Airfare

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September 18, 2012 - 3:48am
#1
Anonymous
Airfare

So, I am coming to Vietnam to teach English, but I'm not able to obtain a work permit. What I was able to obtain is a three month visa, although I would like to stay longer. I have yet to buy my airfare and I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on what I should do for my return flight. I'm assuming if my flight is for a date after my original visa expires I might not be allowed to enter. Is this correct? If so, should I just book my return flight within the three months and then change my flight upon visa extension? I would like to book my flight for six months after my arrival date because it will be cheaper, but I am not sure if I should do that. Any help would be great.

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September 19, 2012 - 3:36am
#2
Anonymous

That's great information, Tomo. I always appreciate the feedback I get from Saigonist.

Cheers,
Ryan

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September 18, 2012 - 4:00pm
#3
tomo

Technically, you do need a return flight before you enter. But I have never had one when I've entered Vietnam, meaning each time I come back to Vietnam it's usually the return of my flight out and so I won't fly back out from Vietnam for months. I've never been asked nor has anyone I know. So I wouldn't worry about having the return flight. YMMV

So you can also book your return flight for well after the 3-month visa and plan on extending the visa while you're in the country. You can generally extend a normal 3-month tourist visa two times before either paying a higher fee or doing a "visa run" to Cambodia.

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Asian-American expat living in Vietnam over 3 years. I am involved in tech startups and do Drupal consulting. I choose to live in Saigon and Vietnam and I want to see the city and its people reach their true potential.

Where is Saigon?

It's not wrong to wonder where in the world Saigon is.

Saigon is the name of the city now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. But most people who call Saigon home call their home Saigon and it's mostly tourists who I hear refer to it as Ho Chi Minh City (or Ho Chi Minh Ville for the French).

After the Vietnam/American War ended in 1975, many place names ceased to exist such as Saigon, South Vietnam, and plenty of street names.

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Those who haven't seen Vietnam for decades will be confused not just by the geographical changes but the incredible amount of development and modernization that has since taken place.

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