Common Tourist Scams in Vietnam & How to Avoid

Visit the most popular Asian tourist destination - Vietnam. With legendary cuisine, pristine islands rich history, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities, you must witness this charming country's beauty. Vietnam offers a lot to explore and experience, yet there are still some people who will try to scam innocent tourists just to earn a quick buck.

Many tourist hubs in Vietnam are prone to scammers. To keep you alert and to safeguard your belongings and finances, we’ve listed details of a few common tourist scams that could happen in Vietnam.

1. Street beggars in Vietnam

Although not a scam, you will find many people and children begging or pushing an item to buy on you. These people do need help but donating money or buying the items might not be the best solution as most of them are exploited. 

A better solution would be to donate money or necessary items to reputed organizations that work towards uplifting poverty-struck people. You can also volunteer at such organizations. 

Common around: Big cities and touristy areas like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

2. Petty crimes

Vietnam is ranked one of the safest countries in the world for tourists; regardless pickpocketing, snatching or similar petty crimes can occur no matter where you are. Don't leave your valuables or bags loosely anywhere, you can keep them safe in your hotel room. 

Some children in the streets of Vietnam are adorable but sneaky. They're able to lift wallets, cameras, and passports without effort. You will also find people attempting the drive-by snatch. While talking to one, keep an eye on the other.

Common around: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

3. Hotel scams

Hotel scams in Vietnam are one of the oldest and most common, especially in Hanoi. A popular hotel can have other rip-offs trying to steal their business. In such cases, taxi drivers in the city will try convincing you that the hotel you booked is full or has shut down and that they can take you to a different hotel. 

These might be friends' or family-run associations and the drivers get a commission for their efforts. To avoid this scam, always double-check the address of your hotel while you are booking. 

Insist on being taken to the hotel if your taxi driver informs you that it is full or closed. Confirm the rates and payment upon arrival to avoid being overcharged during checkout.

Common around: Hanoi.

4. Tour scams

When booking your trip, you might choose to go through a travel agent or independent operator. Some of them might scam you by either being a fake website, engaging in false marketing or quoting higher than normal prices. The scam isn’t only around tour companies but can be found around hotel and restaurant businesses as well. 

Be aware when booking anything in Vietnam related to tourism and always use reliable and recognized booking platforms. You must also read the reviews of the place/company you want to book to get a better understanding of the services.

5. Motorcycle scams

Renting a motorcycle is another easy way to travel across the city when you are in a new country. One scam associated with this is owners issuing damaged bikes and then asking you to pay high amounts for the damages. In places like Mui Ne and Nha Trang, the police can impound your bike and charge you extortionate amounts to get it back. 

To avoid falling for this scam, always test drive the bike before making a final payment. Do not leave your original passport as security. Always use your own lock and ensure that you have a Vietnamese driving permit.

Common around: Mui Ne and Nha Trang

6. Fake Garments and Fabric scams

Shopping when you're abroad helps you understand the kind of fashion in that city/country. Shops in Hoi An and Saigon are famous for their handmade leather – especially bags, belts and shoes. The examples on display are usually real. But, when you are being sold an item at a local shop, it is possible that it turns out to be fake! 

Check the quality of your item before making a final purchase and you can also browse through stores rather than falling into pressure and regretting your purchase.

Common around: Hoi An and Saigon.

7. Money Switching scam

Money switching is when a higher denomination note is switched with a similar-looking lower denomination note. This scam is common among motorbike rentals or taxi drivers and is prominent throughout Vietnam. They use a sleight of hand to switch money for a smaller denomination. 

Mostly, a 500,000 VND note is switched for a 20,000 VND note since they’re both blue. The person might also try to create a scene by accusing you of trying to rip them off and demanding more money. The best way to avoid this scam is by paying with small bills or paying the exact amount. You can exchange larger notes at convenience stores, restaurants, or other reputable businesses.

Common around: Prominent throughout Vietnam.

8. Photograph scams

Many tourists are more prone to these scams, where they take a picture of a local fruit seller and then are demanded to pay a remuneration amount. Being asked for money when you take someone’s picture is common throughout Asia. 

In Vietnam, a photograph scam is most common in Hanoi. So, before you take someone's picture, always ask for permission. That way you can be sure that, if someone does want payment for that Instagrammable snap, you know in advance exactly how much, and won’t risk an unpleasant confrontation.

Common around: Hanoi.

9. Transport-related scams

There are many scams related to tuk-tuk drivers, taxi drivers, fake train tickets, etc. Most of these scams pertain to being overcharged or taken to a wrong destination and then being charged exorbitant prices. Drivers also work in collaboration with some shop or hotel owners to bring in tourists and they get a commission for the same. 

Fake train tickets are sold by touts at the station or via online websites. The best way to avoid this scam is by using official websites to find information about train travel in Vietnam and buy your tickets online. 

