Roger
@rogergarinmichaud
French and Australian looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
63
Contacts
2
About me
French and Australian
Speaks French, English, beginning to learn Greek
Registration: 04 July 2024
Cost of living in Vietnam in 2026 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in Vietnam, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Vietnam or already living ...
@OceanBeach92107 Thanks a lot. Your comments are always to the point and very informative. Hopefully other members will give their comments about HCMC / Vung Tau / Phu Quoc and Hue / Hoi An.We left Vung Tau 5 months ago but hope to come back soon ... Read More
Moving next Spring to Vietnam by callaway4000
Hi, I am the new kid on the block here. I am a Canadian and I have been to Thailand twice each for a 3 week vacation. Moving to Vietnam or East Asia in General is new. Never been to Vietnam yet. My questions are the situation with my banking. I'm ...
Hi, I am the new kid on the block here. I am a Canadian and I have been to Thailand twice each for a 3 week vacation. Moving to Vietnam or East Asia in General is new. Never been to Vietnam yet. My questions are the situation with my banking. I'm ... Read More
Bangkok hotel price increase 70% in 3 years by rogergarinmichaud
In the last few months I saw many reports on the Pattaya mail about the huge increase in cost of living in Thailand that is driving expats away from Thailand mostly towards Vietnam.So today I checked the price I paid on 20 August 2022 for a room at ...
@John Rebell Thanks for the insightful comment !It is really surprising to me that a lot of people are unhappy about the administration in VN but keep returning there year in and out... there still must be something that make them come back... Read More
Bangkok hotel price increase 70% in 3 years
In the last few months I saw many reports on the Pattaya mail about the huge increase in cost of living in Thailand that is driving expats away from Thailand mostly towards Vietnam.So today I checked the price I paid on 20 August 2022 for a room at ... Read More
Thailand TDAC form might cost 300 baht by end of 2025 by brerono345
by the way I'm not sure if this is certain or not, the only news article I could find was from The Laotian Times which is strange but they are quoting Thai officials that said TDAC is only free for temporary.later in 2025 high season (November? what ...
by the way I'm not sure if this is certain or not, the only news article I could find was from The Laotian Times which is strange but they are quoting Thai officials that said TDAC is only free for temporary.later in 2025 high season (November? what ... Read More
Short term rentals of an apartment or house in Greece by rogergarinmichaud
Hello fellow expats and travellers !I was wondering what would be the best realestate company for a short term (6 months per year) in mainland Greece ?I do have the Spitogatos app on my phone but they offer mostly long term rentals (at least a full ...
@speakerchalets98 Thanks a lot Read More
Short term rentals of an apartment or house in Greece by rogergarinmichaud
Hello fellow expats and travellers !I was wondering what would be the best realestate company for a short term (6 months per year) in mainland Greece ?I do have the Spitogatos app on my phone but they offer mostly long term rentals (at least a full ...
look on utube - @concertina Thanks ! Will check it out Read More
What is Momo in Vietnam? by rogergarinmichaud
Hi guys ! Just received a text message from Viettel asking me if I wish to join Momo...In Tibetan the word Momo is a dumpling as in "chogo Momo" which is similar to the "alu samosa" of India = potatoes dumpling.So I am not sure what is this ...
@vutuyen672Thanks a lot for the very detailed explanation.Now when you are talking about link to bank accounts is that limited to bank accounts in Vietnam or is that worldwide ? Read More
Short term rentals of an apartment or house in Greece
Hello fellow expats and travellers !I was wondering what would be the best realestate company for a short term (6 months per year) in mainland Greece ?I do have the Spitogatos app on my phone but they offer mostly long term rentals (at least a full ... Read More
Can British citizens buy a used car in Greece. by naddan2001
I am trying to buy a used car privately in Greece and travel in EU countries.I have an address here, but I am a British Citizen and hear only three month, would I be able to buy it without difficulty?I appreciate any advice.Many thanks
I am trying to buy a used car privately in Greece and travel in EU countries. I have an address here, but I am a British Citizen and hear only three month, would I be able to buy it without difficulty? I appreciate any advice. Many thanks - ... Read More
What is Momo in Vietnam? by rogergarinmichaud
Hi guys ! Just received a text message from Viettel asking me if I wish to join Momo...In Tibetan the word Momo is a dumpling as in "chogo Momo" which is similar to the "alu samosa" of India = potatoes dumpling.So I am not sure what is this ...
@rogergarinmichaud The greatest advantage of using MoMo for payments (as opposed to simply using a banking app) is the special discounts available when paying through MoMo. The discounts vary from one company to another, but some of the best deals ... Read More
Momo anyone ?
