Job Discussion Forums

[mak30fl]

I've read a few times that you have to register a companion with the police over there. Is this true? Does it still apply if your dating a non-Vietnamese woman? If so, are there penalties for getting caught? Do the cops actually come into your residence without notice or provication? Thanx for any info. I should be over ther within the next couple months, and just want to get as much info as possible!!

[Micro67]

Basically there is a curfew.

[Thay Jim]

If you have a guest stay at your home for more than a few days you must register the guest (passport, etc.) at the local police office.

The local police do not care if you are with a non-Vietnamese, but they'll raise Hell if she is Vietnamese. It is easier if she is a VN from another province. Still, a few dong in an envelope helps smooth over any problems.

I must add that in Vietnam, the real power lies with the local police. His precinct is his turf - he is responsible for everything that happens there. So when foreigners or strangers arrive, he is going to be mighty curious.

I have found that it is best to compartmentalise your private life to separate districts. If you work in District 1, live in District 3. If you find a super-duper bargirl you want to pounce on , take her to a hotel in District 10. Hieu, khong?

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

Another good move is to always make sure you've got a couple of bottles of imported whisky stashed away somewhere. Most minor police-related difficulties can be magically vanished via the production of a bottle!

In my experience, you're only going to have trouble with the police if your house isn't licensed for foreigners, or if you offend your neighbours in some way. I lived with my (Vietnamese) wife before we were married, in a 100% Vietnamese area, and had no trouble at all, but a mate of mine in a similar situation got into an argument with some neighbours on the second night in his house, & was dragged out of bed by the cops at 3am the following morning...

The police are encouraged not to hassle foreigners unless entirely necessary, as the government are afraid a reputation for police hassle will discourage tourism & foreign investment. I may have just got lucky, but a month after arriving in HCMC I drove my motorbike into the back of someone else at a set of lights, right under the nose of a traffic cop. The bike wasn't mine, I had no licence, insurance, ID or papers of any kind, but as soon as I told him I was English he let me go, no Qs asked & no palm-greasing either!