@gbdusmc_1
American expat in Vietnam
Forum
31 posts
About me
American
Lives in Ho Chi Minh City
Registration: 06 October 2014
Activity
First impressions after moving to Cambodia by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Cambodia. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your ...
This is exactly the kind of crap that attracts people with no money to come to Cambodia and get into trouble! As stated much better than I can here, the thought of living in abject poverty with head lice and the rest of the "charm" of ... Read More
Hating on bar girls by GuestPoster8404
I’ve been in the country for almost three years, some people think bar girls are all trash, prostitution, it’s not always so many many nice khmer girls are bar girls, they come from the province and have no other way to make money, most ...
Everybody should receive common courtesy. Respect has no value unless it is earned. I think some think too highly of women they don't know. Likewise, people assume many others are "beneath them" merely because of where they were ... Read More
Opening a bank account by Starclassic2012
Hello Is it possible for someone upon arrival in Cambodia to open a bank account even though they will not have a permanent address yet? Thank you
I opened an account with ATM card and also some time deposits at Canadia Bank. I used my hotel name and my room number on my account. No problems for me and have gotten money out and switched opened and closed time deposits without any ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
The best choice for visa depends on many factors: If you are married to a Filipina/o If you routinely leave the Philippines How long you want to stay in the Philippines without leaving (or having to pay for renewals) Your financial situation If you ... Read More
I adore a Cambodian girl. Practical advice required by zfagerst
I was previously in Cambodia, I met a girl, I fell in love with her, I am 60 and she is 35. We have been in daily contact since October talking for at least an hour a day using messenger face to face . I intend to marry her and move to Cambodia and ...
I am sorry for your pain. However, your caution IS NECESSARY for a good outcome. Remember it is YOUR money and you are the one with the age and knowledge so ensure you act accordingly.All she needs to do to "save face" is say you are ... Read More
Customs and luggage in Cambodia. by luis1001
Hi, everyone. My concern is about customs and personal luggage. I have a total of 5 full cases (125 kilos) of used clothes, socks pants underwear shirts sheets, and a box with a used bicycle plus a carry-on. I know that is customs they give you ...
No one meant to be unkind. I have been an Immigration Inspector many years ago that means I was cross-trained in Customs also. I gave insights into my reasoning as someone who has worked in the field you are inquiring about and I have seen people ... Read More
Cambodia's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Cambodia? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are ...
Hey you know I really appreciate this, to be honest I've heard it's dangerous,The Philippines can be dangerous. However, most places you go - if you use basic common-sense - you will be fine. I have been going to the Philippines for the ... Read More
Customs and luggage in Cambodia. by luis1001
Hi, everyone. My concern is about customs and personal luggage. I have a total of 5 full cases (125 kilos) of used clothes, socks pants underwear shirts sheets, and a box with a used bicycle plus a carry-on. I know that is customs they give you ...
People gave you good advice already. Clothes are cheap here. The extra baggage fees are ridiculous and you going through Customs with 5 checked bags IS going to draw attention. They pretty much can either try to charge you customs on the clothes ... Read More
Can I believe this lady? by John Birth
Hi, I was in Phnom Penh recently for holidays. I have a good running business in Europe. After 20 years of hard work I decided to slow things down a little. So I tough why not start up something in Cambodia (just to stay busy)and enjoy live in this ...
Even though this is a very old post - in case someone is in a similar situation - here is my response! I do wish I knew how things turned our for John - as an example of what not to do - immediately fall for someone you know nothing about and who ... Read More
How to save money in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you plan your budget before your move to Cambodia? If so, how did you go about it? How do you save money in your day to day life? Do you find there are any areas where you can't cut costs? Do you have any tips about ...
I always say the three largest challenges are to know where to buy what you want, what it should cost, and what you will have to pay for it. I have a few people who are Khmer and get good prices on various items. What surprised me was the ... Read More
What papers are required abroad to legally marry in Vietnam? by Canuck2014
Hi. I am from Canada and will be returning to Vietnam end of the year to get marry. What documents are required from my home country to be legally marry in Vietnam? Thanks.
In HCMC, it takes at the minimum, approx. 3 weeks. about 7 - 10 days longer around Vietnam's New Year (I think beginning around 26 JAN, this coming year). In HCMC it has a lot of requirements but most are perfunctory. Everything you have to ... Read More
Help! Money trapped in Vietnam bank account by vulcan_verona
A Cambodia-based friend has some money parked in a Vietcombank current account. She needs to transfer it to her mother, but my friend does not have sms banking set up. Nor does she have a visa debit facility. How can my friend transfer the money? ...
If all else fails call the bank and ask them. :) Read More
Can I bring our jewelry into Cambodia by GuestPoster8404
Wondering if I can bring jewelry into Cambodia, like rings, and can I buy gold jewelry in Thailand and bring back to Cambodia?? Not much a few pieces for personal use, I had some jewelry packed last trip, customs didn't bother me?? Thank you for ...
The keys are reasonable and personal. I have brought 2 necklaces, 2 wedding rings, and a fairly good-sized cross. That is a reasonable amount. 12 gold wedding bands probably not so reasonable. I keep that in a front pocket in a small box when ... Read More
Bringing US Currency into Cambodia by USNavyguy
Hello, Can anyone tell me how much US currency I can bring into Cambodia legally? I have heard there are no restrictions, but others say it's $10,000. What is the real truth? Thanks.
IF you mean US currency or negotiable assets you can bring ANY amount in or out of the U.S.. The trick is filing the appropriate FinCen Form (Fin Cen Form 105, which is Custom's Declaration for carry more than $10K into or out of the country). ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
No sweat about differing opinions or information. This is an email I received from Nari at the Manila PRA office: "Sir, military pension should be at least US$1,000.00 to be qualified under SRRV Expanded Courtesy. I any case, you will just ... Read More