[Burn]

(03-22-2016 02:25 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

Listen to this advice.

Will do!

[Shimmy]

A few venues I really liked not mentioned are Broma which is a nice rooftop place by the action in D1 and Saigons Lookout which was a nicer restaurant with a club upstairs. That one was down a street kind of in the middle of nowhere in D1 over in that area where they sell hardware and tools.

[CocoBoy]

I'm back in HCM but been struck down with some fever which has messed up the dates I had lined up. I did have a strange experience with a girl before that though. We were talking on Tinder and she said she was alone in the coffee shop and invited me, I went there and it was going quite well. I then lead her on a walk around D1, up Nguyen Hue street (great spot to bring a girl and stretch your legs without any traffic). At the end are taxis, at which point I asked her if she wanted to come to my place, which she agreed. We're sitting on the sofa watching TV and she completely refused to kiss me but made no rejections about me touching her body which ended up in me fingering her on the sofa, then carrying her to the bedroom and fucking her, all without kissing...WTF.

Anyway some background about me is that I've been in Vietnam on and off for 2.5 years so my notch count isn't too crazy considering. I have had a couple of LTRs in that time too. It can be quite an effort to find girls here that don't see sex as a big deal, which is fine and I totally respect that. You just gotta weed through the more traditional ones (unless you want to marry her). Vietnamese girls can be very sweet and loyal so try not to corrupt those ones, when I'm a bit older and if I wanted to get married I would totally choose one of them.

[Patriarch]

(03-22-2016 02:25 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(03-21-2016 01:13 PM)RIslander Wrote:  

Day game is life in Vietnam. The decent girls rarely stay out late at the bars and clubs and you're just going to find mainly pro's and semi pro's. There will be plenty of foreign pussy but that's not what you came here for. Coffee shops, D1 sidewalks, parks, language meetups and one of my favorites: 'the scooter drive by shoe compliment'. Pull up next to a girl on a scooter and compliment her heels. Pull up again next to her at the next stop and invite her to an insta-date.

Listen to this advice.

Words to live by. Anyone who needs help getting set up, send me a message and let's meet. I'm going back to America for a couple weeks in May but until then I've got all the time in the world.

[SlickyBoy]

(03-30-2016 12:27 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

(03-22-2016 02:25 AM)GlobalMan Wrote:  

(03-21-2016 01:13 PM)RIslander Wrote:  

Day game is life in Vietnam. The decent girls rarely stay out late at the bars and clubs and you're just going to find mainly pro's and semi pro's. There will be plenty of foreign pussy but that's not what you came here for. Coffee shops, D1 sidewalks, parks, language meetups and one of my favorites: 'the scooter drive by shoe compliment'. Pull up next to a girl on a scooter and compliment her heels. Pull up again next to her at the next stop and invite her to an insta-date.

Listen to this advice.

Words to live by. Anyone who needs help getting set up, send me a message and let's meet. I'm going back to America for a couple weeks in May but until then I've got all the time in the world.

Amen. This was true in the mid-1990s, and it sounds like it's still true there now. Was even better before the helmet laws ruined the view of your prospective insta-dates.

[Buakaw]

Hey guys. Did any of you use Visa on arrival for HCMC?
Have some questions:

- How picky are they about the conditions of the US dollar bills? Do they need to be in new condition? The ones I have are not in new conditions but are not damaged in any ways.
- Is it ok if the visa approval letter is printed in black and white?
- How long was the wait time to get the visa at the airport?

Thanks

[CocoBoy]

1. Not sure, I normally use VND.
2. Yes
3. Normally around 20 mins, and in typical Vietnamese fashion it could be way more efficient than it is.

[Buakaw]

(03-30-2016 05:37 AM)CocoBoy Wrote:  

1. Not sure, I normally use VND.
2. Yes
3. Normally around 20 mins, and in typical Vietnamese fashion it could be way more efficient than it is.

Thanks man I have VND too so I should be all set.

