lostvietdreamer
American expat in Vietnam
Forum posts
73
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Vung Tau
Registration: 30 August 2013
Hip Replacement Surgery in Vietnam by soosiebaby
Has anyone had the above surgery in Vietnam and can they recommend it. If so how much did it cost? Any info gratefully received. Thanks.
Hi 70 years old. Do you know if SOS or anyone else does the translation of Vietnamese medical expenses into English for VA reimbursement. My wife and I receive a VA pension and are eligible for reimbursement for any medical expenses so I am trying ... Read More
Does anyone use a USA mail forwarding company
Thank you THIGV That is the way I will go. For SS and the VA they only send a couple of letters a year but having a US address will ensure I will get the letters in a timely manner. Yesterday I received a letter from the VA dated 5 December 2016 and ... Read More
Does anyone use a USA mail forwarding company
Hello, I am sent mail from Social Security and the VA that many times does not arrive. Can anyone suggest a US mail forwarding company where I can get a US address and have my mail sent by registered mail? I am also looking for a freight forwarding ... Read More
What area to search for apartment north of the river
Does anyone have suggestions on what areas north of the river that I should search for an apartment in Nha Trang? I will wait until after TET to start my search. Other areas I am searching are V末nh 膼i峄乵 Trung / Doc Let / Cam Ranh / ... Read More
Flats/apartments rental by GuestPoster6458
Hi, I am considering on moving to Nha Trang around May-June (mid-year) this year. I am trying to start looking for an apartment to stay in. It will be only myself so my budget is quite tight. If there is an apartment around $150-200 it would be ...
Hello TuyetDang I just moved from Vung Tau to Nha Trang and have also been looking for an apartment. I am now staying in Odessa Hotel for VN 5,000,000 a month. The hotel and price are OK and the people are nice. I am probably paying too much but ... Read More
Ants in Nha Trang by Perko54
Hi in the last 2 weeks we have had an invasion of tiny brown ants. We are getting bitten on our bodies at first it is not a sting like the ants in Australia but later a big red itchy welt appears. I looked them up & the closest thing I can see ...
Find the entrance and putty over it or glue it shut. You can also fill a plastic spray bottle with water and 1/4 cup of vinegar. They hate the smell. However the best way is to seal their entrance. Best Read More
Where to buy Pink Salt for meat curing in Vung Tau or HCM by Festeem
Anybody know where to buy Pink Salt in HCM or in Vungtau. It's for curing meat and bacon specially. Regards Ron.
I was in Linh Phuong store yesterday and they had a couple of jars of pink salt. On Tran Hung Dao street, 3 shops down from Ba Cu. I would like to buy some bacon from you when you make it. Best Read More
Three month visa Cambodia
Hello, I want to take the bus from HCMC to Phnom Penh to apply for a 3 month visa then return by bus to HCMC. Has anyone done this and do you have any advise? How long does it take to get the visa? Any moderately priced hotel ... Read More
Are they issuing 3 month visas in Cambodia
Hello, does anyone know if I can get a 3 month tourist visa in Cambodia? Thank you Read More
Cost of living? by jakobsenerik99
I was wondering if anybody could tell me!! Can I live quite comfortable in Ho Chi Minh City for around 1600 us dollars pr month?
You can also move down river to Vung Tau. I'm guessing it is 30 to 40% cheaper. One hour and twenty minutes by boat or 2 hours by van to get there. Read More
Vietnamese language schools that issue student visas
Thanks Mark I will check it out. Read More
Vietnamese language schools that issue student visas
Hello, does anyone know of a Vietnamese language schools that issues student visas. I would want to organize my own lesson plan if possible. Thank you Read More
Expat-blog meet up in vung tau anyone? by iamunicaija
Hi All! My name is Nikka and I've been here in VT for a month now. :) I really love this place and would like to meet some new friends. If anyone is planning to have a meetup of some members of Expat-blog located in Vung tau, please let me ...
Did this meeting ever happen? Read More
Visas by I do believe
I have lived in Vietnam for a few years but now the government is refusing to extend Visas. I have been to Cambodia and liked it, so if it is not too difficult to reside (am retired) in Cmbodia I will try it. I expect there will be thousands of ...
New immigration regulations went into effect in Vietnam 1 January 2015. No one, including the big visa on arrival and travel companies, know what these new regulation mean. In the past I could get a 3-month visa on arrival and extend it once for a ... Read More
Who does acrylic nails
Hello everyone, I am looking for a nail shop that does acrylic nails. Does anyone know of one? Thank you Read More
New Immigration Laws by Mark mac
Hye all I am moving to Vietnam in the beginning of November. my employer told me that I can come there on a visit visa and then they can change my visit visa status to work permit over there.... i checked online and there is a new law that will be ...
