How to Spot & Avoid the Most Common Tourist Scams in Vietnam
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Planning a trip to Vietnam? Great! It’s awesome, and you absolutely should visit. But, just like any popular travel destination, you’ll need to watch out for tourist scams.
Tourist scams are annoying. You have to think about someone trying to overcharge you or trick you when you just want to enjoy your vacation.
I’ve lived here in Vietnam for over seven years and I’ve seen all the scams. I’ve been duped by “travel agencies”. I have been given the wrong change. My restaurant bill has been padded. And taxi drivers have tried to charge me absurd amounts. Experiences like those are exactly why I want to share what I’ve learned.
This guide will give you a local expat’s advice on how to spot and avoid the most common scams in Vietnam.
Let’s dive in and get you ready to explore Vietnam worry-free.
TLDR; Top 10 Most Common Tourist Scams in Vietnam
Not interested in reading all of the details on the many potential tourist scams in Vietnam? Here is a quick list on 10 common scams you might run into:
1. Overpriced Tours: Some tour operators will charge high prices for experiences you could arrange yourself at a fraction of the cost. Doing a bit of research and comparing prices can help you find better deals.
2. Street Vendors and Shops Near Major Tourist Attractions: While shopping, you will find inflated prices in areas popular with tourists. It’s always a good idea to explore a bit further away for more reasonable prices and to practice your haggling skills.
3. Taxi Scams: Taxi drivers might take longer routes or manipulate the meter to overcharge you. Going for reputable taxi companies or using ride-hailing apps like Grab can help you avoid this.
4. Sim Card Scams: Buying a SIM card is necessary for staying connected, but some vendors sell them at high prices or with less data than promised. Purchase your SIM card from official stores, at the airport, or from an esim company like Airlao for transparent deals.
5. Currency Confusion: Some vendors might take advantage of the similarity between money. The 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND look quite similar, but there is a big difference between $0.80 and $20! Also the 10,000 VND and 100,000 VND are sometimes confusing
Familiarizing yourself with the local currency and always taking a moment to double-check your change can help prevent this.
6. Padded Bills in Restaurants and Bars: It’s not uncommon for some restaurants to add extra items to your bill or inflate prices, banking on the chance that you won’t notice. Always review your bill carefully before paying.
7. Aggressive Street Sellers: In tourist-heavy areas, some street sellers can be quite persistent or use guilt tactics to make a sale. While it’s understandable to want to support local businesses, it’s also okay to politely decline if you’re not interested.
8. Motorbike Rental Scams: Renting a motorbike is a fantastic way to explore Vietnam, but be wary of rental scams. Issues range from inflated repair charges for minor scratches that may have already been there to demands for excessive compensation for “lost” bikes. Rent from reputable agencies, inspect the bike thoroughly before renting, and take photos as proof of its initial condition
9. Shoe Shiners: In the shoe shining scam in Vietnam, a shoe shiner might approach you on the street, pointing out an issue with your shoes and start to clean them without your consent. After a quick and unsolicited service, they demand an unexpectedly high fee. To avoid this, politely decline any unsolicited shoe shining offers.
I know lots of people that use the shoe shiners! Just agree on a price beforehand, and watch them. If you start to see them unsoling your shoe and putting new ones on … you’re about to get charged for service you likely didn’t want!
10. Fruit Ladies: In this common scam, women carrying baskets of fruit on a yoke approach you, offering to let you try carrying the basket or insisting on taking a photo. Once the photo is taken or after you’ve briefly held the basket, they demand payment for the fruit or the photo opportunity. Of course you want a photo shoot with a cool fruit carrying basket! Then they will demand money or make you buy overpriced fruit. Honestly, not that big of a deal, and you can typically negotiate them down. If you want this picture – great! Just tell them ahead of time how much you will pay. Or buy some fruit then take the picture.
Tourist Scams in Vietnam
When you’re exploring Vietnam, there are a few scams you will absolutely run into as a tourist. The first piece of advice I can give you is just accept the fact that someone, somewhere is going to try and get some extra money out of you.
If you have traveled anywhere else in the world, you know this is not unique to Vietnam. But having it in your mind that you may get taken advantage of, can help.