[big poppa]

I'm making the move to HCM by the end of April. The goal is to line up an English teaching gig to start off with while studying. I'm hoping to pull in 1500 USD per month to cover my expenses.

To those with on the ground knowledge, what would I be looking at cost wise for a 50m2 1 bedroom apartment maybe with a small balcony, including utilities and internet, within 20 minute walk to D1? If I can keep rent and utilities to $400 per month I'll be able to have an enjoyable lifestyle.

Hoping to meet some forum members once I arrive.

[Patriarch]

(03-30-2016 06:21 AM)big poppa Wrote:  

I'm making the move to HCM by the end of April. The goal is to line up an English teaching gig to start off with while studying. I'm hoping to pull in 1500 USD per month to cover my expenses.

To those with on the ground knowledge, what would I be looking at cost wise for a 50m2 1 bedroom apartment maybe with a small balcony, including utilities and internet, within 20 minute walk to D1? If I can keep rent and utilities to $400 per month I'll be able to have an enjoyable lifestyle.

Hoping to meet some forum members once I arrive.

Midrange housing from $400 to 600 or 700 is Saigon's weak point. There are tons of tiny or older apartments for less than that but they probably don't meet your standards. Likewise, north of 700 you're really living the high life, but a brand new, sprawling apartment or villa probably aren't necessary.

The ideal western apartment--a nice studio or a 1BR--is hard to come by. Most apartments are 2br and shared by expats, and most "studios" are really just rooms for rent in smaller buildings or town houses. Apartments that meet your requirements and price range are mostly going to be outside District 1, for example in Binh Thanh and Thao Dien ward, D2. D4 and D5 may have some as well, but not so much D3. Phu Nhuan has a lot of smaller, nice houses for rent in alleys, but you probably don't need a house and they will be above your price range. (Just trying to cover the areas closest to D1).

A 20 minute walk to D1 puts you all over the city, from District 2 to District 10. But by "walking to D1" I have to assume you mean a specific area.

That being said:

You will NEVER want to walk for 20 minutes if you can help it. For half the year, torrential rain threatens to strike daily. For the other half of the year, it's still oppressively hot. I had the cute idea of buying a bicycle when I first came here. After a week I abandoned that idea--you absolutely need to buy your own motorbike, both for sanity and convenience. You're going to be miserable showing up to class or a date dripping buckets because you walked 30 minutes in the heat.

Other guys may be able to provide more help with housing, since my attitude has generally been "ask a girl for help."

[Malone]

(03-30-2016 08:17 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

You will NEVER want to walk for 20 minutes if you can help it. For half the year, torrential rain threatens to strike daily. For the other half of the year, it's still oppressively hot. I had the cute idea of buying a bicycle when I first came here. After a week I abandoned that idea--you absolutely need to buy your own motorbike, both for sanity and convenience. You're going to be miserable showing up to class or a date dripping buckets because you walked 30 minutes in the heat.

Ya you don't want to walk much in Vietnam for sure. Get a bike. You don't need to buy your own bike though, you can rent a decent one cheap-ish. The Expats facebook group will help you there.

[CocoBoy]

It really frustrates me that nice, modern apartments in the centre of district 1 just don't exist, or if they do then you're looking at over $1-2k which makes them awful value for money. You could save $$$ by living outside of D1 in a baller place and using Uber to commute in, or a bike of course.

[Patriarch]

Honestly you guys won't miss much by living just outside of D1. You can get anywhere in a flash on a motorbike or even in a taxi. I would suggest buying a motorbike instead of renting one. I bought a piece of shit for $300 a year ago and it hasn't needed any major repairs. You can buy a NEW bike for $700, there's really no reason to rent if you're going to be here for a few months.

[Burn]

(03-30-2016 09:32 AM)CocoBoy Wrote:  

It really frustrates me that nice, modern apartments in the centre of district 1 just don't exist, or if they do then you're looking at over $1-2k which makes them awful value for money. You could save $$$ by living outside of D1 in a baller place and using Uber to commute in, or a bike of course.

