Did you go through an agent or the embassy?

The $600 is from an agency online

I used an online agency. Their website says $275 for the 'Letter' (for a one-year, multiple entry Business visa), but when I emailed to ask some questions, they said $250 if I applied by email (I got a 'private' letter too... no extra charge). As I said, prices vary... a lot. Shop around.

yeah and they have had a recession in Vn for a few years now, that is why they liberalized the visas.
i think teflers get about double what they get here too.
i bet the beer is cheap there too.
commies mostly have good cheap beer.

i have a friend who is going to relocate there soon.

It's generally a much better deal for TEFLers, between $18-25 starting, fewer public holidays, better medical if you get sick, cheaper food/drink mostly, accommodation may be more expensive but nicer, but you should choose an employer carefully. I've read many stories about people who leave being threatened with visa suspension by ex-employers who all think they are connected

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:05 pm yeah and they have had a recession in Vn for a few years now, that is why they liberalized the visas.

I couldn't believe how easy it was. I've retired and don't plan on working, but got a one-year Business Visa (no need for an employer or sponsor). For a one-year visa, because of my nationality, 'Business' was my only choice.

U.S. citizens can get a one-year Business Visa for about $300 (total), and a one-year Tourist Visa for about $75. It seems the Vietnamese don't hold a grudge.

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:05 pm i bet the beer is cheap there too.

On Phu Quoc, restaurant/bar prices for a 330ml bottle of Saigon Export (Red) - 4.9% alc. by vol. - and Saigon Special (Green) are 15000 dong (66 cents); Tiger is 20000 (88 cents). Store prices are less, resort prices are more. I've seen the local swill (Bivina) for 7000 dong (31 cents) a can in stores.

so. Nha Trang is the new goa
some soapdodger was loudly proclaiming the quality of the herbal medicine there ( in Vn ) in the bar next door to my shop just last night.
i poured some bleach on my side of the hedge this morning near where he was sat.

at least those commies don't get along with the Chinese commies

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:59 pm at least those commies don't get along with the Chinese commies

I just came to Vietnam from China. While the 'scream talking' may be similar, in other aspects the two are like 'night and day'.

The Chinese tourists have not descended on mass (at least on Phu Quoc)... yet... but, I'm sure they're coming.

Cruisemonkey wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:17 pm

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 4:59 pm at least those commies don't get along with the Chinese commies

I just came to Vietnam from China. While the 'scream talking' may be similar, in other aspects the two are like 'night and day'.

The Chinese tourists have not descended on mass (at least on Phu Quoc)... yet... but, I'm sure they're coming.

I heard Phu quoc was Moscow central now? haven't been since they build that big road down the middle of the island

There's a few Russians at my resort... more Brits and Finns. Of course, it's mostly Vietnamese. I can't speak for the whole island though.