Job Discussion Forums

[lost_gypsy]

Got a question for the old hands in Vietnam. I taught five years in China, but now setting sites on Vietnam. I have the opportunity to bring in a LARGE amount of fiction paperbacks, as well as a good amount of fiction hardbacks. To give you an idea of how many--300 (or a little more). Someone was telling me that because of the large volume of copied western literature there, I would only be wasting my time.

My idea was, to perhaps find a Vietnam partner or expat with a coffee house and let this library become part of the decore, even create a lending library. I wouldn't be selling them, on the contrary, I think it would be a great addition to someone's business. And that would only be the initial "load". I am in the process of setting up a regular flow of these fiction books every three month, so by one year the entire library should be over 1,000.

Any input would be appreciated.

Michael

[ChuckECheese]

That someone who told you that you're wasting your time is right.

The Viet customs probably gonna hold your books indefinitely until they rot.

[lizarddoctor]

All is not lost. A few things to think about though...

Vietnamese customs does take a look at everything that is brought into the country. You should always send your books as gifts, but still not get bent out of shape when it takes up to 6 weeks to get your books. I was waiting on an ESL based book that for sure hit the street with multiple copies, but I finally did get the original. Sending a 1000 books might look like a business transaction, but then again, who knows if they are not education related. Books over all other things brought into the country is one tricky business to say the least.

It might be worth the trip to just take a short vacation to Vietnam every three months and just fill a few luggages with books and enjoy a little time while here. I have walked through customs with more than one luggage packed with education material without question on more than one occassion.

[sethness]

Why the problem taking books through customs-- is it a political/religious censorship thing, or a tax thing, or what ?

I was considering bringing my books (200+) and personal video library (300+) ... is that foolish? Why?

[ChuckECheese]

It's mostly political reason. They are afterall communists who dictate what you read. Yeah! Uncle Ho! Uncle Ho! Uncle Ho! ..................... MOD EDIT