Doc67 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:37 amThe traffic and driving is still very dodgy, and it all happens much faster than sleepy ole PP, so that is a benefit I suppose.

I think the traffic and driving looks worse on camera because I’m using a wide-angle lens. In person, it’s not bad, and I’m not moving very fast. I’m riding on a city/basket bike (in my avatar), holding a camera or iPhone with one hand steering with the other, and I’m 51, not in particularly good shape. (If you’re wondering why I do it this way, it’s because I hate watching vlogs where a guy points a camera at his face and talks, and occasionally something interesting happens when I’m riding. Plus it lets people see some of Danang).

ElitheBikeGuy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:59 am

Doc67 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 11:37 amThe traffic and driving is still very dodgy, and it all happens much faster than sleepy ole PP, so that is a benefit I suppose.

I think the traffic and driving looks worse on camera because I’m using a wide-angle lens. In person, it’s not bad, and I’m not moving very fast. I’m riding on a city/basket bike (in my avatar), holding a camera or iPhone with one hand steering with the other, and I’m 51, not in particularly good shape. (If you’re wondering why I do it this way, it’s because I hate watching vlogs where a guy points a camera at his face and talks, and occasionally something interesting happens when I’m riding. Plus it lets people see some of Danang).

I like your slow-rolling style and the fact I get a look at Da Nang. Speaking of which . . .

I am a member but don't post on the Da Nang-Hoi An FB pages. Very lively and largely very positive, with a very active (and funny) Admin, namely Craig Anderson. He and others make some good points about the new visa framework.

Quoting Craig Anderson on a visa thread:

. . . for people who are here longer term and on tourist visas, they [government] want to have more insight and control over who is here and doing what, flying under the radar will become more difficult.
However I would wait to see how it is implemented and enforced, but to be sure people who are here long term will be under much more scrutiny as to what exactly they are up to and how they are supporting themselves.
This is not surprising at all and has been coming for a long time, it goes hand in hand with the lighter regulation for those that are here long term legally being able to become work permit exempt etc.

Having read many other posts and sources, it's clear it's payback time for the VN Immigration. So many people, myself included, have played the visa game, with the aid of immigration officers and agents, of course. Many foreigners, not me though, have earned money inside VN on tourist visas and been gaming the system a long time. So now VN Im is cracking down hard.

While I have been knocked back by the coming amendments, I am still hopeful of being able to stay long-term in VN and would be happy to do 30-day check-ins.

ExPenhMan wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 2:06 pm I am a member but don't post on the Da Nang-Hoi An FB pages. Very lively and largely very positive, with a very active (and funny) Admin, namely Craig Anderson. He and others make some good points about the new visa framework.

Craig has an encyclopedic knowledge of Vietnam and Danang in particular (I’ve cited him in some of my videos). He’s my go-to guy if I don’t know something. Usually he’s answered the question already in the group, or you can ask him directly if not. Great guy.

Quoting Craig Anderson on a visa thread:

. . . for people who are here longer term and on tourist visas, they [government] want to have more insight and control over who is here and doing what, flying under the radar will become more difficult.
However I would wait to see how it is implemented and enforced, but to be sure people who are here long term will be under much more scrutiny as to what exactly they are up to and how they are supporting themselves.
This is not surprising at all and has been coming for a long time, it goes hand in hand with the lighter regulation for those that are here long term legally being able to become work permit exempt etc.

Having read many other posts and sources, it's clear it's payback time for the VN Immigration. So many people, myself included, have played the visa game, with the aid of immigration officers and agents, of course. Many foreigners, not me though, have earned money inside VN on tourist visas and been gaming the system a long time. So now VN Im is cracking down hard.

Spot-on. A lot of us have been playing by the rules, some of us even bending (but not necessarily breaking) the rules a little bit, but now the jig is up. So be it. I’m extremely lucky in that we were already in the process of doing our marriage paperwork, which makes staying in Vietnam extremely easy. Others have been banking on perpetually renewing tourist (or business) visas. Now it looks like that’s being shut down.

While I have been knocked back by the coming amendments, I am still hopeful of being able to stay long-term in VN and would be happy to do 30-day check-ins.

Seems like a location such as northwest Saigon (Hoc Mon, Cu Chi), or even Thu Dau Mot city would make that a much more workable. The Cambodian border would be so close that it would be a non-issue to hop over there and get a stamp.

Thanks for the informative videos. Getting better informed on the Cambodia Expats forum than any where else.

Its almost funny listening to some expats in Vietnam. " Wont happen", " Wait and see", " It will change back",.

Head in the sand!!!!!

Vietnam is no longer an option for the retired unless they are prepared to jump in and out every month. That will wear thin!!!!

Only real option is to marry a local. On second thought going in and out each month might be cheaper and less trouble.

paparazzi wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:38 pm
Its almost funny listening to some expats in Vietnam. " Wont happen", " Wait and see", " It will change back",.

Head in the sand!!!!!

Vietnam is no longer an option for the retired unless they are prepared to jump in and out every month. That will wear thin!!!!

Actually, those who have been in VN a while have previously seen numerous policy changes and reversals.

Only real option is to marry a local. On second thought going in and out each month might be cheaper and less trouble.

Unfortunately, it's quite difficult to find a wife in VN. Most women are only interested in casual dating.

Have to say im in VT and I disagree its a big discussion, ive heard nothin, talk is still about bushfires, ive asked a few people, most don't know what im talking about, as literally zero info in news or on FB and others don't seem to give a fck or that worried, guess agents will still be working, as the statement says, :exit the country or have 'extended'", this reads to me some grayness about havin to go all time.

paparazzi wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:38 pm Only real option is to marry a local.

But remember - you're also marrying the whole famdamily.

paparazzi wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:38 pm On second thought going in and out each month might be cheaper and less trouble.

I think you're correct.

mouytiet wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:47 am Have to say im in VT and I disagree its a big discussion, ive heard nothin, talk is still about bushfires, ive asked a few people, most don't know what im talking about, as literally zero info in news or on FB and others don't seem to give a fck or that worried, guess agents will still be working, as the statement says, :exit the country or have 'extended'", this reads to me some grayness about havin to go all time.

Chatted online with a VT friend yesterday and he seem almost detached from the issue. Not one thread on the two VT expat pages. Maybe it's because July 1 is so far away for itinerants. LOL.

:exit the country or have 'extended'

That sounds like an option of some sort, to be decided later.

mouytiet wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:47 am Have to say im in VT and I disagree its a big discussion, ive heard nothin, talk is still about bushfires, ive asked a few people, most don't know what im talking about, as literally zero info in news or on FB and others don't seem to give a fck or that worried, guess agents will still be working, as the statement says, :exit the country or have 'extended'", this reads to me some grayness about havin to go all time.

People who aren’t worried probably haven’t seen this:

https://vietnamnet.vn/en/society/police ... 01182.html

Particularly,

Accordingly, the amended law stipulates that a foreigner will be allowed to remain for only 30 days in Vietnam when granted a 30-day or longer tourist visa, Du explained.

“Du” is Tran Van Du, deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security's Immigration Department. i.e., the guy at the top.

30-day stamps look to be coming. Monthly extensions in country would still be a hassle, even if they saved time.

Granted, we need to see how it plays out, but people on tourist visas should be concerned.