ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificHow should I take the engagement ring into Vietnam?
I hear "ya" STL_HCMC:
It's a free for all, roll up your sleeves, Let the games begin.
Actually, I've had reverse culture shock in America, I find myself being less polite in public crowded situations. Then I realise, these people are more civilized. (and bigger)
Seperately, I can't believe gas costs 11,000/lit Dong in VN, (I can manage $3/gallon). 50k to fill up the tank, have the locals resorted to bicycles again? Maybe VN will now be quieter?

Sorry Matt to change the subject................(Matt, No worries, you'll be fine)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-03 22:11:00
Asia: East and PacificHow should I take the engagement ring into Vietnam?
I would keep it in my "carry on" bag (In case the airline loses your checked bags). The area near those detectors is so disorganised, it's everyone for themself (survival the fittest) trying to put all their luggage on 2 small machines and I've never seen anyone stopped. They're looking for firearms.
Note: Don't mention the ring on the "Customs Declaration form"! Just go through the Green Line and keep going straight, and before you know it: You'll have 10,000 pairs of eyes starring at you and it's 95 degrees!
Welcome to "The Nam"!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-04-28 07:51:00
Asia: East and PacificFiancee's Work?
Sounds good, one can learn a skill before arriving to America.

After my wife was granted a visa, she gave her 2 week notice and requested a letter of recommendation and departed her work in good standing after 4 years on the job. (Mind you, her boss thought she was telling a lie initially until my wife showed her the actual visa, then her boss became very very nice to her?????) Then my wife spent 6 weeks preparing to come to America: She took a auto driving class in VN, some quick cooking classes, general shopping and saying goodbye to everyone.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-06 14:51:00
Asia: East and PacificFiancee's Work?
If I remember correctly, the initial consulate paperwork specifically states: "Do not quit your job, and do not make travel arrangements" because you've only been approved for an interview and an actual visa hasn't been granted, "please do not make future plans to move to America. " Therefore, my wife didn't quit her job at that time.

Good Luck Mike, I think if you dot your i's and cross your t's, you'll be fine!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-06 09:35:00
Asia: East and PacificMin. Income Req.
You guys are wearing me out..........

I would like to make a comment on why I think there are so many Blue Slips and it has to do with VNs people.
I don't want to start an NEW conversation but the concept relates to this thread.

I worked for a top school in HCMC preparing VNs students to study in America, my observations.
They ALWAYS cheated on tests and they thought this practice was normal and I've had students "kicked out" of the TOEFL exams that were given by Americans every 3 months. Next, I reviewed their paperwork when they applied for scholarships, etc. They ALWAYS thought it was OK just to answer most of the questions and it wasn't necessary to answer everything correctly. 90% of the time, they didn't dot their i's and cross their t's.

All n all, they're just not used to 100% compliance and following the rules. (sort of like the street traffic?)

These are my persoanal first hand observations and I think a lot of VNs visa applicants go into the process thinking that I'll fill these papers in 90% and I'll be OK?
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-06 10:04:00
Asia: East and PacificMin. Income Req.
Ngoc Oi,

I always say......" Knong Sao Dau"

No Star Where

No Problem

Go for it! Don't listen to us "troublemakers", Prove us wrong.

However, I'd strongly suggest you find a sponsor.

Just curious, why is your family so negative about your relationship? Is it because she's a VNs national or something else?
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-05 20:06:00
Asia: East and PacificRing sizing for Vietnamese woman
I would buy her a ring in Vietnam and let her pick it out. I find sometimes that good taste in America is no big deal in VN? (another mind bender?) Mind you, a diamond ring should go over well regardless.

KvTran: funny you say crime: My wife had her necklace ripped off her neck while she was driving down Le Duan Street (same as USA consulate) between the two parks near independence palace/Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St. I couldn't believe it?
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-04-27 18:14:00
Asia: East and PacificMatts going to Vietnam
Isn't Asiana Airlines based in Seoul, Korea?
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-10 15:43:00
Asia: East and PacificMatts going to Vietnam
Miss Anh won't be able to tell you everything......that's the exciting part about travelling in VN. Always expect the unexpected. (It's sort of opposite of America)

Keep us posted
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-08 10:16:00
Asia: East and PacificMatts going to Vietnam
We want updates too......remember, A big cube of ice with with warm beer is actually quite tasty!

