Scam in VietnamBuses and trains
Staged directions helper who joins the taxi in Vietnam
How it works
The driver first says he knows the hostel, then claims to need directions. An English-speaking passerby conveniently appears, joins the taxi and starts promoting a business.
Warning signs
- A driver who knew the address suddenly needs a stranger's help.
- The stranger wants to get into your taxi.
- Directions turn into a sales pitch.
How to avoid it
- Arrange a late-night transfer with your hostel or a travel agency.
- Have the address and map ready.
- Decline extra passengers you did not agree to.
If it happens to you
Decline the sales pitch and ask to continue directly to your booked accommodation. Contact the hostel if you need help.
- 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.
Questions
What is the staged directions helper who joins the taxi scam in Vietnam?
The driver first says he knows the hostel, then claims to need directions. An English-speaking passerby conveniently appears, joins the taxi and starts promoting a business.
How can I spot it early?
A driver who knew the address suddenly needs a stranger's help. The stranger wants to get into your taxi. Directions turn into a sales pitch.
How do I avoid staged directions helper who joins the taxi in Vietnam?
Arrange a late-night transfer with your hostel or a travel agency. Have the address and map ready. Decline extra passengers you did not agree to.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Decline the sales pitch and ask to continue directly to your booked accommodation. Contact the hostel if you need help.
Where in Vietnam does this happen?
Night transfers from Da Nang airport to Hoi An It has been reported in Da Nang, Hoi An.
How common is this scam in Vietnam?
Occasional. 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: street motorbike taxi overcharging, fake waiting charges from a motorbike taxi, claiming there is no change.
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