Hi guys ! Just received a text message from Viettel asking me if I wish to join Momo...In Tibetan the word Momo is a dumpling as in "chogo Momo" which is similar to the "alu samosa" of India = potatoes dumpling.So I am not sure what is this ... Read More
Old men with young Vietnamese wives/girlfriends by pathixon48
How is it working out?
Looking at this from a slightly different perspective, if one is 70 years old it is very difficult to find a girlfriend of a similar age even if looking for one. - @Malcolmleitrim There are specific dating sites for over 60 if you really do a basic ... Read More
Money exchange at gold shops by tait64
Hello everyone,do anyone know how much dong you can exchange to australian dollars at gold shops in HCMC
Hello everyone,do anyone know how much dong you can exchange to australian dollars at gold shops in HCMC - @tait64 Current mid rate at CBA is VND 16640 per AUD so if you get 16000 go for it Read More
AUSTRALIAN OLD AGE PENSION by michaellieptourists
Is there anyone who is receiving there Australian old age pension in Vn? We would like to live permanently in Vn but can't get a clear statement from Social Security as to whether or how to do this... Can anybody in this situation help...
I went to centre link yesterday to ask about getting the pension in Viet Nam. There is no social agreement between the two countries so how do you get your pension ? - @MarkinNam HI Mark ! Edith and I are both receiving partial old age pension from ... Read More
Newly found tool
Hi guys, I just found an interesting website called asiabriefing that has a few guides and more specifically a doing business in Vietnam 2025 guide that I found both easy to read, short and to the point... they cover also India and ASEAN and do have ... Read More
What about cruises? by Dannyroc3
I have never taken a cruise before (not counting military deployments) but I understand that some of the deals are pretty good.what about in VN, does anyone have any info on the topic. Do people use travel agencies for cruises. The only thing I saw ...
@Dannyroc3 Never been on a cruise yet but explored the possibility of one day embarking for the trip of a lifetime so I selected a couple of companies :- Viking (their motto is: no kids no casino) because they do offer lectures on the visited places ... Read More
Which areas/neighborhoods are pleasant to live in ? by SeanNew
Hi all brothers and sisters:I am a college professor in the USA. Recently married a Vietnamese girl. We plan on settling in VN. Looking to find areas where weather is not too hot, not too cold. Currently, looking into Bao Loc area. Which ...
@Dannyroc3 As an experienced traveler, my advice is that you can find the Vung Tau area, which is close to the sea and close to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to learn more, you can contact me Whatapp *** Totally agree with the Bia ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ?
Hi Roger! Try to use this broker: https://www.autoeurope.com On their Faq they say: "Rental car age restrictions in Greece limit anyone under 21 and, in some cases, over 75 from renting a car." Fill in the search form and uncheck the 25-69 box to ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ?
@rogergarinmichaud Have you tried using booking [dot] com and go to the car rental section? In the search settings, you can tell them your exact age, as well as the usual info for pickup and collection etc. Maybe they will offer you something? - ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ?
@ApprentiExpat Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation.Did try to book a car through Wisecars pick up at Athens international airport but because I am now 76 years old there was just nothing on offer ! So while overseas I use Uber/Grab/Didi and ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ?
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ? Read More
What are Vietnamese workers like as people? by Rudi2255477
Hello,I am planning to open a small factory in the Asian region and would like to learn more about what Vietnamese people are like.How do they generally behave or perform as workers?In comparison to Chinese workers, what are the main differences in ...
Hello, I am planning to open a small factory in the Asian region and would like to learn more about what Vietnamese people are like. How do they generally behave or perform as workers? In comparison to Chinese workers, what are the main differences ... Read More
Which areas/neighborhoods are pleasant to live in ? by SeanNew
Hi all brothers and sisters:I am a college professor in the USA. Recently married a Vietnamese girl. We plan on settling in VN. Looking to find areas where weather is not too hot, not too cold. Currently, looking into Bao Loc area. Which ...
Ninh Thu岷璶 Province, particularly around Phan Rang鈥揟h谩p Ch脿m (about 100 km south of Nha Trang), is often cited as Vietnam鈥檚 driest area. It receives as little as 700鈥�800 mm of rainfall annually, significantly ... Read More
Am I really a bad teacher? Or is something up? by Noelwastaken
Hi everyone, I'm back with more questions about living and working here as an expat.I just got a message from my new boss, telling me I have to observe one of my coworker's classes tonight after I'm done teaching, because one of the schools were not ...
