Job Discussion Forums

[moonshine]

I'm planning on relocating to Vietnam from Korea later this summer - if K has anything going for it at all it's that the internet connections rock -

I was in Vietnam in 2005 and used the skype in the internet cafes but most of the computers (at that time) were just cannibalized parts from other older machines - will I be able to find a wireless provider?

it's been suggested to me that I check at the airport upon arrival but the airport when I left (in 2005) was pretty bare of anything at all except throngs of people trying to leave the country (and that was 1 o'clock in the morning)

also - if I have a nb - am I going to have to worry about someone breaking into my home and stealing it? again, back in 2005 I had a camera ripped off my arm - literally, I tried to hang on but he got it anyway -

thanks!

[Teejay]

wireless connection is almost everywhere. i know FPT to provide wifi...i think there are a lot more.

[moonshine]

[Teejay]

am sorry...don't have the faintest idea how to do that. my landlady did it for me that's why i have connection at home.

in most part, i bring my laptop to hotels or restaurants and they always have wifi.

[Phinaes Gage]

If you want to have an internet connection hooked up, my first suggestion is to find a place where you want to live for a while. It takes a few weeks if no one has ever had internet in that house/apartment before. First you will need the company to come out and tell you if it is possible to get a connection. Every house that I have lived in has been able to connect, but if you live in the outlying districts I've heard it isn't possible. Then your landlord will need to sign the contract with the company (FPT as mentioned is good, VNPT also have internet), they will hopefully have no qualms with this, but you never know.
During your course, I'm assuming you will live in a guesthouse or hotel. To use the internet at that time just go to any coffee shop around town that has wifi. If you're staying in a nicer hotel they will have wifi in the room or at least available in the business centre.

If you have any other questions please ask as I'm sure that lots of people have the same questions as you.

PG

[moonshine]

thanks for the info - doesn't bade well that the folks at ILA were going on about how if I had wireless now shouldn't it work when I land in Vietnam - go figure

ok, now how about the second half of my question - how is the safety issue? am I going to have to be carrying around my nb, camera etc tied to me 24/7 or am I going to be able to leave it behind in my room?

come on be honest folks! thanks!

[Phinaes Gage]

[thanks for the info - doesn't bade well that the folks at ILA were going on about how if I had wireless now shouldn't it work when I land in Vietnam]

I guess what they probably meant by this was that if you have a wireless card you can use your notebook in any cafe or many restaurants. That being said, some people do find houses/apartments that already have an internet connection and just needs to be turned on. Then it will take a day, but you will still need to buy a router (spelling?) if you want wireless. All in all, it is not the most difficult process in the world, but like everything in Vietnam will probably take longer than you would expect.

As for your other question, it depends on where you are living/staying again. Most guesthouses will have a safe for your valuables where you put your stuff into a plastic bag, which is then covered in cellitape. You then sign the tape so no one can get into your stuff. If you are staying in a hotel, I'd say you'd probably be ok leaving it behind. If a school is going to be providing accomodation ask them.
If you are going to carry these things around, I'd say it's probably a bad idea to have them "tied to you." I'd put them into a non-descript rucksack, so that anyone driving by on the street doesn't know what's inside. Don't take your nb in a carrying case that is obviously a laptop bag, as someone on a motorbike will know what's inside and might try to take it. You can buy a lock for your nb too so that if you do leave it in your room, nobody can take it. Really though, Vietnam is very safe, I've been here for three years and haven't had anything stolen... touch wood.

PG[/quote]

[moonshine]

[thechosenone]

hmm i'm curious about security? can you log into to your bank account online over there ? is it safe using wifi??

[moonshine]

[thechosenone]

well thats what i mean, isn't wifi in general able to be intercepted unless over a secure connection?

so if thats the only internet connection, then I would be a little worried, like i was when i was over there. I never entered my bank accounts...but i used my credit card one time over there with a travel agency and then later to find out someone charging things to my credit card

[tubularbells]

Viettel offers a wireless internet connection. I do not know the cost but like all in Vietnam it should be very inexpensive. I have their internet at home and it is the best in Vietnam.

[Phinaes Gage]