Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them - Warning: Vietnam Travel Scams

Traveling is a wonderful experience, but to have a complete and safe trip, it's essential to be prepared. Below are some common tourist scams and Vietnam travel tips to help you avoid them.

1. "Xe Ôm" (Motorbike Taxi) and "Xích Lô" (Cyclo) Scams

This is one of the oldest and most common types of tourist scams, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

• The Scam: A "xe ôm" or "xích lô" driver may initially offer you a very cheap price. After a short distance, they will demand a price many times higher than the original agreement, or claim that you misunderstood. In some cases, they might take you to a specific shop or restaurant that you didn't intend to visit to receive a commission.

• Advice:

  • Always agree on a clear and firm price before getting on the vehicle. It's best to write it down or use gestures to confirm.

  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM for a fixed price and clear driver information.

  • If you want to experience a "xích lô," choose a reputable driver with a uniform or from a licensed tour company.

2. Price Gouging Scams - One of the most common scams in Vietnam

This scam often occurs in famous tourist areas, where you may be charged an unusually high price for an item or service.

• The Scam: Restaurants, street food vendors, or souvenir shops may not list their prices or may initially offer a very low price. After you've used the service or finished your meal, they will present a ridiculously expensive bill. For example, street vendors selling fruit might offer a very low price to entice you, but then charge you a much higher price when it's time to pay.

• Advice:

  • Always check the menu for clearly listed prices before ordering. If there isn't one, ask for the price and confirm it.

  • Avoid buying from places without a price list.

  • Check reviews on travel apps like TripAdvisor and Google Maps before deciding where to eat.

3. Street Vendor Scams

Street vendors can be very persistent and may approach you anywhere.

• The Scam: They may place an item in your hand and say it's a "gift," but immediately demand payment. Some might "accidentally" drop your item and demand compensation at a high price. A common example is women selling small round fried cakes from a child's stroller. They might be very enthusiastic in their offers, and once you accept, they will demand a significant amount of money.

• Advice:

  • Learn to politely but firmly say "No, thank you."

  • Do not accept anything from a stranger unless you are certain.

  • Walk quickly through areas with many street vendors if you have no intention of buying anything.

4. Taxi Scams - Hanoi, Saigon Travel Scams

Scam taxis are a convenient way to get around, but they can also be risky.

• The Scam: Taxi drivers may use a tampered meter that runs faster than normal, or they may take a longer route to increase the fare.

• Advice:

  • Only use large and reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun. Although these companies are less likely to overcharge, you should still be cautious as there have been complaints about driver attitudes or vehicle cleanliness.

  • Follow your route on Google Maps or another map app to ensure the driver is not taking a detour.

  • The best option is to use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM for clear fares and routes, which helps avoid these risks.

5. Shoeshine Scams

This scam is common in city centers and near tourist attractions.

• The Scam: A shoeshine person may proactively approach you, quickly take your shoe, and begin shining it without your consent. Afterward, they will demand an exorbitant price.

• Advice:

  • Say "No, thank you" firmly from the beginning.

  • If your shoe is accidentally taken, demand it back immediately and make it clear you did not request the service.

  • If you need a shoeshine, find a reputable shop.

6. Disguised Prostitution and Blackmail Scams

This is an extremely dangerous scam targeting male tourists.

• The Scam: Some individuals will hold pictures of scantily clad women to lure you into getting a massage or other sensitive services. When you agree to go with them, they will take you to a bogus establishment, where you may be held by gangsters and blackmailed for a large sum of money to be released.

• Advice:

  • Absolutely do not follow strangers who are enticing you with sensitive services.

  • Research and only go to reputable, licensed massage and spa establishments with good community reviews.

  • Be wary of attractive, unusually cheap offers on the street or from people who are not official employees of an establishment.

7. Helpful Advice from Hanoi Stay With Us Homestays

To have a safe and well-supported trip, avoid common scams in Vietnam, you should consider staying at reputable homestays. Hanoi Stay With Us is a trustworthy option. When you stay there, you will receive plenty of useful advice from their friendly team.

• Advice and Support: The host Vincent and his team are always ready to answer any questions you have about travel, food, and culture.

• Protection in Case of an Incident: If you unfortunately encounter a scam, you can immediately contact the host Vincent for support and protection. Having a trustworthy local by your side will help you handle the situation effectively and safely.