Job Discussion Forums

MissWelsh · Joined: 10 Oct 2013 Posts: 18

Hi all,

If you've read my previous post then you'll know that me and my partner have just moved to Vietnam. We're looking to purchase a few things but have no idea where to look and we especially don't want to be ripped off so I thought I'd ask on this forum where the best places to go are.

At the moment the four things we're looking for are a small kettle, an iron, a bike helmet and a smart phone. Can anyone point us in the right direction?

I've looked on Craigslist for Vietnam for the possibility of buying a helmet or phone off a fellow expat but it seems to be full of locals trying to sell to expats Sad

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

http://tnhvietnam.xemzi.com/en/c/2

has a lot of shopping info. It seems more focussed on Hanoi but there is a section for HCMC - listed under 'Saigon.'

MissWelsh · Joined: 10 Oct 2013 Posts: 18

Quite an informative website for more than just shopping. Thanks for that.

Has anyone got any tried and tested recommendations?

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

For a quick and no nonsenses shopping experience, try Lotte Mart or some other bigbox store.

Anh Dep · Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 56 Location: Bangkok Thailand

You can also try the Tax Centre, corner of Le Loi and Nguyen Hue in D1.

LettersAthruZ · Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Posts: 466 Location: North Viet Nam

Just like Rusty suggested, I have NEVER had any problems obtaining any and all of the things on your list at a very reasonable price at either Big C or METRO!

PLUS, they are big-box supermarkets, so the price is right out there for all to see! Not like out in the streets where you KNOW that you are guaranteed to get ripped off!!

TRH · Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 340 Location: Hawaii

Helmets may be a special case that could make it difficult to find a good one at Big C or Metro. You could possibly get away with a local helmet but if your partner is male it might be tough. First there is the absolute issue of size. I wear a 7 3/8 (British? system) which I don't think is terribly large but had trouble finding my first helmet. The other issue is shape. If viewed from above, most Asian heads are round while most western heads are more oval. So you could find a helmet big enough front to back but loose on the sides. I have not been there but I recall from another thread that Andes brand may have helmets that fit western heads better than others. The post also clearly said go to a "company store" not a mom and pop. They have a website.

Same thing is true for phones, especially smartphones. If you buy an Android phone from one of the major electronics outlets, it is less likely to be a fake. If you want an iPhone, Apple's website has a list of what they call authorized resellers. It may cost more at one of them but an iPhone from anyone else is really sketchy. I have even seen ads for supposed iPhones that run Android. If you are from the US and used to carrier subsidized phones you may be in for some sticker shock.

Anh Dep · Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 56 Location: Bangkok Thailand

There is a helmet shop on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, its on the left hand side of the road heading towards Binh Thanh.. Here is the link

Andes Helmets
112 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3
www.andes.com.vn

MissWelsh · Joined: 10 Oct 2013 Posts: 18

Wow. Thanks for all the info guys. I'll have a search for those big supermarkets, hopefully there's one near by.

I think I'll be ok with regards to the size of the bike helmet. I've borrowed 2 off guesthouses so far and both have fit. The most recent one I borrowed was perfect. Although asking the staff where they got it from is going to be difficult as they have minimal English!! We've had fun with google translate so far!!