Car crashes, celeb gossips serve as an outlet for people to avoid talking about important issues like politics and governance. That's why they are allowed. Sort of a media bread and ... Read More
Staying Cool During High Humidity & Heat In Vietnam by OceanBeach92107
Stay Cool and Lower Electric Bills: It's currently 34掳c outside in H峄檌 An but "feels like" 43掳c. In our house, using only the dehumidifier setting on our air conditioner unit, the temperature inside (with doors/windows closed) is ...
Sound advice. Keeping humidity low inside the house has a lot of health benefits. Keeps away mold and strange smells. I have mine constantly turn on in the winter and summer in Taipei. When I move to Saigon I will buy a few dehumidifiers to keep ... Read More
Anyone living in Sunwah Pearl or City Gardens? by James Liu
Hello Friends: I'm relocating to Saigon for a job in two months. My job is in District 1 so I am hoping to live somewhere with a short commute with a short Grab ride and occasionally would like to walk or bike to my office. Based on my budget, an ...
@Aidan in HCMC I work for a Taiwanese company. They appointed agent cannot tell me the price they just tell me whether the unit I picked meets the company budget or not. Asian patriarchalism I guess. There was an executive who married a local and ... Read More
Anyone living in Sunwah Pearl or City Gardens? by James Liu
Hello Friends: I'm relocating to Saigon for a job in two months. My job is in District 1 so I am hoping to live somewhere with a short commute with a short Grab ride and occasionally would like to walk or bike to my office. Based on my budget, an ...
@Aidan in HCMC Hi Aidan. I've looked around at a few projects during my previous trips. The Hongkong Land the Marq in D1 was my top choice, but the space was rather small. I wanted a huge two bedroom or three small bedrooms, with the extra bedroom ... Read More
Anyone living in Sunwah Pearl or City Gardens? by James Liu
Hello Friends: I'm relocating to Saigon for a job in two months. My job is in District 1 so I am hoping to live somewhere with a short commute with a short Grab ride and occasionally would like to walk or bike to my office. Based on my budget, an ...
@OceanBeach92107 Thank you very much. Read More
Anyone living in Sunwah Pearl or City Gardens?
Hello Friends: I'm relocating to Saigon for a job in two months. My job is in District 1 so I am hoping to live somewhere with a short commute with a short Grab ride and occasionally would like to walk or bike to my office. Based on my budget, an ... Read More