Timothy Shapiro
@tsshapiro
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
53
Contacts
14
About me
American
Lives in Buon Ma Thuot
Speaks English and Spanish
Registration: 30 May 2013
Today at the market at 3:15 pm by KruChris
IBefore going out, I drank a lot. My silk shirt showed wet patches on my belly. A woman in her 50s talked [i]angrily[/i], approaching and then touching my shirt. What was that all about? Saying that I was a disgrace, allowing the "human ...
The funniest thing I've seen all day! Read More
U.S. Tourist Visa for lady? by Diazo
How difficult is it for a married lady, with own home, own business, to get a visa to America. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be appreciated.
No, that is incorrect. The embassy is very clear on this. You should not purchase your tickets until you have visa in hand. Read More
U.S. Tourist Visa for lady? by Diazo
How difficult is it for a married lady, with own home, own business, to get a visa to America. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be appreciated.
No, and it's not true. There are no clear guidelines for a tourist visa. Each customs officer is instructed to look at each visa applicant as a potential migrant. The visa petitioner has to demonstrate 'strong ties' to Vietnam to ... Read More
A Vietnamese Woman Being Stalked Needs Help by Libhero
Hello Forum members. Do you know any women's organization in HCM city that works with women experiencing violence, stalking, and abuse to suggest for a Vietnamese woman living in HCM and experiencing emotional torture? She wants to seek ...
Unfortunately, there's not much she an do, as far as official organizations or with the police. She should get her family involved. Traditionally, the father and older (or even younger) brother would protect her from this kind of behavior. Read More
Violent Threats to Girlfriend from her relative by poppingDurian
I've met a nice girl in Vietnam. Its been a long distance relationship. Recently she has been receiving threats from her relative via text. Either she gives him money or he will beat her or she may have an "accident" on the road. He ...
You need to stay out of it. The police will do nothing, and there's nothing you can do about it either. Even if you do catch the guy and stomp him out, everyone will be against you because: 1) You're not in the family and it's not your ... Read More
U.S. Tourist Visa for lady? by Diazo
How difficult is it for a married lady, with own home, own business, to get a visa to America. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be appreciated.
My VN wife was granted a B2 without issue. For the B2 each applicant is judged on a case by case basis. She should apply and be honest. The consular officers are very good at spotting frauds. If you need additional information i suggest going to ... Read More
BOOKS for teaching Listening for Students in University by meikoi
Good evening everyone, I am teaching listening for university students and I am getting mad at them as they do not get any improvement. I have been trying using many materials and textbooks such as Tactics for Listening, English for Life but the ...
You're going about this the wrong way. To improve students listening skills you need to be teaching them pronunciation. If they can't speak it, they'll never hear it. Make sure you're teaching reductions, elisions, and linking ... Read More
Teaching English with no degree by BT1989
I wanted to spend some time next year travelling around Asia, and staying in Vietnam for a while as well, I was there earlier this year and loved all of it. How feasible is it these days to land a job teaching English at language centres or private ...
Government regulations require that all foreign employees have the proper visa and work documents. This is for three reasons: 1) So immigrants from poorer countries (Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar) are not "taking" jobs from Vietnamese ... Read More
Working in VN without a degree + some other questions. by Furnishedbadge2
Hello everyone! I'm currently having some trouble understanding the rules for working in Vietnam. Some background: Volunteered at an English centre in Vietnam from March to June this year. I really liked the country and decided that I wanted ...
I live and work in the BMT and Daklak area, and the government here is stricter with foriegners than other regions. To answer your questions: 1) You MUST have a Bachelors degree and a teaching certificate unless you've got a BA in either ... Read More
college diploma needed?
Well, my two university degrees cost me a bit over $30k, so I guess if you can go and get a university education for $70 to $80 you should definitely do it! Read More
Ludicrous New immigration rule. Can only work for 1 employer with WP! by Thaiger
Im getting so much conflicting information here about this, but basically you can only work at one employer, no matter how few the hours. Ergo, most teachers will have to work illegally, quit Vietnam, all schools wont be able to legally hire anyone ...
