Job Discussion Forums

Slig · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

Hi,

I have to go abroad to teach for 2 years in foreign countries during my graduate studies and I have chosen to plant myself in Vietnam for at least the time being.

I have never traveled to Vietnam before and I have a question regarding what I am allowed to take with me. I see that stuff like DVDs and CDs are generally frowned upon and may be confiscated to be checked out. I was wondering about bring my laptop but more importantly, my external hard drive.

What is the chances of them giving me a hard time about my external hard drive and wanting to check the contents of it?

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Very unlikely to want to check your hard drive, internal or external.
CD and DVD- why bother- they are all availabe here for about a dollar or less-Piracy capital of the world.

Bold As Love · Joined: 27 Mar 2010 Posts: 39 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Concur with snolly about hard drives. I just moved here with 3 external HD, laptop, and iMac. Never a glance at customs. But that was carrying them as hand luggage. I suppose it is possible that they would take more time to look at an unaccompanied shipment that might get held up in customs for some time. But the airport is all about moving people on down the line. May iMac was in its original cardboard box and they asked me if it was new (e.g. subject to VAT). I showed them the purchase reciept (one year old) and they waved me on through.

Slig · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

Thanks for the quick response.

If they do happen to check the contents of my laptop, is there is anything that I should make sure I don't have on there? I know porn is illegal and anything anti-government. Other than that is there anything I should watch out for?

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

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

Slig,

I am heading to Vietnam at the end of September. Keep us posted on your progress, experiences (both good and bad), and adjustments. Hope your transition goes well. Thanks and may the force be with you!

BB

Slig · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

Yea I don't trust airport workers at all with valuable stuff. I'm only taking 2 things of luggage, a backpack and duffel bag. Duffel bag is going on the plane with me as it will have all my important documents and electronics. The backpack will be mostly just clothes

I'll definitely keep posting here as I'm abroad, probably with a lot of questions as this is my first time going across the seas.

BrentBlack, where are you gonna be in Vietnam?

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

I will be in HCMC, at least for a while. I am doing my CELTA at ILA in October. Where will you be? If we are close, we will have to meet up for several adult beverages!

Slig · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

I'll be just a tad far away in Hai Phong, and lingering around Hanoi as well till I begin work. If you are in Hanoi at all during the festival celebrations, a beer would be good.

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242

^ Which school in Haiphong? I'm there now, but will be going to Hanoi soon. Maybe we can meet up and I can orient you. (OTOH, I guess just by arriving in Asia you'll be oriented! Laughing

)

Slig · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 11

I am supposed to begin work in November at VATC/Viet My. But I decided to go earlier to acclimate myself, begin gradschool work, enjoy the area, and see if any other job opportunities crop up.

How much longer will you be in Hai Phong? Any tips for a newcomer?

Minella · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Turkey

How do you find Hai Phong so far? I might be heading there to teach very soon. I am in between Hai Phong and Vung Tou right now, can't decide which place to go to.
Thanks
Mina

Minella · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Turkey

Anyone worked at Australian International English Language Center in Hai Phong before? I might be heading there very soon. Would be nice to hear opinions...

Cheers