Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Asia: East and Pacific	Are you married to a Vietnamese Citizen, then	A multi-entry, 5 year, Visitors Visa to Vietnam. Go to the Washington DC Vietnamese Embassy Web Site. Here's the introduction: http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/ It's in Vietnamese Language, but if your wife reads carefully, it also applies to the American husband too. My friend got one!	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-11-05 18:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Going to VN in December	500 Guests! Dude, you're a Rock Star......... Now, you have to go to every table in the party and toast. Remember one thing: Mot, Hai, Ba.....Yo! = 1,2,3....Cheers! (drink), now, 100%, eyes are watching you, bottoms up...........:-) These are Rach Gia Folks, it's not everyday a special event like this happens? Good Luck and we want pictures.	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-11-30 21:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Going to VN in December	Your future father in-law owns 3 restaurants in Rach Gia, interesting.... You'll probably be doing some work, don't forget your apron Rach Gia is a transit point: Phu Quoc boats, to/from buses going up north and to Ha Tein. I went to Phu Quoc last Tet, It's OK..it'll be romantic for you, unfortunately, you can't "legally" stay in the same room together I liked the "Kim Hoa" resort 88/2 THD Street (best value) PQ: laid back and slow NT: more commercialized, more $, etc... Good luck, you've never been to Vietnam and never met her in person, please keep us posted...	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-11-20 18:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	New Year	I assume you're talking about the Chinese, Buddhist "Tet" New Year?	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-11-02 16:38:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Long overdue update on us	Way to go Matt Stevens! We were asking about you recently	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-12-19 19:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa Waiver for Vietnamese Americans	And, how much was your flight? Thanks P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-09-29 14:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa Waiver for Vietnamese Americans	Also... If you are a foreigner married to a Vietnamese person (post 75') then the foreigner can apply for a 5 year multiple entry visa for only $20. As per Vietnamese Embassy in DC, check their web site.	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-09-04 19:25:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Dear guys :some questions	How did you file your taxes at the end of the year? Don't you have to put the SS# for your wife, even if you file separately? Don't worry, maybe the gov't will bail you out like they helped the folks with the adjustable loans	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-12-14 18:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnames Culture - ALL VN please help	My personal expereince: Usually, western logic doesn't apply in VN, especially in inner family dealings. If I were you, I would express my concern to her parents "Khong Sao Dau", then I would let them figure it out: It's their culture, It's their family values, let them handle it, everyone will be OK (but, sometimes it's not a pretty picture from the westerner's perspective) Welcome to VN! pick and choose your battles wisely ........i say that with a sense of humor.....	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-02-17 12:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Asian television channels in the US	My wife's mom came from Vietnam to help with our new baby SGTV, Sai Gon TV has been awesome! Korean Soap Operas dubbed in VNs Real World News in VNs, Grandma is getting new education about the world Typical American VNs propaganda against the current VNs goverment ( She just laughs.....) ordered from local cable system	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-02-19 18:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	My Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES	Nice fashion shows at the Engagement Parties	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-02-09 16:08:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Learn Vietnamese(or any language)	Hi Craig, I really liked your photos, they bring back lots of memories I think you'll have no problem with the whole visa process: use common sense, cross your T's & dot your I's, and be patient. Good Luck! P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-03-08 12:03:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Preparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance	Credit Card	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-03-10 18:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa Refused (221g): HCMC Embassy	3AD, Your attached photo is nice; it's really unfortunate for the two of you. I agree with Mr. Huan, do you think, your Fiancee being pregnant with no marriage certificate had anything to do with their decision? I always thought while living in VN, if you got a VNs pregnant, you had better marry her pretty quickly so her family doesn't lose face. A pregnant women without a husband is a No No.....( I could be wrong ? ) Maybe go back and get a marriage certificate and re-apply? Good Luck	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2006-10-26 20:04:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Prenuptial agreement - anyone else do one?	I'll Generalize! Point blank, Thai's and Vietnamese people often do not tell truth, especially to foreigners. They "flat out" lie or don't express true intentions in order to avoid confrontation, "save face" from embarrassment, or for personal gain. Majority of relationships between foreigners & local (Thais & VNs) are not successful (another generalization); however, if one learns some the culture & language, knows the wife's family, and then his chances for marital success greatly increase. Thus, I agree with Ding......... Mind you, Isn't there a 50% divorce rate in America?	