Carolyn Shoaf
@catsophat
American expat in Thailand
Forum posts
62
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Bang
Speaks English, some Spanish, a little Vietnamese
Registration: 15 July 2010
Where can computer be repaired? by catsophat
My computer has many problems with programs. I need to find some place or person that is not going to take out parts, install spyware or whatever the latest scam is.
I can't get a .dll application to uninstall. Cannot upgrade to Windows 8, change screen resolution, get rid of Yahoo Vietnam, get free IDM, compose email quickly. I have tried following the instructions. I can't get anything to work. I don't have ... Read More
Where can computer be repaired?
My computer has many problems with programs. I need to find some place or person that is not going to take out parts, install spyware or whatever the latest scam is. Read More
the AMAZING THAILAND when it comes to visa
My US citizen 30 day visa exemption is about to expire. I am not yet working but plan to be. Should I get the "B" visa or a tourist visa for 30 days or longer? Also, someone said I have to go to Central Dept. store due to the protestors but heard ... Read More
Cannot open a bank account by catsophat
I entered the country with a 30 day tourist visa a week ago from the US to teach English. I do not have a job yet. I went to 8 banks to open an account. All required a passport and work permit. I have no idea of how to get this done or ...
Yes, I have the standard "arrival 30 day by air exemption". The banks did not even ask what type of visa or exemption I have. They seemed more interested in a passport, visa and work permit combination. Seeing the latest US law, I can understand ... Read More
Cannot open a bank account
I entered the country with a 30 day tourist visa a week ago from the US to teach English. I do not have a job yet. I went to 8 banks to open an account. All required a passport and work permit. I have no idea of how to get this done or ... Read More
Has anyone complained about the on and off ramps for the hydrofoils
You should be more worried the ancient, poorly maintained pieces of junk will sink or break down and be a drift for hours. Look at Viet Week for recent articles. Take a bus. It's half the price and not much more time. Read More
Mattress pads and martial arts classes
There are memory foam mattress toppers on the second floor of Maximark, 3/2 St., Dist. 10 for about 2 million VND. This is much cheaper than the Dunlopillo store. New spring mattresses can be purchased on Ngo Gia Tu St. (furniture street), Dist. 10 ... 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 ...
We know where to buy them. See you Thursday morning. Read More
English-speaking hair stylist? by darago01
I'm so tired of my hair! I usually let it grow out for a year and then chop it all off, but I'm actually letting it grow out this time. The thing is, I'm going crazy.....I need to do something with it, and fast. I want to cut it, but keep it long ...
YKC, Dien Bien Phu St., Dist. 3 is great but not cheap, full service and very fluent in English Read More
I want to buy a second hand phone with cheap price by Judy.lovely
I bought a phone already. Thanks for your help these days.. Judy
Aren't you always offering to help the poor foreigners because you are so gernerous and eager to show how great Vietnam is? Not so great now, huh? Read More
Spanish Speakers by StephenV
Hi, I'm moving to Ho Chi Minh in August. I'm an English teacher and my partner is a Spanish teacher. She is a native experienced language teacher and is looking to give lessons or do some language exchange, English/Vietnamese for Spanish! If you ...
I know some expats who take Spanish lessons from native speakers and are interested in continuing to improve their language skills. There is also a club for Latin Americans. So there must be a market for these lessons just not sure if it's with ... Read More
Bastiste dry shampoo by AlexSarah
Hey, Little bit of a stupid/vain question, but I can't seem to find dry shampoo anywhere in HCM? I'm looking for the aerosol type, preferably brunette. Any ideas? Been to most shops, Cresent Mall etc. Also, does anyone know any good hairdressers ...
Correction: I saw dry shampoo but do not recall the brand. Read More
Bastiste dry shampoo by AlexSarah
Hey, Little bit of a stupid/vain question, but I can't seem to find dry shampoo anywhere in HCM? I'm looking for the aerosol type, preferably brunette. Any ideas? Been to most shops, Cresent Mall etc. Also, does anyone know any good hairdressers ...
I have seen it at Medicare on Tran Hung Dao, Dist. 1 and Citimart, NG Trai, Dist. 1 but cannot say what the fragrance or price are. Do not use this product so did not pay that much attention. The hair stylists can understand that you want cut or ... Read More
My plane arrives at 0055 - anything to do/be aware of at the airport? by Japantovietnam
I just got an email from my booking agency that my flight has been rescheduled to land in Saigon at 12:55am instead of 10pm as scheduled. As the forum topic reads: would I still be able to find a hotel to stay at overnight or at least find a bar ...
Crazy Buffalo at De Tham and Bui Vien never closes and a few other bars near it I will bet are also open. The hotels are used to coming and going at all hours. You should be able to find a room. There are always taxis at the airport. Just try not ... Read More
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC? by catsophat
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC? Please give a street address and district if possible.
