Job Discussion Forums

[CK]

I'm leaving the US for Hanoi in 10 days, and hoping for a bit of packing advice. I've read this site and found several tips, but still have a couple questions.

What's the custom in Vietnam regarding bringing a gift to your hosts when invited for dinner, etc? Is there anything from home I should bring for such occassions?

Is English fiction so difficult to find that it's worth loading up my luggage with a dozen paperbacks? I'm not sure yet if I'll be in Hanoi or a smaller city. What about having books sent later (hoping for Christmas gifts from family)? Is it as difficult and expensive to get a package of books in as it is socks and other items mentioned on a thread about customs?

Your input and any other advice much appreciated!

[slug93]

if it's for family.. i bring american brand shampoo/soaps(herbal essences, paul mitchell, dove soap bar, etc.,) or victoria secret lotions.. etc., dont worry about books(unless it's for you).. vn book stores have US books(fiction/non-fiction) that they translate into vn(and pirate).. of course if you have a great book that it's not too common, then bring it. example, i wanted to give my friend a gift.. the book "emotional intelligent" by daniel goldman.. the book is widely sold in the USA, 5/6 yrs ago. but i couldnt find it vn(HCM) at all the bookstores i went to.. But i did see Dan Brown stuff(da vinci code) n vn..IRC

I've even saw bunch of english text book(swan's guide to grammer(or something). pirated selling for 5 USD.. while the one i got on amazon was 15USD!!!

also, if u live in southern california(little saigon), you can find couple of shipping companies that specialize in sending US stuff to VN. One place claims they can ship AND clear custom for $4USD/lb from their office to your house. BUT that's for HCM and i'm not sure about for Hanoi. feel free to pm me. I'll be moving to HCM next week to work.

[kparsons]

I don't know about the customs for going to people's houses for dinner, but I CAN comment on the book situation in Hanoi. I find it very difficult to find reasonably-priced, good books here. Every other city in Vietnam seems to have a better selection of books -- for some reason, Hanoi just fare well in this department. I would bring some books w/you, if you have the room. Lately all I've been reading are mysteries and thrillers -- not the kind of stuff I used to read.

[CK]

Soaps for gifts -- never would've guessed.

The books will be for me, and based on the above posts, I'll try to fit a few in.

Thanks for the tips.