Yes same for me, I had problems finding anything I wanted, there are some nice serviced apartments for $500/month, but i really get the feeling that bringing different girls to those would not be popular.
I was looking at one normal apartment for $500, but it was not baller at all.

(03-30-2016 09:56 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

Honestly you guys won't miss much by living just outside of D1. You can get anywhere in a flash on a motorbike or even in a taxi. I would suggest buying a motorbike instead of renting one. I bought a piece of shit for $300 a year ago and it hasn't needed any major repairs. You can buy a NEW bike for $700, there's really no reason to rent if you're going to be here for a few months.

Since I started to drive this Saturday I have to agree, traveling by bike is so effective, and if you are not partying(like me) then I think its totally worth living in another district.
I'm renting a Suzuki Hayate 125cc now, i like it. Did crash yesterday though, no one got hurt though except my bike which i had to change "brake plate" on.
I am renting a pretty modern/fresh room in a good location now in D1 for $300, most of the time there is no one in the lobby, but two times i have brought different girls when a man was there, he didnt seem to care that much. Also I think i can figure out the schedule of when hes not there.
When I'm more settled here and have a stronger social circle, I think I will do as you suggest and rent a nice apartment in another district.

Edit: New notch today

[Going strong]

(03-30-2016 05:04 AM)Buakaw Wrote:  

Hey guys. Did any of you use Visa on arrival for HCMC?
Have some questions:

- How picky are they about the conditions of the US dollar bills? Do they need to be in new condition? The ones I have are not in new conditions but are not damaged in any ways.
- Is it ok if the visa approval letter is printed in black and white?
- How long was the wait time to get the visa at the airport?

Thanks

Most intl flights to BKK are cheaper than to HCM. Also, BKK is always worth a visit. So, my advice is:

Flight cheap to BKK, for like 3 days, party at night, and at the same time during daylight go to the conveniently-centrally-located Vietnamese embassy (consulate actually) and ask there for your visa (cheaper than asking in your home country, and less queuing). Then you have your Vietnamese visa, and hop on a cheap, low-cost flight (90 usd) to HCM...

[Patriarch]

(03-30-2016 10:57 AM)Burn Wrote:  

(03-30-2016 09:32 AM)CocoBoy Wrote:  

It really frustrates me that nice, modern apartments in the centre of district 1 just don't exist, or if they do then you're looking at over $1-2k which makes them awful value for money. You could save $$$ by living outside of D1 in a baller place and using Uber to commute in, or a bike of course.

Yes same for me, I had problems finding anything I wanted, there are some nice serviced apartments for $500/month, but i really get the feeling that bringing different girls to those would not be popular.
I was looking at one normal apartment for $500, but it was not baller at all.

(03-30-2016 09:56 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

Honestly you guys won't miss much by living just outside of D1. You can get anywhere in a flash on a motorbike or even in a taxi. I would suggest buying a motorbike instead of renting one. I bought a piece of shit for $300 a year ago and it hasn't needed any major repairs. You can buy a NEW bike for $700, there's really no reason to rent if you're going to be here for a few months.

Since I started to drive this Saturday I have to agree, traveling by bike is so effective, and if you are not partying(like me) then I think its totally worth living in another district.
I'm renting a Suzuki Hayate 125cc now, i like it. Did crash yesterday though, no one got hurt though except my bike which i had to change "brake plate" on.
I am renting a pretty modern/fresh room in a good location now in D1 for $300, most of the time there is no one in the lobby, but two times i have brought different girls when a man was there, he didnt seem to care that much. Also I think i can figure out the schedule of when hes not there.
When I'm more settled here and have a stronger social circle, I think I will do as you suggest and rent a nice apartment in another district.

Edit: New notch today

Learn a little basic Vietnamese and buy the lobby guy some beer. Problem solved, and you have a new best friend.

