Job Discussion Forums

dmacdougall · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Canada to Chile

Hey folks I will be arriving in Ho Chi Minh in one week. Just a quick background before I ask some questions. I am a single, 34 year old Canadian guy, with 5 years teaching experience, a BBA and a TESL Cert.

Upon arriving I will undoubtedly be crashing in District 1, and I am wondering what districts should I consider hanging my hat. As far as living goes my criteria is as follows: an inexpensive, friendly but quiet neighborhood that has a good mix of locals to expats. That also is a short walking distance from the majority of schools (that I will be applying to); but also walking distance to some resturants with good food, and a bit of nightlife. Don't get me wrong, when I say nightlife I am not talking rip roaring. A stool in a pub or bar with some good music, and good people is my speed.

After that, my questions concerns obtaining a cellphone. I will likely lug my unblocked cell from Peru along. Can I get that hooked up by buying a SIM and or will I have to get a new pre-paid one. And how difficult are they to get? Please note, I ask becaues here in Korea it is not easy.

Last but not least, are job prospects. In my 5 years I have taught in Chile, Peru and now Korea. In Chile and Peru, I taught Business English. While here in Korea I have taught kinder and up. For my Vietnam experience, I would like to refocus my efforts on teaching adults, with maybe a few kids classes for the fun of it. My end goal would be to do my DELTA.

Well that is about it. Thanks in advance for you help, I look forward to your advice. And if I can offer any on South America or Korea please don't hesitate to ask. See you soon.

D.

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

HendrikBruwer · Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

hold your excitement bro. once you come here you'll see its no paradise. go back where you came from.

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

londo · Joined: 27 Apr 2010 Posts: 107 Location: District 7

indeed, and I thought I was having a bad day.

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Been here since dinosaurs were eggs- CThomas is on the money. Follow CTs advice.
Phones and sim cards- easy as pie- just walk into any one of the million places with Mobi etc sign and get one- They ask for nothing but money, although they are SUPPOSED to get some ID.
Walk? Dont do it- Even Viets take a taxi to go to the WC.

dmacdougall · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Canada to Chile

Thanks for the encouraging advice. Never thought about the heat and the walking bit. I am a big walker too. While in SA I hauled a 50 lb pack over a big stretch of the Andes; it was hot as hell there, but from your posts, I suspect it doesn't compare. I wonder how well I will handle that?

Please note, there are not any illusions of finding paradise. And lets face it; even if I did, Korea hasn't set the bar very high in the paradise department. Everywhere has its flaws; and although frustrating, I can roll with most punches.

I am liking the motorbike advice; and will most certainly be buying a bike as soon as I get my bearings. I am especially digging the ads for classic bikes on Craig's list. Are they a good idea?

And are there rental agencies that don't hold your passport? Not really into that; I got my drivers license kept by a Thai rental agency. Foolishly, I rented a bike that had previous damage on its fairing. When I returned the bike, the agency told me I had to pay for the damages. I chose to donate my drivers license instead.

Well, amigos. Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate it. If I can compensate anyone with a pint, just message me. Like I said I arrive on the 26th.

Bye for now

D.

chim35 · Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 35

Must disagree about the heat and walking. It's not that hot in rainy season, and my body seems to have adjusted to the heat and I'm only uncomfortable in the few weeks at the peak of the hot season. I walk very long distances all the time, even 4 or 5 km, because I don't wanna ride a motorbike. If you have good shoes it's quite doable. The drawback is that it takes a long time because of the crowded sidewalks and the delays trying to cross the streets.

You can also take the bus during the daytime. Only 3,000 dong and there's an extensive bus route. The big problem is that the buses mostly stop running around 6 or 7 o'clock. This is crazy in a city that has the transportation problems that HCMC has, but that's the reality. So if you're traveling at night, you're stuck -- you must either walk or take a taxi, which I won't do unless it's an emergency, because the taxis have rigged meters and many if not most of them will cheat you, both with their meters and by taking the scenic route to your destination.

I anticipate that some here will say, "take Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis, they are honest" but I am not so sure about that. I saw a Vinasun taxi cheat someone once by taking the scenic route. Witnessed the argument afterward.

I am still exploring the possibility of getting a bicycle if I can find or make a comfortable seat.

deadlift · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 267

Vinasun and Mailinh are both generally good, in my opinion. In my three months here I've been taken on the scenic route by Vinasun only once (I stopped the cab when we passed by the crucial one way road and got out without paying).

In hindsight, I should have done what a friend of mine recently did: stay in the cab, call their dispatch centre, and complain. Tell them where you want to go, and discuss how much you'll pay when you get there.

Also, using Vietnamese when you state your destination shows the driver that you're not a tourist, and indicates that you may just know where you're going.

BrentBlack · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Quan 3, Saigon

Here I come as well! I will be arriving about October 1st. The CELTA interview with ILA went really great and the dude basically told me I am in ithout actually saying so. I am excited for the challenge and the unique experience that is about to unfold!

dmacdougall · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Canada to Chile

All the world over, taxi guys are crooks. They are the dentists and mechanics of the unskilled labour world. I avoid them like the plague. And when I do use them, I am always on guard.

In Peru you have to negotiate your taxi fare before you get in; and depending on the time of night and the taxi you choose, there is a possibility that you could be gassed and wake up naked in another part of town. It happened to a friend of mine, but he got on a bus instead of a taxi.

I am sure Viet Nam isn't that bad. But with the exception of leaving the airport, I won't be taking a taxi any where. Right now I have less than 5 days until I am there. I can't wait.

D.