Hi everyone, I'm back with more questions about living and working here as an expat. I just got a message from my new boss, telling me I have to observe one of my coworker's classes tonight after I'm done teaching, because one of the schools were ... Read More
What are Vietnamese workers like as people? by Rudi2255477
Hello,I am planning to open a small factory in the Asian region and would like to learn more about what Vietnamese people are like.How do they generally behave or perform as workers?In comparison to Chinese workers, what are the main differences in ...
Hello. From personal experience in hotel management. The staff is quite serious, but to keep them, you should not contact the minimum wage because in this case, they will not hesitate to drop you without warning or at best a few hours before to tell ... Read More
What happens to my house when my wife dies by Rene 1956
I am married to a Vietnamese woman. We have a house in the Mekong Delta which is in my wife's name. But what happens to the house when she dies?: can I continue to live here? And can I put it in my name? Do I have to sell it? How much time do I have ...
I am married to a Vietnamese woman. We have a house in the Mekong Delta which is in my wife's name. But what happens to the house when she dies?: can I continue to live here? And can I put it in my name? Do I have to sell it? How much time do I have ... Read More
Is Booking.com full of scammers in VN? by Dannyroc3
I have used BOOKING for many years and in several countries with a 95% satisfaction.IN VN I have used it with pretty good results as well, though I did take a room in Siagon where they gave me a much lesser room that not only didn't match the room ...
@Aidan in HCMC Yep using Agoda along Google maps does make sens茅 and I always check booking for com with Google reviews that are sometimes strikingly different.. when in doubt about the v茅racit茅 of booking dot com reviews I look ... Read More
Is Booking.com full of scammers in VN? by Dannyroc3
I have used BOOKING for many years and in several countries with a 95% satisfaction.IN VN I have used it with pretty good results as well, though I did take a room in Siagon where they gave me a much lesser room that not only didn't match the room ...
I have used BOOKING for many years and in several countries with a 95% satisfaction. IN VN I have used it with pretty good results as well, though I did take a room in Siagon where they gave me a much lesser room that not only didn't match the room ... Read More
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer when you want to rent ? by rogergarinmichaud
Good day from down under !I am looking at visiting Greece in 2/3 years time and may be renting a house/apartment there,I see that speakerchalet98 is hiring a lawyer, is it necessary when you just want to rent ?I am opening a new subject about rental ...
@rogergarinmichaud Why not "equitable for both parties"? There are certainly some pretty shocking landlords in every country, but the behaviour of some tenants is equally appalling! - @JimJ Agreed there is a tiny minority of renters and squatters ... Read More
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer when you want to rent ? by rogergarinmichaud
Good day from down under !I am looking at visiting Greece in 2/3 years time and may be renting a house/apartment there,I see that speakerchalet98 is hiring a lawyer, is it necessary when you just want to rent ?I am opening a new subject about rental ...
@rogergarinmichaud I am in the process of buying, so wanted to be 100%. Advantage is they deal with all the Greek paperwork and bureaucracy. If you were taking on a long term rental, might not be a bad idea, but closer to the time. New rules, ... Read More
Retiring to Crete by irnhrsman
Hello, My wife and I (Tanya, Myles) are moving to Crete in approximately a year. All help is welcome! We currently live in the USA.
Hello I live in Crete, in Chania. You should be very careful with real estate agencies if you are looking for property. There is a website www.spitogatos.gr which can help you although many real estate agencies post there. Also, there is a local ... Read More
Which is the best website/podcast to learn Greek? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day from down under !I believe the subject title is self explanatory, so what is in your point of view the best website to learn Modern Greek and Classical Greek ?I have come across greekpod101.com by Innovative language and also on ...
@rogergarinmichaudHi Roger, My lawyer once told me: 鈥淕reek is one of the most difficult languages to learn鈥�. I've been in the process since September, and I have to admit he was right...I'm at ease in French, Dutch & Flemish, English ... Read More
Which is the best website/podcast to learn Greek?
Hello and good day from down under !I believe the subject title is self explanatory, so what is in your point of view the best website to learn Modern Greek and Classical Greek ?I have come across greekpod101.com by Innovative language and also on ... Read More
Rental laws in Greece
Hello and good day from down under !I am planning to visit Greece in 2/3 years time and may be renting a house/apartment.What are the current rental laws ?Is there a deposit to be paid upfront (in Australia it is one month rent deposit + first month ... Read More
New members of the Greece forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025
Good day from down under !I am looking at visiting Greece in 2/3 years time and may be renting a house/apartment there,I see that speakerchalet98 is hiring a lawyer, is it necessary when you just want to rent ?I am opening a new subject about rental ... Read More
Is it true Greece will pay you to move there ? by okendes4
@Julien good morning everybody my name is Stephen okende I'm leaving in Republic Democratic of Congo I meant 33 years old I have diploma of logistic management in Johannesburg University I saw this amazing opportunity on tiktok that's why l come to ...