[Patriarch]

(03-30-2016 11:06 AM)Going strong Wrote:  

(03-30-2016 05:04 AM)Buakaw Wrote:  

Hey guys. Did any of you use Visa on arrival for HCMC?
Have some questions:

- How picky are they about the conditions of the US dollar bills? Do they need to be in new condition? The ones I have are not in new conditions but are not damaged in any ways.
- Is it ok if the visa approval letter is printed in black and white?
- How long was the wait time to get the visa at the airport?

Thanks

Most intl flights to BKK are cheaper than to HCM. Also, BKK is always worth a visit. So, my advice is:

Flight cheap to BKK, for like 3 days, party at night, and at the same time during daylight go to the conveniently-centrally-located Vietnamese embassy (consulate actually) and ask there for your visa (cheaper than asking in your home country, and less queuing). Then you have your Vietnamese visa, and hop on a cheap, low-cost flight (90 usd) to HCM...

I second this. If you guys are coming from Thailand, Cambodia, etc. just get your visa at a travel agency there. It's cheaper and you don't have to wait in line at the airport with all the sweaty backpackers.

[SlickyBoy]

Quote:

Learn a little basic Vietnamese and buy the lobby guy some beer. Problem solved, and you have a new best friend.

Totally true - you'd be amazed how far that will go. Did that for a cyclo driver years ago - I don't even think they have cyclos there anymore, do they - and he was a big help getting me past a gatekeeper he knew.

Also, ditto on the bicycle thing. The only people I saw on bicycles in Saigon back in 1996 were idiotic european tourists. Everybody else was on motorbikes. No helmets back then either.

[Traveller]

Yes, used it many times.
The conditions of the bills don't matter.
Yes, black and white is ok.
If there are many people, for example in the evening or during weekends, it can take 45 minutes or more. You can order fast track from your visa agent and skip the other people for around 25 USD.

(03-30-2016 05:04 AM)Buakaw Wrote:  

Hey guys. Did any of you use Visa on arrival for HCMC?
Have some questions:

- How picky are they about the conditions of the US dollar bills? Do they need to be in new condition? The ones I have are not in new conditions but are not damaged in any ways.
- Is it ok if the visa approval letter is printed in black and white?
- How long was the wait time to get the visa at the airport?

Thanks

[big poppa]

(03-30-2016 08:17 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

(03-30-2016 06:21 AM)big poppa Wrote:  

I'm making the move to HCM by the end of April. The goal is to line up an English teaching gig to start off with while studying. I'm hoping to pull in 1500 USD per month to cover my expenses.

To those with on the ground knowledge, what would I be looking at cost wise for a 50m2 1 bedroom apartment maybe with a small balcony, including utilities and internet, within 20 minute walk to D1? If I can keep rent and utilities to $400 per month I'll be able to have an enjoyable lifestyle.

Hoping to meet some forum members once I arrive.

Midrange housing from $400 to 600 or 700 is Saigon's weak point. There are tons of tiny or older apartments for less than that but they probably don't meet your standards. Likewise, north of 700 you're really living the high life, but a brand new, sprawling apartment or villa probably aren't necessary.

The ideal western apartment--a nice studio or a 1BR--is hard to come by. Most apartments are 2br and shared by expats, and most "studios" are really just rooms for rent in smaller buildings or town houses. Apartments that meet your requirements and price range are mostly going to be outside District 1, for example in Binh Thanh and Thao Dien ward, D2. D4 and D5 may have some as well, but not so much D3. Phu Nhuan has a lot of smaller, nice houses for rent in alleys, but you probably don't need a house and they will be above your price range. (Just trying to cover the areas closest to D1).

A 20 minute walk to D1 puts you all over the city, from District 2 to District 10. But by "walking to D1" I have to assume you mean a specific area.

