Here's an interesting expat story for you all from a few days ago. Expat FO went to the finance office to collect his per diem for an upcoming simulator recurrent in London. You'll note that the third world tends to deal in cash.

So, when he picked up his 500 pound sterling, the girl gave him a receipt for 900. He said that was wrong, and wouldn't sign.

Sounds like maybe the girl was trying to scam 400 pounds. Very common.

But, here's the good "3rd world surprise" that seems to be more the norm than not.

Finance manager hears the commotion in the next office, and comes over to see the girl attacking him physically. Manager asks what's going on, and eventually asks the FO if he signed for the money, to which he said, "no".

Manager calls security, which hauls off the FO to the local police. Chief pilot is called in the middle of the world cup soccer game between England and USA. Not happy, I'm sure. He tells the police to throw him in jail. REALLY. Chief pilot says the FO is through at this company.

FO calls the UK embassy and gets the actual dude to drive to the jail and bail him out (also during the aforementioned game... wonder if our USA embassy would be so gracious... based on my contacts, no).

FO is released from jail, and now won't get paid any money owed him (also very common) and will get to buy a ticket home at the last minute for mega $$$$.

I'm sure NOTHING like this will happen in Vietnam.

Oh, the girl is pressing charges for assault / battery. I don't recommend that he return to this country any time, ever. And, that could affect his employment at other companies that fly in here. It might affect him even getting hired at other places.

Finally, the company dropped it's accusations of theft of their money. But, the embassy dude said that is common, and then they come to grab you at 3am when nobody is around to "save" you. His advice... get out of the country NOW.