Redbeard42
Australian expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
71
Contacts
6
About me
Australian
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City
Speaks English
Registration: 28 February 2015
How is Quy Nhon as a place to live as a retiree by Dennis Thomas
Hi everyone new member here Retired 65 from USA been living in the Philippines last 4 yrs. My pension is 1400 usd a month. I find I must live in the smaller providence cities here, cant afford Cebu or Manila, that have more to offer. ...
I "lived" in QN for 6 months a few years ago. the town shuts down at 10pm the town has no great excitement ... if you like the beach after "work" .... great.. if you want a very very relaxed life .... great.. if you want a ... Read More
Techcombank and Vietnam Airlines
Just checked my VN airlines FF account. Last week there were TWO entries for Techcombank. For May AND June . Nothing like doing things quickly. At least it works now. Read More
Transportation from Thao Dien Village District 2 by thepulser89
Hi all I am relocating to HCMC next month working for a company with office in the city. I have just found an apartment in District 2 and was wondering how much taxi fare from there to the city? The annoying thing is my company does not provide ...
Get your international drivers PERMIT from the NRMA before you leave. (make sure it has Vietnam listed in the accepting countries, ring them, sight it first, ask why its not listed. They are pedantic _ricks here.) Make sure you bring your OZ ... Read More
Extend visa for expat in Ho Chi Minh City by Hellen Thao Vy
Hi all members and friends in 天美麻豆 forum, My friend as foreigner come to VN with the visa for travelling and it will be expired in next 10 days. I would like to ask the procedure to extend the visa for my friend, and what is the longest time ...
That seems to be my understanding as well. Wish they told me sooner though!! Read More
Extend visa for expat in Ho Chi Minh City by Hellen Thao Vy
Hi all members and friends in 天美麻豆 forum, My friend as foreigner come to VN with the visa for travelling and it will be expired in next 10 days. I would like to ask the procedure to extend the visa for my friend, and what is the longest time ...
http://blog.rushvietnamvisa.com/blog/2014/11/19/law-472014qh13-law-entry-exit-transit-residence-foreigners-vietnam/?hc_location=ufi I thought I might goto the immigration department but when my GF called a friend working there. She said they dont ... Read More
Tourism injection. by Guest2023
Seems that the tourist numbers are that bad that this idea is going to be put to Ha Noi. http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/28287/vietnam-should-give-sixmonth-visa-fee-waiver-to-all-tourists-official
Believe it when I see it.. At least there is a precedent.. and I find that in itself amazing. Read More
Extend visa for expat in Ho Chi Minh City by Hellen Thao Vy
Hi all members and friends in 天美麻豆 forum, My friend as foreigner come to VN with the visa for travelling and it will be expired in next 10 days. I would like to ask the procedure to extend the visa for my friend, and what is the longest time ...
I already received an extension in March. This would have been the second extension. I have not been told any reason why I can only get a 15 extension this time. Read More
Extend visa for expat in Ho Chi Minh City by Hellen Thao Vy
Hi all members and friends in 天美麻豆 forum, My friend as foreigner come to VN with the visa for travelling and it will be expired in next 10 days. I would like to ask the procedure to extend the visa for my friend, and what is the longest time ...
Actually might be difficult now. I took my passport last week to get my tourist visa extended. The agent (FISC) came back to me and said I could only get a 15 day extension. I had it extended for three months once before. It looks like I have leave ... Read More
Where and How can Expats learn to ride manual-geared motorcycle?
http://hello-saigon.com/2011/11/30/how-to-get-a-motorbike-license-in-hcmc/ https://www.facebook.com/vnlicense http://www.saigonscootercentre.com/bike_rental/VN_Licence_Info.asp?idBasket=&idcat=&itemid=&p=&c_id=&s_id= Read More
Best Way to Search for Apartments in HCMC? by mtgmike
I know there are adverts in the housing section of 天美麻豆, but can I get some recommendations for other resources to search? I've found plenty of Vietnamese language web sites with listings. Can these typically be rented by foreigners?
or here muabannhadat.vn/ but no english, except for googles Read More
Scrap yards in Ho Chi Minh ? by t101
Hello As per the title, does anyone know if there are any scrap yards in Ho Chi Minh city open to the public ? When I say open to the public, I mean places that let you in to rummage around and then pay them when you find what you want. More ...
http://thanhlyhangcu.vn/san-pham/thu-mua-phe-lieu.html dont know if it what you want but looks right Read More
Visa extension by Gphillips
I have a 90 day, multiple entry, C-1 visa for Vietnam. It is valid through 04 Feb. I need a one month extension to 04 Mar 2015. Unaware of the rule changes I went to the local travel agency for an extension on 06 Jan. No can do! Went to the ...
