Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Vietnam is an incredible destination to explore. However, it’s essential to be aware of common travel scams that can spoil your experience. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most notorious scams and provide you with practical tips to avoid falling victim to them. So, let’s dive in!
Taxi Tricks
Scam Scenario:
Illegal taxi drivers in Vietnam have mastered the art of deception, especially when it comes to targeting foreigners. From using modified meters to taking longer routes, these unscrupulous drivers are experts at increasing the fare. Some drivers even offer recommendations to gain your trust, only to demand hefty tips later.
How to Avoid:
To steer clear of taxi scams, opt for trustworthy taxi brands like Mai Linh (the Green Taxi), Vinasun, or Taxi Group. If you’re unsure, ask a receptionist at your hotel for assistance.
Xe Om Tricks
Scam Scenario:
Taking a motorcycle-taxi trip, known as xe om, can be quite an adventure in Vietnam. However, be cautious as not all drivers are honest. One common scam involves offering a lower initial fare and then demanding a much higher fee after the trip. Some drivers may even take you to uncommon places and threaten you to extort money and belongings.
How to Avoid:
To protect yourself, trust your instincts and avoid dubious motorcycle-taxi services, especially when traveling alone or late at night.
Hotels
Scam Scenario:
Some local hotels in Vietnam employ cunning strategies to trap unsuspecting tourists. They advertise under attractive names and hire websites to write positive reviews, creating a fake reputation. They may offer lower room rates but then claim the cheaper rooms are full and force you to pay more for deluxe accommodations. Upon checkout, they add unreasonable fees to your bill or even double the price.
How to Avoid:
Book your accommodations in advance through trusted booking sites and bring the confirmation email or voucher with you. Don’t hesitate to spend a little extra at reputable hotels to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Traps at Airport
Scam Scenario:
In some cases, taxi drivers and hotels collaborate to deceive tourists, making it difficult to discern until it’s time to pay. Taxi drivers at the airport pay attention to the tourism companies’ tables, using the information to pose as legitimate transportation. They may take you to “evil” hotels that they work for, even if you have already chosen a different hotel. The fake receptionists of the selected hotel will apologize for the hotel being full and invite you to their “branch,” which is the “evil” hotel.
How to Avoid:
Arrange for a pick-up service from your hotel whenever possible. If you hail a taxi at the airport, call your hotel along the way and let them speak to the driver to ensure you’re headed in the right direction. Familiarize yourself with transportation options beforehand.
Long Haul Bus
Scam Scenario:
Buses on long trips, particularly in small towns of southern Vietnam, can be nightmarish. Arrogant assistants may force you onto their overloaded buses by going around bus stations. They might then sell you to another bus, which will demand additional fares. Refusing to pay can result in serious confrontations.
How to Avoid:
Stick to trusted bus brands like Hoang Long, Mai Linh, and Phuong Trang, which offer reliable services at reasonable prices. Alternatively, consider booking an open tour bus, where fellow travelers are foreign tourists like yourself.
Karaoke
Scam Scenario:
Karaoke, a popular entertainment form in Vietnam, has its dark side. Some karaoke restaurants entice single male tourists by hiring motorcycle-taxi drivers, cyclo-drivers, or taxi drivers to lead them to the establishments. They promise beautiful women to chat with, but if tourists agree, they will ask for money to book a room and then disappear. Afterward, the restaurant presents an exorbitant bill, including made-up fees for food, beer, and safety fees for the police.
How to Avoid:
Avoid seeking any kind of prostitution service, as it is illegal in Vietnam. If you do visit a karaoke bar, always be accompanied by a group of Vietnamese friends.
Street Vendors
Scam Scenario:
Street vendors in Vietnam may initially appear friendly, but some can cause trouble. They often invite tourists to take photographs with their products and then coerce them into buying or tipping. Vendor children may pretend to be disabled or orphans to elicit sympathy and money. Beggars and other distractions can also be persistent, making it hard to refuse their offerings.
How to Avoid:
Politely decline their offers with a firm “No” and continue walking. In certain situations, simply ignore them and walk away. Familiarize yourself with our guide to street vendors in Hanoi and discover safe places to explore.
Restaurants
Scam Scenario:
While Vietnam boasts numerous excellent restaurants, there are some establishments solely driven by profit. These shady restaurants often fail to list prices on their menus, welcoming guests warmly at first to gain their trust. When the meal ends, outrageously high bills are presented, far surpassing the quality of the food and market prices. Some restaurants even demand payment in a different currency with a higher exchange rate.
How to Avoid:
Seek recommendations from trusted sources when choosing a restaurant. Share your experiences, helping us identify establishments that should be blacklisted for their scam practices.
Photographers
Scam Scenario:
Beware of street photographers who approach small groups of tourists, particularly seniors, teenagers, or women. They may offer to take photos for a low price and promise quick delivery. However, they often take more photos than requested, claiming your poses were amazing and offering a discounted rate. After collecting payment and your address, they never deliver the photos.
How to Avoid:
Carry your own camera and ask friendly-looking people nearby to take photos for you. You can have your pictures developed in Vietnam at a low cost, ensuring you receive your memories safely.
“Prison” Restaurants
Scam Scenario:
Although rare, “prison” restaurants are a terrifying scam in Vietnam. These establishments, located on highways, bus stop stations, or between towns, collaborate with nightmare buses to trap tourists. Once inside, the doors are locked, and exorbitantly priced food is forced upon you. Refusal can result in physical confrontations, as the restaurant employs bodyguards with weapons.
How to Avoid:
This scam is not prevalent among foreign tourists. To eliminate any chance of falling into this trap, choose reputable and trusted bus services.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Vietnam. Remember, always prioritize your safety and be aware of your surroundings. Bon voyage!