LastInTranslation
American looking for information about Vietnam
Forum posts
60
About me
American
Lives in Los Angeles
Speaks English, Vietnamese
Registration: 29 April 2013
wanna make friend with expats living in HCMC
This crash-and-burn is starting nicely. I need some more popcorn. Read More
Can an ESL teacher in VietNam make $120k a year? by Jaitch
[i][b]Are all the Vietnamese students going to speak English with a Tagalog accent?[/b][/i] Following an article containing a quote from an education official that UK teachers demand a monthly salary of US$10,000 to teach English to high school ...
This makes me sad to hear that Filipinos are teaching English... nothing against the people themselves, but they are not what I consider to be regular English speakers. Having a Vietnamese accent is bad enough to the English-speaking ear... ... Read More
From Boston to Hanoi. by stephanienguyen
Hi All, I'm a new member here. A native Bostonian and Vietnamese American heading to Hanoi in June for an 8 week internship. What are some must know quick tips that I should be aware of? Anything in particular I should not leave home without? ...
Yeah, I don't quite understand why native Viets are so ok with posting their phone numbers publicly (which then leads to an expectation that everyone else will post theirs as well). Read More
From Boston to Hanoi. by stephanienguyen
Hi All, I'm a new member here. A native Bostonian and Vietnamese American heading to Hanoi in June for an 8 week internship. What are some must know quick tips that I should be aware of? Anything in particular I should not leave home without? ...
Don't underestimate the importance of TP, even for drying purposes. Read More
From Boston to Hanoi. by stephanienguyen
Hi All, I'm a new member here. A native Bostonian and Vietnamese American heading to Hanoi in June for an 8 week internship. What are some must know quick tips that I should be aware of? Anything in particular I should not leave home without? ...
I've used Pulppy.... sorry, not a fan. Give me Charmin or give me death! Read More
From Boston to Hanoi. by stephanienguyen
Hi All, I'm a new member here. A native Bostonian and Vietnamese American heading to Hanoi in June for an 8 week internship. What are some must know quick tips that I should be aware of? Anything in particular I should not leave home without? ...
I'm partially reposting from another simliar thread. High SFP Sunscreen - If you have sensitive skin needing above 35 SPF, bring your own... the max I've ever seen is 50 SPF and that was once. I bring back the 100 SPF for family members whenever I ... Read More
Korean Grocery Store in HCMC?
Do you bury it in the ground for months? Read More
Sports in Vietnam
Dangit, you beat me to it! USC at ASU, September 28. I have to look it up, but there's 1-2 bars that will carry games. I'll post if I find the names. Otherwise, I'd start looking up hacked feeds. Read More
Binh Duong- accepted an offer at Eastern International University by Guest6832
Hello All I am new to this forum. Have accepted a teaching position at Eastern International University and will commence in August. Would appreciate any advice from members on what to expect, what I should consider bringing with me (what items are ...
No idea if you have access to such times in Nanjing... High SFP Sunscreen - If you have sensitive skin needing above 35 SPF, bring your own... the max I've ever seen is 50 SPF and that was once. I bring back the 100 SPF for family members whenever ... Read More
Dentist Recommendations? by UKGuyInSaigon
Hi All, I need a dentist in HCM - hate going to dentists full stop, but unfortunately the need has arisen, so I am hoping my fellow ex-pats can advise me of a good, English speaking, professional person to go and see who will be sensitive to my ...
I disagree... in this instance, it's worth driving long distances for a good dentist. Also just my opinion... HCMC actually isn't that big area-wise. But I'm used to the urban sprawl that is Los Angeles. Read More
Hotel's and Bars - Can Tho by laidbackfreak
Looks like I'll be in Can Tho over night next week for a friends wedding. Any decent bars in the area worth a visit? What about hotels? any I should avoid?