Never tried her but it does list her prices.. http://www.chiscafe.com/visas.html "do not include VAT" ... haha what VAT!! Read More
Best ATMs in HCMC to withdraw large sums of money? by sess
I'm getting an apartment in HCMC and am looking for an ATM that will allow me to withdraw around 15,000,000 dong in one or two tries. It's especially important to limit the number of withdrawals because the card I will be using is not ...
http://www.commbank.com.vn/atms-location.html just remember to select the "other" amount and manually enter it Read More
Mobifone and Vietnam Airlines
Just checked my Vietnam GLP account today. There was 32 points credited from Mobifone but dated 1/5/15. Two weeks ago. It was not there yesterday! Also checked my messages , I went to Mobifone on March 16. So has taken Two months to have it ... Read More
Best ATMs in HCMC to withdraw large sums of money? by sess
I'm getting an apartment in HCMC and am looking for an ATM that will allow me to withdraw around 15,000,000 dong in one or two tries. It's especially important to limit the number of withdrawals because the card I will be using is not ...
BIDV 5 million per transaction, 50,000,000 per day Local Account For an international; account, not sure. BUT they usually have the list of fees/limit posted on the wall in/next to the ATM. From what I remember seeing the "international ... Read More
Mobifone and Vietnam Airlines
Has anyone been successful in linking their Mobifone Account (pre-paid or post-paid) with their Vietnam Airlines Golden Lotus Plus account? They have a "loyalty" program that one presumes give points to your VN GLP account when u spend on ... Read More
Techcombank and Vietnam Airlines
Has anyone been successful in linking their Techcombank Account with their Vietnam Airlines Golden Lotus Plus account? They have a "loyalty" program that one presumes give points to your VN GLP account when u spend on the Card. But have ... Read More
Teaching English -- Good Schools by Redbeard42
Hello All, I know its been covered many times but again please. What are good schools to work for here. I am looking at applying at Wall Street English. Any Opinions ...?
Thank you all for your replys. Especially the students. Unexpected from you and most welcome to get your perspective. I have put in my resume to Wall St and see what happens. Other comments about other schools will be stored away for future ... Read More
Is there any camp or outdoor activity for kids this summer in HCMC? by Hoa M. Phan
Hi all, I have two kids - one is 12 and the other is 8. I am looking for some activities for my kids to do while they are out of school this summer holiday. My husband and I are working parents. We appreciate it very much if you can leave us some ...
And Yet another www.talai-adventure.vn but brochure for kids camps was from last year Read More
Is there any camp or outdoor activity for kids this summer in HCMC? by Hoa M. Phan
Hi all, I have two kids - one is 12 and the other is 8. I am looking for some activities for my kids to do while they are out of school this summer holiday. My husband and I are working parents. We appreciate it very much if you can leave us some ...
and another Camp Asia but I can only find this reference to them http://www.vietnamworks.com/summer-camp-staff-counselor-552101-jd/ Read More
Is there any camp or outdoor activity for kids this summer in HCMC? by Hoa M. Phan
Hi all, I have two kids - one is 12 and the other is 8. I am looking for some activities for my kids to do while they are out of school this summer holiday. My husband and I are working parents. We appreciate it very much if you can leave us some ...
http://www.vietnamsummercamps.com/ what they sent me Dear Sir, Dear Madam, We are very happy that you鈥檝e signed up on our website. So please find below some information about our Summer Camps. *** C岷 啤n c谩c anh ch峄� ... Read More
Is there any camp or outdoor activity for kids this summer in HCMC? by Hoa M. Phan
Hi all, I have two kids - one is 12 and the other is 8. I am looking for some activities for my kids to do while they are out of school this summer holiday. My husband and I are working parents. We appreciate it very much if you can leave us some ...
Check the notice board at the supermarket in thao dien Read More
Teaching English -- Good Schools by Redbeard42
Hello All, I know its been covered many times but again please. What are good schools to work for here. I am looking at applying at Wall Street English. Any Opinions ...?
hello dejavu.. I was asking peoples opinions of schools.. Not someones presumption as to what my life is about. Info on schools welcome.... Judgement comments on my life.... Keep to yourself.... Read More
Teaching English -- Good Schools
Hello All, I know its been covered many times but again please. What are good schools to work for here. I am looking at applying at Wall Street English. Any Opinions ...? Read More
Snorkeling?
Hi Lady, Quy nhon, vietnam is perfect for you. 500$year Read More
Local Banks that will allow foreigners w/ B3 Visa to open account by christu918
Hi, Does anyone know which local bank will allow a foreigner with B3 visa to open an account? I have tried several banks and they say I need a 6 months visa or a resident card. I currently have a 3 months B3 visa. Thanks.
