Job Discussion Forums

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

Well, I leave Buffalo, NY on October 1. I will land in Saigon, after 27 and 1/2 of travel time, at 22:05 local time on October 2.

I plan on sleeping for several hours upon arrival. However, there is a slight possibility I may get drunk before I do so.

Any tips/suggestions on what to bring/not to forget?

I will be traveling super light: Backpack, Computer, Guitar

I am super excited for what is about to happen! Thanks to all that helped out along the way!

BB

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

Seriously?

toiyeuthitmeo · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 213

Sleep on the plane. Accomplish this by depriving yourself of sleep prior to departure, or with artificial relaxants of your choice. Make sure you have US dollars if you're getting a visa on arrival. Bring some dollars to change at the exchange desk in the airport for your taxi fare and first night's expenses. $100 should be more than enough. If you have an ATM card from an American bank, you should also be able to withdraw dong from the ATMs outside the airport, to the right, around the corner to the back near the bathrooms. Take a Mai Linh taxi, insist on meter (though most do anyways now), find Mai Linh all the way at the end of the outdoor arrival area (to the left as you come outside). Proceed to hotel. Should not cost you 200,000 dong to make this ride if your headed to District 1 or 3. If in good spirits, proceed to Bui Vien street or De Tham street, proceed to imbibe. Do not proceed to buy mary-one or nye girl, it probably won't be worth it.

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

See step 6: http://saigonalive.blogspot.com/2010/09/7-steps-to-saigonho-chi-minh-city.html

Enjoy the beauty and craziness. Respect everyone. Enjoy but don't trust sexy girls.

Post here if you have any other questions. Everyone here knows where you're going and what you'll be experiencing.

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

I was considering eating two or three super power special cookies before I get on the long plane, if you know what I mean. That should get me through the plane ride, i just have to figure out how to get them to Chicago. I think i will pack a bagged lunch! Anyhow, CThomas, I have read your blog and it has been most helpful! Thanks!

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Bring a flag from the Republic of Vietnam. Display it prominently, and see what happens!

http://flagspot.net/flags/vn-south.html

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

Glad to hear it, man. It's going to be quite the trip.

And, no, don't bring the yellow flag. :S

mark_in_saigon · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 837

If your shoe size is 10 1/2 or larger, bring enough shoes for as long as you are gonna be there. You can find a few 10 1/2 shoes, 11 or greater is essentially unobtainium.

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

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

PM me if yiou need a job in Hanoi, or want any info from a long time vet.
I have blogs too, but the Dave Police dont allow me to give them to you in the forum.
Good luck! Its good and its bad.

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Really, the flag should have been all white, because they were very good at surrendering.

sonbuenas2 · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Posts: 23

I wish I would have brought a three prong adapter for my laptop. I decided to just get one in VN and pay less, but it took me a bit to find one here.

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

Bring US $1 bills for tips. You will be most popular.