Thoughts on electronic translators
Mar 29, 2013, 11:51 am
#2
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If you have a smart phone, just download the Google Translate app (or use the webapp). Don't need to buy a separate device (and I haven't see one, Google included, that can pronounce anything well). It will be good for signs, menus, and other written items.
For data, you can pick up a cheap SIM card for your unlocked device... $2US/mo for unlimited 3G data (throttled after 5Gb), and includes a good block of minutes for phone calls.
If you're sticking around District 1 (Quan 1), you probably won't need it anyway. Enough English to get you by.
One word of caution... make sure you're in a secure, out of the way place before you use your device. Drive-by snatchings on scooters happen. Don't make yourself an easy target... just back yourself up into a doorway or something.
For data, you can pick up a cheap SIM card for your unlocked device... $2US/mo for unlimited 3G data (throttled after 5Gb), and includes a good block of minutes for phone calls.
If you're sticking around District 1 (Quan 1), you probably won't need it anyway. Enough English to get you by.
One word of caution... make sure you're in a secure, out of the way place before you use your device. Drive-by snatchings on scooters happen. Don't make yourself an easy target... just back yourself up into a doorway or something.
Mar 29, 2013, 8:04 pm
#3
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
If you have a smart phone, just download the Google Translate app (or use the webapp). Don't need to buy a separate device (and I haven't see one, Google included, that can pronounce anything well). It will be good for signs, menus, and other written items.
For data, you can pick up a cheap SIM card for your unlocked device... $2US/mo for unlimited 3G data (throttled after 5Gb), and includes a good block of minutes for phone calls.
If you're sticking around District 1 (Quan 1), you probably won't need it anyway. Enough English to get you by.
One word of caution... make sure you're in a secure, out of the way place before you use your device. Drive-by snatchings on scooters happen. Don't make yourself an easy target... just back yourself up into a doorway or something.
For data, you can pick up a cheap SIM card for your unlocked device... $2US/mo for unlimited 3G data (throttled after 5Gb), and includes a good block of minutes for phone calls.
If you're sticking around District 1 (Quan 1), you probably won't need it anyway. Enough English to get you by.
One word of caution... make sure you're in a secure, out of the way place before you use your device. Drive-by snatchings on scooters happen. Don't make yourself an easy target... just back yourself up into a doorway or something.
Unfortunately, neither of us have a smartphone. It might be a better option even then, though.
Mar 29, 2013, 10:35 pm
#4
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You probably could pick up a cheap iPhone 3G on eBay, Craigslist, or the like.
Mar 30, 2013, 9:56 am
#5
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How widespread is the data coverage?
Mar 30, 2013, 12:29 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
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IMO, not very useful as the flow of conversation is too quick. Also, I find the "commonly used phrases" in the back of most guidebooks will cover 80% of what you need.
Depending on where you're going in Vietnam, I found virtually everyone had some smattering of English skills (with some being quite good). Even in the public markets.
Depending on where you're going in Vietnam, I found virtually everyone had some smattering of English skills (with some being quite good). Even in the public markets.