#Cynichow Greek of you to choose this online nickname ! Read More
Which island is best for a retiree couple ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hi guys, was just wondering what would be the best island to choose for a retiree couple ?Been looking at a few videos about Kefalonia, but other islands like Naxos seems nice as well.. but we would not like to be during the high season in Mykonos ...
@speakerchalets98 Thanks for your answer, since I have progressed in my search I was indeed beginning to look at Crete as a viable solution (there is an apartment for rent at Sitia for Euros 500/month, advertised on this forum), but I dowloaded the ... Read More
Spent a few days in Nha Trang and heres what I found. by Dannyroc3
Last week we took a flight near Nha Trang and then a shuttle bus into Nha Trang.I will give a few things I found/ experienced incase anyone else is considering going.The first thing I noticed was the huge number of Russians. In some areas there were ...
@DannyRoc3Thanks for the tip about the large church. I did visit a few of them in Dalat / HCMC / Hanoi but in Nha Trang my main focus will be the Cham Towers, I am fascinated by the South Indian influence on the country between the 5th and 10th ... Read More
Spent a few days in Nha Trang and heres what I found. by Dannyroc3
Last week we took a flight near Nha Trang and then a shuttle bus into Nha Trang.I will give a few things I found/ experienced incase anyone else is considering going.The first thing I noticed was the huge number of Russians. In some areas there were ...
@Dannyroc3 Thanks a lot for the post. We are going to spend three months in Nha Trang so this will help ease the shock on arrival !I had already read that is was a Russian tourist destination and your experience confirm this.I will probably write ... Read More
Can a vegetarian survive in Greece ? by rogergarinmichaud
good day from down under !Been travelling around the world since 1976 but never actually visited Greece so I am now beginning to plan our trip there in 2027...Been watching a few videos on YouTube and began to learn a few words of Greek with ...
Thanks again mate ! truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions ! Read More
Which island is best for a retiree couple ?
Hi guys, was just wondering what would be the best island to choose for a retiree couple ?Been looking at a few videos about Kefalonia, but other islands like Naxos seems nice as well.. but we would not like to be during the high season in Mykonos ... Read More
Can a vegetarian survive in Greece ? by rogergarinmichaud
good day from down under !Been travelling around the world since 1976 but never actually visited Greece so I am now beginning to plan our trip there in 2027...Been watching a few videos on YouTube and began to learn a few words of Greek with ...
Many thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my question....Just a quick follow up question to ApprentiExpat : Why would one month in Naxos be too much ? Read More
New members of the Greece forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025
good day from down under !Been travelling around the world since 1976 but never actually visited Greece so I am now beginning to plan our trip there in 2027...Been watching a few videos on YouTube and began to learn a few words of Greek with ... Read More
Visas To Enter Vietnam by Aidan in HCMC
***(IMPORTANT! Due to current covid measures, check with Vietnam Immigration Authority to confirm current availability and lengths of validity)***List of the Visas types from Vietnamese Immigration ...
Thanks again Aidan in HCMC... we are going to visit Vietnam this year, first with a 90 days visa on our Australian passport (staying at Nha Trang for the duration) then fly to Thailand and stay at Pattaya for 2 months (60 days visa free but probably ... Read More
Retiree visa anytime soon ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello dear friends on the expat forum !I heard a few months back that the Vietnamese government was planning to introduce a new "retiree visa".Have you heard similar stories and/or have you any valid information on the subject ?After spending 53 ...
Hello dear friends on the expat forum ! I heard a few months back that the Vietnamese government was planning to introduce a new "retiree visa". Have you heard similar stories and/or have you any valid information on the subject ? After spending 53 ... Read More
Retiree visa anytime soon ?
Hello dear friends on the expat forum !I heard a few months back that the Vietnamese government was planning to introduce a new "retiree visa".Have you heard similar stories and/or have you any valid information on the subject ?After spending 53 ... Read More
Mobile phone plans in Vietnam by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Staying connected while living in Vietnam remains a priority for expats, especially when choosing a mobile operator or to understand the local specificities of mobile plans. Here some elements to consider: How to choose ...
