Vietnam Travel Scams: 12 Common Tricks and How to Avoid Them

Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travelers — violent crime against tourists is rare, and most people you meet are friendly and honest. What does exist is a well-worn set of small scams aimed at first-time visitors. None of them are dangerous, but they can cost you money and sour an otherwise great day. Knowing the patterns in advance is usually enough to sidestep them completely.

Taxi and Transport Scams

Rigged or "fast" meters

The classic Vietnam taxi scam is a meter that runs suspiciously fast, or a car styled to look like a reputable brand. Look-alike taxis copy the colors and logos of trusted companies such as Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white), with slightly altered names or phone numbers.

How to avoid it: Use Grab, Be, or Xanh SM, which show the fare upfront in the app. If you take a street taxi, check the company name and phone number on the roof light carefully, and make sure the meter starts at the posted flag-down rate.

Airport "official" drivers

Touts inside arrival halls sometimes claim to be official airport transport and quote prices several times the normal fare. Use the marked taxi queue outside, book a ride-hailing car in the app, or arrange a hotel pickup in advance.

The motorbike taxi price switch

A xe om (motorbike taxi) driver agrees to "fifty" before the ride, then insists at the end that he meant 50,000 dong per kilometer, or 500,000 instead of 50,000. Agree on the full price clearly before getting on — write it down or show it on your phone — or simply use the app version of motorbike taxis, where the fare is fixed.

Money and Payment Scams

The note swap

Vietnamese banknotes look alike: the 20,000 and 500,000 notes are both blue, and the 10,000 and 200,000 notes can be confused in low light. A vendor may claim you handed over a 10,000 instead of a 200,000, or quickly swap your note.

How to avoid it: Count your notes out loud as you hand them over, keep large and small notes in separate pockets, and learn the colors on day one. Our Vietnam money guide covers dong basics in more detail.

Short changing and "no change"

Some vendors claim they have no change for a large note, hoping you'll let them keep the difference. Carry plenty of 10,000–50,000 VND notes for street food, drinks, and small purchases.

ATM skimming

Card skimmers are not common, but they do exist. Use ATMs attached to banks or inside malls, cover the keypad, and choose to be charged in dong rather than accepting the machine's currency conversion.

Street Hustles

The shoe-shine and "fix your shoe" trick

A man appears beside you, points at your shoes, and starts gluing or cleaning them before you can say no. When he's done, he asks for an absurd price. Firmly say "không" (no) and keep walking the moment someone reaches for your feet.

Photo with a street vendor

In Hanoi's Old Quarter especially, a vendor may offer to let you carry her bamboo shoulder pole for a photo — then demand payment or pressure you to buy a bag of fruit at an inflated price. If you want the photo, agree to buy something at a fixed price first, or just politely decline.

Coconut and fruit price surprises

Ask the price before a vendor cracks open a coconut or slices fruit. Once it's open, you're expected to pay whatever they say.

Tour and Booking Scams

Copycat travel agencies and hotels

Popular businesses in Hanoi and Hoi An are often copied by shops with nearly identical names. You think you're booking with a well-reviewed company but end up with a cheaper, lower-quality operator. Book directly through the company's own website, or check the exact address on Google Maps before paying.

The "your hotel is closed" story

A driver tells you your hotel is full, closed, or has moved, then takes you to a different one where he earns a commission. Call your hotel directly or show the driver your booking confirmation and insist on the address.

Overpriced Ha Long Bay "luxury" cruises

Ultra-cheap cruise deals sold on the street often mean old boats, packed itineraries, and hidden extras. Compare a few operators online and read recent reviews — see our Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay guide for help choosing.

Nightlife and Social Scams

The friendly stranger and the bar bill

Someone strikes up a conversation and suggests a bar they know. The drinks arrive, and the bill is ten times what it should be, sometimes with intimidating staff. Choose your own venues and check menu prices before ordering.

Massage "extras"

At less reputable massage shops, the advertised price may not include a large "tip" that staff demand afterward. Pick spas with posted price lists and good reviews, and agree on the total including tip beforehand.

Quick Anti-Scam Checklist

• Agree on the price first — for taxis, xe om, cyclos, boat rides, and anything sliced or opened.
• Use ride-hailing apps whenever possible; the fare is fixed upfront.
• Learn the banknote colors and count notes out loud when paying.
• Book tours directly from the company's official website.
• Keep your passport in your hotel safe; carry a photocopy or phone photo.
• Walk away calmly — a firm, polite "không, cảm ơn" (no, thank you) ends most situations.

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Stay calm and avoid escalating — confrontation rarely helps and can turn unpleasant. For larger losses, report the issue to your hotel, which can often help mediate, or to the local tourist police. For taxi issues, note the car number and company and report it to the company hotline or through the ride-hailing app. Save receipts and screenshots if you plan to claim on travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes. Vietnam has low rates of violent crime against visitors. The most common problems are petty theft (especially phone snatching from passing motorbikes) and the small scams listed above. Basic awareness goes a long way.

Are Grab drivers safe and honest?
Generally, yes. Because the fare is set in the app and drivers are rated, ride-hailing is the easiest way to avoid overcharging. Always check that the license plate matches the one in the app before getting in.

Which cities have the most scams?
Scams are concentrated where tourists are concentrated: Hanoi's Old Quarter, District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, and the busiest parts of Hoi An and Nha Trang. Smaller towns tend to be far more relaxed.

Should I tip to avoid problems?
Tipping isn't expected in most of Vietnam, though it's appreciated for good service. Never feel pressured into tipping by someone who has provided an unrequested service.

Most visitors leave Vietnam without encountering a single scam. A little preparation — and a habit of agreeing on prices before anything starts — means you can relax and enjoy one of the most welcoming countries in Asia.