Any restrictions on how you use the account? Read More
Local Banks that will allow foreigners w/ B3 Visa to open account by christu918
Hi, Does anyone know which local bank will allow a foreigner with B3 visa to open an account? I have tried several banks and they say I need a 6 months visa or a resident card. I currently have a 3 months B3 visa. Thanks.
Looks like i'll be going as well.... Read More
Local Banks that will allow foreigners w/ B3 Visa to open account by christu918
Hi, Does anyone know which local bank will allow a foreigner with B3 visa to open an account? I have tried several banks and they say I need a 6 months visa or a resident card. I currently have a 3 months B3 visa. Thanks.
Hello, I have a VR visa, 3mth multi entry (was told it was "other" category) (older visas are B3) Just went to TECHCOMBANK thao dien YESTERDAY and opened a savings account. Did not say anything about the type of VISA BUT I cannot ... Read More
Trying to find an apartment for 2-3 months lease... by PeterBKK
Hi All, Been trying to find an apartment for lease for 2-3 months, but most land lords want minimum 1 years lease. Does anybody know a nice apartment/serviced apartment in Ho chi minh city, district 1? I would like something with a rent in the ...
Maybe you can think about staying in a nice hotel. Do some sums , it can work out cheaper? But get a monthly rate from them, And insist on it. I have a Viet friend that is staying in a hotel in D2,, why ,, 3mill a MONTH! But I dont think they ... Read More
Salary requirement for housekeeper by GuestPoster123
We arrived in HCMC recently and looking for a Vietnamese housekeeper/nanny Monday to Saturday 9-6pm What is the salary scale How much should we pay ?approximate Don't want to get cheated Many thanks
Paying my housekeeper 40,000 per hour..... But its only for two hours once a week. This of it as tradesman/ad hok rates. A company is advertising their cleaners for 35,000 hr casual rates. They are advertising somewhere?. Here, an phu neigbours ... Read More
Questions about tipping, and paying the motorcycle attendants. by brubakertx
I'm still a little confused about tipping in Vietnam. Today I went to get a check-up at a local hospital. I parked my motorcycle at the hospital, and the attendant gave me a ticket. About one hour later, I gave back the ticket to the ...
In general tipping is not expected. So dont feel obligated. You will pay extra for thing over time. Foreign tax. But the reverse is also true , i have had shop staff rumage around for 2000 in change to return to me.! As far as parking attentants ... Read More
food carriage?
On the Bottom, you can use it for a seat as well. It also cooler. It you wants guests though sit up , otherwise lie flat for the trip. Read More
Snorkel Equipment
Hello , Dont know if you have tracked the snorkels down but... I can tell you they are here in HCM. I swim every morning at H峄� B啤i H岷 Qu芒n (Navy Swimming Pool) in D1 near the river and the Navy boys ALL have them. They also ... Read More
Anyone wish to join us for Color me Run on 11th April? by Richard Loo
There will be a great event that we hope to experience in Saigon. Details as follows: http://www.citynetevents.com/saigon/events/color-me-run-2015-april-11th-2015 Time is actually: 3pm -9pm We could get in touch and all meet up and run for some ...
running is not fun!!! :joking: Read More
Need cheap office chair, anyone knows a good store for that in HCMC ? by Steven98
Looking for a cheap office chair. Anyone knows where in Ho Chi Minh city I could buy one ? Used one is fine too, but 've had no luck finding one yet. Any tips or hook ups would be apreciated. Thanks!
Join google group "An Phu Neighbours" there is some one there selling 9 of them , 200,000 each from memory Read More
Where can I buy Viettel 3 G modem in Ho chi minh city ? by Steven98
Hello! Does anyone know where can I buy a Viettel 3G modem an a sim card to use the internet in Ho Chi Minh city ? Only found one in Viettel shop, but they ask for passport, and I'm not comfortable with that at all. Any help or hook up will be ...
Thats normal when you buy a SIM card. They have to register the owner, same happens for Vietnamese except they use their ID card. Read More
Buying bread and cold cuts
Try one of the four bakeries on thao dien road in thao dien. One of them might have what u are after.. Btw where is home? Makes a difference between pupenickel and sliced white? Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Vietnam by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Vietnam. What recommendations would you ...
Keep your common sense... Would i do this at home.? Would i lend money to someone i know for just a month? Would i hand accross money to a girlfriends family? Would i drink all night alone and expect to get home safe? Your culture is just as ... Read More
What do you expect to SEE, to BUY, to be SERVED in a store in HCMc?
