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Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Vietnam

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi overcharging and rigged metersA driver quotes an inflated fare or uses a meter that runs too fast. Some taxis lack displayed fares or driver identification. Taxi scams are less common in Da Nang. Meter fixing in Da Lat is described as a much reduced problem.Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Da Lat 2Read
  2. 2 Hotels and roomsVery commonHotel price scamsHotel scams are described as very common, including at mid-range hotels. Hotel prices are also a major scam concern across Vietnam, but no further method is described.Ho Chi Minh City 2Read
  3. 3 ShoppingCommonHigher tourist prices and unclear market chargesSellers 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.Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonPickpocketing, including close-contact distractionsThieves take wallets and phones from pockets or bags. Some approach with friendly talk, touching or an offer of sexual services to get close enough to steal. This approach is specifically reported in Ho Chi Minh City.Tourist areas, crowded buses, nightclubs and streets late at night 1Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonMotorbike snatch theft and theft from tablesThieves on motorbikes grab phones, bags, cameras or jewellery from pedestrians and riders. They may also take valuables left on a table near the street. Ho Chi Minh City, especially District 1, is specifically highlighted.Roadsides, outdoor dining tables and the District 1 backpacker area 1Read
  6. 6 Food and drinkCommonRestaurant two-menu pricingSome restaurants use a two-menu system as a pricing scam. No further details about the menu switch are given.Some restaurantsRead
  7. 7 Buses and trainsCommonStreet motorbike taxi overchargingA street motorbike taxi driver may overcharge a visitor who has not fixed the fare. Outside Da Nang Railway Station, motorbike taxis may cost as much as, or more than, a car taxi.Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2Read
  8. 8 On the streetCommonUnwanted coconut opened during a photoA coconut seller starts a friendly conversation and lets you hold the carrying-stick for a photo. While you are distracted, the seller opens a coconut you did not order and demands payment.Ho Chi Minh City 2Read
  9. 9 Buses and trainsCommonFake waiting charges from a motorbike taxiAfter you visit a sight, the driver claims you asked him to wait and demands a large extra fee.HanoiRead
  10. 10 Hotels and roomsOccasionalHotel referral with an inflated taxi demandA guide asks whether you have booked a hotel. If you say no, they arrange a taxi to a hotel that pays commission. If you reject the hotel, they may demand an inflated taxi fare.Arrival points after a journeyRead
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalTheft from overnight bus bagsPeople, including bus employees, have been known to search sleeping passengers' bags and steal electronics. A phone connected to headphones can be taken while its owner sleeps.Overnight buses 2Read
  12. 12 TheftOccasionalTheft from hotel rooms and safesValuables are sometimes stolen from hotel rooms. A room safe does not guarantee protection.Hotel rooms, including upmarket hotels 2Read
  13. 13 TaxisOccasionalAirport taxi toutsTouts approach arriving passengers and lead them to taxis that may be illegal and likely to overcharge.Hanoi 2Read
  14. 14 TaxisOccasionalAirport toll paddingA driver asks for cash for an airport toll without making the amount clear, pays the toll and keeps the rest. Extra parking charges may also be demanded.Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City 1Read
  15. 15 TaxisOccasionalUnnecessarily expensive airport transfersA long metered airport trip can cost much more than an agreed transfer. Hotels may also add a large markup. In Da Lat, hotels are specifically described as asking inflated transfer prices. A high metered fare alone does not prove meter fraud.Da Lat, Hoi An, Nha Trang 2Read
  16. 16 TaxisOccasionalTaxi detours to inflate the fareA driver takes a longer route to increase the fare. At Pham Ngu Lao, newly arrived passengers may be driven around several blocks even though they are already at their requested destination.Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat 2Read
  17. 17 Buses and trainsOccasionalClaiming there is no changeAfter agreeing on a fare, the driver claims not to have change and tries to keep the difference.Taxi and cyclo journeys 1Read
  18. 18 Buses and trainsOccasionalPay-what-you-like cyclo rideAn overly friendly driver says you can pay whatever you like after the ride. They may show a book of comments from foreign visitors. The vague agreement leaves room for a larger demand at the end.Cyclo pickup points 1Read
  19. 19 NightlifeOccasionalTaxi-recommended bar with an inflated billA taxi driver earns commission for bringing visitors to a venue. Staff quote reasonable prices at entry, but the final bill includes extravagant charges.Bars and lounges recommended by taxi driversRead
  20. 20 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor or unclear money exchange ratesHotels and travel agencies may offer poor rates or use different rates for different services. Freelance border changers may take advantage of travellers who do not know the going rate.Hotels, travel agencies and land borders with Cambodia, China and Laos 2Read
  21. 21 Changing moneyOccasionalCounterfeit notes from street money changersPeople exchanging money in the street may give counterfeit notes.HanoiRead
  22. 22 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM fee without a clear warningVIB is described as charging a withdrawal fee without warning. This is a fee-transparency issue; no card-skimming method is described.VIB ATMs 2Read