Working anywhere you don't have a WP is illegal. If you're teaching at another center, both you and the center could be fined. If you're teaching in your (or someone else's) home, you will be fined. The fine is the least that could ... Read More
Westerners living in Vietnam by Moondancer
I have lived in Thailand for many years. Thais think farangs pockets are lined with Gold. I have now come to Vietnam to live permanently Its still the same but more blatant. When I go shopping I pay more for every item. Example Small milk drinks I ...
It's not just foreigners. The Vietnamese rip each other off too, if they can. Usually, the locals knoe the prices, so they can't be ripped off that way. For example, I had a student here (very wealthy), and her family had a mechanic who ... Read More
Teaching ESL in Da Nang by Reorandy
Hello all. I will be moving to Da Nang in December. Can anyone recommend a good English school to teach English at in Da Nang or Hoi An? Also, any pitfalls of teaching English or things I should be aware of? I will have my TESL certificate when I ...
I don't live there, so I can't reccomend anything specifically. Your best bet is to just arrive and hit the streets with your CV in hand. Competition can be tight for jobs in those cities because they're very desirable for foreigners. ... Read More
Can anyone recommend a hospital around Danang for health consultation? by engelikitty
Hi, I visited one hospital for health consultation this afternoon and they charge me 2 000 000 VND. Why? (because I am foreigner). I think it is really expensive. Does anyone here knows how much the standard cost to see a doctor for health check up ...
The establishment where you get the health check is pre-determined by the government office that issues your TRC and WP. You might not be able to change locations. You're probably not allowed to go to a local clinic. Be prepared to go in the ... Read More
All you can eat? Ho Chi Minh by DannyWielink
Hello everyone, I was hoping someone knows a good all you can eat sushi place in Ho Chi Minh. I like to eat a lot but I hate having the price displayed on every sushi since I think it ruins the experience. If anyone knows a good place, please let ...
All things considered, you probably want to avoid anywhere that's offering all you can eat fish... Read More
fiance visa by Teach4fundotcom
Can someone shed some lights into this with your personal experience? How easy is the process and the length of time it takes to get it done? Thanks.
I agree with Teacher Mark. The website you want is VisaJourney.com. There are lots of personal experiences, tutorials, and timelines to help you start the process. As this is an expat website, most people here are residing in Vietnam and may not ... Read More
Reputable Insurance Companies
Hello all, I've been shopping around for life insurance. Can anyone recommend a reputable company? Has anybody purchased life insurance in Vietnam before? Thanks in Advance. Read More
Comprehensive Customs Exclusion List by tsshapiro
Could someone kindly point me in the direction of a comprehensive list of prohibited items by customs? I've tried searching in English and Vietnamese with no luck. Thanks in Advance!
I think it will be ok, but who can predict what the customs agent will do on delivery day. We're going to try something small first, and see if it goes through. I'm expecting some bar soap, aftershave, and fresh serrano peppers (from the ... Read More
Comprehensive Customs Exclusion List by tsshapiro
Could someone kindly point me in the direction of a comprehensive list of prohibited items by customs? I've tried searching in English and Vietnamese with no luck. Thanks in Advance!
Thanks for the link, but I checked that page and it's not very helpful. Specifically, I'm wondering if they'll allow a bottle of aftershave/cologne. Read More
Comprehensive Customs Exclusion List
Could someone kindly point me in the direction of a comprehensive list of prohibited items by customs? I've tried searching in English and Vietnamese with no luck. Thanks in Advance! Read More
How much to pay in-laws? by Vagabondone
Just curious how much other expats pay their wives parents. While I was dating we discussed this and I agreed to pay $300 a month to my mother-in-law ( No father). However, this money has always been a contentious issue and she now wants $500 a ...
