It is extremely important to research the security and scams in a country before you travel there. Ultimately, this will allow you to have an easier and stress free time when exploring in the field. It’s something I’ve always done, and that I also recommend. As explained above, Vietnam is a safe country for the majority of travelers. However, you are a tourist, and therefore a source of potential income, so you have to be aware of this on a daily basis. Like any country, you are bound to run into a few locals trying to get ahead with scams. These scams are more in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, but can also happen in other places like Da Nang.

Before your trip to Vietnam, take the time to read common scams and familiarize yourself with local customs and prices. Being well informed will help you spot potential scams and make informed decisions during your travels. In this article different scams are introduced. To avoid falling for fake tour agencies and guides, seek recommendations from fellow travelers or do thorough research before booking. Opting for reputable and licensed operators ensures a higher chance of a genuine and enjoyable experience. Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. Use locks on your bags, avoid flashing expensive items, and consider using a money belt to store your passport, cash, and other important documents.

While scams can happen anywhere, being aware and prepared can significantly reduce your risk. By staying calm, seeking assistance from authorities, and documenting evidence, you can effectively deal with scams if you become a victim. Understanding the local laws, reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, and seeking advice from experienced travelers and locals are also crucial steps to ensure a safe and authentic travel experience in Vietnam.

The passionate cobbler

A local man sits in a market. You are walking through the streets when a man stops you on the sidewalk. He shows your shoes and tries to tell you something but you don’t understand. The man lifts your foot, takes your shoe off, and before you know it, you’re handed a repair bill for your shoes. The Passionate Cobbler is a common scam. They pull you over, try to find a fault with your shoes, then charge the cost to fix it.

The dodgy taxi

Taxis that do not follow the rules are so common throughout South East Asia that they have become the most common scam. It’s often not very bad, but you can pay more. Expect to negotiate prices as they may not be sure to run the machine with the rate per kilometer. Although taxi licenses are not well regulated, there are still some signs you should look out for before getting into a taxi. It’s taxis that aren’t really taxis. Vietnamese people pride themselves on providing professional services and they will dress accordingly. If your taxi driver is not wearing a shirt, tie and pants, chances are he is not a licensed taxi driver. So you can with a local person offer to drop you off somewhere. Likewise, some taxis will paint their cars to look like licensed taxis.

The squeaky donut

Street food is everywhere in Vietnam, but there are a few street snacks you should be wary of. Occasionally you will pass street vendors carrying plastic bags with donuts. They will stop and ask if you want to try one for free and if you taste one the vendor will gently nudge you into buying a small bag of donuts. On the surface, it might seem simple enough, after all, who doesn’t want a bag of crispy donuts. The problem is that the oil used to fry these donuts is not regulated. You don’t know where the oil came from and it can remain unchanged for days at a time, which means your donuts may have been baked in unsanitary conditions.

The motorcycle tour

It comes close to taxis which are not taxis. While walking down the street, a motorcyclist may slow down and practice some chatter asking you questions. Eventually he will ask you where you are going and offer you a ride for some money. If you accept and board, then they will charge you a higher price once you arrive at your destination. The motorbike scam can also be an invitation to see the rice fields just outside the city, or a guided city tour.

The porter

The porter is a common character for scams. If you’re getting ready for an overnight train or just loading up your taxi to the airport, you might encounter some. They will show up unexpectedly and pick up your bag, carry it to your car and put it away for you. Meanwhile, you stand there wondering what just happened. As the porter sees, he has just provided you with a service and should be tipped. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to watch your luggage closely around the platforms and ask the station staff or taxi driver to help you lift your luggage.

The fruit seller

A man sells pineapples in Vietnam. It’s less of a scam and more of an inconvenience. In major cities in Vietnam, you will find fruit vendors walking around with long bamboo poles on their backs. On the ends of this pole, there will be a tray laden with local fruits, such as pineapples, rambutan, custard apples and mangosteen. If you buy fruit from a fruit vendor, just be careful not to get overcharged. The real problem comes when they try to sell you a photo opportunity. It can be a breeze with them, or one of you carrying their bamboo pole, but they’ll usually try to charge you once you’ve taken the shot.