I'm sure Wild_1 will pop in here shortly. My vote goes to Hop Pho in the + column, for both nightlife and just regular dining. We also stayed at a guest house just opened and was operated by the local cong an... I think it was Tay Nam. It wasn't ... Read More
Dentist Recommendations? by UKGuyInSaigon
Hi All, I need a dentist in HCM - hate going to dentists full stop, but unfortunately the need has arisen, so I am hoping my fellow ex-pats can advise me of a good, English speaking, professional person to go and see who will be sensitive to my ...
I went to WestCoast Dental at 27 Nguyen Trung Truc, in between Ly Tu Trong and Le Thanh Ton, just a little bit north of Cho Ben Thanh. I had a checkup, x-rays, cleaning, and cavities filled for a fraction of the cost of what it would have been in ... Read More
Thinking about moving to HCMC by alluc
Hey, I had a fantastic 3 month holiday around Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Now I'm seriously considering moving to HCMC by the end of the year. I work in New Zealand as a personal trainer, gym instructor and rugby coach, started way back in 2004. In ...
Holy hell in a handbasket, what happened in this thread? Anyhoo... while it seems to be the unpopular position for some reason, I have to agree that anyone who isn't a native speaker (or can speak to the level of one) has no business teaching ... Read More
Recommended ways to tour Phu Quoc Island?
I'll break this new forum in. What would you recommend a first-time visitor for getting around the island for an overall tour? When I was there, we found a friendly cabbie, asked him about renting him out for the day. He called back to his ... Read More
Importing a motorcycle into Vietnam from the US or Canada by scramblin8man
Has anyone done this. I am interested in the whole process - shipping companies, import duties, Documentation required to license the bike in Vietnam, paper work required?
Much like having a roadster in VN. I don't know what image those guys are going for, but "douche" pops into my mind. Really, it's inhumane... what a waste of a car's life. Read More
Tipping in taxis
How much do YOU tip taxi drivers, especially for short trips? I usually just round up to the next 5,000... am I crazy? Read More
Male English teacher new to HCM looking to make friends with locals! by butlersrevenge
Hi everyone! I moved to HCM from Manchester England about 3 weeks ago to work as a teacher and so far I love it! I was wondering what the people on this forum are like and whether or not any local Vietnamese want to hang out sometime or just talk on ...
Huh. That's cheeky of you. Enjoy all that VN has to offer...? Read More
HELP ME, PLEASE!!!!! by marina308
Hi, I have a friend, he is a American, he used to live in VN about a year, before that he lived in Korea for 4 years. Last year he came back to America. He transited in Korean and he got caught right on the airport because he brought some marijuana ...
The first question is whether your boyfriend (I'm making the call) will even get a visa issued to him. (Likely not) If he does, he'll probably get extra scrutiny when he arrives. If he even makes it that far, if he's completely clean, then who ... Read More
Any where in HCMC where they served real bacon and eggs? by NashCat
Looking for a restaurant in HCMC that served real western style bacon and eggs with slices of white toast with butter, with a good cup of coffee to go with that. So far, most that I've tasted have a Vietnamese flavor to it, probably added nuoc mam ...
If you find a place that serves CRISPY bacon, let me know... that's what I feel is lacking pretty much through all of Asia. Read More
Are you interested in a 18-day backpacking trip to India? by Hai Yen
Hi All, We, 2 guys and 1 girl, are planning a backpacking trip to India from August 29th to September 16th, 2013. Our budget for the trip is around $1,300 all included. If you are interested in it and wanna have more details, pls feel free to let ...
Does anyone else smell nuoc mam? Read More
Coffee at Starbucks in Saigon sucks and expensive! by NashCat
Coffee and cappucino at Starbucks not the same as in Canada or States. Prices are expensive. What do they put in it, nuoc mam??
