Entry/Exit Procedures: Viet Nam

[Teacher Mark 53]

I am wondering about their process for clearing customs. Was everybody treated well? Can you bring in DVDs/CDs? Laptops? I'm interested in hearing about your experiences.

[ridejewel 0]

It's usually really easy and fast for me. Though, I'm a USC. I've heard that as being a Viet Kieu, you may have to slip 5 or 10 dollars into your passport when they check it, to insure an easy passage. Also, I heard that the baggage claim folk will want money to 'help' you with your bags. I, personally have never had to give money to enter Viet Nam. Now, the last time I left Viet Nam with my wife, customs held our cd's and DVD's, saying that they would take and confiscate our belongings if we didn't pay them a fee. I told them to '#### off,' and as a result, they started taking our cd's and DVD's off into a back room. My wife then interveened and gave them 10 dollars (they wanted 20). They let us go with our belongings after the money was exchanged. Though, I have to admit, I started yelling, 'he's asking for a bribe, he took our money illegally. Law breaker.' I yelled that really loud, everyone heard it and the guy got furiously mad. I ended it with a '#### you,' as we ascended up the escalator. So, I guess it depends, but if I were you, I would have a couple 5 dollar bills on me, just for those reasons. If you only have a hundred dollar bill, they won't give you change, I can promise you that. Good luck!

!

[Melrose Plant 1]

Haha! Both times I went to VN (Hanoi), then NEVER EVEN CHECKED my bags! I could have brought anything with me. The second time I went, there was not even ANYONE AT THE DESK! So, no problems for me so far.

[Melrose Plant 1]

P.S.: A funny story: The second time I came to VN, my plane really motored it from Seoul, and I arrived maybe 45 minutes early. That, combined with no security checks, and no one at the customs desk, made my arrival at least an hour early. Of course, I had no way to tell my fiancee that, and so I was stuck there, chatting it up with the cabbies in a strange mixture of Vietnamese and English, assuring them that my wife WOULD be there, and that she had a car, and that I did not need a cab. Finally, one of the cabbies, feeling sorry for me, I guess, offered me his cell phone so I could call, and all was well! He didn't even ask for any money. Very friendly place, Hanoi. I love it there.

[PeterFB 0]

On my first trip in March, I flew into the old HCMC terminal. My flight was 6 hours late. I had emailed Thi from Hong Kong that I would be late but she never checked her email so she, Tuan and Dung waited........ When I finally arrived at 3am, I found going thru Immigranton felt like Mission Impossible. Every official was in a uniform, didn't smile, didn't talk, they only waved you to come to their desk then held out their hand for your papers and looked like they hated everybody.......Just like on the MI TV show.

Went downstairs, got my bags and then stood in line at customs. Showed them my form, put my bags on belt walked over to the over side, picked them up and went on my way.

On my second trip in September, I flew intot the new one. The flight was on time. Went to Immigration and found the officials about the same. The first time it was a male official, this time a female but no difference, except I said thank you (in English by habbit) but didn't get any response. This time I had to wait to get my bags then showed them my form, put my bags on the belt, walked to the over side, picked up my bags and went on my way.

Leaving was the same except I had to go thru security. But no one ever asked me what I was carrying or stopped me. I just handed them the form. I had more trouble on my second trip with US customs. I came back with several moon cakes. The ones with chicken in them got thrown in the trash by US customs. No meat produts are allowed in the US from Vietnam. I told the customs people I had moon cakes, candy, tea and coffee when they asked if I had any food stuffs wtih me. That got me to the inspection line where they went thru all of my bags. I had also bought some gifts for friends and family, no CD/DVDs. I took a digital camera, USB portable drive (for files/pictures), cell phone (which I didn't use in Vietnam, no Veziron service), no computer. I did see lots of people with laptops and nobody seemed to care at either US or Vietnamese Customs.

I didn't see any difference in my two trips between native US citizens and Vietnamese Americans but I wasn't watching that closely. (On my first return trip, two Indian sikh business men where being harassed by United personel because they didn't have passports with visas stamps from a layover. They never left the airport, why would they need visas? In the end Untied said their person was out of line but didn't say they were sorry to them. The men said they were accused of being terrorists by the airline based on their looks. They were upset about their treatment and telling everyone who would listen......) All the Vietnamese officials seem to be trained to not talk unless absolutely necessary so I thought it felt a little awkward being use to US officials usually being more friendly. You know, Hi, how are you, have a good trip, etc.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26

Touched: 2007-11-02

NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16

Consulate recieved ??????

Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11

Packet 3 received 2007-12-24

Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

[b_weeks 6]

I went to VN DEC 14th and had no problems bringing a laptop either way. I had to remove it from the bag in Hong Kong but not in HCMC. Also had a digital camera, jump drive, jewelry for the engagement (keep this on your person at all times), and about $9000 cash in $100 bills (kept in a neck work passport pouch)

Brought back CD's/DVD's, USB memory card reader, and never had any problems. Was never asked any questions.

I left VN on JAN 20th, and had the same experience, although the flight to Hong Kong from HCMC was delayed once we boarded about 1 hour 30 minutes so they could fix a hydraulic problem on the plane.

[Robert & Van 0]

when leaving vietnam I had at least 20 DVD/Cds with me but had no problem. Vans Daughter had about 8 CD's in her carry on and they told her that she was not to carry this many CD's with her. but he let us go with no problem. on another Story A friend of mine had to pay 10.00 To bring the Cds Back to the States. Going into vietnam never had any problems.

Edited February 12, 2008 by Robert & Van