Vietnam, tell me about it.

**Spin** · 29-05-2011, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by BaitongBoy

The Vietnamese invented the rip-off, some say

I'm getting some feedback from my boss (who relocated there a few days ago) that he finds it quite the opposite. He said no trouble in taxis, always just the meter price, and to have plenty USD small bills.

How about internet there, reliable? 3g? Speed?

**BaitongBoy** · 29-05-2011, 05:37 PM

There are 2 main taxi services that are recommended. Stick to those once you find out (quite easily) who they are. Sorry, can't remember.
And having lots of USD small bills is true, but that doesn't have anything to do with rip-offs...or does it?
Seriously, you will be fine if you don't have to barter for everything.
No matter where you go, there you are. It is what you make of it.
I just didn't like taking my life in my hands (a lot more than Bangkok) when crossing streets.
Had no problem being out 'way late' at night alone, but I suppose all areas have their safety levels.
No tuk-tuks, which is a shame. Stay away from the cyclo mafia unless you want to really be fleeced. Always negotiate first, or you will never forget this post.
Hope this helps some.

PS: Sorry, know nothing about internet.

**dirtydog** · 29-05-2011, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

Originally Posted by BaitongBoy

The Vietnamese invented the rip-off, some say

I'm getting some feedback from my boss (who relocated there a few days ago) that he finds it quite the opposite. He said no trouble in taxis, always just the meter price, and to have plenty USD small bills.

Thats exactly what my mate says, he reckons he has never been ripped off in Vietnam, personally I think its because everything is so cheap compared to Thailand that he hasn't even noticed, being ripped off in Vietnam is cheaper than paying normal prices in Thailand.

**Spin** · 29-05-2011, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Housing is very expensive for expats, there are very few projects downtown therefore price at par with Paris and London for District 1 condos. Otherwise, you need to rent a house in the "expat" getthos just outside Saigon over the bridge (about 15min)

If the cost was not an issue, what district would you choose?

Reason being, we are under the umbrella of a construction company there, so accommodation should not be an issue.

Originally Posted by dirtydog

I think its because everything is so cheap compared to Thailand

I'm really liking the sound of this

Originally Posted by BaitongBoy

PS: Sorry, know nothing about internet.

Are you in Vietnam now?

Lots of good info so far, cheers!

Anybody know about supermarket chains? any tesco or tops? or equivalent?

**BaitongBoy** · 29-05-2011, 08:06 PM

No, not in 'Nam now...
Wow, that's quite an alliteration!
You're quite welcome.
Glad to help out a little

**Marmite the Dog** · 29-05-2011, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

Anybody know about supermarket chains? any tesco or tops? or equivalent?

I didn't see anything that resembled a supermarket, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

**Spin** · 29-05-2011, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by BaitongBoy

No, not in 'Nam now...

Sorry, just in an earlier post you said "here" so I thought you were there now.

sabaii sabaii · 29-05-2011, 09:01 PM

I went to Hanoi last year, I found it boring and full of rip off merchants
Loads of motorclycles, terrible roads and the Vietnamese love the sound of their horns
Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, My friend had someone use a stanley blade or something to cut through his shorts pocket to take his 1000 dollars

The nightlife was rubbish unless you like sitting outside drinking piss in Bia Hois

It's illegal to spend a night with a Vietnamese lady if you're not married

They speak good English, compared to Thais

**Butterfly** · 29-05-2011, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

If the cost was not an issue, what district would you choose?

District 1 of course, English teachers are usually found in the cheap District 7

**Spin** · 30-05-2011, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Butterfly

English teachers are usually found in the cheap District 7

<mental note> avoid district 7 at all costs.

Originally Posted by sabaii sabaii

It's illegal to spend a night with a Vietnamese lady if you're not married

What about afternoons? is that ok?

**Butterfly** · 30-05-2011, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

<mental note> avoid district 7 at all costs.

it might be ok actually, a lot of local student girls live there too, quite convenient for the English teachers

**Norton** · 30-05-2011, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

I didn't see anything that resembled a supermarket

Several "Villa" style markets.

Food Stores & Supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam Guide

**BaitongBoy** · 30-05-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Spin

What about afternoons? is that ok?

That is too funny, Spin.
They do give good massages, though.

Thread: Vietnam, tell me about it.

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