That being said:

You will NEVER want to walk for 20 minutes if you can help it. For half the year, torrential rain threatens to strike daily. For the other half of the year, it's still oppressively hot. I had the cute idea of buying a bicycle when I first came here. After a week I abandoned that idea--you absolutely need to buy your own motorbike, both for sanity and convenience. You're going to be miserable showing up to class or a date dripping buckets because you walked 30 minutes in the heat.

Other guys may be able to provide more help with housing, since my attitude has generally been "ask a girl for help."

Thanks Patriarch,

I think I'll be looking outside District 1 in that case and using the moto drivers to get around. Maybe establish a good relationship with one of them so I'm not continually getting ripped off. One more question - is there a particular area catering to English teaching gigs? Are they predominantly located in a certain District? Ideally I would like to find something within walking distance to work.

[crisj]

(03-30-2016 10:57 AM)Burn Wrote:  

(03-30-2016 09:32 AM)CocoBoy Wrote:  

It really frustrates me that nice, modern apartments in the centre of district 1 just don't exist, or if they do then you're looking at over $1-2k which makes them awful value for money. You could save $$$ by living outside of D1 in a baller place and using Uber to commute in, or a bike of course.

Yes same for me, I had problems finding anything I wanted, there are some nice serviced apartments for $500/month, but i really get the feeling that bringing different girls to those would not be popular.
I was looking at one normal apartment for $500, but it was not baller at all.

(03-30-2016 09:56 AM)Patriarch Wrote:  

Honestly you guys won't miss much by living just outside of D1. You can get anywhere in a flash on a motorbike or even in a taxi. I would suggest buying a motorbike instead of renting one. I bought a piece of shit for $300 a year ago and it hasn't needed any major repairs. You can buy a NEW bike for $700, there's really no reason to rent if you're going to be here for a few months.

Since I started to drive this Saturday I have to agree, traveling by bike is so effective, and if you are not partying(like me) then I think its totally worth living in another district.
I'm renting a Suzuki Hayate 125cc now, i like it. Did crash yesterday though, no one got hurt though except my bike which i had to change "brake plate" on.
I am renting a pretty modern/fresh room in a good location now in D1 for $300, most of the time there is no one in the lobby, but two times i have brought different girls when a man was there, he didnt seem to care that much. Also I think i can figure out the schedule of when hes not there.
When I'm more settled here and have a stronger social circle, I think I will do as you suggest and rent a nice apartment in another district.

Edit: New notch today

Good choice with the Hayate bike, they are a nice ride and quite powerful. I'd recommend buying one if you're here for a while over a Nouvo that most of the expats seem to love. They can be had for around 10mill VND so fairly cheap.

I wrote a blog post about accommodation in Vietnam Some brief tips on what to look out for when renting a place here.

[Shimmy]

[quote='SlickyBoy' pid='1265000' dateline='1459366619']

Quote:

The only people I saw on bicycles in Saigon back in 1996 were idiotic european tourists.

Has anyone ever seen the guys riding down the street on bicycles really slow with some sort of home made rattle? A girl told me those guys are pimps/drug dealers and can get you anything you want.

[big poppa]

So I joined vietnamcupid yesterday.

2 Vietnamese models will be staying with me for 5 nights when I arrive in HCM. They are from Da Lat and have a photo shoot in the city and asked if I could host them. They have invited me to watch the photoshoot where there will be 15 models.

They are both in their early 20s, virgins, and one of them would like me to take her virginity while her friend is naked in the same bed and watches.

Hmm.. When something is too good to be true..?

[SlickyBoy]

Probably.

[Patriarch]

(03-31-2016 07:30 PM)big poppa Wrote:  

So I joined vietnamcupid yesterday.

2 Vietnamese models will be staying with me for 5 nights when I arrive in HCM. They are from Da Lat and have a photo shoot in the city and asked if I could host them. They have invited me to watch the photoshoot where there will be 15 models.

They are both in their early 20s, virgins, and one of them would like me to take her virginity while her friend is naked in the same bed and watches.

Hmm.. When something is too good to be true..?

I'm highly suspicious.

Virgin models staying with a stranger from the internet?