You have this backwards. Traditionally, it is the son's obligation to provide for his parents. The daughter must support and care for her husband's family. Best of luck! Read More
Laptops held by Customs
Ok, so I have a weird situation. My wife and I went to visit family in the US and when we returned we had accidentally left one carry-on bag at home. I know it was stupid of us, but we left for the airport in a hurry. In that carry-on bag was our ... Read More
It's "rip off" time in Vietnam..... Yes it's TET by Frank Malt
My friend told me she couldn't get a visa extension because it's too close to TET....Had to go to Cambodia to pay $250 for three months.... I verified it and wished her well.... I wish Vietnam would just embrace the New Year instead of using ...
Ha! Just like a broken clock. Read More
It's "rip off" time in Vietnam..... Yes it's TET by Frank Malt
My friend told me she couldn't get a visa extension because it's too close to TET....Had to go to Cambodia to pay $250 for three months.... I verified it and wished her well.... I wish Vietnam would just embrace the New Year instead of using ...
It's simple supply and demand. During T岷縯 the supply of companies (including government entities or those dealing with them) providing goods and/or services decreases; while simultaneously, the demand increases. Many, many people are off ... Read More
Buying a Down Comforter in HCMC
Thanks for the info, I'll check it out after T岷縯. Read More
Buying a Down Comforter in HCMC
I'm looking to buy a down comforter and I was hoping someone could recommend a company in HCMC that sells these wonderful blankets. Thanks in Advance. Read More
Eggs...refrigerated or not!!!! by Vagabondone
Why is it in America we are told we will drop over dead in minutes if we eat eggs that are not kept refrigerated....yet here in VN an egg never sees a frig. How come we are not kicking the bucket here?
Well bacteria cannot live in temperatures over 165掳F, so reheating the food will kill all the bacteria. However, those bacteria produce toxins which do not disappear at high temperatures. Wait till she sees you eat rare steak, sunny-side up ... Read More
Eggs...refrigerated or not!!!! by Vagabondone
Why is it in America we are told we will drop over dead in minutes if we eat eggs that are not kept refrigerated....yet here in VN an egg never sees a frig. How come we are not kicking the bucket here?
This is a debate I'm consistently having. US and Vietnamese food handling practices vary wildly. My in-laws cook protiens and leave them sitting out for hours. Yet they'll put dried cereal and condiments in the fridge. Amazingly, nobody ... Read More
New here! Questions by Zepo
Hi, I met a nice Vietnam woman online, She is 41 I am 53. She is coming to visit me in Florida in January. She has to go through tourist company because this is her first Trip to the USA. She will land first in Chicago, and tour the Navy Pier ...
This isn't remotely close to true. You cannot 'sponsor' her trip. She will have to qualify for the B2 on her own merit. There's nothing you can do to help her. If you have visa questions, this is the wrong website. I suggest you go ... Read More
Viettel and the NFL
I went to Viettel yesterday and the answer is no. They don't offer any NFL games. They offer two Fox Sports channels (which I already had), and it doesn't appear that they broadcast the NFL. You can find a listing for those two by Google ... Read More
Viettel and the NFL
Hello All: I have Viettel TV service at home, and I was wondering if they had an NFL package I could buy. I'd like to watch the games live at home. If anyone could offer some insight or personal experiences I'd be grateful. Thanks in ... Read More
Obtain Tourist Visa Online?
I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the legitimacy of this website: vietnamvisavn.com Would this website help a US citizen in obtaining a VN tourist visa before arriving by air? If this website isn't legit, would you recommend ... Read More
Is the internet gateway broke again? by Budman1
It's been a problem all morning. Maybe it's my ISP (VNPT) down here in Can Tho.
Thanks for the quick post back, and I apologize if this next questions seems stupid (I'm not familiar with the acronyms listed in the article). Do you know if the data of Mobiphone or Vinaphone are affected also? If I could buy one of those ... Read More
Is the internet gateway broke again? by Budman1
It's been a problem all morning. Maybe it's my ISP (VNPT) down here in Can Tho.