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-08-26 10:53:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Prenuptial agreement - anyone else do one?	I hear you Ding.... I absolutely wouldn't marry a SE Asian (esp. VN & Thai) woman without spending a lot of time together prior, know her family very well prior, and experience some challenging relationship situations prior. That's just my opinion after living 4 plus years in VN. It's a relationship culture clash, like the book "Thailand Fever" addresses........	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2007-08-25 20:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Sinsord	www dot stickmanbangkok dot com This is a rated G site from a Bangkok local who has addressed this exact issue many times Do a search on his site for "sin sot" or look at the "weekly columns" from the past 6 months. Good Luck and remember........Mai Pen Rai Kop (no problem)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2006-04-26 21:03:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Does HCMC Accept Direct Consular Filings?	Yes, you can.....I filed a CR1 locally in HCMC and it only took 4 months to process.... However, there's some prerequisites! You need to have have lived & worked in VN for at least one year and they will request 1.) police records showing your local VNs residency, 2.) copy of your passport pages, 3.) letter from your employer OR business records That's the situation 3 years ago so the process may have changed? Go to the ACS (american citizen services) @ the Consulate and ask them? Good luck, P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-11 23:39:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Has Anyone On Here Taught English In Viet Nam?	One of the largest schools that hires teachers on an ongoing basis: http://www.vus-etsc.edu.vn/ or Hoi Viet My HCMC used to a "Back Packer" teacher industry in 90's. Now, it's much more sophisticated if you want to work for an established school. Must have a 4 year degree minimum If you haven't taught before, you'd better brush up on the grammar :-) Students are awesome and fun to teach but they know English grammar & spelling better than most Americans, but they can be very shy to practice speaking English. Then, you need ESL techniques or skills to create an environment for the the student to open up in a foreign language. Easier said than done.......see 2 x 2 y 2 z recommendation good luck.... ps: you can always get private tutoring gigs....	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-14 20:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Delivery in Vietnam	1.) My VNs wife preferred to have the baby in USA because of better, cleaner & safer "piece of mind" hospital treatment, plus the same OBGYN who monitored her progress for 9 nine months also delivered the baby. My wife's sisters, who live in VN and recently gave birth, were all envious of my wife's better delivery conditions in the USA. less painful in usa :-) 2.) After the baby arrived, we applied for a Visa for her mom to visit the USA and that process happened quickly (more difficult getting the flight than the actual visa), and her mom stayed with us in the USA for almost six months to help with the baby. 3.) If the baby's father is American then the baby will be granted a USA citizenship regardless. Yes, the ASC (American Citizen Services) section of the HCMC consulate should issue a USA passport for your baby. I don't know about the birth certificate, issued by local gov't agency. (it should state that the father is a USA citizen) 4.) Of course, this is a personal decision and yes my wife would have loved to have her immediate family near her during the whole birthing process and fortunately we had FULL medical insurance because it's much more expensive in the USA vs VN. (another consideration) Good luck and have a healthy delivery.....	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-21 09:18:00
Asia: East and Pacific	The Economy: Living here vs there	The current economic downturn has no correlation with the upcoming American election. 1.) Vietnam Banks have stop lending money for real estate 2.) The HCMC stock market has lost 50% this year 3.) 25% price inflation in May 4.) VNs Petrol is roughly the same price as USA, 15,000vnd/liter Further reading: http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/ The VNs economic correction is coming, stay tuned.......... but, long-term VN will be OK........ I plan to retire in VN in 20 years :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-29 22:04:00
Asia: East and Pacific	The Economy: Living here vs there	rebuild	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-27 22:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	The Economy: Living here vs there	25% inflation in May........typical "Crash and burn".....then rebuilt again. Maybe the "noise" will decrease :-) P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-27 22:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	HOTELS in Saigon ... with *fun* details :-)	Xin Chao Em Yeu Tan, http://www.ananhotel...q=accommodation Chuc Mai Man Anh Patrick	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-07-03 20:41:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Angry at Stereotypes... WHY CAN'T I LOVE AN ASIAN???????	Where's Linda? She's in Nha Trang, duoc khong? Maybe, she went on one of those famous, "Mama Hanh's" Boat Tours to the nearby Islands... A 3 hour tour, A 3 hour tour, and the weather started getting rough and the tiny ship was tossed....etc, etc... hmmm	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-03-20 19:08:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Wife's traveling back to Viet Nam.	Why would she need a visa to visit her own country? She's still a Vietnamese Citizen (with a VNs Passport).	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-01-05 14:46:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Wife's traveling back to Viet Nam.	She still has her Vietnamese Passport correct? Why would she have trouble entering Vietnam with an official & up to date (not expired) VNs passport? just curious? I'd be more concerned about re-entering America, sounds like stl-hcmc had no problems. My wife had no problem last year, but she never changed her name to my last name....... Good luck	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-01-05 10:38:00