Starbucks coffee anywhere is not as good as any local shop you can find. What they do well are the coffee "cocktails" that hide the burnt essence of their beans. If I have a choice, I will always go with what is NOT Starbucks... but I also have own ... Read More
Ngon Restaurant! by Rachel Bowman
Hi, Is Ngon Restaurant delicous?. What kind of food is the best. Would anyone recommend me?. Thanks
Cuc Gac is a complete rip off... I don't care that Brad & Angelina went there, it's way too hyped up. Yes, it's good, but it's not great and overpriced for what it is. Both Ngon Restaurant on Pasteur and Quan An Ngon across from the Reunification ... Read More
Electrical Voltage Converter by victorqnguyen
Hi there, I was wondering if anybody would know where I can buy a Voltage Converter in HCMC. I bought an adapter before moving here and failed to realized it wasn't a converter-combo. I'm looking for a Voltage Converter that would convert ...
I think I've seen it at CoopMart as well, perhaps other supermarkets? Read More
go swimming by kientrung.tran
HCm city is hot these days. So i want to find someone to go swimming with me at Rach Mieu pool (1 Hoa Phuong, D.Phu Nhuan) or Nguyen Tri Phuong Pool (8A, D10). Are you interested in?
Yah, The worst about that swimming pool is the bathrooms. But I think most of the bathrooms in public swimming pools are the same. The pool there is nice. If you go there around noon its not so dark.Unless, because of the conditions of the bathroom, ... Read More
Starting a business in HCMC
The goal of this thread is to hear anecdotal stories about your experiences in starting up a business in HCMC, because personally I find that there's always useful information and tips that can be applied in many circumstances. Specifically for me, ... Read More
Questions about Ho Chi Minh by Helen Trinh
Hello all! I will be in Ho Chi Minh between 23 May - 26 May (4 nights) and I havent been there since 1998! Would be very grateful if anyone could help me to reply to following questions: - [b]Does anyone know if there will be any live show (like ...
The range is wide... if you're willing to spend over $250USD/night, then just go for the Park Hyatt or Intercontinental. If you're looking for around $125/night, then Novotel isn't a bad choice. Then you have hundreds of local hotels for well under ... Read More
Questions about Ho Chi Minh by Helen Trinh
Hello all! I will be in Ho Chi Minh between 23 May - 26 May (4 nights) and I havent been there since 1998! Would be very grateful if anyone could help me to reply to following questions: - [b]Does anyone know if there will be any live show (like ...
Nowadays it's hard for the "inspectors" to subsidize their incomes, especially with the way the new international terminal is set up. It hasn't happened to me in years. It would help if you don't give them a reason. How much are you looking to ... Read More
Looking for new friends with same interest!! by Meo_yo
Hi guys! I'm Meo!! I'm wanting to go to Vietnam summer of 2014 and I want to go ahead and start making friends that are going to go there around that time OR already live there! I love to eat street foods, go to cafes to lounge around EAT DESSERT, ...
I'll ask the question everyone else is thinking... have many creepy PMs have you received? :) Welcome, hope you make it to VN next summer and have a great trip. With lots of new, non-creepy friends. Boomer Sooner!!!!! :DThis could be... ... Read More
English Language Cinema in HCMC? by Tano
Hi all, I am keen to head off to the movies tonight, but I have heard that there aren't many English language cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City. Can anyone recommend one to me? The closer to D2, the better! Cheers!
Yep... still crowded, but not as crowded as Diamond. It can be a pain getting your scooter out after a movie, though, the lot is fairly large with one exit. Walking is definitely the better option, so that works out for you. There's also a Gloria ... Read More
English Language Cinema in HCMC? by Tano
Hi all, I am keen to head off to the movies tonight, but I have heard that there aren't many English language cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City. Can anyone recommend one to me? The closer to D2, the better! Cheers!
LOW EXPECTATIONS... that's the key :) I didn't find Megastar in the Crescent Mall too bad, but that's all the way out in District 7. I don't know if it was just me, but the Lotte in Diamond Plaza was just always so crowded. I'd say anywhere but ... Read More
Tours and places to see in Vietnam by thaoh
Hi everyone! I have recently got my tickets to go to Vietnam and will be there in just over a month, so very excited! :D. I do need to make a list of places to go and find tours to take. So can you guys recommend any of your favourite places or ...
