Job Discussion Forums

[edgrimley]

I am comparing to Thailand and Cambodia.

In Thailand, because they want tourists (even if a very small minority
are actually working as ESL teachers)visas are a snap. For example if
one gets a tourist visa at a consulate before arriving it's good for
two months. That can be extended with minimal hassle and cost at
Immigration offices in, for example Bangkok, Pattaya or Chiang Mai.
Effectively one can live in Thailand for four months - then you leave
(by land to neighbouring countries is the cheapest method) and return,
sometimes the same day.

I have lived in Thailand for long period of time. Many people do the
same. It is also possible to extend the landing visa of 30 days which
is granted at the airport. But that is only for 10 days, then 7 days -
some such thing. It ends up that one can therefore stay in Thailand
for 47 days with minimal effort and cost (extensions might even be
free. I forget)

In Cambodia, one gets a one month visa, and unless things have changed
from last year that is also extendable - although for a higher fee.
Everything is available in Cambodia for a price, and that includes one
year and six month visas (the bulk of the cost is palm-greasing not
official fees). And for a change or if one is required to leave the
country I just went to Trat in Thailand by road. Staying long term in
Cambodia has never appealed to me! Except when I had a one year work
visa courtesy of my employer I leave after a month or two for the
comforts of Bangkok or Singapore. As I recall paying $5 more when one
lands at the airport can get one a business visa which is easier to
extend.

But I have no idea about Vietnam. Since it doesn't have the welcome
mat out for tourists the way Thailand does, and is not the 'wild east'
of Cambodia, I presume the Vietnamese style bureaucracy makes it both
difficult and expensive. Anyone know of persons staying long term in
Vietnam?

In other words, how does one arrange to stay in Vietnam or Laos long
term as one can do in Thailand and Cambodia? Is it even possible
without a university degree or sponsorship - such as persons do in order to get a work permit? Every country I stay in I prefer to be part of the
grey/unregulated and untaxed economy.

[Paul John]

Easy. Arrive on a tourist visa and once you're in country, apply for a six-month multiple entry business visa. This is renewable without leaving the country.

You need a sponsor, however. If your school can't or won't do it then you can get it done through SaigonTourist or FidiTourist in HCMC.

Prices are up in the air though. Last month, the cost of renewing your visa for 6 months went up by USD100 in HCMC.

[Cali]

If you are willing to leave the country even to Cambiodia prices in visas go down. most schools will help you renew your visa once you have worked for 6 months. Also a lot of teacher that I know there welcomed the need to leave to renew their visas.