@Dennis ********

97% of the global population was not born in the US.

The US banking system is way behind the convenience of Asian systems.

The US banking system is slow to execute international payments. It often takes 1 to 3 days before funds arrive in my account.

Bank charges are high.

There are still billions of paper checks used every year.

So tell me none of that is true, and that the US operates the most efficient, fastest and low cost banking services....

@Dennis ******

Why do you assume everyone comes from the US? Roughly 97% of the global population are fortunately born in other countries.

The US banking system for individuals is the worst on the planet. Only wealthy corporations and clients with huge $$$ are dealt with promptly.

@Sue *********

Those accounts were closed/suspended due to inactivity, zero or very low balances or because the account holders had not been biometrically scanned.

It was not some draconian knee jerk reaction like Thailand so often has, but a well thought out and implemented policy to reduce scams.

Opening a bank account is still possible with a three month visa.

@Mike *****

Yes, I like Vietnam.

One thing is sure, they are not lazy. I visit every year for a few months at a time. Each they have made noticeable improvements.

I used to drink copious amounts of beer at 15 baht a can or the Bia Hoi, but unfortunately more than one can and I get a headache in the morning, so I have drastically reduced my intake.

Being a socialist government and much of the land being State owned, I appreciate the affordable recreational facilities and the large parks in the cities, with well maintained flowers, playgrounds and lakes.

In the UK they would be destroyed in a week by vandals and thieves.

I'm currently in Dalat, every day a few showers, temperature 18-24 degs and an abundance of flowers everywhere....

@Mike *****

Tourists maybe, but for the long-term Vietnam is not where they are flocking.

1. Opening a bank account is not easy, and only valid for the length of your visa, after which it is suspended until you rock up personally with a new visa. See 2.

2. Without work or marriage, you only get a three month visa, and have to leave the country. No extensions possible.

3. Without a long-term visa you will not get a driving license.

4. There are virtually no western style bars.

5. Vietnamese women are not interested in retired old westerners.

@Russell ********

From reports I've seen, only accounts opened in the last 2-3 years by BBL have been blocked.

This issue is separate to the sim registration, which has affected all bank accounts where the account names do not match, resulting in the bank account being suspended.

@Terry *******

What "fake sims"???

There are no fake sims that can be used in a phone.

@Graham *****

yup, I was replying to Mr Pelle.

@Pelle *********

no.

It becomes 4,000 baht plus 200 for each day.



Naturally subject to the whims and weather on the day.

@Ossie ********

no. It was always fifteen days before and seven days after and still is.