The most frequent tourist traps travelers face here are:
- Taxi Scams
- Change not being correct
- Overcharged on Small items
Some scams are so minor, literally making an extra $1 off you. You need to decide if it is worth fighting over. Sometimes, out of principle, it is! Other times, it is good to just “let it go”. Jump to this section for some other tips on how to deal with tourist scams.
Let’s break down these common scams to help you stay one step ahead.
Taxi Scams
One of the most popular scams you might find in Vietnam involves taxis. Not all taxi drivers are out to get you, but it’s important to be aware of the common tricks used by the less honorable ones.
Common Scam: Non-Legitimate Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers may approach you (typically at the airport or in a very heavily touristed area) and say something like….
“Cancel your Grab, I can take you for the same amount.”
While it might seem convenient, this is often a setup for a scam where the driver might not take you where you want to go. They will drive you around on a longer route and then demand a higher fee.
How to Avoid it: You will find these taxi scams most commonly at the HCMC and Hanoi Airport. Avoid them by walking straight to the official taxi line, or call a Grab.
Common Scam: Non-Working Meters
If it is a legitimate taxi company, there should be a meter. Sometimes drivers will say the meter is broken and demand a flat rate up front that is significantly higher than it should be. You might also face situations where the meter runs too fast (I’ve never actually experienced this before)
How to Avoid it: Make sure the meter is working. If a driver insists on a flat rate, I will do two things. First, I will scoff and say “Dat Qua” which means “expensive”. I will also pull out my phone and the grab app and show them how much the grab fare is. If they don’t match it (or come close), just walk away.
To avoid dodgy taxis, stick with reputable companies. Mai Linh is one of the most reliable options available across Vietnam. They are known for their green taxis. Taxi Group is another company you can trust.
Market and Vendor Scams
Exploring the local markets and trying street food are must-do activities in Vietnam, but they also come with their own set of risks.
Common Scam: High Prices
One typical scam involves vendors charging majorly inflated prices to tourists who may not be familiar with the local cost of goods. For example, a fruit seller might quote a price that’s double or even triple what a local would pay. In some cases, the prices might seem small by international standards, but it’s the principle of being overcharged that can ruin your experience.
How to Avoid It: You can’t really. But you can go with the flow and try to negotiate with them. Oftentimes I will just laugh and say no way! Then they will laugh because they know how absurd the OG price offer was.
Common Scam: Fake Items
Fake items are another concern, particularly in markets selling souvenirs and branded goods. It’s easy to be tempted by low prices for what appear to be high-quality products. However, these items are often imitations and not worth the asking price.
How to Avoid It: Do research on the price of items before you go shopping, so you know what you are working with. Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to bargain.
Currency and Payment Scams
Currency and payment scams are another area where tourists can easily get ripped off in Vietnam. The Vietnamese Dong is the official currency of Vietnam. Make sure you are familiar with the notes!
Common Scam: Incorrect Change
The 20,000 and 500,000 dong notes are both blue and can be easily confused if you’re not careful. This mix-up can be costly.
20,000VND = $0.80 and 500,000VND = $20.
Sometimes vendors will not give correct change hoping that you aren’t paying attention or don’t know the money well enough.
How to Avoid it: Pay attention! Really look at your bills before you pay for something, and know how much change you are supposed to get back.
Common Scam: Padded Bills in Restaurants
It’s not uncommon for some establishments to add extra items to your bill or inflate prices, banking on the chance that tourists you won’t notice.
How to Avoid it: Always review your bill carefully before paying.
Katie Story → Very recently, I ate breakfast at pho restaurant in the Old Quarter. It is a popular tourist pho spot. I knew exactly what I ordered and how much it should have cost. Yet when I went to pay, they tried to charge me an additional 100k (this is only $4 and in the grand scheme of things is a very small amount). I looked at the menu and added up the cost of things on my calculator, and they said “Oh, sorry sorry! Mistake!”. It very well could have been a mistake, but if I wasn’t paying attention they would have gotten away with charging me extra!
Common Scam: Exchange Rates
When it comes to the exchange rate, be wary of changing money at unofficial venues that promise significantly better rates. These places might manipulate calculations or hand back less cash than owed.
How to Avoid It: Always use authorized money changers or banks for currency exchange to make sure you receive the correct amount at a fair rate. Also, I just recommend taking money straight out of the atm, and not have to worry about exchanging money in the first place!
