10 Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them | Vietnam Travel Guide

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[thomasmundell]

If you ever do encounter any situation like Van expresses here. Don’t be afraid to yell out or call out for help from the locals. They will immediately help you.
Their culture is all about family, safety, and taking care of anyone in need of help or assistance.

[HenryWrideExplores]

I have been in Vietnam for almost 1 month now and I feel that Vietnamese people are among the most genuine I have ever met! It’s always good to be alert wherever you travel though 🙂

[kiemphaday]

Grab is the safest. It like uber with set price and you get to pay driver at the end

[scubajamesindy]

Don't feel bad about talking about this. None of these scams are unique to Vietnam. Charity scams are super common in Paris. Overcharge scams happen in every major city on Earth. And rental car/bike scams are a big issue in a lot of places, especially in Central America. It's always good to have a reminder to be on your toes when travelling.

[jaycho]

Thanks for your local knowledge, thats only second to you being my local tourguide😊😊. Seriously you are helping others with your information of vietnam. Watching your videos also make people fall in love with Vietnam as a beautiful destination.

[medone]

Thank you. I lost over $5, 800 by trusting a tour company that takes Vietnam Veterans to visit battlefield sites (and cities) in Vietnam. My main goal was to visit two sites including one (Phou Nhoi) where 34 of my Marine brothers died. The tour company (they advertised in a military magazine called Vietnam) did not get permits and blamed the Vietnamese military when we were escorted out of the area. It took an investigation by Ambassador Marc Knapper of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi to expose their lie. This Texas-based tour company does not accept negative reviews making it impossible to warn Vietnam Veterans.

[Truth-of-the-matter]

As someone who travelled to Saigon in November of 22' I was a little apprehensive being a solo traveler and arriving closer to midnight. The first taxi I took drive around the airport and then returned back to the airport saying they needed to change drivers; I felt uncomfortable so I returned into the airport and booked a taxi at one of the inside booths. I overpaid for my fair but the driver was nice and took me to my lodging in District 1 without issue and I tipped him as well. Overall after the first few days I was able to relax a little more and I was cautious about using my phone in public or crowded places but never felt like anyone was targeting me. I was often out with locals or other travelers so that gave me a little "peace of mind." Overall I didn't experience many of the scams that were listed but I was vigilant in not wearing anything expensive, only pulling out my phone off of crowded streets or coffee shops and carrying small amounts of cash on me. Like any country the majority of people don't want to harm or take things from you only the few that make a bad impression. My recommendations are to land during the day time (as apparently I was unable to take a Grab unless I was outside of the airport zone), exchange your money near Bin Thanh Market (there is a gold store there) with good exchange rates, don't carry large bills and avoid the tourist traps where predator's might be waiting.

[royschmidt]

Thank you for educating me about these scams ! You are extremely fluent in the English language, and an excellent speaker and communicator ! You have a clear and pleasant voice, and are very lovely ! Peace & Love💕🌸

[stanehering]

Thank you very much for your kind advice!!!!
Here are my 10 bad experiences in just two weeks in Vietnam. Otherwise, I really like Vietnam and Vietnamese people. I really appreciate their history and their courage, that at the end of all the wars, where they suffered a lot, they only secured their independence and freedom.
1. I paid for the taxi at the official window of the taxi kiosk at the airport in Saigon, because I thought that way I would avoid being scammed. However, the taxi, when my luggage was still in his trunk, said that I paid for the taxi service at the airport, and now I have to pay him, otherwise, he would not give me the luggage and he will drive away with it. I didn't have another, I paid.
2. In Saigon, I stayed at the Red Sun Hotel, which has 2 buildings. I stayed in the one where there was no reception and found that my room could only be locked from the outside. It's a strange feeling to sleep with the door unlocked in such a big city.
3. In Saigon, the shoe shiners bothered me the most. I was sitting in front of the bar wearing sneakers, but the cleaner just sat down next to me, grabbed my foot, and started scrubbing the sneakers with a brush. When I protested that I didn't need it because my sneakers were clean, he showed obvious signs of aggression. This happened constantly, every day.
4. I was also disturbed by a masseur on a bicycle who drove up while I was sitting in front of the bar, stepped behind my back, and started massaging my neck without asking. I had to resist quite forcefully for him to stop.
5. The bus for the 7-hour ride had no seats at all, only hammocks, which were much too small for us Europeans, who are bigger than the average Vietnamese, and besides, I had to carry all my luggage on my stomach.
6. Because of my experience with the bus, I rented a private vehicle to the next destination with a driver who was so tired that I had to constantly remind him not to fall asleep behind the wheel. The highway was wide and with very little traffic, but every now and then we came across a big hole in the asphalt. If I hadn't seen her in time, our bike would have hit us, and the car would have gone off the road.
7. In the tourist agency, the employee is Slovenia instead, even though I warned her that Slovakia is a completely different country, and although I clearly showed her in my passport, she insisted and wanted to book me as a citizen of Slovakia. All the while, she laughed in my face very kindly, as if I didn't know where I was from. I went to another travel agency, where they were able to correctly read the name of my home country
8. I went to a bar in the evening. There was Mama San and 4 girls. I paid for 3 drinks each because they were so much fun. The next morning I turned up for coffee at the same bar and one of the girls came up to me and literally ordered me to pay for her drink. When I told her that I only pay for the drink as long as the girl behaved normally, not commandingly, she threw the glass under my bar stool with all her might. I paid for my coffee and left.
9. In Nha Trang, I met a 31-year-old single woman who worked in a family cafe. I was with her in the bar for about an hour. We caught up very nicely in the conversation. Finally, we agreed on dinner, where she also brought her father, which is very unusual for us Europeans. We had dinner and talked, but I never visited her again because she was far too extremely traditional for me.
10. When I decided to return to Bangkok, both the receptionist at the hotel and the taxi driver who took me to the airport were very persuasive that I would not get a free seat, just to keep me in Nha Trang. I got the seat and happily returned to Thailand where I lived for about 2 years.