If CoverGirl cosmetics were at Vincom or a Parkson I would have purchased them years ago. I have no faith in ever receiving an online purchase here, also. I give up. Thanks anyway. Read More
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC? by catsophat
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC? Please give a street address and district if possible.
It's L'Oreal there but thanks anyway. Read More
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC?
Has anyone seen Cover Girl cosmetics in HCMC? Please give a street address and district if possible. Read More
How easy is it to buy stereo equipment? by stu1977
I am moving to Ho Chi Minh City in a few months. I am wondering whether to ship my stereo equipment (a bit old but good quality) or buy some new stuff in Vietnam. A bit of googling didn't reveal much about buying stuff there. Does anyone know how ...
NG Kim is also a good choice because return, replace or refund is possible. Be careful, not possible at many other places. Read More
Cheated on Wages by duanef
My first paycheck from APU International School was short by over 8 million dong. What can I do?
Always ask other teachers or check online forums for schools that cheat on pay. There are many of them. Find the person in charge of the school if you do not make any progress with your boss. Tell him or her you are going to post on every forum you ... Read More
Helmets for european heads
Andes on NTMK is the place to go. There are many sizes, styles and prices of helmets there. More importantly, they are real. Do not buy from the street, supermarket or fake Andes stores. Read More
Clothing Alterations (Taylor) by fishcake67
Hi. I am looking for help in finding a reliable person to alter some shirts please. Ideally looking for somewhere in Dist 1, Dist 3 or Dist 10 in HCMC? The shirts have been specially designed and have a lot of sentimental value, so looking for ...
Oh no, you must be an English teacher. Read More
Looking for job at hcm, bihn duong
Look at the InterNations website. It is free to join. There is a networking event usually the second Tuesday of each month. You can meet lots of professional people and hand out your cards. Read More
cheap hostel in HCMC by aga88
Hey guys!! I am comming to HCMC on tuesday!! Does anyone know any cheap youth hostel with wi-fi in distric 2? Its important for the that the place will be cheap as i dont have job in HCMC yet and dont know how long time it will take me. Please ...
If you want a cheap hostel go to Pham Ngo Lao in the backpacker area, Dist. 1. I know a backpacker who stayed in a dorm for 60,000 per night. He said it was ok. Read More
Anyone heard of this school doing TESOL for 450USD?
I went to TEFL International here in HCMC. Paid $1,400. I have not heard of one TESOL being more desirable than another. If so, it would be a good deal. Hope it works for you. Read More
Do motorbike dealers offer proxy "service" for expats buying new bike? by tly
Hi everyone, I want to buy a new Yamaha Exciter at an official yamaha dealer in SG, but I have no "proxy" (a vietnamese to buy the bike for me). So my question is, do the dealer offer that option? How does the transfer of ownership works? Where do ...
Thieves look for the easiest, lowest risk opportunity to steal anything. Don't think the make or model of the bike has much to do with it. I bought a used Yamaha Nuovo last year. The ownership card was unchanged from the original owner. No telling ... Read More
Laser Hair Reomoval by Ashard Deen
Hi Guys, Gals, I have a friend who is new here and wants to know the best place to get this done? she apparently did this in the U.S and has two more sessions to go. I thought i will check with you lot. Let me know please. Thanks! Ashard
There is a lot of misinformation about LHR so here is some info: The laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair which is then killed at the root. Lighter skin with darker hair means the energy is being used more efficiently. Special attention is ... Read More
Permanent Hair Straightening
My service could have been 600,000 due to longer length and the L'oreal brand. Can't even get a hair cut in the US for that price. Read More
Banking in HCM by pinhcm
Hi there, Im a Singaporean n moving to HCM soon & am now looking at the banking system available. There's many options n i hope someone can enlighten me. hehe. 1. Do i open a local bank account or foreign bank? 2. For either of the above ...
I have paid my EVN bill many times at Vietin Bank with no fee and have never waited for change. I openend a prepaid account with no minimum balance at Asia Commercial Bank in 2010. I only had to bring my passport, complete a short form and pay a ... Read More
Laser Hair Reomoval by Ashard Deen
Hi Guys, Gals, I have a friend who is new here and wants to know the best place to get this done? she apparently did this in the U.S and has two more sessions to go. I thought i will check with you lot. Let me know please. Thanks! Ashard
I went to Avida on Tran Hung Dao, Dist. 1. An English speaking girl was with me for the whole session. It also has the best price I have found after investigating 3 other places. I also had to finish some sessions from the U.S. But be warned, the ... Read More
Nguyen Hue flower show overwhelmed by huge crowds by Jaitch
Thousands of travellers have flocked to downtown Ho Chi Minh City to visit the 10th flower display on Nguyen Hue Street, District 1 which was opened to the public on February 7 (27th day of the last lunar month). Highlights of Nguyen Hue Flower Show ...