Asia: East and Pacific	4 Years and 3 Weeks.....	My VNs wife was sworn in today to become a USA citizen. Yes, the system does eventually work :-) 9/4/04 Submitted first form (CR1 petitioned directly from VN) 12/30/04 Interview 1/02/05 Visa issued 2/27/05 Relocated to America SS number shortly afterward 2 year green card soon after 2007, 10 year green card 1/25/08 submitted paperwork for naturalization Waited 8 months for citizenship interview It's finally over, see ya............Chuc Mai Man :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-09-25 20:44:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Helping an in-law immigrate (maybe off topic)	The process will take 8 to 9 years, he's in the F4 category, take a number and join the end of the line.......... The sooner you apply ($350), the sooner he'll arrive = at least year 2016 :-) Good luck P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-10-27 20:41:00
Asia: East and Pacific	an overdue update	Hey Craig, Nice photos, they bring back a lot of memories...... P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-11-02 14:48:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Biggest adjustment for Thais coming to U.S.	Matt, Anh works on Wall Street, oh my.........Watch out! for those investment bankers, they're an interesting bunch :-( You're definitely not in North Carolina "Kansas" anymore......good luck in NYC! p	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-25 20:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Biggest adjustment for Thais coming to U.S.	Hello Matt Stevens, Long time No see! Yes, Matt would have a few stories to share, we're waiting.....? Matt, how is life in Manhattan? sorry to change the subject :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-24 19:56:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Biggest adjustment for Thais coming to U.S.	If you're near the DC area, there's a few Thai places but a lot more Vietnamese which is slightly similar. You can get Thai products regardless. You'll be surprised how fast she'll adapt to her new homeland. My only one piece of advice to prepare her for life in America........Check online and see if you can find a Thai language DMV Driver's testing manual? I found a VNs language Driver's book in Orange County, California and I sent it to my wife in VN and then she had studied it in VN prior to arriving in the states and it helped her a lot, even though she took the test in Virginia (4 months after arrival)...... too bad they drive on the left side in Thailland :-) Mai Pen Rai Khop........	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-06-19 19:25:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Mapping Website For Viet Nam.	sorry, interesting perspective I only briefly looked at my wife's house and my old place. Find the Zoo at the end of Le Duan Street, look directly across the river, there should be two or three high rise new tower blocks there now, they just started constructing those buildings when I left Vietnam in early 2005, so I guess these maps were made in 2003 or 2004. I look more closely this weekend for more observations.....makes me sort of homesick for Vietnam.	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-12-10 18:20:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Mapping Website For Viet Nam.	Thanks Joe, interesting prospective, a little out of date though :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2008-12-09 20:04:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Tet (Lunar New Year)	Yes, In Northern Virginia Too, "Eden Center" Dancing Yellow Dragons, Fireworks, and lots of "LiSi" Lucky Money $ for my baby (from complete strangers) :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2009-01-25 13:33:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa for US citizens	FYI: If you're married to a VNs Citizen living in America, you can apply for a special 5 year visa for only $20. Ask your wife to read the Washington DC VNs Embassy's web site, in VNs language. P	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2009-01-28 19:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I've been living in Vietnam for little over a year.	Konton This info is 5 years old: Yes, you can get a quick USA marriage visa while living & working in VN I got a marriage paper in VN (through VNs Gov't), held a small ceremony at my wife's house, and submitted for the CR1 marriage visa and my wife got her interview & visa within 4 months. You need to prove residency & your work (for the past year) when you apply for her visa. HCMC, USA Consult has a office on the 9th floor of the DutchBank Building (same place that has Maximart on the second floor) a tall grey building on Le Loi Street downtown. Go up there and ask....... FYI	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2009-03-07 18:33:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I've been living in Vietnam for little over a year.	Top Three Complaints: 1.) Noise 2.) Nosey People getting into your business 3.) One way of thinking, everything is either black or white (good or bad), no grey areas Top Three pluses: 1.) Never know what to expect & less stress in general 2.) Usually cheap good food & drink (both VNs & Western) 3.) As a male, more attention from females (not in a sexist way) people like attention..... Homesick from USA: 1.) Yes, missed multi-cable channels 2.) Selection of quality western food 3.) More quiet life, car and privacy.....	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2009-02-28 18:03:00
Asia: East and Pacific	DFC confusion in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam	Yes, it does work, at least 4 years ago it did.... I filed downtown on 9th floor of Dutchbank building (Maximart on second floor) Tall Grey building on Le Loi Submitted paperwork Sept. 4th, 2004 4 forms sent back n forth, over two months time December 30, 2004 Interview @ Consulate, Jan 2, 2005 (Visa Pickup) 4 months total Note: Back then, required one year local employment and one year proof of local residence (from VNs Police) Good Luck :-)	patricks	Not Telling	Vietnam	2009-05-13 18:00:00