Job Discussion Forums

[cb400]

I agree with luke, having your own bike..anything cuts down on the stress of dealing with arsehole taxi's and exoms. Saves a pile of cash that you can spend on your bike anyway

Why don't you get a bike and your gf find another way? You 2 might be working at separate places?

Coming to Vietnam and being afraid of motorbikes, is like being a lifeguard and scared of water.

[vabeckele]

[SeldomSeen]

I've been here for six months now with just a bicycle. No problem at all.

Some people comment that they are no safer, and possibly less safe than a motorbike. I can't say that I agree. As a very experienced cyclist I think that 99.9% of the incidents I see on the roads are due to stupidity and incompetence (which is widespread in VN and far worse than almost anywhere else I have been). Of course, I can't do anything about the guy that rides into me but I'm going slower and have a lot more time to see and expect what's coming. Vietnam is never a relaxing place to cycle as you have to be constantly switched on, just as you would in any vehicle. I read a comment that other vehicles might not hear you as you're silent (just like those electric cycles that are growing in use). How can anyone hear themselves think for the near constant cacophony of car horns around here?

Don't rule out a bicycle. Of course, get lights if you ride at night.

[I'm With Stupid]

I'd recommend getting your own transport whatever it is. I know a few people who've relied on xe oms and your general commuting can be fine once you get a reliable driver who you can text when you want to go, but it works out far more expensive than even renting. And then for anything else, you have to deal with the hassle of negotiating and drivers taking you the wrong way to earn extra money. Then there's the possibility of getting a drunk driver, and for women, there's the not insignificant possibility of being sexually harassed by a xe om driver.

For motorbike driving, the key thing is to make sure you're covered by insurance. So either get a licence or drive something below 50cc (of which there are many interesting options). A less powerful bike also means you're less likely to lose control of it, and will be going slower if you crash.

[alohahapa]

The traffic here in Ho Chi Minh is terrible. It gets worse if it is raining or there is an event or accident.
Many motorists do not follow the laws like riding opposite direction or on sidewalks. Sidewalks here also are in bad shape and you will find many vendors, motorbikes, etc. I have to always walk around them.
I pray every time I have to cross a busy street because even if you are on a crosswalk, motorists will keep going.

I know some Viet Kieus who do not own a motorbike. Some of them bought a car or took taxis.
They know the statistics of accidents that happen daily.

I get around by bus or xe om because it is cheaper and I don’t have to worry about parking.
I would only buy a motorbike to go short distances to do some grocery shopping, gym, etc.

[Roth]

[montblanc20]

For 50cc, you can try looking for Honda Chaly motorbikes. Or a Honda Super Cub 50. People tell me that they go for 200 dollars. If you see them for 400, like on craigslist, maybe that's overpriced. I would try to wait until you can buy from a good friend you can trust and who wouldn't sell you a bad bike.

I'm in a big city and having the motorbike really helps with the motivation to go out. I think driving here isn't so bad once you get used to it. I'm not in either of the two biggest cities though.

The driving on the wrong side of the road is necessary sometimes. Sometimes it isn't practical to cross a road in heavy traffic to go a few blocks to your house that was on the same side and then have to cross the road again. You have to get used to the VN style of crossing streets, going through intersections, entering traffic, using roundabouts, and going the wrong way.

[LettersAthruZ]

MontBlanc is right on with that recommendation!

You can drive a Super Cub 50 through a brick wall and it'll say "Yes Sir, may I please have another"!

They just don't die.

However, electric bicycles are also an alternative. They ARE kinda on the expensive side (maybe 7 - 10 Million VND brand new), but they are functional for what you say you are looking for. They ARE a serious bitch to pedal if you run out of juice, however.

Just don't get one of those dorky little GIANT-brand bikes that all of the junior high school kids ride, and you'll be allright!

[LongShiKong]

[mk87]

Xe oms and taxis just constantly spawn. Imagine a computer game where when someone is killed they just re appear somewhere else. Thats basically how it works.

Most traffic is 2 wheeled, but in the last year I've really noticed an increase in cars. Compared to 3 years ago when I arrived it seems like cars are taking over.

I wouldnt worry about the taxi's. I know people go on about them being scammers but I think in my 3 years here I've only been properly scammed once or twice. Just keep an eye on the meter, let the taxi driver know that you are watching where you are going and you should be fine. At least in the 'Big 2' taxi comapnies

[LongShiKong]

[mk87]

Most of them just sit on the corners. In terms of active transport its easily taxis

[LongShiKong]

[Oh My God]

[mk87]