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.
Can I purchase a scooter?
How easy will it be for me to get a scooter when I arrive in Hanoi? I've driven scooters for the past 4 years in Taiwan and would love to purchase one as soon as I arrive so I can do some expoloration and get to know Hanoi. Do I need a work permit or a license to purchase one??
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Weightlifting gyms near Tay Ho??
Does anyone know of a small (or large) weightlifting gym near the Tay Ho area? Local gyms are preferred, but if I have to join a chain then I have to do it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
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4th of July
I know we are all suppose to hate the Americans, even if we are American. But I was wondering if there are any 4th of July celebrations going on. There is one on Sunday at the American Club, but is there one that is happening on July 4th? I need fireworks!
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posted about 4 hours ago by Battlestar to Culture
Trumpet players
The Van Ho Ba is a jazz/latin/funk band playing in and around Hanoi and are looking for a trumpet player to join the ranks. Anyone know a trumpeteer or are you one yourself and looking for a musical outlet?!
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Kayaking on West Lake
Though its been asked a couple times before (once by me) it remains a mystery and as I saw about 20 kayakers out on West Lake today it is time again to ask... where are they coming from and can I join in?
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Osprey Hiking Packs
Does anyone know where/if you can buy Osprey hiking packs in Hanoi? I think their factory is in Ho Chi Minh City but i am just wondering if anyone distributes them or knows where i could buy one from. Thanx
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Current visa prices
Hi,
Anyone out there been out and about shopping for visa extension quotes recently? Got one saturday from tropical tours for a six month multiple entry business visa, $135. What do you think, pricey or somewhere near the going rate. If the former, alternative suggestions would be much appreciated!
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Does anyone know where I could find ancient books for sale in Hanoi ? If yes, please contact me.
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Where to buy nice steaks
Hi all, does anyone know where I can buy some nice steaks to cook at a reasonable price?
So far I've checked out Au Delice, which sells some imported steaks from Aus, but the prices seem quite high to me. Any suggestions?
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Ripped off by taxis
I've noticed two "strategies" used by taxi drivers:
The fairly obvious one is when they take a long, roundabout route to inflate the meter.
The one that happened to me recently shocked me with its blatantness. The bill was about 80k, I gave him 100. He showed me his wallet - wow, no change! My gf and I looked for smaller bills, but no deal. It was late and nothing was open to get change, so after awhile we just got frustrated and said "Ok, whatever, keep it," and left.
So I know the preventive tip of making sure you call a reputable company - though they've ripped us off too. So, what can you do, basically, once you've been ripped off?
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Pickpocket
Was VERY skillfully pick-pocketed of my iPod in the Church Street area about a week or so ago? Any other had similar experiences? Am wondering if this is just a one-off or a common occurence?
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Where to eat nice steaks
Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city?
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memory foam mattress topper
Looking for a place that sells mattress topper's(therpa-pedic memory foam). Anyone know if you can get them here?
Thanks
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Place to buy quality bed sheets?
Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced?
Also, pillows?
Thanks
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posted about 2 weeks ago by travelgoddess to Etiquette
Rent USD-VND exchange rate
My rent contract is in USD but I pay in VND, I think this is pretty standard and wasnt a problem at all until last month.
At that time my landlord requested that I use an exchange rate that was 16,500 when the bank rate was 16,100. I gave him the money with the bank rate and he has been extremely rude to me since.
I can live with that I suppose but this month he flipped out when I showed him the 16,600 bank rate and presented my rent money to him. He is now demanding 18,500 exchange rate (the black market rate).
I have a few plans in progress on how to deal with this, so not posting this to ask for advice so much as just curious as to what other folks are doing re this.
I have a friend who made sure his rent contract is in VND, so am working on moving towards this.
Look forward to hearing your feedback.
Steph
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color copies
Hi everyone. I need to make some good quality color copies. Any idea of a place that does this in or near the old quarter?
Thanks!
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Monetary crisis
Hello. I was wondering how people are dealing with the current dollar crisis here in Viet Nam. My situation is that I basically have student loans back home in the States that need paying. I can't pay them in dong (obviously) and I really can't afford to lose 20% of my salary to black market conversion rates.
Is anyone else in a similar position? Where you basically have dong coming out of your eyeballs but can't pay off any of your very serious debts with it? And am I just royally screwed here or is there some kind of way around this?
Thanks a lot, everyone.
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tatoo
anyone knows a good tatooer with high standards of cleaningness? did anyone made a tatoo here?
thx
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posted about 2 days ago by letsgoeverywhere to Help!
Contact info for Cat Ba National Park
I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office.
Anyone have their contact info?
Cheers!
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protein shake
does anyone know if it's possible to get protein powder in hanoi for use after a gym session?
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