Hi Gene, I live in Vung Tau. I came to Vietnam on a single entry 3 month tourist visa that I can extend one time so I stay her for six months. I then fly to Bangkok for a couple of days and do the same thing. I think for the visa and extension I ... Read More
Hydrofoil is back
I was passing the hydrofoil dock on 27 December and noticed two hydrofoils docked. I went in the terminal and the lady told me they are back in service on a limited basis. The boats I saw were Vina Express. The website is up and taking reservations. Read More
Looking for a young or older lady for part time work
Hello, I am looking for a female, age does not matter, who can make some phone calls, make some appointments and search the Vietnamese Internet for me. You should be able to do most of this at your home and we would only need to meet mornings once ... Read More
Grand Ho Tram in Vung Tau
I have 25 years experience in the hospitality business in Asian and I would teach. I think the problem is that most of the students don't speak English. To increase tourism people here in the hospitality business must be able to speak foreign ... Read More
Young Saigonese girl love Vungtau and wanna move to settle her life :) by Ngocanhkdqt
Hello every one! Im having annual leave and just visit Vungtau ytd, one thing i must say now is: i love it! I just simply fall in love of the quite morning in the beach, fresh air, no jam traffic and people are fun and nice. At the moment, i work ...
Hello Anh I have lived and worked all over Asia building private membership country and city clubs but I decided to live in Vung Tau. I just cannot take the big cities anymore. For me they are so crowed you can hardly breathe and this includes ... Read More
White horseradish by Budman1
I ordered 20lbs of steaks and beef from Omaha Steaks in the states, shipment will be here in a few days. I sure would like to find some horseradish, The prime rib just won't be the same without it.
Yes the cream style is not as good as the regular. However, it is Morehouse horseradish, a decent brand. I will be in HCMC in a couple of weeks and check again. On another note, I live in Vung Tau and I am looking into doing a small sandwich and ... Read More
White horseradish by Budman1
I ordered 20lbs of steaks and beef from Omaha Steaks in the states, shipment will be here in a few days. I sure would like to find some horseradish, The prime rib just won't be the same without it.
Hello, I bought horseradish cream a couple of months at the western groceries just down from Nhu Lan restaurant on Ham Nghi St. Could you tell me how you shipped in Omaha steaks? They have some good beef importers in HCMC. Enjoy Read More
Where to register a new Vietnamese business by lostvietdreamer
Hello, does anyone know the Vietnamese name of the government agency where a Vietnamese person can register a new business? Thank you
Thank you, I will put all this together and go from there. Read More
Where to register a new Vietnamese business
Hello, does anyone know the Vietnamese name of the government agency where a Vietnamese person can register a new business? Thank you Read More
Get a new visa in Vietnam
Hi, my visa, a 90 days single entry, runs out at the end of August. I have extended it once so I believe I have to leave the country when it expires. My question is can I get a new visa while in Vietnam before I leave or do I have to do the visa on ... Read More
Purchasing Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrocholide) 100mg in Vietnam by kepstrel
Hi Guys, Does anyone know whether you can purchase sertraline hydrochloride 100mg over the counter in Vietnamese pharmacies? The brand name sold in Vietnam is apparently Zoloft. I am going out with a 3 month supply and my doctor has assured me ...
They have sertraline hydrochloride 100mg at the pharmacy on Ba Cu Street. Yes you can purchase with no prescription needed. Read More
Looking for new and used restaurant and bar equipment
Hello, in Taipei there are companies that buy up everything in restaurants and bars when they close down. They then re-sell the stuff piece by piece. This includes air conditioners, ovens, dishes, etc. Does anyone know if they have these type of ... Read More
American Family of 5, possible move by Butterfly79
Hi all, Glad i found this forum. We have an offer to move through hubby's current employer. At first, they said they were going to move us to Bangkok, i did my research and found the perfect school, neighborhood....etc. We get a call yesterday, ...
Below are a couple of magazine websites from HCMC. There is info about schools, shopping, housing, etc. http://www.wordhcmc.com/ http://oivietnam.com/ The schools, expat organizations and such have websites so you can go there for more ... Read More
How much to start in Ho Chi Minh by GuestPoster13
Hello, my partner and I are planning to move to Ho Chi Minh from the U.S in September. I have a bachelors and Celta certificate. He is an experienced highschool teacher with an online tesol certificate looking to teach ESL. How much money should we ...
Before you leave get a US bank account where you can transfer money here on-line. Additionally, to transfer on-line you may need a security code so get that at your bank before you leave the US and tell the bank what you will be doing and where you ... Read More
Why do foreigners avoid eye contact with other foreigners? by I do believe
I often sit in a cafe on De Tham street and see foreigners/tourists walking up and down the street all studiously avoiding eye contact with other foreigners. We all want our own space and I don't really care if somebody looks at me or not but it ...
