Higher tourist prices and unclear market charges in Vietnam

Traditional markets, Hanoi's Night Market, Chợ Hôm and Ben Thanh Market

How it works

Sellers quote higher prices to visitors and expect bargaining. At Ben Thanh Market, the quoted amount, currency or exchange rate used for change may be left unclear. A high opening price alone does not mean the goods are fake.

Warning signs

Items have no price labels.
The seller will not write down the full price and currency.
The exchange rate used for your change is unclear.

How to avoid it

Agree on the total in dong before paying.
Compare several stalls and bargain calmly.
Count your change before leaving.
Use fixed-price shops or supermarkets if you prefer clear prices.

If it happens to you

Ask the seller to explain the agreed price and change. Leave without buying if the price remains unclear.

Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase thieves or risk being dragged into traffic.
If cards or a phone were stolen, freeze the cards and secure your phone, banking and email accounts.
Save receipts, messages, booking details and photos. Write down the time, location, vehicle details and what happened.
Report theft to police. In Ho Chi Minh City, use a station near the theft and take a Vietnamese speaker if possible. Ask for a written record.
Contact the relevant hotel, transport company, booking provider or card issuer. Explain the disputed charge and provide your evidence.
Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document help.

What it can costBen Thanh Market vendors are described as quoting tourists 50–100% more.

Where it happensTraditional markets, Hanoi's Night Market, Chợ Hôm and Ben Thanh MarketHanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in VietnamPickpocketing, including close-contact distractions: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the higher tourist prices and unclear market charges scam in Vietnam?

How can I spot it early?

Items have no price labels. The seller will not write down the full price and currency. The exchange rate used for your change is unclear.

How do I avoid higher tourist prices and unclear market charges in Vietnam?

Agree on the total in dong before paying. Compare several stalls and bargain calmly. Count your change before leaving. Use fixed-price shops or supermarkets if you prefer clear prices.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask the seller to explain the agreed price and change. Leave without buying if the price remains unclear.

Where in Vietnam does this happen?

Traditional markets, Hanoi's Night Market, Chợ Hôm and Ben Thanh Market It has been reported in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang.

How much can it cost me?

Ben Thanh Market vendors are described as quoting tourists 50–100% more.

How common is this scam in Vietnam?

Common. Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, but scams and petty theft are more common in tourist areas and larger cities. The main problems involve transport, hotel prices, restaurant bills, shopping and stolen phones or bags. Outside tourist hotspots, scams against foreigners are rare.

Are there similar scams in Vietnam?

Yes: fake military antiques and low-quality knock-offs, large gallery markups on silk embroidery, pushy night-market selling.

Who can I report it to?

Local police: report theft, threats or being prevented from leaving at a police station. In Ho Chi Minh City, report a stolen item near where the theft happened. Bring a Vietnamese speaker if possible. Ho Chi Minh City police contacts for forced coconut sales: the listed contacts are +84 8 3829 7643 and +84 8 38299835. These use an older number format and may be outdated. District 2 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 989 Dong Van Cong, W. Thanh My Loi, D.2. Listed phone: +84 8 37451325. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. District 3 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 01 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 4, District 3. Listed phone: +84 8 38392764. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. District 4 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: listed at 14 Doan Nhu Hai, Ward 12, District 1. Listed phone: +84 8 39400188. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Confirm the address before travelling, as the listed district details conflict. District 5 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 359 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 10, District 5. Listed phone: +84 8 38550878. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. Binh Thanh police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 18 Phan Dang Luu, Ward 6, Binh Thanh. Listed phone: +84 8 38414882. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. Phu Nhuan police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 181 Hoang Van Thu, Phu Nhuan. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Confirm the location and hours before travelling. Card issuer: use your bank's app or the contact number on your card to freeze a stolen card, report unauthorised transactions or ask about a disputed charge. Transport operator, hotel or booking provider: use the contact details on your booking or receipt. Include the agreed price, amount charged, trip details and supporting evidence. Ho Chi Minh City bus operator: for belongings lost on a city bus, ask at the station where the route starts or ends. Give the route, direction and approximate travel time. Bus cameras may help. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the claims service on your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of ownership.

Reviewed by @snuck