Expat Connect HCMC

04/05/2018

16/01/2018

TO LICENSE OR NOT TO LICENSE RIDING IN VIETNAM

That is the question and we hear a lot of debate and opinion around the answer. Here are some facts and a pricing structure to help you make an informed decision.

The most common argument against spending the money and taking the time to become legal on the roads here if that the police don't seem to care about it. In a roadside stop situation a small fine (200k) is usually enough to get you on your way so I understand where that rationale comes from. The police can charge 700k for this as the correct fine and confiscate the bike if they do desire. They don't normally do this with polite foreigners except in an accident situation but if they do 1.9M is the usual fee to get it back. The police in this situation is NOT where your risk lies as an unlicensed rider.

The POLICE attitude changes very quickly in an accident situation. If you are not licensed and involved in an accident you are automatically in the wrong regardless of the circumstances.

If there is just property damage then a fee at least equal to repairing that damage will be charged. The major RISK riding here unlicensed however is in the situation that someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of the accident. The accident is your fault regardless of how IN THE RIGHT you are or think you are! !You are responsible for compensation to the family in the death situation and for the rehabilitation of any injured party. Given that most riders don't wear anything much in the way of protective riding apparel or even a decent helmet injuries are common even at low speeds. In these situations your bike will be compounded and your passport can be held until compensation has been made to the satisfaction of the police and other parties involved.

Another thing to check is your health insurance. Its more than likely that riding illegally will void your cover and your injuries also may be at your own expense.

Most people put this off as they feel it is a lengthy and costly process but it really isn't. Here are some examples of cost in some of the different situations you may find yourself.

1. You have a photo license with bike endorsement in your home county.
No need to take any tests. Just have a Vietnamese license endorsed. Costs $35

2. You only have a car license in your home country.
Have to take the practical test only to get bike license endorsement. Cost is $90 for the entire process. A1 up to 175cc.

3. You don't have any license in any country.
You have to take a written and practical test. A Vietnamese person with be present to assist with the written test as it is in Vietnamese language. Cost is $150 for the whole process and it is a lifetime license. A1 up to 175cc.

A2 open motorcycle license if no licence elsewhere is a fixed rate of $300 which is lifetime license and also takes the two tests. The practical on a manual motorcycle CB 250 Honda supplied.

Contact Trevor Long 0906849000 at Saigon Motorcycles if you would like to pursue any of these license options. Cheap insurance and great peace of mind.

https://www.facebook.com/SaigonMotorcyclehireandsales/?ref=hl

22/12/2017

TOURIST VISA: Visa Type Pre-Approval Letter Fee
�1 month single entry $12.pax PROMO $8USD
�1 month multiple entries $12.pax PROMO $10USD
�3months single entry $19.pax PROMO $15USD
�3months multiple entry $38.pax PROMO $30USD

BUSINESS VISA: Visa Type Pre-Approval Letter Fee
�1 month single entry $55.pax PROMO $49USD
�1 month multiple entry $65.pax PROMO $59USD
�3 months single entry $85.pax PROMO $79USD
�3 months multiple entry $100.pax PROMO $89USD

VISA EXTENSIONS: From $89 (Don’t Have to Leave the Country)
ALL TYPES OF VISA AVAILABLE AS WELL AS
WORK PERMITS
MATRAMONIAL SPOUSE
RUSH SERVICES AVAILABLE: Visas within 2 Hours, One Day or Normal Time 2 Working Days

Speak with an Australian for all of your needs or for no obligation advice around your options.

THE VISA PROFESSIONALS: An Australian Company based in HCMC

19/12/2017

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