About Diazo

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Vietnam: Nha Trang Retirement:

Perhaps the B1, business visa is the longest, unless you marry. Then you can get a VEC. The B1 is good for 90 days and you can get a multiple entry which can be renewed in country at a travel agent or at immigrations. In Nha Trang I think the best and cheapest way to renew is with Mi. If you would like her tele, let me know.

Vietnam: Getting paid in Veitnamese Dong:

Not quite on topic, but it might be helpful for some to know that beginning in October the U.S. Bank transfer laws are changing. At that time you will no longer to transfer USD out of the U.S. w/o converting to the receiving countries currency. So in the case of the VND, all transfers will be converted from USD>VND.

Vietnam: Retired American Thinking about Moving to Vietnam:

I too am an American with two gov't pensions. There are many ways to xfer or get money in VN. There are a few banks with branches in bot VN and the U.S., HSBC is one. However, they charge a pretty sttep fee to transfer money unless you keep $100K balance. Charles Schwab the investment broker is a very good one to use as there are no fees for ATM withdrawals etc. If your pension is in the form of a SS check then you must show your puss at the U.S. Embassy each month to claim your prize. This is due to that fact that VN does not report vital statistics to other governments. So the U.S. will never know when you checked out. This is somewhat of a problem if you locate to a place like me, Da Lat. Hopefully, and I've heard they may, VN will begin reporting and they will no be a "restricted" country. On the issue of a DL. If you are here on a tourist visa you can drive on an international license for 90 days. But a person holding a tourist visa can not obtain a VN DL. In practice they rarely mess with you. But get n an accident and your up a creek w/o a paddle. If you have a VEC or resident status, or citizenship you can get a VN DL. You must be able to speak and read VN though. Of course, in these countries everything can be negotiated a little I suppose.

Vietnam: Can a foreigner buy property in Vietnam?:

Depends on your definition of "property". I don't believe you can own freehold.

Vietnam: Internet/Facebook/Skype etc:

My GF lives in HCMC and we Skype ever day for a couple hours. It does get dropped several times during our calls. But she connects via 3G not DSL. She told me she uses it at her work via DSL and gets dropped also. We like it. It doesn't cost much.... Zero

Vietnam: Social Security:

Dplast, What exactly were you told by these offices? What type of SS benefits are you entitled to? Wher do you have your check sent, direct deposit to a U.S> bank or are you trying to have it mailed to you?

Vietnam: Banking in Viet Nam:

HSBC has banks in each country as well. You can get enrolled with them online as I'm sure you can with most big banks. You spoke of social security, you do know VN is a "restricted" country when it comes to SS?

Vietnam: Problems in Vietnam's administrative formalities ?:

Probably knowing English would be a good start, to include grammar.

Vietnam: Indian Bar in Vungtau:

As on cowboys and Indians or as in India

Vietnam: living in saigon:

I know how you feel. Indeed, I was moving to Thailand an just stopped off in VN. I loved it. Is it safe...well it depends I suppose. I felt very safe. Is it safe in a city of 9m in the U.S. or other parts of the world. Guns are against he law in VN. Unlike many Asian countries the VND is pegged to the $ so you won't get beat up on currency fluctuation. You will have no problems finding wonderful ladies once you are there. In fact, if you are so inclined you can find untouched ladies. Things are very cheap. Indeed, you are probably paying at the top end for the place you spoke of, but probably not out of line. You certainly could get cheaper. I rent a motorbike for $100 U.S a month. However, there are nuances to living there. If you have not yet gotten a visa I would suggest you apply for a multiple entry B1 business visa. If you eventually marry you can get a VEC. I just realized you live in the city of lost wages. Indeed, you'll find Vietnam safer. My only suggestion is to go real slow with the online dating. Once there you will have to carry a stick to beat them off. And no, as in any country you can GET BY with just English. But it is always best to learn the local language. there are plenty of places there to learn the language. Good luck and don't worry. You'll fall in love. The scooter traffic at first blush will make you poop your britches. But simply observe and you'll catch on in no time.

Date Joined:

1/24/2013

Total Posts:

57

Posts/Day:

0.04