An article in Viet Nam News states that the show ends Feb. 13, 2013. Read More
Electricity cost by Xaba
Hi there Does anyone know how much electricity costs - kWH in HCMC? I have a separate meter for my flat so I'm able to monitor usage. I've been told it's 3000 VND but I'm charged 5000 VND Thanks
The information on the HCMC Power Corp. site is for 2010. Read More
Feasible distance to work by Eluelf
Hello, I'm going to work in HCMC soon. My office is located in Distict 10. My partner is coming with me and is also looking for a job in HCMC. She wants to apply for a job in Distict 5. Is this possible for both. What would be a good place for an ...
You could also take the bus from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Many people don't use or know how to use the system but at .25 or .30 cents/ticket (depending on route) you can't beat it. I know how to go all over HCMC and am safe, comfortable and alive. Read More
I am thinking of bringing my dog by bahunt
Hi all. Looks like I will be moving to HCMC in August. I am thinking of bringing my dog. Just wondering on the availability of dog foods and kenneling for holiday periods and things like that? Anyone know much about this? Any info would be ...
Also, I was happy with a basic exam and shots for my puppy at Modern Pet, Dist. 7. They speak English, have all kinds of accessories and food and a pet hotel. Don't know if they are any good with specialized or serious treatments. Read More
Permanent Hair Straightening
Most places have a bilingual list of services and prices. It is a popular service. They will know what you want. I have had it done twice. Paid 600,000 per service. Takes a few hours but it is great. Look at a few shops and prices and decide. ... Read More
Electricity cost by Xaba
Hi there Does anyone know how much electricity costs - kWH in HCMC? I have a separate meter for my flat so I'm able to monitor usage. I've been told it's 3000 VND but I'm charged 5000 VND Thanks
You should be getting a bill directly from EVN. It is illegal to resell electricity but many landlords do. There was a rate increase of about 5% last month but your bill is very high. I got a 4 page booklet from EVN showing different rates for ... Read More
Looking for rigid foam insulation panels by catsophat
I am looking for rigid foam insulation panels. I have seen them but cannot locate the source. Someplace near or in Dist. 1 and a price range would be much appreciated.
I can do drywall and studs but want to minimize my time and money spent on a rental unit. I want to enclose a spare room to rent out with a material that blocks air and sound. Am looking for an accordian style sliding door commonly used as doors ... Read More
Looking for rigid foam insulation panels by catsophat
I am looking for rigid foam insulation panels. I have seen them but cannot locate the source. Someplace near or in Dist. 1 and a price range would be much appreciated.
I have a loft with a balcony and stairwell that I want to enclose to be air conditioned. I thought this might be an easy and cheap material to use. Will worry about appearance later. Other ideas, please advise. Read More
Looking for rigid foam insulation panels
I am looking for rigid foam insulation panels. I have seen them but cannot locate the source. Someplace near or in Dist. 1 and a price range would be much appreciated. Read More
You've got... NO mail by Travel12
I've been waiting on a Christmas card from my family in the states since early December. Should I just consider it lost forever or does a regular card envelope take several months to arrive? Also waiting on a package sent by USPS the tracking # has ...
My utility bills are delivered to my door with the option to pay at that time but I am usually not home. Would not trust the mail to get them on time. Read More
You've got... NO mail by Travel12
I've been waiting on a Christmas card from my family in the states since early December. Should I just consider it lost forever or does a regular card envelope take several months to arrive? Also waiting on a package sent by USPS the tracking # has ...
I have received unopened cards with two $50 USD bills enclosed (told my aunt not to do it) a few times and sent many postcards to Chicago. They arrived here/there in about 12 days regardless of holidays or weekends. My roommate just received many ... Read More
Need a teacher by DuongThoa_1561991
Hello Everybody , I wish you Happiness and Joy聟 And Blessings for the New Year....My name's Thoa, i'm a student .I'm living at Distrist 1 . I really want to study English , so could you teach me English ...Thanks so much ...Happy new year :)
I am an English teacher who also lives in Dist. 1. I sometimes have private students. Send a PM if you would like to disucss. Read More
Tahini, Braggs Products by Guapolinda
Does anybody know where you can buy Tahini and Braggs products (Liquid Aminos, Vinegar) here in HCMC? I tried Annam Gourmet Grocery store, but they didn't have either of these. Have also looked at Citi Plaza, Big C, and Metro but with no ...