Good Luck
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-07 09:02:00
Asia: East and Pacifickvtran Interview Rally!
Standard Proceedure.......Just tell her to put in her "Carry on" hand baggage and give it to USA customs, DO NOT pack it with the checked in luggage!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-16 15:29:00
Asia: East and Pacifickvtran Interview Rally!
She Forgot..............Troi Oi?
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-15 12:35:00
Asia: East and PacificPacket 3
Sorry St Louis - Ho Chi Minh City,

I disagree, I wouldn't tell her; it's not necessary yet. It's easy to confuse VNs people and she may lose some confidence.

Growing up in America, we're taught to be proactive. However, in Nam, I learned to shut up sometimes and let the cards fall as they may?

Just my opinion from personal experience.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-22 05:57:00
Asia: East and PacificQuestions from Packet 3
As a former "Visa Approved" Vietnam VJ memeber from 05', What does the form ask exactly? I used to find a lot of helpful info. from the State.Gov site and the USCIS.gov site in addition to this site.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-23 07:47:00
Asia: East and PacificMy NOA2 was Approved Tonight
Yes That's It! Say Hi to the Owner from Texas, I forgot his name? He's usually back by the Bar, 50's ish guy.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-25 22:50:00
Asia: East and PacificMy NOA2 was Approved Tonight
Robert,

It's a different place, called "Texas BBQ", it's actually quite good. Same quality as US but about 1/3 the price PLUS those Tiger Beer Drafts are tasty. The USA Consulate also holds a 4th of July party and they used to allow normal citizens (local expat residents) to attend but those days are history. Look in Vietnam News (local English Paper) and you'll see advertisements for 4th parties sometimes. Check "Amcham", means American Chamber of Commerce, they hold 4th parties. Then there's "Mogumbos" bar on Thi Sach Street, it's a little $$$.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-24 22:02:00
Asia: East and PacificMy NOA2 was Approved Tonight
Yeah, You and the Van-ster can celebrate 4th of July together too! Go down to the Texas BBQ place on Pasteur and Nguyen Dinh Chieu (my favorite one way street).
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-24 07:19:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC.. Vietnam Governent forms???
Your wife will need to visit many offices in VN to get a VNs marriage certificate (which is fully recogonized in the USA as a legal marriage), and you can also apply for the CR1 visa. That's what we got.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-05-21 08:38:00
Asia: East and Pacificmarriage in vietnam
I didn't need a lawyer:

I used the USCIS.gov, state.gov, HCMC Consulate web site, Visajourney and feedback from locals in VN to do everything. All the forms are bi-lingual and they clearly state what you need to do, where you need to go and when it needs to be done.
Follow their instructions, fill out the forms 100% and provide them the required paperwork and you should be fine.

Now, if you have a previous problems with the law, an inconsistent relationship with your wife, don't possess important documents, don't meet the minimum financial requirements or maybe you filed a previous visa petition. You could be denied.

This is my personal experience and also based on personal conversations with Consulate Officers in the Irish bar on Le Thanh Ton street in District One. Actually, The HCMC consulate folks prefer to "pass" petitioners so they won't have to deal with them anymore.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-02 19:01:00
Asia: East and PacificBribery and corruption
I don't know anything about fraud at the USA Consulate but I know 2 things for certain: As I've stated on this site before.

I have a friend who teaches Vietnamese Language for the future consulate officers in Northern Virginia and these officers come from the top universities and are put through a very challenging course and other requirements before they start their assignment in HCMC. Basically, after working 2 or 3 years in HCMC, the officer looks forward to being assigned a better location in a modern European country or better yet Australia. In other words, HCMC is a stepping stone in a long foreign service career. Why risk a life time career for a few bucks; they already live comfortably?


Secondly, I personally met some of the local Vietnamese Officers during Bill Clinton's visit in Nov. 2000 and these ladies were very professional, had good English skills and most importantly these posisitons are highly valued in Vietnam (lifetime career).

Is it perfect, probably not. But, I highly doubt if there's intense corruption and behind the scenes payoffs?