First rule of a tourist when you are on the streets of a big city, keep moving and don't talk to anyone. May be that is part of it. I live in Vung Tau and when I run into foreigners on the street I say good morning and such. About 70% reply. In ... Read More
Regular mail in Vietnam
Hello Does anyone know about the regular mail service in Vietnam? Is it safe to mail a letter here? I was sent a couple of letters 2 months ago but did not receive them. Additionally, the US Consulate sent me a letter via a carrier who called me ... Read More
Sausages?? by Panadol
Hi all, I'm currently back in Australia visiting family and friends (I'm absolutely freezing here in Melbourne). My brother asked me to make some sausages for him, as my sausage making stuff is stored in his garage. So I taught him how to ...
Try asking these folks. They must be getting casings. http://travysbutchershop.com/index.php Read More
Organic food/vegatables by Anatta
Dear all Reading about different dirty tricks (injecting dangerous chemicals mostly) the food producers/growers use to make (rotten) food look beautiful/taste good really scares the sh.. out of me, not to talk about the 'fake' food (egg, dried ...
Yes, beware of Uncle Sugar. The canned and packaged stuff from good old USA is full of sugar and salt and their is no way they are going to change this until people stop eating this garbage. Also be careful of what you drink. I change my diet a few ... Read More
How is the beef, chicken and pork at Metro
Hello, can someone review the quality and pricing of beef, chicken and pork at Metro An Phu. I live in Vung Tau and the meat at the Metro here in not exciting. Thank you Read More
Hotel clean and resonably priced
Hello, can anyone suggest a clean and reasonably priced hotel in District 1, HCMC? Thank you Read More
Form for visa extension
Hello, I am in Vung Tau on a 3 month single entry tourist visa that I would like to extend. I need the correct form to get signed by the local police and then take to immigration. Does anyone have this form on file or know where I can get it? Thank ... Read More
Part time graphic designer
Hello, I am looking for a part time graphic designer who can edit documents using Adobe Illustrator CS6. There will not be a lot of work but it would be steady. Please send a private message if you are interested. Thank you Read More
I am looking for a part time graphic designer
Hello, I am looking for a part time graphic designer who can edit documents using Adobe Illustrator CS6. There will not be a lot of work but it would be steady. Thank you 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
You have to find bars with Thai satellite dishes which have True sports. Lucy's on Ha Long is one of them. The problem is they are probably playing Aussie football and may not want to change this. I have been watching the conference tourneys. Many ... Read More
Expat looking for part time job in Hospitality education in Vung Tau
Hello Knight I have thought about doing the same thing (I did membership club operations for 25 years) but no one seems very interested in this. I think business is not too good and the concept of service is still lacking. Additionally, you would ... Read More
Registering your apartment with the local police
Hello, I just moved into an apartment in a large building (OSC) in Vung Tau. The apartment is privately owned. OSC told me they are not responsible for registering me with the police and that the owner would have to open a new company for me to ... 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
There are a few bars with the Thai satellite. Lucy's across the street from the hydrofoil is one of them. I was going to ask the owner of Whisper's to open for it but he would need at least 6 to 10 people to make it worth while. I found another ... Read More
NFL Playoffs
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 Read More
Good English language books
Hello, I am looking for English language books to help in teaching some kids English. Is there a place in HCMC that stocks them. I can find a lot of bad books. Thank you Read More
Anyone works in restaurant industry, advice? by huyenle2012
Hi, I am currently working on a business plan for restaurant start up, not in Vietnam though. I did some research but i dont have FB background, so if anyone has experience in restaurant industry pls help? Thank you so much
Hi Huyenle, Are you going to do a restaurant or coffee shop? SF is a big city. Actually it is 5 cities when you cross the bridges or go by land to San Jose. If you do something in downtown SF the rents are some of the highest in the world. So ... Read More
US Embassy visit
Hi, does anyone have advise for a visit to the American Consulate in HCMC for American Services (social security stuff)? They have nothing on their website for appointments so I am guessing this is just walk-in and see what happens. Thank you Read More
Social Security and my Vietnam address by lostvietdreamer
Hello, I could use some help. I just had my Social Security income stopped because they said I can not collect it if my address is in Vietnam. My Social Security is direct deposited into my US bank account. It is not sent to Vietnam. The reason I ...