  23. 23 On the streetOccasionalFriendly family invitation leading to a money requestA stranger claims to recognise you from the airport or another tourist place. Relatives join in and say a family member is moving to your country. You are invited home to give advice. Once there, the story changes to a sick grandmother or a business opportunity, followed by a request for money.Ho Chi Minh City 1Read
  24. 24 Airport and borderOccasionalAirport SIM card markup before immigrationSIM cards sold before immigration are described as costing more than those sold after immigration and baggage collection.Ho Chi Minh City 1Read
  25. 25 ShoppingCommonFake military antiques and low-quality knock-offsItems are sold as old military gear despite doubtful authenticity. Supposed wartime Zippo lighters are described as fakes. Some boots and other gear are low-quality copies.Ho Chi Minh City 1Read
  26. 26 ShoppingOccasionalLarge gallery markups on silk embroiderySilk embroidered pictures may be sold at a large gallery markup compared with the central market. The price difference does not by itself show that the work is fake.Da LatRead
  27. 27 Tours and guidesCommonCommission shopping stops on buses and toursBus companies stop at souvenir shops for extra income. Organised tours in Da Lat may also leave visitors at shops for about half an hour. You do not have to buy anything.Long-distance bus stop-offs and organised tours in Da Lat 2Read
  28. 28 Buses and trainsOccasionalFalse claim that the bus is not runningTaxi drivers park in front of bus stops and say the bus is not running to persuade visitors to take a taxi.Da Nang 1Read
  29. 29 TaxisOccasionalLow return-trip quote followed by a much higher demandA driver agrees to a very low return fare, then triples or quadruples it at the destination. On returning to the hotel, the driver may park out of sight and lock the doors until payment.Da NangRead
  30. 30 Buses and trainsOccasionalStaged directions helper who joins the taxiThe 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.Da Nang, Hoi AnRead
  31. 31 Buses and trainsOccasionalTrain ticket scamsScams are flagged when buying train tickets at these offices, but no specific method is described.Ho Chi Minh City 2Read
  32. 32 ShoppingOccasionalPushy night-market sellingSellers may pressure visitors to buy. No specific false claim is described.Ho Chi Minh City 3Read
  33. 33 Other tricksOccasionalMisleading bus information websiteThe polished website danabus.vn may look official but has outdated fares and possibly routes. Deliberate fraud is not established.Da Nang 1Read
  34. 34 Food and drinkOccasionalVery high airport food pricesFood in the international terminal can be very expensive. This is a price warning; no hidden charge or deception is described.Da Nang 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • Nội Bài International Airport arrivals, HanoiTaxi touts may lead passengers to illegal or overpriced rides.
  • Old Quarter, HanoiMotorbike taxi drivers actively approach visitors. Fix the full fare before riding.
  • Ho Chi Minh's tomb, HanoiA motorbike taxi driver may claim you asked him to wait and demand a large fee.
  • Night Market from Hoàn Kiếm Lake towards the train overpass, HanoiHigher prices for foreign visitors are fairly common.
  • Chợ Hôm, Pho Hue, HanoiSellers may begin with very high prices that can be bargained down.
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport before immigration, Ho Chi Minh CitySIM cards are described as costing more here than after immigration and baggage collection.
  • Pham Ngu Lao tourist bus arrivals, Ho Chi Minh CityTaxi drivers may exploit confusion about your location and drive unnecessary loops.
  • District 1 backpacker area, Ho Chi Minh CityPhones, bags and valuables near the road or on tables are targets for theft.
  • Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh CityTourist markups, unclear prices and confusing calculations for change are highlighted.
  • Night Market outside Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh CitySellers can be pushy.
  • War Surplus Market, Yersin, District 1, Ho Chi Minh CitySupposed wartime Zippo lighters are described as fake, and some gear is low-quality.
  • Saigon railway station ticket office, Ho Chi Minh CityA warning is given about ticket scams, without details of the method.
  • Train ticket office at 275C Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh CityA warning is given about ticket scams, without details of the method.
  • Da Nang Railway StationMotorbike taxis outside may cost as much as, or more than, regular taxis.
  • Da Nang bus stopsTaxi drivers may falsely say the bus is not running.
  • Da Nang airport to Hoi An route at nightA staged directions helper may board the taxi and promote a business.
  • Return trips to Ba Na Hills and Hue, Da NangA low agreed fare may be raised sharply, followed by pressure to pay.
  • Da Nang International Airport international terminalFood prices can be very high.
  • Lien Khuong Airport transfers, Da LatHotel-arranged transfers may have large markups, and metered trips can be expensive.
  • Galleries around Da LatSilk embroidered pictures may cost much more than at the central market.
  • Land borders with Cambodia, China and LaosFreelance money changers may exploit travellers who do not know the exchange rate.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Compare fares in a ride-hailing app and check your pickup location.
  • For a street motorbike taxi or cyclo, write down the full agreed price.
  • For a metered taxi, check the displayed fares and watch that the meter starts.
  • Confirm long-distance and return-trip totals at hotel reception.
  • Carry small notes for cash fares and keep a record of the vehicle.