It's a no brainer to get a SIM card from the national carrier who owns and maintains the network in most Western countries . I had Mobifone SIM cards when I was a tourist in Vietnam but since I've been living and working in Nam I've used the same ... Read More
Being in VN makes paying bills etc difficult. by Dannyroc3
It seems most websites I normally pay my bills block me when I click the link to pay.Right before I left I was greeted with a letter from the IRS, informing me that I owed them money but the websites there also blocked the page from opening.When I ...
聽 聽 聽 聽 @OceanBeach92107They sell a VPN service at, according to their site, 3K VND a day.聽 聽 聽 聽 -@Aidan in HCMCIs that a good price ? Seems to me some yearly fees with ExpressVPN could turn out as cheaper ... Read More
Being in VN makes paying bills etc difficult. by Dannyroc3
It seems most websites I normally pay my bills block me when I click the link to pay.Right before I left I was greeted with a letter from the IRS, informing me that I owed them money but the websites there also blocked the page from opening.When I ...
@OceanBeach92107 They sell a VPN service at, according to their site, 3K VND a day. -@Aidan in HCMCIs that a good price ? Seems to me some yearly fees with ExpressVPN could turn out as cheaper ? Read More
What do we have to know absolutely about Vung Tau ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello forum members !I was thinking that may be expat forum members living at Vung Tau would like to share their experience of the city and to tell us what one must absolutely know about the city.Many thanks
Thanks a lot mate ! Truly appreciate your input.I am looking at renting a 2 bedroom apartment with sea view at Goldsea. Any comment about it ? Read More
Off Topic Posts - Whats on your mind? by SimCityAT
This thread is for everything Off-topic..........[img align=C]https://www.askideas.com/media/13/Burning-Whats-Up-Gif-Picture.gif[/img]
@OceanBeach92107Good one ! We men should really understand that when we turn 40 we become "sugar daddy" to any young female LOLAnyway there are plenty of dating sites for over 40/50/60/70.... Read More
Teaching French at Vung Tau
Hello friends For many years (1990-2013) I taught French to adult Australians at both Alliance Fran莽aise de Canberra and as a sole trader in Brisbane and Melbourne.Do you think there could be a need for an experienced 75 years old French ... Read More
What do we have to know absolutely about Vung Tau ?
Hello forum members !I was thinking that may be expat forum members living at Vung Tau would like to share their experience of the city and to tell us what one must absolutely know about the city.Many thanks Read More
Renting short term (3/6 months per year)
Not sure if the Vung Tau forum is really active聽 so I am creating this new topicAt the moment I do not see myself living permanently in Vietnam (2 sons in Australia and one son and grand daughter in France) but would not mind staying at Vung ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Not sure I created my intro to this forum so here it is:I am a 75 years old French born Australian with long historical links to Vietnam (was known as Indochine to my godfather uncle who worked at customs "douane" Haiphong between 1945 and 1954 who ... Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@ltrinh well dear Itrinh you are not the only one, welcome to the club.75 years old Roger coming back to Vung Tau in August Read More
Renting an apartment at Vung Tau by rogergarinmichaud
Good day forum members.Today we are going to visit an apartment for rent in Vung Tau. Never done that before so what is it that I should know before signing up to anything ?What is usually included in rent (electricity, internet connection, ...
@nhi0768125Thanks a lot for your help. Indeed discussing terms with a landlord is always best to obtain good conditions in your lease especially when you know you have a good rating as a renter.I will have to learn about your city of residence, ... Read More
Renting an apartment at Vung Tau by rogergarinmichaud
Good day forum members.Today we are going to visit an apartment for rent in Vung Tau. Never done that before so what is it that I should know before signing up to anything ?What is usually included in rent (electricity, internet connection, ...
@OceanBeach92107 thanks a lot that is truly helpful. The apartment we visited in the CSJ tower had a balcony opening on the construction site 2 meters from the balcony so of course we turned it down.Ms Le Thu from Vung Tau rental agency told us she ... Read More
Which one is best ? by rogergarinmichaud
Good day forum members. I have both French and Australian passport. So which one is best to use while trying to come and stay in Vietnam for a few months per year (3 or 6)Right now we used the French one, no need for a visa and we were given 45 days ...
Thanks a lot mate, this is truly helpful Read More
Renting an apartment at Vung Tau
Good day forum members.Today we are going to visit an apartment for rent in Vung Tau. Never done that before so what is it that I should know before signing up to anything ?What is usually included in rent (electricity, internet connection, ... Read More
Which one is best ?
Good day forum members. I have both French and Australian passport. So which one is best to use while trying to come and stay in Vietnam for a few months per year (3 or 6)Right now we used the French one, no need for a visa and we were given 45 days ... Read More