HI, thanks for the info. I think my best bet is to change my address back to my old Thai address. There was no problem with that address. What bothers me now is that I sent two emails to the US Consulate in HCMC asking for info on this with no ... Read More
Social Security and my Vietnam address
Hello, I could use some help. I just had my Social Security income stopped because they said I can not collect it if my address is in Vietnam. My Social Security is direct deposited into my US bank account. It is not sent to Vietnam. The reason I ... Read More
Looking for a Football. by Tran Hung Dao
Where can I buy a football? Not a soccer ball (I know the rest of the world calls it "football"), but an American football. I can't find them at a sports shop - probably because the sport hasn't caught on in Vi峄噒 Nam ...
Sorry, but it is on Hoang Hoa Tham, two stores west of Tran Hung Dao St, and the Tran Hung Dao statue. Good Morning Vietnam is a restaurant group that has been here a long time. It is a landmark. The actual address on the name card is 02 Tran Hung ... Read More
Looking for a Football. by Tran Hung Dao
Where can I buy a football? Not a soccer ball (I know the rest of the world calls it "football"), but an American football. I can't find them at a sports shop - probably because the sport hasn't caught on in Vi峄噒 Nam ...
It is a few stores up from Tran Hung Dao St., across the street from Good Morning Vietnam. I did not check them out but you can see they are not NFL standard but OK to throw around. Good enough so you can show us your moves. Best Read More
Anyone works in restaurant industry, advice? by huyenle2012
Hi, I am currently working on a business plan for restaurant start up, not in Vietnam though. I did some research but i dont have FB background, so if anyone has experience in restaurant industry pls help? Thank you so much
Hi, I have opened restaurants all over Asia the past 30 years. Some suggestions: Don't do it, there is a 95% failure rate within one year for restaurants. Even if you know what you are doing and do everything right you could get wacked. Then again, ... Read More
Looking for a Football. by Tran Hung Dao
Where can I buy a football? Not a soccer ball (I know the rest of the world calls it "football"), but an American football. I can't find them at a sports shop - probably because the sport hasn't caught on in Vi峄噒 Nam ...
There are a couple of American footballs available at the K &B store on Hoang Hoa Tham St. in Vung Tau. Read More
U.S. Veterans...Roll-Call. by Tran Hung Dao
With the recent passing of General V玫 Nguy锚n Gi谩p, I've been thinking about the phrase "old soldiers never die...they just fade away". It's from General MacArthur's farewell speech in 1951. ...
I served here in 71, 72 and 73 in the area between Vung Tau and Tay Ninh. I don聮t feel like anyone needs to buy me a coffee. Twenty years ago there were a lot of Northern ex-military people in Vung Tau with restaurants on front beach. We sort of ... Read More
US address or mail forwarding company
Hello, I do not have a USA address and I am looking into a couple of different companies that forward mail or scan it and email it. Does anyone have a recommendation. I am looking into Earth Class Mail. Additionally, has anyone received packages ... Read More
Is it possible to hire a guide who can speak English and Chinese? by eileengu
Hello, everyone. New here. I am going to traveling in Vietnam for 7 days. I am wondering is it possible to hire a guide who can speak both English and Chinese. And can anyone tell how's the fee like? also I am interested in the rent level for an ...
Hi, you can also try the Hong Kong and Taiwan trade offices. They may be able to introduce you to someone. Many good people with dual language abilities. hochiminh.taiwantrade.com.tw/ http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy10293/ Good luck Read More
Satellite tv with true sports for NFL games
Hi Dao, thank you, that is what I thought. It seems like a lot of folks from the USA have left Vietnam the last few years. There use to be a softball league in HCMC with 5 teams but the last entry on the website is late 2011. There are a few USA ... Read More
Satellite tv with true sports for NFL games
Hello, is there any Satellite TV providers in Vietnam that have True Sports channel for NFL games? Thank you Read More
CALLING ALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANS by bebe517
Do you love college football? Are you looking for someone who also loves it? Do you by chance have a slingbox, but no one to yell at the TV with? You are in luck! :) Looking for someone who has a way to record college football games ( I Love the ...
Baylor Bears and Portland State Vikings Read More
CALLING ALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANS by bebe517
Do you love college football? Are you looking for someone who also loves it? Do you by chance have a slingbox, but no one to yell at the TV with? You are in luck! :) Looking for someone who has a way to record college football games ( I Love the ...
Hi Bebe, there use to be a softball league in HCMC that played at the Taiwan School. However, there has been no activity on the website for a year or so. saigonsoftball.info/ I think the economy must have done the league in. You might be able to ... Read More
CALLING ALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANS by bebe517
Do you love college football? Are you looking for someone who also loves it? Do you by chance have a slingbox, but no one to yell at the TV with? You are in luck! :) Looking for someone who has a way to record college football games ( I Love the ...
GO Bears and stomp the Vikings Read More