Ask A New Hanoian
... is The New Hanoian's Q&A forum. If you've got a question about life in Hanoi that you think you should pose to someone in the know, here is the place to do it.
posted about 17 hours ago by Finnmaccool to Other
answered most recently by Stosskraft about 9 hours ago
Charging in USD in Vietnam
Well this one has been a long time coming and I am trying to find out what the actual legal angle is on how businesses charge in USD. We have all seen the recent fluctuations in the VND to USD rate that wreaked havoc on our rent payments over the summer. Now that things have settled down a bit it has come to my attention that a few establishments are happy to list their prices in dollars (not a problem) but then charge an arbitrary black market exchange rate (my bugbear) well above the central bank rate. These "establishments" also tend to be among the more expensive eateries in town so not only are they charging "top dollar" if you'll pardon the pun, but they are also capitalising on the inflated exchange rate to make extra margin.
I have spent some time looking for information about what is "permitted" and what is not. Apparently, this practice is illegal although how in goodness name does one enforce it? When I queried it, all I got was a shrug of the shoulders and some lame line about the owner setting the rate. Of course I have tried to contact the owners for clarification but never get any replies. I wonder why? I have got several receipts with blatant incorrect exchange rates and cannot help but wonder how they can get away with it. Does anyone know how we can do something. I have no problem with businesses charging more money for their goods as inflation increases but please do not use stealth tactics to do so. We are not as dumb as the tourists who pass through this country.
Viewed 72 times, answered twice. View / Post Answers
Catch me running round
Are there any running groups that cater to slow/beginner runners? I see Hash House Harriers and the like, but I'm thinking more of a 2-3 Km, 2-3 times a week.. Maybe some interval training etc.
Would anyone like a training partner maybe or form a small group?
Viewed 33 times, not yet answered. View / Post Answers
Real Estate reviews
I am wondering if Tom/Elliot could allow users to review properties they have seen and agents they have dealt with. Quite a few people I work for have gone to advertised (on Newhanoian) places and all of the sudden the prices change etc etc.
Viewed 108 times, answered 6 times. View / Post Answers
Trying to meet people in Hanoi
I am new to Hanoi and am looking for any fun, social activities that can get me out of the house. It can be as formal as a tour or as informal as meeting up with some other young expats in the area for drinks or coffee. Any suggestions?
Viewed 613 times, answered 27 times. View / Post Answers
Good long-term stay hotel?
Hi. I'll be arriving in Hanoi soon and staying for an indefinite period of time. Can anyone recommend a good long-term hotel?
James
Viewed 125 times, answered 4 times. View / Post Answers
Telephones in post offices
Hello,
Do the telephones in post offices accept incoming calls? That is, can I receive a call from China from one? Any suggestions on how to go about this?
Thanks!
Viewed 75 times, answered 5 times. View / Post Answers
Discuss A New Hanoian?
I'm not sure whether it's a growing phenomenon, but I'm noticing increasing numbers of "questions" posted here that are really inviting a discussion of life and times in VN.
Not that there is anything whatsoever wrong with this; but given this is somewhat distinct from asking for specific information, is there room on this site for a seperate "discussion" category or section?
Viewed 149 times, answered 4 times. View / Post Answers
Weekly cooking lessons?
I am living in Hanoi and would like to take cooking lessons. I don't want to do the one day market tour and lesson with tourists. I would like to attend a weekly class. Does anyone know if this exists?
Viewed 144 times, answered 7 times. View / Post Answers
posted about 1 month ago by RomanAtlanta to Other
answered most recently by Ouriel about 1 month ago
Rollerblading
I like to rollerblade - anywhere in the city good for that?
Viewed 121 times, answered 4 times. View / Post Answers
Sao Mai - swimming pool
I've heard that from this week Sao Mai swimming pool(east bank of west lake) is not opening on weekdays.
I'm a regular swimmer looking for a big pool where you can do laps without losing your mind out of frustration.