Depends on price, if viet prices not much to each. If foreign prices are being charged then everything to western standards. Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
What can I say Ralph....... a bit forgetful ??? :unsure Read More
What's the fastest way to get a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate? by howietp
I have been offered a job but apparently need to get an English teaching certificate for the work visa. TEFL/TESOL/CELTA/DELTA are all ok. Is if feasible to do something online and get it in a week or two? Thanks!
Some thoughts,,, No piece of paper is going to give you the ABILITY to teach. No piece of paper is going to give you the PASSION to teach. NES are not here to teach grammar, they have had 6 years in school for that. A two week online course or ... Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
@Athanasius Pang ,, cannot tell yet. I haven't been pulled over yet? Besides it will also be dependant on the Local Constabulry being fully versed up as well. I think this has more to do with Viets travelling OUT of the country, and for them ... Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
@ralphnhatrang, I just redid my Victorian Licence by internet/mail. It had not expired but I do remember reading in the Vicroads website that they would RE-ISSUE an EXPIRED licence of less than 5 years. Your state may be different but may be ... Read More
Tap water in HCMC by GuestPoster13
Is it safe to drink the tap water at home if a water filter is used? Any expats have experience trying this? If no, is there a place to buy bottled water in larger quantities to save some on the price?
Boil the tap water first.. Kills more bugs than filtering IF there are any in it in the first place. If you still want bottles, your landlord should be able to arrange big water bottles to get delivered to you. Read More
Where can I buy a george foreman style grill in Ho Chi Minh?
http://vietnam.craigslist.org/app/4923132265.html Read More
Where to Buy a New Motorbike
Was getting my bike serviced yesterday at Honda D2. The prices of new bikes are all posted on the wall. And on their website http://www.honda.com.vn/vn/xe-may/bang-gia-xe/ I dont think they haggle too much. The GF bought the bike herself ... Read More
European food in VN
Hi, What exactly are u after? Bakeries, Pasta, Pizza, Fine Dining BBQ Particular Country? Plenty of European Owned Restaurants in HCM. Expecially in D2 and D7. Try looking up the expat magazines ASIALIFE OI WORD lots of ads in there (and their ... Read More
Recycling Aluminium Cans - Price by Redbeard42
I would like to know what prices other people have gotten for selling Aluminium Cans to the recycling ladies on their pushbikes? Also the plastic boittles?. And Paper/Cardboard? :/ Thanks in adavnce
Made my first money as a kid collecting & selling Cans and have done recycling for as long as I can remember. Its just habit now. Its even better in a country where they will recycle virtually everything. (the refilling of bottles isnt recycling ... Read More
finding a job by kimcuong
hi everyone. i looking for a customer service jobs in phu my hung or d1. cause now i need a job , if anyone have any introduction or recommend , i really appreciate this :) thank you everyone . have a nice sunday :)
Hi Diamond Try http://www.vietnamworks.com/ or http://www.glassdoor.com/ or http://careerbuilder.vn/ Read More
The fakers being faked by Redbeard42
Spotted this In the online newspaper today. Really strange twist of events. :/ tuoitrenews.vn/business/26418/chinese-goods-bearing-fake-madeinvietnam-labels-hurt-local-consumers-manufacturers
Not a local ,, a fellow expat seems to have taken the greatest offence Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
The picture in the story is from a private company issuing "unofficial translations". http://www.international-license.com/. Like this one. I think the journo got abit lazy and googled it, and used the first picture that came up. It is ... Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
No, i did not say that. The IDP is used with your foreign license. If you have a local one already, stick with that. The IDP would be a step backwards for you. Read More
Vietnam to accept International Drivers Permits in 2015? by Iwonder
Hi Guys, I saw this a while ago - http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/vietnam-to-recognize-international-drivers-license-in-2015-33942.html Starting in 2015 Vietnam will accept International Drivers Permits allow me to convert my Australian ...
The intentational Permit does not replace or entitle you to convert your drivers licence in a foreign country. You must have both for driving in another country. It does contain some translations but only a few. Because its standard all over the ... Read More
The fakers being faked by Redbeard42
Spotted this In the online newspaper today. Really strange twist of events. :/ tuoitrenews.vn/business/26418/chinese-goods-bearing-fake-madeinvietnam-labels-hurt-local-consumers-manufacturers
Still here All I did was point to a Vietnamese newspaper article with what I thought was a witty banner that would be understood by fellow expats. Pointing out the irony of the situation. I never expected to get my head bitten off with such ... Read More
Arrival to Ho Chi Minh City
The real estate agent did not mention that to secure an apartment you need to pay one month rent AND one or Two months bond. So if the 500 is you accommodation budget , you will need to bring in 1500 just for that. Your estimation of 500/mth accom ... Read More
Recycling Aluminium Cans - Price
I would like to know what prices other people have gotten for selling Aluminium Cans to the recycling ladies on their pushbikes? Also the plastic boittles?. And Paper/Cardboard? :/ Thanks in adavnce Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
THREE years living in thailand and I could not get "Hello" right!!!! I would answer the phone , say "hello" and there would be silence!! Love the rest of your post and this whole thread. Read More
where can you a white foam board that is big or huge in ho chi minh???