FYI: "Du Roi" is a useful expression that means "enough already".......especially after Mot, Hai, Ba, YO! :)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-05 18:30:00
Asia: East and Pacificupdate on my situation ...
I always get a headache when I drive with my wife (Yes, it's nice to be a passenger)
She has quick take offs, waits until the last second to stop, follows too closely (for my comfort) Yes her eyes are Ok. I always press my right foot forward when I'm sitting in the pax seat for some reason? Ha ha

It's her habits from driving the motor bike down Highway 1 from District 9 (Thu Duc) to downtown everyday.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-14 22:30:00
Asia: East and PacificLetter of intent to marry
It's called A.C.S.
American Citizen Services
It's got Air Condition!
& "Free" water and small paper cups
They used to have pens to fill out paperwork (on the back wall) but you can guess what happen to those?
Take a # and sit down!
SMILE, be nice and personable. (Of course, don't forget your passport and don't be intimadated be those security guards in front (entrance) of the Consulate near the metal detector, they're actually friendly, they get paid to be serious)

True story, I went to get a paper notorized the same morning as my wife's interview and they forgot to charge me ( for some reasonn, I just don't feel guilty?), payment is at a seperate window, I walked out of ACS section and then made my way to the (non) air condition area. Again, the VISA area is so special becuase you'll never ever see so many Vietnamese people just sitting there in stone silence, then you'll hear someone burst out crying at window 15, 5 minutes later you'll hear someone say "Thankya Thankya Thankya" in window 5.
Interesting area no doubt!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-14 22:18:00
Asia: East and PacificCongrats Menyoo And Matt
Hoang Long Hotel:

On the Same alley as the Buddist Temple.....go down to The Margeritta Restaurant (the whole family is very nice) , good pizza, etc when you need your cheap western food fix.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-20 22:50:00
Asia: East and PacificShots and Pills!!!
I would only get a "tet'ness shot" (spelling) in case you get bitten by one of those stray dogs. I got bitten once. If you get sick or get a stomach virus you can buy almost any drug over the counter without a perscription, including Viagra. Oh I forgot, you're meeting Huong, nevermind...................:)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-20 22:42:00
Asia: East and PacificThe Interview HCMC
Anh Map = "Fat Man", that's funny............:)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-20 22:58:00
Asia: East and PacificHow to compare flight costs from Vietnam to the U.S.?
Make sure you take a whole morning or afternoon when you go to that office and some good reading material or make some phone calls while holding on to your que #. Actually, after an hour of waiting, I finally went home and booked online (2004). Maybe, they've stopped booking online? Note, I've heard good reports about ANA Nippon, they use the Boeing 777 to fly from the Japan to the states. A lot better than the 747. (of course more expensive).

I hope we can get a lot of feedback on flights from everyone since we're all shelling out these big bucks going back and forth. "You can take the girl out of Vietnam but you can't take the Vietnamese out of the girl"........In other words, You've married a lady, her family and now the country.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-21 23:10:00
Asia: East and PacificHow to compare flight costs from Vietnam to the U.S.?
I booked Eva Air online from Vietnam, we even got upgraded at Tan Son Nhat airport. It was a nice way for my wife to leave Vietnam. We arrived in L.A. the same calender day to see the sunset over Manhatten Beach near LAX airport, her first full day in America............Disneyland!
Good first impression!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-20 20:25:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
"So what are you trying to say? "

There's many things I would love to say from personal experience after living and working in Vietnam for 5 years BUT given the tone of your last statement, it won't be necessary.

Henceforth, I'll keep my honest prospective out of the picture.......................Hen Gap Lai Kep Sau (We'll meet again in the future)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-23 13:48:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
Mike,

Why do you ask other's for their opinion if you're going to say...." you shouldn't make statements like that?" as if I over-stepped the boundries. Should I be dis-honest and "sugar coat "my answers and tell you something nice? Dealing with the Vietnamese is a whole another ballgame and many times it's NOT a pretty picture for a lot of foreigners.
Henceforth, I'll try to keep my honest prospective out of the picture...........Chuc May Man (Good Luck) :)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-23 13:19:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
That's Interesting:

I see this situation differently and this is what makes Vietnam so intriguing...............................