Whenever you travel, always agree on a fare and destination before starting your journey. Check that the tuk-tuk has a meter and go by the meter. 

Common around: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hue and Danang.

10. Cyclo-scams

Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh offer their tourists with an adventurous ride around the city on three-wheel bicycles called Cyclos. The cyclo driver takes you around the city to different attractions and offers to wait while you sightsee. At the end of your trip, you will be asked to pay for his "waiting time" which is at least 500,000 VND/hour (or USD 25). 

To avoid paying such a hefty amount, you must always confirm the price before getting into a cyclo. If you do want to sightsee through a cyclo/rickshaw, you can also book a tour through a reputable tour company and avoid haggling.

Common around: Hanoi and Ho Ci Minh.

11. Concert Ticket scams

Going to concerts and shows abroad is a thrilling experience. When booking your tickets for the same, always go through a verified platform to avoid ticket frauds. This scam is particularly common at concert venues in Hanoi. 

While you’re queuing up to buy a ticket for a show you are informed that all the cheaper seats are sold out and that you must buy a much more expensive alternative. Always request that the ticket seller double-check. If that doesn't work, you can always ask a local for help in purchasing your ticket.

Common around: Concert venues in Hanoi.

12. Shoe Shining scams

You will suddenly find a local take great interest in your shoes and try to shine them for you. Some tourists fall under this pressure and give in for a shoeshine. Once the shine is complete, they will demand a price that is 10x more than what you would have expected. 

They might also try to take your shoes off before cleaning or repairing them, or even sell a new pair of shoes and charge you high prices for their service. 

The best way to avoid this is by not stopping when someone approaches you about your shoes. Unless you desperately need a shine or repair, you must keep on walking to avoid getting scammed.

Common around: Hanoi.

13. Sim Card scam

It's easier to set your sim card plan when you are roaming or travelling internationally. An alternative is to buy a sim card in a foreign country. In Vietnam, you can do the same easily with plenty of stores in almost every corner selling sim cards with no requirement for personal information. 

The catch here is, once these cards are bought at cheap deals, your data plan might already be days old or not what you paid for. 

Common around: Areas around Danang and shops located near entry points such as airports, railway stations, etc.

14. Drug scams

Cannabis is illegal in Vietnam and the country has very strict laws about substance abuse. Yet you will find locals, especially motorbike drivers offering to sell you a packet of marijuana or weed. Many tourists usually buy from drivers around hostels and bars. 

They scam you by letting you smell a real bag of marijuana and after you pay, they switch the bag with tea or give you poor quality for a high price. Many people also get busted by the police once you buy the pack. These drivers sometimes work in commission with the police and you are made to pay a huge amount as a bribe. 

The best way to avoid this scam is to not accept or consume illegal substances in Vietnam.

Common around: Hue, Mui Ne, and other places.

15. Restaurant and Bar scams

Cuisines of a foreign country give you a small insight into the lifestyle of the local people. One of the scams revolving around food in Vietnam is the absence of clear pricing on the menu cards. A lot of restaurants and bars tend to abbreviate the price and mention them in dollars instead of Vietnamese dong. 

You can also be charged for a bowl of peanuts that are constantly replenished when you order a beer. Restaurants in Hanoi and Nha Trang charge tourists higher prices than what you would find in local restaurants.

Common around: Hanoi and Nha Trang.

There’s no saying when or where you might get caught up in a scam. So, some tips to keep in mind to avoid being scammed in Vietnam are:

• Having a good, comprehensive Travel Insurance plan can help you if you are in a financial fix. International Travel insurance to Vietnam not only comes with medical benefits, but also loss of passports, baggage delays, stolen wallets, financial emergency cash, and a lot more! You can read about the different coverages in Travel Insurance here.
• Always inspect your goods after purchasing them to avoid them being switched for cheaper versions. 
• Confirm what currency the price is in before you order items/food.
• In case of pickpocketing and motorbike bag snatching, let your bag go. Injuries can occur when travellers attempt to hold onto their bags.
• When availing yourself of a taxi, only use Mailinh and Vinasun taxis. You should be able to recognize them by their colours and logos.
• When making any official purchase in Vietnam, always check if the site is legit. Don't forget to read the reviews to get a better understanding of the services offered.
• If someone persistently pursues you on the street, be firm and say no if you are not interested. Many people disguise themselves and attempt to scam you.

Below are some important resource contacts you must save on your device when you are in Vietnam.

• Police: 113

• Fire and rescue: 114

• Ambulance: 115

• Emergency rescue: 112

• Indian Embassy in Vietnam: 84-24- 38244989/90

An important thing to remember when going on your trip to Vietnam is that not everyone is trying to scam you. The purpose of your trip is to travel, learn, enjoy, relax and have fun. Getting too cynical can ruin your trip. You must be aware and alert of your surroundings and belongings, but also let yourself free to take in the vibrance of this country.