[House-of-Ing]

Thanks Van! I enjoy your channel and all the tips. I leave for HCMC in Feb. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the scams you mentioned.

[craigst]

I'd like to mention the opposite experience I had in Hanoi last year, where I found a fantastic place selling Bun Cha. The price was insanely low (even with a beer). I tried very hard to offer a tip, and it took about 5 people to confirm that they were allowed to take it. Went back a few days later and went through the exact same process!

[truckn]

I hate to admit it but we got scammed by the coconut guy in Ho Chi Minh on our very 1st Vietnam visit. Just so you all know this guy would not take no for an answer. He wouldn't stop following us until we carried his goods on that bamboo pole with a basket on each end, If there is a name for that please tell me. Anyway he was selling coconut first he let us carry and take pictures then he cut 2 coconuts and we paid through the nose. So like the lady says, if you want a coconut ask the price, pay the price then walk on. I still love Vietnam, we are going back in FEB 2024 this will be our 4th time. FYI we only got scammed that 1 time. Thanks for the refresher.

[smosabi]

Yes, trust no one and always ask for the price first. A taxi driver befriended us on the first day at a hotel in Da Nang. For the next couple of days, we hired him for personal trips and tours. He took us to his extended family seafood restaurant and because we trusted him, we let our guard down and forgot to ask for the price first for the dishes. Boy, did we paid for out mistake....

[BlueSkies]

The craziest scam I just learned was someone booking a hotel on Booking and upon arrival at night realizing the hotel does not exist.

[thomasmundell]

I know Van is uncomfortable referring to these negative situations and scams. But she wants all of us to be aware of not only the fantastic aspects of Vietnam, but she is also very concerned for your safety and enjoyment while visiting her wonderful country.

[brianblamberg]

When I applied for mine through the Vietnam embassy in Washington DC, I made the same mistake. The next day I was notified and made the corrections and 5 days later I had my visa and didn't spend an extra penny. 😊

[Rex-ot]

I am an American man. I have been to Vietnam nine times; All of HCMC, Ben Tre, Da Lat, Da Nang, Ha Long, Ha Noi, Sa Pa and Mong Cai. I miss VN very much. It became my home.

[reinokarvinen]

a tall aussie girl tried to get a taxi and a small old guy on a motorbike gave her a ride to her destination. he probably got more than expected and gave her a hug. she said it was a long time ago she had such a good hug

[Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. I'm retired and really looking to retire somewhere in Southeast Asia. Great editing. 10% dark side, 90% light side... Anywhere. Thank you again.

[WhoKnowsWhy]

There must be a lot of scams in Vietnam now, because Van is even making a video now. When out walking, never bring passport, or wallet. Leave in your room safe. Only bring the equivalent of $30. Don't be stupid while taking photos with your phone. Keep it in a zipped front pocket while not in use. If alone look angry and Say no loudly if approached. Try not to use your debit or credit card too much. They scam you that way also. Oh and btw. Van is very beautiful ❤❤