Metro here is kind of business-to-business shop. As I know, to shop at Metro, you have to bring your personal details and papers proving you own a business, and then they will give you a plastic card with your photo on it. To enter Metro, you have to show this card and only 2 persons can enter each time.

Hope this helps :)

I am not sure if Lana is entirely correct. Then again I'm not sure she isn't....

But I think if someone at your business called and checked for you, they would probably give you a card. I have heard Metro mentioned in so many conversations with expats, I think there must be some loopholes or ways to get it done....

I have a metro card but that is due to being associated with the diplomatic community, as opposed to business...but truth be told I prefer Big C over Metro...Metro has a few things that Big C doesn't, but for the far out location of Metro, it doesn't compensate, IMHO....

I've heard you can just show up and they'll give you a temporary card for the day. They're not about to turn away a paying customer. Probably best to take your passport as they seem to need this everywhere for this kind of thing.

I just showed up with my passport and got a day pass - good for three people they said.

ooooh, maybe I'll try that! Thanks!! Anyone fancy a group trip to metro? :)

we went with our kids and they did not allow them inside..... the pass/card is not a problem but height is if you are taking children with you. This was in May 2006, BTW. never been there since, I also prefer Big C

Hmm.. I'm kinda short.. :)
What and where is this Big C?

Angel, I was at Metro today, no problem at all to get the day pass, you really need only your passport.

Big C is in the Southwest of Hanoi. Follow Nguyen Chi Thanh which then becomes Tran Duy Hung. You cannot oversee Big C when you pass by, it is really big.

Good luck!

Went to big C today- it was CRAZY busy!!! Not sure I'd go back there in a hurry...

Yeah...somebody probably should have mentioned that it's best to steer clear of both Metro and Big C on the weekends. Unless, of course, you're just there for the spectacle.

alpha's right, If you can only go on the weekend though, saturday morning is best, as most people work saturday morning...

I find Big C to be pretty hit or miss though...sometimes crazy busy, sometimes ok....

NOW you tell me!! :D

so sorry.....

forgiven :)

Funny Stuff.

Ok, passport holders can get a Day Pass on presenting their passport.

If you have a Metro Card from another location or country, after your first visit, all you have to do is show your card and they give you a Day Pass.

If you want the local Metro Card, then you need to bring papers to validate your ID and that you belong to a qualifying business or organisation.

As such, it may pay to ask your employing organisation(if you're not running your own legit VN business) if they already have a METRO Card. If they do, you may be able to borrow that.

During work hours, is generally best to avoid the rabid crowds. Also, organise your own transport, as you may find it difficult to get a taxi (if you want one) back.

There are two METRO locations and they are both pretty far out. As for Big C, well if you live near Tay Ho, then that is also pretty far out - so it really depends on where you live. ;-)

I went to Metro two times - the first was 3 months ago and the day pass was no problem. The second was a month ago and I spent about 15 minutes pleading and negotiating before I was finally given the golden ticket.

As far as Big C goes - did it once, won't ever be back.

Hello,
I have to say that I find both places a bit crazy. I may go back to Metro for the selection, but I bought 2 telephones and neither one worked, then I bought a bike and there's something wrong with the pedal shaft.

Just a bit? They're nothing short of mental unless you go during siesta time.

I bought a DVD player with a USB jack that has worked great since I bought it and plays absolutely anything I stick in it.

Metro is a madhouse and the stuff isn't that great. It takes forever to get around, to get through the checkouts and nobody is at all friendly. Have heard of lots of people being mugged at Big C so wouldn't go there either. Much prefer to buy bits and pieces around Hanoi markets.