Was going to be silly and upload a picture i took last week of a motorbike with the passenger hold a big piece of styrofoam that you want but I cannot load it easliy. So I saw a more productive idea today. There are shops that sell tape wrapped ... Read More
Why don't Vietnamese understand Vietnamese spoken by a foreigner? by I do believe
Having lived in Vietnam for 6 years and studied Vietnamese at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities it never ceases to amaze me that if I speak and pronounce a Vietnamese phrase perfectly to most Vietnamese, they don't understand me. ...
Your ordering a coffee with jellyfish and ice!!!! Thats my standing joke on pronunciation and tones. I am in a coffee shop, what else would I be ordering especially if I have the menu open. Monty Python could have a field day here. My thoughts ... Read More
Where can I buy a george foreman style grill in Ho Chi Minh?
Similar,, http://www.cdiscount.vn/do-gia-dung/gia-dung-nha-bep/chao-va-vi-nuong and you get it home delivered, i think Read More
Where to get best exchange rate to convert DONG to USD? by eddie500
I have dong and need USD as I am leaving Vietnam. Would anyone have a recommendation on where I can get the best exchange rate to buy USD? Thankyou
Sorry Becki, Going to a bank in vietnam is not a guarentee that you will not get a fake. The fakes here are very very good. I collect banknotes and i have seen a fake here and it took me a while. Even the bank staff would be hard pressed to spot ... Read More
Good gym to go to for free weights in district 2 by rampage2444
Hi I have recently moved to HCMC and am living in district 2. I am looking to join a gym but no sure where would be good to go. I am looking for a good selection of free weights and cable machines, is there anywhere thats close to me and for a ...
Also behind the swimming pool at H峄� B啤i H岷 Qu芒n 12 Nguy峄卬 H峄痷 C岷h, 19, B矛nh Th岷h there is a small open air gym. I talked with someone while swimming the 25m pool who was using the gym, 30,000 a ... Read More
Motorbike Mechanic by Citsym
Can someone advise the name and contact details of a good mechanic. I have a Honda AirBlade requiring some work done. Thanks in advance.
I suggest you take it to the local Honda Dealer. My Service Book lists 13 agents in Vung Tao, with Dohaco having 5 shops. I have a new SH and have had the servicing done in HCM by Honda Gold Wing agents in D1 & D2 The extras amounted to 113,000 ... Read More
The fakers being faked
Spotted this In the online newspaper today. Really strange twist of events. :/ tuoitrenews.vn/business/26418/chinese-goods-bearing-fake-madeinvietnam-labels-hurt-local-consumers-manufacturers Read More
Average $$ electricity power consumption in Vietnam? by koksiewng64
Hi there, i was wondering whether anybody out there can tell me how do i estimate or calculate the electricity power consumption based on an average room ? My room have a Samsung 29" TV (average turn on 5hrs/day), a small fridge (on all the time), ...
Found this xxx to fins a phone number on which to complain ...........聽 聽 hmmm no luck there Read More
fluoride usage in Vietnam
And with those meals your wife is preparing how much rice and Banh Mi's are involved.. Too many carbs over the age of 40 === extra pounds, especially if you are not working/active. mostly protein diet as you get older keeps OFF the pounds. I ... Read More
Antique wooden furniture restoration by JDF2
I'm looking for a carpenter with experience in restoring antique furniture in HCMC. Any suggestions or recommendations?
I do not actually have any personal experience with them. But on the road near where I live there are a number of woodworking shops. They often have furniture pieces in there which they have sanded and resprayed. How exact and careful they are I am ... Read More
Average $$ electricity power consumption in Vietnam? by koksiewng64
Hi there, i was wondering whether anybody out there can tell me how do i estimate or calculate the electricity power consumption based on an average room ? My room have a Samsung 29" TV (average turn on 5hrs/day), a small fridge (on all the time), ...
Just noticed the OP was 2 1/2 years ago!. And I see he found a method for calculating his share. But this seems to have changes to discussion on Electricity Rates, so .... But anyway latest electricity rates. In a Vietnamese apt block with rate ... Read More