Wrong Turn

Avoid Bangkok Bank in Hanoi to change Thai Baht into Dong.

Bangkok Bank in Hanoi offered me for 10 000 Baht an exchange rate of 0.56.

Exchange shops in the old quarter 0.62.

Gold shops are the best to echange Baht,USD, Yuan, European, whatever for Dong and vice-versa.

The gold shops are also faster.

IMA farang is correct. Don't take baht with intention to exchange. They have all sorts of reasons to not accept.

Sometimes even USD etc. They want the notes almost perfect.

You can change Baht, but USD is easier and more places will exchange it.

Hotels, for example.

There are gold shops that offer the best rates. The bills do not have to be perfect.

I think he going rate is around 22,300 VND per $1, if you're buying Dong.

Anyone know a safe link for applying the visa online?

Dutch, do they have visa exempt?

Cant find a reliable source online for this information

thanks

Are you folks referring to "visa exempt" or 'Visa on Arrival."

I flew into VN from Bangkok 2 months ago and the tourists / visitors were lining up for the visa on arrival.

I know there is not much difference. Or, is there?

The govt has been trying to increase tourist numbers recently, so I assume they are trying to be more visitor-easy or visitor-friendly.

Having worked and lived in Vietnam during the 1960s...was a bit apprehensive as an American returning to the place where the US was involved in so much unnecessary human strife, misery, and destruction...

I was not certain how the Communist Regime would accept a former enemy...

Could not have been more surprised when people's faces would just light-up when they found out I was a returning American...they seem to go out of their way to assure me that all had been forgiven...yet not forgotten...the biggest tourist attraction in HCMC (former Siagon) was the Vietnam War Memorial...I attended of course...and after viewing the captured US Military arsenal...and especially the pictures of people who were born deformed from the criminal use of agent orange to defoliate the Vietnamese forests...I could not put my mind around how they could now be so accepting of Americans...

..

ggt,

I lived in Saigon for 7 years. The so-called "communist regime" was and is just another kleptocracy. VNese communism was in large part: "if someone has something you want, you steal it from them."

Property was one of these things. And after stealing the house and/or property you sell it for profit.

Many Southerners do not like Northerners nor the VNese government. The Politburo is entirely composted of Northerners. The traffic cops you see are usually Northerners.

The VC did a lot of the work, only in the end to get shut-out by the Northerners.

As for the "war museum," yes bad things were perpetrated by the US and it should be remembered. And the VNese were killing VNese as well. But don't expect the state run media, education system, or even people to every tell you the truth about it.

Interesting thread.

I think some are a bit too hard on the OP.

Lighten up, me thinks. But that's just me.

Tattoos are a sign of rugged individualism.

IMO, Tats are so common that it sends a message to me that someone is a FOLLOWER.

I have no problem with tatts. To each their own.

But it seems to be a generic fashion statement these days. Most tatts will look awful as they folks get older.

But again, to each their own.

Yes.

It is easy to change Thai Baht but exchanging USD for VND is easier and more common.

You can exchange Thai Baht at banks.

You can get a better rate at gold shops.

What city / area will you be in?

About 1,220,000 results (0.67 seconds)

heres one of them

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/travel-to-angeles-city.html

I know there are options, but I'm looking for a minivan service type (that will take x amount of people.

No private taxis, no public buses on my first trip.

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I've done my research and I will see Baguio and other places. This time I don't have more than 7-8 days unfortunately.

Thanks, all.

I've traveled to other SEA countries, but want to visit the Philippines. It'll be my first time.

I want to go to Angeles City (AC) for a couple of days and then northward.

How do I get to AC from the Manila International aiport?

Is there is private shuttle or private bus service?

I'm only asking b/c Manila has a reputation as being a rough place and I'll be a newbie.

Thanks in advance.

Chou Doufo

I’ve got a nice little thai lady, possibly getting hitched in the near future. Turns out she has a little debt problem she hasn’t told anyone about. Took a while to get the whole story from her…..

She has seven credit cards maxed out and one personal loan. She also has a friend’s credit card maxed out. Most are charging 20%, one charging 28%. She had no idea how much she actually owes. She has no understanding of interest rates, late fees, collection fees, etc.

Total debt comes to 150% of her annual salary. Monthly payments equal 150% of monthly salary….NOT including two cards demanding full payment immediately. Monthly interest charges, plus late fees and collection fees, are about equal to what I’ve calculated she can actually pay. Up until now, she’s been paying a few cards, waiting a few days until posting, and then taking cash advances to pay other cards. Now at limits, so that’s no longer possible.

I read this thread.

IMO, do not get legally married to this lady.

Don't have sympathy for the "vietnamese memorial."

The Vietnamese did plenty of slaughtering of their own, they just don't admit it. And, teaching it is not allowed in schools, nor is it allowed to be discussed.

Cannot say it always or mostly happens, but when you book a certain type of room, you may arrive and get a lessor room. Also, responding to email inquiries and hence, common sense is maybe lacking at times. That said.... Cash IS king in VN. AeVERYTHING is negotiable in VN. Be firm, direct, polite, and have cash. Always bargain.

There is a mask called "neomask" with a filter that can be washed that has been very effective and with a good price.

Oh dear...

The Chinese are "price conscious"....

Good for LOS that they are coming, though.....

I lived in Saigon for 7 years until a couple years ago.

I still travel and visit friends there.

Feels free to ask.

(This is my last question.) sorry to see you go mate

I don't know if you're joking.

But I'll be posting in other sections as usual.

Thanks for the replies, to all.

I did a search and read the old threads. Some thread are literally 10 years old. Others, 3 years old.

As of March/April 2015 what are the option for daily / weekly gym joinings / usage in Pattaya.

Central Pattaya area or nearby.

Thanks in advance.

(This is my last question.)

Cheers.

Thanks wpcoe, and everyone.

Cheers.

Personally I'd book Bell's Bus in advance and take the door to door option for ? 160 ? Baht.

Often Bell's bus is fully booked, leaving another 1 to 2 hours wait.

All this depends on your arrival time.

Leaves from where others have said, near the food court.

Thanks, WhamBam.

How do I book a Bell shuttle in advance.

I'll be flying in, internationally, arriving at 3:00 PM.

Thanks much, fellas.

Much appreciated.

The is the second to last "dumb" question, so please bear with me and be gentle.

Is the brand "Banana Boat" available in Pattaya?

Thanks in advance.

Dont bother ,as they say even Quasimodoes ugly brother can get a girl in Pattaya ,you dont need to look "young"

take no notice of me ,only joking.

Thanks for the replies above ^^ and ^^^

And i claudius,

I know you're joking.

The "Just for Men" hair dye is not for Pattaya but for the neighboring country that I live in.

Yes, I know, if I have a pulse, I am a player in Patters!

Search gave no luck.

Is "Just for Men" available in Pattaya? (Dark Brown color?)

Thanks to anyone that can help.

What is "red laser?"