Money

  • Confirm the full price and currency before buying anything.
  • Prices may appear as 100.000, 100k or 100K. In speech, the thousands may be dropped.
  • Compare exchange rates and confirm the exact amount you will receive.
  • Count change before leaving and avoid street money changers.
  • Use fixed-price shops if bargaining or unclear quotes make you uncomfortable.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check withdrawal charges before accepting a transaction.
  • Keep receipts and review your account after withdrawals.
  • Shield your PIN and do not accept help from strangers.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere other than your phone.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones and cameras back from passing traffic.
  • Carry your bag on the side away from the road.
  • Keep valuables off outdoor tables and out of motorbike baskets.
  • Lock hand luggage before sleeping on an overnight bus.
  • Do not risk being dragged into traffic to save a bag.

Nights out

  • Choose your venue before taking a taxi.
  • Check written prices and the final bill.
  • Keep your phone and wallet secure when strangers get close.
  • Step away from unwanted touching or sexual offers.
  • Avoid arguments with intoxicated people.

Where you stay

  • Keep the confirmed room price and booking details.
  • Have your hotel's name and address ready before arrival.
  • Lock valuables away, but do not assume a room safe is theft-proof.
  • Compare hotel transfer quotes with other transport options.

Tours and guides

  • Ask whether the itinerary includes shopping stops.
  • Do not buy something just because a guide brings you to a shop.
  • Compare souvenir prices before buying.
  • Confirm return transport, waiting time and the full price in writing.

Police and officials

  • For theft in Ho Chi Minh City, report at a police station near where it happened.
  • Take a Vietnamese speaker if possible, as English may be limited.
  • Stay calm and polite when asking for help.
  • Keep copies of receipts, booking details and any written report.

What travellers say about Vietnam

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Vietnam?

Stay alert in tourist areas, but there is no need to expect trouble everywhere. Transport, hotel prices, restaurant bills and petty theft are the main concerns. Scams against foreigners are rare outside tourist hotspots.

How can I reduce the risk of a taxi scam?

Compare the fare in a ride-hailing app. Use a reputable company or official airport stand. Check the meter, follow your route and confirm the full price for long or return trips.

What should I agree before taking a cyclo or street motorbike taxi?

Write down the total with every zero. Confirm whether it covers one-way travel, a return journey or waiting. Decline a ride offered on a pay-whatever-you-like basis.

How do I protect my phone from motorbike thieves?

Step away from traffic before using it. Keep it off roadside tables. Carry your bag on the side away from the road and do not place valuables in a motorbike basket.

Can I trust a hotel room safe?

Use it to avoid leaving valuables loose, but do not assume it is theft-proof. Hotel-room theft has been reported even at upmarket hotels. Avoid keeping all your money and cards together.

How do I avoid paying too much at markets?

Compare stalls, bargain calmly and agree on the full price in dong before paying. At Ben Thanh Market, clarify both the price and how your change will be calculated. Fixed-price shops are another option.

Where should I avoid changing money?

Avoid street money changers in Hanoi because of counterfeit-note risk. Compare rates carefully at hotels, travel agencies and land borders. Confirm and count the exact amount before leaving.

What should I check on a restaurant or bar bill?

Check that each item matches the menu price you accepted. Keep a menu photo if prices are unclear. Choose nightlife venues yourself rather than relying on a taxi driver's recommendation.

What if someone says my bus is not running?

In Da Nang, taxi drivers may use this claim to get your business. Check the DanaBus app, danangbus.vn or bus staff before accepting another ride. The similar-looking danabus.vn has outdated information.

What should I do if a friendly stranger invites me home?

Keep the meeting in public if the story involves recognising you from the airport, a relative moving to your country or helping a worried grandmother. In Ho Chi Minh City, this setup can lead to requests for money or business pitches.

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