Common Scam: Credit Card Scams
Credit card scams can also happen, particularly in smaller shops or less reputable establishments. Skimming devices can be used to copy your card details for fraudulent purposes.
How to Avoid it: Honestly, it’s best to use cash in smaller places and save your credit card for use in larger, well-established businesses that you trust.
Accommodation Scams
You will likely find throughout Vietnam that most hotels and hostels offer great service and genuine hospitality. However, there are a few accommodation scams you should be aware of. I will say that I have never had a legitimate issue with being scammed at a hotel in Vietnam
Common Scam: Overcharging
Overcharging can happen at the time of check-out when unexpected fees are added to your bill. These could be for services you thought were complimentary or for items you never used.
How to Avoid it: Review your bill carefully and clarify the charges with hotel staff. Always ask for a breakdown of your bill when you check in, so you know exactly what to expect when it’s time to pay.
Common Scam: Fake Fees
Fake fees are another trick to watch out for. Some less honest hotels might claim you need to pay extra fees for standard services or invent charges for nonexistent damages to the room.
How to Avoid It: To avoid these situations, take photos of your room when you arrive and when you leave, showing the condition of the space.
Common Scam: Security Issues
Security of personal belongings is also a concern. Not all accommodations offer safe, secure storage for your valuables, and it’s not uncommon for items to go missing.
How to Avoid it: Whenever possible, use a safety deposit box or bring your own lock to secure your luggage. Also, just use common sense and don’t leave valuables unattended in your room, especially not in plain sight.
Common Scam: Hotel Not Represented Accurately
Sometimes you may get to a hotel/hostel and see that the reviews/score do not live up to what you thought it was going to be. Sometimes hotels will get travelers to leave positive reviews in exchange for money off their bill.
How to Avoid it: Stay in hotels that have at least 100 reviewers. Take note, if the reviews are all 10/10, there is likely something fishy going on.
Katie Story → The only time I have ever been “scammed” at a hotel was through a review scam. When I booked the hotel it had over 1000 near perfect reviews. I was like “I need to see this to believe it. It must be an incredible hotel!”. When I got there, the hotel was very nice and clean and mostly what it was advertised. But over 1000 10/10 reviews…no way. Then I learned why when I checked out. They asked me to leave a review and what my score would be. I said I would likely give them a 9/10, it was great, but some things could be better. They then asked me to change my review score to a 10/10 and they would give be 200,000VND back! I said no thanks and left the review I wanted to leave!
Transportation Scams
Getting around in Vietnam can be as fun or as difficult as you want it it be. You can drive yourself on motorbike rental, hire a personal driver, or take public transportation everywhere. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, knowing the common scams can save you both time and money.
Cyclo Rides
Cyclos, or bicycle rickshaws, are a cute little way to see the cities of Vietnam. Know that they are specifically for tourists – locals do not typically hop in a cyclo as a way to get around. So that means cyclo drivers are specifically on the hunt for tourists to make money.
That is fine! It is their job!
But some may take advantage of you by taking unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare OR quote you a super high price. Before you hop in, agree on a route/amount of time and negotiate a fixed price to avoid any unexpected charges at the end of your ride.
Motorbike Rentals
Renting a motorbike can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it comes with its own set of risks.
First of all, I don’t recommend renting a motorbike in Vietnam and driving for the first time. If it is your first time on a motorbike, spend some time learning in more open and less crowded places. Da Nang is a good place to start practicing.
Second of all, if you are driving a motorbike around Vietnam make sure you have travel insurance. I cannot stress this enough. I see too many accidents for you to be on a motorbike and not covered. Read my article about what travel insurance is best for you.
Now that that is out of the way, here is what you might need to pay attention to if you are renting a motorbike in Vietnam:
Some rental agencies might provide bikes with mechanical problems, then hold you responsible for repairs when you return them. Just like with renting a car in other parts of the world, take pictures of the bike beforehand. And if something is wrong, contact the company ASAP.
Some companies may say that you need a Vietnamese driving permit, and use this as leverage to collect fines or fees. This is not the case. If you’re renting from a legit company, they should provide you with a waiver and contract to sign, give you a helmet, and not add on any additional fees.