I don't know if it's too late, but here are my suggestions: - SKIP Cu Chi... besides the fact that I can't see it being of interest to anyone not tied to the War (Vietnamese from that era, or Americans), the venue itself is a recreation (read: not ... Read More
English Language Cinema in HCMC? by Tano
Hi all, I am keen to head off to the movies tonight, but I have heard that there aren't many English language cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City. Can anyone recommend one to me? The closer to D2, the better! Cheers!
Just gotta accept that their "in public" standards are... ahem, different... than other places. Chatting, talking on the cell phone, letting kids run around... you feel like you're sharing a living room with 300 other people. An inadvertent "you ... Read More
Why aren't there more electric motobikes?
I'm surprised that there aren't more electric bikes in VN. I visited Shanghai, and while they aren't rampant there either, there were enough to notice. The first time I saw one coming toweards me on a street at night, I psyched myself out because I ... Read More
Haggling at New Car Dealers? by LastInTranslation
Ok, I've been dying to know. I don't want to assume that the rest of the world buys their cars the same way we do in the US, which is usually: - visit a dealership; - test drive a car; - negotiate on price for hours and hours (and hours, if ...
Sounds like we should get into the car sales business. Read More
Accessorizing scooters... or not...
They were just wondering where in the hell this hippie come from..that's all. :D:DWould the cops give notice to a tie-dyed paint job? Read More
Haggling at New Car Dealers? by LastInTranslation
Ok, I've been dying to know. I don't want to assume that the rest of the world buys their cars the same way we do in the US, which is usually: - visit a dealership; - test drive a car; - negotiate on price for hours and hours (and hours, if ...
What are you aiming for? What's the markup on scooters (and for others, on cars)? For reference, the truck I drive had a new sticker price of about $35K USD. I negotiated it down to under $24K, including all the rebate, incentives, etc. The ... Read More
Accessorizing scooters... or not...
I've noticed that many scooter drivers accessorize their rides to make it theirs, whether it's adding lights, decals, chrome, etc. I'm the opposite... if I were to buy my own scooter, I would rather take off all decals, badging, stickers... ... Read More
Haggling at New Car Dealers?
Ok, I've been dying to know. I don't want to assume that the rest of the world buys their cars the same way we do in the US, which is usually: - visit a dealership; - test drive a car; - negotiate on price for hours and hours (and hours, if ... 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?
I agree with UKGuy. While "love at first sight" is possible, in my opinion it's only for those who have never been hurt by another and have not put up walls to protect themselves, AND they're lucky to have met that perfect someone right away. For ... Read More
Coffee at Starbucks in Saigon sucks and expensive! by NashCat
Coffee and cappucino at Starbucks not the same as in Canada or States. Prices are expensive. What do they put in it, nuoc mam??
I should add... I think Starbucks anywhere sucks and is expensive. Local coffee shops are always better. If I spend that much, I want it to be with Intelligentsia coffee. Otherwise, if I can find cafe sua da anywhere (here in the US), I'll be happy. Read More
Thinking about moving to HCMC. Share your experiences?
Hello all, You guys are such a great resource of information. I've read through several of the threads already, and it's a lot to take in! My situation may not be so unique, but I was hoping you could still help me by way of advice and shared ... Read More
Coffee at Starbucks in Saigon sucks and expensive! by NashCat
Coffee and cappucino at Starbucks not the same as in Canada or States. Prices are expensive. What do they put in it, nuoc mam??
I liked Caffe Fresco on Le Loi. I also frequented the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung... it has 2 floors and plenty of A/C. Read More
Hoagies, Cheesesteaks, or Delis? by mtgmike
Hello. I've been here in Saigon a couple months and I'm dying for some "American" style food. I like the local flavors but I need something different. Are there any western style delis here with sliced ham, turkey, salami, provolone, american ...
I found the Elbow Room on Pasteur to be a decent facsimile of American fare. Obviously going to be a little more expensive, but I had the Osso Bucco (nice and tender), clam chowder (very creamy, just needed a touch of salt), burger (thick and ... Read More