I'm having serious issues with this. Does anybody know if I can go to a wireless provider (Viettel or Vinaphone) and buy a wireless USB stick and get my speeds back? Read More
Fact or Fiction? by tsshapiro
Recently, many Vietnamese have told me I shouldn't eat vegetables at food stalls because they are unhealthy. My friends are claiming that they are using a chemical spray which incredulously makes the vegetable mature into fantastic sizes ...
Thank you all very much for the information. Now, that I know about the dangers, what can I do to mitigate the risks? Is the only option to stay at home and cook my own food? I'm currently living in a hotel and I have been since I arrived in ... Read More
Fact or Fiction? by tsshapiro
Recently, many Vietnamese have told me I shouldn't eat vegetables at food stalls because they are unhealthy. My friends are claiming that they are using a chemical spray which incredulously makes the vegetable mature into fantastic sizes ...
So... what about eating at restaurants? What are the risks of eating this kind of food? I've eaten almost everything I got my hands on since I arrived here over a year ago. I haven't noticed any illness or sickness. Is it really bad if I eat ... Read More
Fact or Fiction? by tsshapiro
Recently, many Vietnamese have told me I shouldn't eat vegetables at food stalls because they are unhealthy. My friends are claiming that they are using a chemical spray which incredulously makes the vegetable mature into fantastic sizes ...
Thanks for clarifying that for me. All of that sounds quite plausible. I was being told that the vegetables were being sprayed which would make them mature from seedlings into large adult fruit overnight. That's what made me think of feeding ... Read More
Fact or Fiction?
Recently, many Vietnamese have told me I shouldn't eat vegetables at food stalls because they are unhealthy. My friends are claiming that they are using a chemical spray which incredulously makes the vegetable mature into fantastic sizes ... Read More
Newbies' questions regarding employers' cash withholdings & contracts by hs0zfe
[color=#8905F9]A colleague had part of her salary withheld. Her boss wants to have some kind of cash reserve for situations when he can [b]fine[/b] her. What is the legal situation regarding such practices in the absence of a written contract? My ...
Frankly, I would find another job if I were you. I had similar problems with AMA in Vinh City. You could try the legal route; but, in the end, it'd be the same result (other employment). If they're dishonest now, expect that trend to ... Read More
anyone living in Buon Me Thuot city? let's make friend!
HelloHello JaitchJaitch, I'm also an expat living in BMT. Maybe we should have an expat meet-up. All four of us! Hahha! Read More
Top hiring sectors in Buon Ma Thuot by Julien
Hi, let聮s talk about job opportunities in Buon Ma Thuot. What are the top hiring sectors? And according to you, what are the most promising job sectors, which will keep creating jobs in Buon Ma Thuot? Thanks in advance for sharing your ...
Hello, I'm a U.S. Citizen living in BMT and I love it here. I can help give advice on jobs in the language sector as a few new schools have opened and there are relatively few foreign (read: native) teachers here. Keep in mind the authorities ... Read More
NFL Playoffs by lostvietdreamer
Hello, if I can find 8 or 10 people interested in watching the NFL playoffs I have a place to do it. They are on live at 1am but they show the replays starting at 6 or 7am. Best
Stupid double post... sorry my internet glitched. Read More
NFL Playoffs by lostvietdreamer
Hello, if I can find 8 or 10 people interested in watching the NFL playoffs I have a place to do it. They are on live at 1am but they show the replays starting at 6 or 7am. Best
I wish I was in HCMC for this! I have almost missed the entire football season. Do you think we will be able to do something like this for March Madness?? Read More
Mai's introdution by thanhmai296
Hello everyone, My name's Mai, you can call me Ginny. I am 22 year old and I am working in Ho chi minh city now. It's nice to meet you guy.
Hello Mai, I will be there soon enough, and I am incredibly excited! -Tim Read More
Sports in Vietnam
Hello All! I'll be arriving in Vietnam n 21 JUN 2013 to be an English teacher. I was wondering if there were any venues (e.g. bars, lounges) that show American sports. Baseball season will be in full swing, and I am not quite sure how I will make ... Read More