In sao Mai I came weekdays at noon when the pool was blissfully empty.
Any suggestions?
Viewed 86 times, answered twice. View / Post Answers
posted about 4 months ago by Diorisimo to Other
answered most recently by 4inhanoi about 4 months ago
Teeth whitening
Hi there, I was wondering whether anyone has a recommendation for a good dentist in Hanoi, specifically one that does teeth whitening (it's all that caphe sua nong - delicious but shocking for my teeth!!). Any ideas??
Viewed 241 times, answered 4 times. View / Post Answers
posted about 1 week ago by pagoda to Other
answered most recently by HavanaClubAdmin about 1 week ago
Washing machine repair
Washing machine repairs. Has anyone had the need to repair their washing machine? I need to renew the rubber seal on front loading washing machine.Can anyone advise on where to go ,who to ask for such a repair?
Thans
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pick-up basketball in Hanoi?
I'm interested in playing pick-up basketball in Hanoi. I've seen some old postings about pick-up games in Van Phuc, etc. I'm just wondering if anyone has current info about pick-up basketball.
Thanks for any tips~
Viewed 81 times, answered 3 times. View / Post Answers
Using an Auto Drybox
Does anyone use an auto drybox for electronic (camera) equipment? I recently bought a Eureka model and it won't dehumidify below 60%... wondering if that's common for these devices?
Viewed 71 times, answered once. View / Post Answers
I need your help with my confusing thing
Does any body help me to explain the truth?. Did you see an ads about job offering on Jobs box. it's UK-craft and textiles co.lmt(its email:allproductmarketing@yahoo.com.vn)
today, I was chatting with his boss.
Here, the content of this chat:"
He want me to have to pay an amount of 900$ to process the application form to the company in USA and the application will be approved. And that can help me start working for his conpany. And the company will pay me 8,500$ every month. They approve me without checking my ability to carry out the job or not and also without other important things like that. They only need to be received 900$ and then they recruit me as their representative and sells staff. That's my story today"
one more thing is that his company is in UK now but he want me to send 900$ to America. What does it mean?
I am suspecting something but not clear. Can anyone help me to make it clearer. Thanks a lot.
Viewed 328 times, answered 11 times. View / Post Answers
cervantes institute
Hi all
I am desperately seeking the cervantes institute in hanoi. it's the spanish governments version of british council. i've heard there is one but can't seem to contact them... does anyone know anyone who can help?
Viewed 85 times, answered once. View / Post Answers
WHERE TO FIND EDUCATED HANOIAN FEMALES
Okay people...don't bash me too hard here (he-he): Since I have been in Hanoi, I have only met the WRONG types of women. Either they don't speak English or they are gold-diggers (thinking I am rich). Where do "upper-class,educated" HN-girls hang out at? I can't be the first foreigner to raise this question!
Viewed 938 times, answered 32 times. View / Post Answers
internet troubles
Today the internet seemed very very slow at my hotel (still looking to rent an apt) and when I went out to a cafe by the lake, the same thing happened. Is this normal Hanoi internet service. I've been here for a couple of weeks, but this is the first time I've had this problem. Or did I just pick a bad hotel AND a bad cafe?
Viewed 263 times, answered 10 times. View / Post Answers
posted about 6 months ago by Rocket to Other
answered most recently by Antwerpman about 6 months ago
Used Car prices?
We are interested in selling our car here (2007 Nissan SUV) but have no idea what price to ask as we don't know much about the used car market. Anyone have any ideas on how to get a sense of used car prices? Are there lots somewhere that people go to in order to shop for used cars?
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Favorite Recipes
I have found a talented cook who wants to learn recipes, vegetarian and otherwise, that I as a westerner might want on a menu and that she can prepare using available ingredients. I moved here unprepared for such a luxury and can't find anything decent online, so if you have a favorite recipe maybe you could share it? Many thanks...
Viewed 114 times, answered 3 times. View / Post Answers