Ticketing Scams
You may find yourself caught in a ticketing scam. I have only ever heard of these, and haven’t actually seen them. Basically, people may try to sell you fake or overpriced tickets.
Train and Bus Tickets
Fake train tickets or bus tickets sold at significantly inflated prices may be something you experience. Sometimes, ticket sellers outside stations offer what seems like a convenient service, but these tickets may turn out to be invalid. It’s best to purchase your tickets directly from the official ticket counters or through reputable online platforms. Be wary of anyone selling tickets for “cheaper” seats as these might be for lower-quality services or completely bogus.
I recommend buying bus and train tickets through an official website here: Ve DSVN
Tour and Attraction Tickets
Overpriced tickets for tours and attractions are another common scam. Some tuk-tuk drivers or unofficial guides might offer to take you to a ticket seller who promises entry at a lower price. Then you get there and find out that these tickets do not grant access or are for something not as advertised.
I recommend booking any official tickets at the ticket box location of the destination, or using Get Your Guide or Viator.
How to Spot and Avoid Scams
Traveling in Vietnam—or anywhere in the world—means you need to just pay close attention to certain things so you don’t get taken advantage of! There are some basic steps you can take to stay safe and scam free (these are good pieces of advice for anywhere in the world, not just Vietnam).
Identifying Red Flags
Scammers often use tactics that prey on a tourist’s lack of local knowledge or fear of missing out. Be wary of any deal or offer that seems too good to be true—it probably is.
Suspicious behavior to watch out for includes overly aggressive selling tactics, a refusal to provide detailed information, or a push for immediate payment. If someone seems eager to avoid official transaction channels or is vague about the specifics of an offer, it’s a strong indicator that something isn’t right.
Preventive Measures
One of the best ways to avoid scams is to stick with reputable service providers. Whether it’s hotels, taxis, or tour companies, choose businesses that have strong reviews and a good reputation.
Online platforms can be invaluable here, as they provide both customer reviews and a way to verify legitimacy. When booking anything always do so from official sites or counters.
Safe Payment Practices
When it comes to handling money, always go for payment methods that offer security and proof of purchase. Credit cards and payment apps are excellent because they provide a digital trail.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be discreet when handling money in public. Always count your change carefully and confirm the amount before walking away. When possible, use ATMs at reputable banks or inside hotels rather than standalone machines on the street.
Tips for Staying Scam Free
Use these tips to avoid getting scammed anywhere in the world – not just Vietnam!
1. Nothing is Free!
If someone says something is free, there is a catch. Nothing is free.
2. Carry Small Bills
A 500,000 VND bill is the biggest bill we have in Vietnam. While the equivalent of $20 doesn’t seem like so much, often shops won’t have the change (or won’t want to) break that bill. There are a couple of ways to fix this:
- When you pull money out of an ATM, sometimes they give you an option on what type of bills you want. If you do have that option, choose small bills!
- If you only have large bills, go into a convenient store like a Circle K or WinMart, and buy something to get smaller bills than 500,000.
3. Don’t Let Anyone Touch Your Wallet
Sometimes shopkeepers think they are helping you by pulling the correct change out of your wallet for you. While most of them mean well, and aren’t trying to scam you, some of them are. As a rule, don’t let anyone touch your wallet.
4. It is Okay to Walk Away
If a shopkeeper is getting aggressive or not bringing a price down that you think should be brought down…it is okay to walk away! Sometimes you feel bad, especially if you have been looking around for awhile, but don’t! Even if you agreed on a price for something, you can change your mind!
5. Trust Your Gut
Plain and simple, trust your instincts. If something feels fishy, it probably is!
6. Know When to Let it Go
Sometimes it is worth standing up for the principle of being overcharged for something. But sometimes it is not worth your time or energy to argue. Know when it is okay to just let it go and understand that you are going to be paying a bit extra for something.
Final Thoughts: Tourist Traps and Scams in Vietnam
By now, you should have a clearer picture of the common scams in Vietnam and how to avoid them. From taxi scams to market vendors charging too much for simple items, these issues can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
But with a few practical steps—like sticking with well-known service providers, being cautious with your payments, and staying wary of deals that don’t seem right—you can avoid most tourist scams in Vietnam.