Sesame seeds are sold at most of the supermarkets next to other spices. Toast them in a pan and mix with olive oil, (also easy to find) to make tahini. Chick peas are another common staple to make hummus. Read More
Bladeless fan
Nguen Kim, Tran Hung Dao, Dist. 1 has all kinds of fans. A misting fan near your bed could help. The tank has to be refilled but it does feel a bit cooler. Read More
Looking for friends with professional background and work experience by ofbabyloninvn
Born in Hanoi, grew up in Austria (no, thats not Australia). Now back in Vietnam. I work over the internet as a programmer and have some small online import - export business. I am looking for friends with professional background and work ...
InterNations has a monthly event for professionals. Read More
ESL job prospects for non-native English speakers & non-Caucasians by visothsumtw
I have a Bachelor degree from an Australian university & a TESOL certificate issued by the London Teacher's Training College. By right, these qualifications should be able to land me a job in HCMC. However, I noticed that most of the language ...
The parents watch who comes out of the language center. If they see white skin they smile, waive and sign up their kids for the next class. "By rights" does not mean anything here. Read More
Where to have camera repaired
I have an inexpensive, new Canon camera that needs repair. The Canon store on Tran Hung Dao, Dist. 1 wants 750,000d to do it. Where can I go that is cheaper but will do a good job and what is a reasonable price? Thanks. Read More
Computer shops by Aquagirl
Folks, where can I buy good laptop/ipad etc and be sure its real? Thanks! Nguyen Kim doesn't really have a good choice...
Nguyen Kim offers replacement, repair or a refund for its products. I would reconsider. Read More
Making purchases in HCMC from US
There are GNC stores in HCMC. I saw one in Phu My Hung and have seen a listing of other stores in an ad in VietNam News. Read More
Helmets : where are the big retailers? by Flo-vn
I'm looking for a new helmet ("demi-jet" style). I want high quality, not a helmet with light plastic, cheap polystyrene and a very thin layer of foam, like 95% helmets you can find here. The only reliable helmets I've found are a few models at ...
There is an Andes store which seems to have a big selection on NG Thi Minh Ki, Dist. 3. Read More
Moving house - Some home furniture for sale
How much for the air conditioner? Where is it? Is there a phone number to contact? Read More
Foreigners in Vietnam by luongtuyen
Do you guys know where most of foreigners, who live and work long-term in Vietnam ? Tks.
There are 3 main groups of foreigners here: Tourists stay in a hotel, guest house or somewhere (not the park!)then leave. There are many kinds of tourists, not just back packers but they are the most likely to stay on that street. Expatriates ... Read More
Looking for advise/tips on dog walking.. by Brandypup
Hi Everyone, Now and then since I started walking my dogs two months ago I get neighbours telling me something in vietnamese that I don't understand. I have a little park area in front of my house that I use to take my dogs to and now and then I ...
I had almost the same experience with my puppy. I am the only foreigner in an apartment building. Many people saw me clean up after the dog but I still found a nasty message on my door and a woman screamed at me in English for 30 minutes. Just ... Read More
Cake and wrapping paper by tuhang
Hello, Where can I go to buy a cake that is not an ice cake and wrapping paper in Saigon?
You can buy cakes at Tous Les Jour with no icing or order them to be made with no icing. Wrapping paper can be found at Citimart or at toy stores, ribbon, too. Have seen birthday hats and candles at Maximark. These things are becoming more ... Read More
How to use teaching experience here to get a job in U.S. by catsophat
I need some advice. I was a corporate paralegal for 11 years then was down-sized in 2009. Could not find any job so came here in 2010, got TESOL and have been teaching. Now I am ready to return to the U.S., preferably my home city of Chicago. The ...
The only ads I see are for agencies recruiting ESL teachers for schools in Asia. I called one agency. They have recruiters who had not been to Asia even as tourists. The fee is high for an unecessary service. A few community colleges have ESL ... Read More
How to use teaching experience here to get a job in U.S.
I need some advice. I was a corporate paralegal for 11 years then was down-sized in 2009. Could not find any job so came here in 2010, got TESOL and have been teaching. Now I am ready to return to the U.S., preferably my home city of Chicago. The ... Read More
English taxi? by AntonS
Is there a taxi, whos drivers actually speak english? would be nice if you could give me an URL or a phone number for such a thing, thx in advance
Write the name and address (street, ward, district) of your destination on a scrap piece of paper and hand it to the driver. This also works most of the time at stores, when asking for directions, etc. Even when speaking Vietnamese they will ... Read More
Hair Styling in Phu My Hung
Go to "Ky the Guy", YKC Salon, Dien Bien Phu, Dist. 3. It's not cheap but he is the best, comparable with the best stylists I have had in the U.S. Read More