I'm not anti-fortune teller, Fortune tellers are very important in Vietnam obviously and I don't see them as "bad people", I don't believe them either. In other words, Mike just can't tell Huong NOT believe them or listen to them (That won't help Mike). Conversely, I've heard of the "fortune telling" reason being used as a way to manipulate others (especially foreigners in relationships) for the Vietnamese girl's own advantage.....That's what I've heard from others while living in Vietnam, my wife never used a fortune teller aganist me (Thank God!)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-23 13:06:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
Mike,
I NEVER NEVER will understand Vietnamese thinking despite being married to one and having lived there for 5 years. Personally, I have a LOVE/hate relationship with the country, culture and it's people. I've seen too much disappointment and I've expereinced my personal highs and lows. However, bringing my Vietnamese wife to America has luckily been an overall good experience (Spending 4 years with her in Vietnam made a really BIG difference).
Now, to answer your question.......many times while living in Vietnam I've said to myself "Don't ask WHY because there is NO answer from a Western perspective" go with the flow. ........I wish that was the case now and I could say to you "be patient", BUT.....
With all due respect to you Mike, you seem like a really nice person, I must be honest and I hope I'm wrong.......
This is my honest "Gut" feeling: I think there is another reason behind her request for you NOT to visit her. it's a "smoke screen"!
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-23 12:03:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
It is remarkable!

It changed so much during my five year stay from 99' to 04', especially the consumer wealth.
It's both good and bad. I have very fond memories of my first 6 months there.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-19 21:29:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
Go For It Mike!

You definitely want "Multi" entry if you're going to T-land during your stay.

FYI: Huong won't need a visa (neither will you) to visit T-land.
Actually, the CO who interviewed my wife asked my wife about the Thailand stamp in her passport; he was impressed that she had already traveled outside of Vietnam AND we had pictures of our trip to show him (we said the pics were our honeymoon photos)......it was helpful during the interview.

FYII:Very few Vietnamese leave the country (That could be changing nowadays)


Just curious.....how much was your flight?

I just paid $1300 for Tet New Year (Feb 2007), BUT it's only 1 stop in Asia and doesN'T go through California. (pay more for convenience)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-19 21:16:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview: English or Vietnamese
English, it'll only help your case. A matter of fact, the CO forgot to ask my wife to raise her right hand and swear she's telling the truth, because..... ......I told my wife to start a conversation in order to break the ice and create a more relaxed tempo (we're all humans) and it worked, they started talking about her passport stamps.............then he said," Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you to raise your right hand".......It was smooth sailing from then onward.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-26 20:30:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Start Trouble? That's never my intention, just honest feedback from 5 years of direct experience. ( I enjoy my passive existence here )

I will say one thing though, I have no idea what these guys are talking about? My wife teaches these C.O. Vietnamese near Wasington DC. Their objective is to actually prevent fraud and "Pass" as many couples as possible as long as they dot their i's and cross their T's. (You need NO red flags in your past) it doesn't take a rocket scientist. Mind you, it's very stressful.........

Matt, the fun will start for you when the honeymoon is over and it's freezing cold in Feb 07 and it's her first Tet New Year being away from family. ( that's the case for everyone, not just you)
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-07-01 11:21:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Hmmmmmmmmm..................
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-30 11:07:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
See, I told you guys those interviewers were nice. I know, my wife teaches them Vietnamese!
Good Luck, now the interesting part begins..............
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-06-26 23:27:00
Asia: East and PacificMarried before K-1
Way to go Charlie, you've earned your stripes.

Do you have any pics on your web site? It requires a password. I've only been to HaNoi once put I found the people very nice, and better yet, they were able to understand my Vietnamese, maybe the 20 cent beers helped?

I think you'll be OK to sponsor a N.Vietnamese as long as your patient, follow the rules, meet the benchmarks and you don't have any "red flags" in your past.

My wife and I actually got married on paper FIRST in VN and then the interview came quickly and we had to rush a wedding party in order to show the photos for the interview. (we broke all the traditional rules,oh well)

Again, I think the more difficult obstacle is during the your VNs wife first year in America: driving, getting settled, job, weather, food and "day in & day out" stuff that happens. Maybe because my wife and I were on a LOW financial budget, made our situation more challenging. We've been very LUCKY but I wouldn't want to do it again...................................
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-07-18 22:22:00
Asia: East and PacificSTL_HCMC's Interview Rally
Consistent background

Compliance to follow the rules

Common Sense to follow through

Confidence to do the interview

= Congratulations!

The 4Cs
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-07-19 08:56:00
Asia: East and PacificSTL_HCMC's Interview Rally
STL_HCMC

It's great to double check......but do you ever actually practice face to face or "role play" the Q and As similar to the K1 interview (in English)?

Good Luck

It's definitely a relief and you can look forward to the future.
patricksNot TellingVietnam2006-07-18 07:19:00