iPhone / Cell Phone Cases in Saigon

iPhone / Cell Phone Cases in Saigon

Have a new iPhone?  Samsung?  Droid?  Nokia?

Need a case, but haven’t yet found just the right one?  How about getting a custom case made to your personal specs while you’re here in Saigon?

I found a great place in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to get your new smart phone case custom made – usually in just 24 hours.  And, at a great price! Truly a good find!

Not far from Phạm Ngũ Lão tourist/backpacker central (and a hop, skip & jump from Buds Ice Cream of San Francisco on Nguyễn Trãi street), you’re likely to find a tiny unobtrusive street vendor cart, unattended and seemingly abandoned (look on the southeast corner of Bùi Thị Xuân and Lương Hữu Khánh streets.)

However, seeking the shade of the buildings across the street, sits Bích Châu in her conical hat, watching for potential customers who might stop by to peek into her simple street cart displaying a collection of leather cell phone cases.

A pleasant woman who says she’s been making and selling phone cases for over 10 years, Châu speaks no English.  But don’t let that deter you.  She knows her cases!  First show her your phone and see what she has to offer ready-made.  Most cases seem to be in the range of 140,000 +/- vnd ($7).

If you don’t see exactly what you want, come prepared with a sample, a photo, or a clear sketch of the exact case you want made.  Using sign language, smiles, and appropriate non-verbal communications, place your order.  Châu has her own tape measure to note the exact dimensions of your individual phone.  Usually Châu will tell you to come back tomorrow (ngay mai) to pick up your case.  If you hear ngay kia, that’s the-day-after-tomorrow.

Two years ago, I ordered my iPhone 4 case.  I wanted a leather case with a felt lining.  I wanted a belt loop (NOT a belt clip) so the case could not be knocked or pulled off my belt on Saigon’s congested streets.  I wanted a flap cover that snapped shut firmly with good magnets. Twenty-four hours later Châu delivered it!  And just 120,000 vnd ($6).

This year, I returned with my iPhone 5.  My old case was still in good condition and I still loved it. But, Apple changed the phone dimensions on me :-(.

I asked Châu to make me a new case, “same-same” (exactly the same), but for the new dimensions.  She pulled out her tape measure and told me to return at 2:00 pm tomorrow.  The new price, 140,000 vnd ($7 USD) – evidence of Vietnam’s high inflation, I supposed.

However, this year, a small glitch!  I arrived at the phone case cart and waived to Châu across the street.  She ran over, rifled through a plastic bag of new cases, grabbed my new case, and hurriedly dropped it into a smaller plastic bag and handed it to me. Time for payment.

Not so quickly.

I pulled out the case, slipped it onto my belt, and dropped in my new iPhone 5.  It fit perfectly.  I snapped the cover shut.  It popped back open! What?

Again.  Again, the magnets didn’t pull the cover shut completely. Mmnn??

I examined it closely and saw the diameter of the new magnets imbedded in the case were only about 50% the area of those in my old case. 

NASA, we have a problem!

I looked at Châu and told her it was not acceptable. “Không tốt” (not good).  I showed her the difference in the size of the old and new magnets.  After exchanging various facial expressions of disappointment, firmness, resistance, understanding, then agreement, Châu agreed to re-make the case with much stronger magnets.  BUT, at a new inflated price – 200,000 vnd ($9.60 USD).

I considered scoffing, but realized, this would be the phone case of my dreams for a couple of years.  And, I actually wouldn’t feel much better about my case knowing I transferred a dollar or two less from my pocket to Châu’s. So, I agreed.

2:00 pm yesterday, I picked up my fantasy, custom iPhone 5 case, paid Châu, and took a few photos for this blog.  I’m a happy man.

Cám ơn nhieu, Châu (thank you so much).

I didn’t get a clear read on Châu’s hours of operation, but she seems reliably to be at her vendor stand (or sitting across the street) in early afternoon each day.

After you shop for your phone case, consider picking up a unique souvenir/gift nearby.

All along Lương Hữu Khánh street are a series of small sign-making shops.  All sizes, colors and shapes, you can have a sign made for yourself or friends back home – in English, Vietnamese, or both.

 

Be creative, have fun and get yourself a unique sign (useful or outrageous) as a remembrance of your visit to Saigon (and one that’s flat and fits readily into your luggage.)

Bích Châu’s Custom Cell Phone Cases
On the southeast corner of Bùi Thị Xuân and Lương Hữu Khánh streets

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