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hot_rock · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 107

I agree partially, welsh. Yes, there certainly is a drive by many to seek out rock-bottom prices and quality, and yes this is almost exactly the same ethos as that of many backpackers. You imply that this impedes on the potentially excellent standard of living you can have here, and I concur.

But surely you can't deny that a steadfast commitment to not throwing money down the drain on thoughtless things has its benefits anwhere in the world; especially here where the opportunities for travel in one's spare time are endless.

I know too many people who work the 20-hours a week they need to get by, and practically save nothing and are hence always "too skint" to do anything memorable other than sit drinking every night. Its as if huge sections of the "expat" population live in a sort of daze, with no direction or drive and a corresponding braindead attitude when it comes to what we all know is one of the most important things in our lives; money.

I'm not going to sit and list any of the infintite ways "expats" (and locals, to be fair) waste their money when they could be using it for more worthwhile things becasue it will only attract criticism from patrons of these goods and services. And by "better things", welsh, I partly mean the higher-end accomodation you speak of. I am an advocate of cutting back on the everyday, small change purchases in order to be able to take advantage of the many wonderful opportunities here to live in luxurious housing, travel SE Asia and beyond, purchase or rent top-quality transportation (random example, vintage Vespas), or to frequent many of the (real) designer stores now in Saigon.

I'm not saying I think "really long term" (that would surely be mortgage etc), but I am certain that, for many, a move towrds thinking medium-term as opposed to "oh I'm lazy, I think I'll just pay 40,000 for someone to do my laundry", or "I think I'll eat lotteria every other day because, you know, I am genetically western so I surely Need that stuff".

Too many people confuse high standard of living with buying stupid things on a day-to-day basis at the expense of longer term investments that actually improve your life.

VietCanada · Joined: 30 Nov 2010 Posts: 590

Interesting posts from you two. Maybe I can add to it.

I like value for money. My accommodation is inexpensive maybe but that is because I live in an alley way off the beaten track in HCMC. The place is very clean and nicely finished. It took me two months to find what I wanted.

A couple I know just rented a place for 6 million. It's also off the beaten track and they too are likely the only foreigners around their neighbourhood. Apparently it's quite beautiful and large. It's also a stand alone house with two floors. I'm going to visit them during the holidays and check it out. Their last house was also quite nice at 4 million but the landlord was a problem.

Another couple I know pay 8 million to live in a condo complex with a pool, a barbecue area and many other amenities that would be much more expensive back home. Their single floor, two bedroom, two bathroom place came beautifully furnished and they supplemented that with well chosen art work, dishes, linens and such. They enjoy the international clientele of the place and the amenities of nearby down town district 7. They also enjoy a beautiful view from their ceiling to floor living room window.

I know a couple single people who live in furnished hotels all inclusive for four to six million but they can't cook there. Not a problem for them since they enjoy exploring local eateries and a rice cooker is ok apparently. They are both very happy.

If one is just passing through or uncertain and more interested in what goes on outside then they might consider a dorm like the one I started in for $4 a night. It was clean, well cared for and security conscious. The staff were friendly, helpful and a couple remain my friends to this day. I met a lot of travellers from around the world and had a lot of fun exploring what the district 1 tourist area had to offer. Nice place to visit but I couldn't live there. Dirty, obnoxious, fun, risky and quite decadent.

I could go on but my point is that people can find their lifestyle niche here if they're interested. I learned a long time ago in business that going for cheap has too much competition and results in paying more than the fair value. Research a little, spend even just a little bit more and you will be rewarded. Cheap is expensive. And not just by your wallet.