Hello Saigon!!!!

We look forward to having you in Saigon Insane City .Take a deep breath , hold on and enjoy the ride em

Your life will never quite be the same

P

Welcome to Saigon!
Hope you will enjoy your life here!

Hello Sarah!

I just moved to HCMC as well after spending 6 years in the UK.

You'll be absolutely fine! I've only been here a couple days and the 2 tips I can give you are:

1) Crossing busy roads may be daunting at first, but I believe the trick is not to try and avoid motorbikes, because they'll avoid you. (I just re-read this and it sounds like the worst advice ever, but you'll understand what I mean!)

2) When getting into cabs, stick to the few honest ones like Vinasun and Mai Linh. I've been on cabs from other companies and they would hassle me for tips (the above mentioned ones wouldn't, they'll stick to the meter). Also, it is much easier to show the cab driver the address you're going to, rather than telling him/her, as our pronunciation could be way different to what the actual street name sounds like.

Welcome!

I personally know a man whose wife was killed crossing a street by a motorbike rider who saw her and kept right on coming, wasn't drunk.  Your advice there is very bad. 

Never assume that anyone in Vietnam will yield the right of way, will drive sensibly, will behave drive in a manner consistent with consideration for others, or even with protecting his own life.

To believe this is folly and directly contrary to all evidence.

Others, get as irate as you like.  I'm right about this.

Hi Sarah,

I'm a local girl living near Thu Duc area. I can show you around this area to get a general view about the people, living environment, food etc. There are many Universities and students in this area... so do not worry about swapping lessons here. .
Please leave me a message when you arrive.

Welcome to Vietnam !.

Welcome to Saigon Sarah!

Hi,

well come to Sai Gon city. Nice to meet you. I also live in Thu Duc Dist. I know you feel so sad when moved a new country, so if you need  help i will help you if i can. Don"t be shy, please let me know.

ChrisFox wrote:

I personally know a man whose wife was killed crossing a street by a motorbike rider who saw her and kept right on coming, wasn't drunk.  Your advice there is very bad. 

Never assume that anyone in Vietnam will yield the right of way, will drive sensibly, will behave drive in a manner consistent with consideration for others, or even with protecting his own life.

To believe this is folly and directly contrary to all evidence.

Others, get as irate as you like.  I'm right about this.

I was run down by a motorbike a couple of years ago and managed to get away with a broken finger and scrapes and bruises let alone the indignity of it all. I went to the hospital to get the finger attended to and they wanted to amputate it; I said no and went home and today my pinkie is bent at an odd angle.

Crosssing the road always requires concentration or a whole lotta luck; proceed slowly maintaining eye contact with the motorbikes coming towards you, at the center of the road start looking the other way, wait for cars by standing your ground, continue slowly watching the drivers head/motorcycle posture for clues as to where they are going. Once on the other side of the road, breathe a sigh of relief. Oh - one thing - don't step backwards or you are toast.