How to avoid scams in Vietnam?

Let's be honest: Tourist scams have existed in Vietnam since forever and will probably persist. Although Vietnamese people are known for their warmth and hospitality, there are still materialistic scammers who capitalize on the love for Vietnam of tourists and locals alike.

While the Vietnamese government is implementing laws and guidelines to protect foreign tourists, it’s still necessary that you equip yourself with the awareness and skills to navigate tourist traps and scams.🛡️ So, what can you do to avoid scams in Vietnam and make sure you're paying the right amount of money to the right people? Let’s dive in 👇

🚕 It starts at the airport: Be aware of taxi overcharging!

When you just land and feel so exhausted you just want to get to your hotel as soon as possible, it’s easy to fall prey to overly friendly taxi drivers pulling you into their cars and charging 2x or 3x the regular fare before letting you off. Worse, they might not even be actual taxi drivers, but thieves plotting to steal your belongings. These are common airport scam schemes in Vietnam, but they are also very preventable. ✅

💡 Tips to avoid scams in Vietnam:

• Book transportation via legit ride apps like Grab or XanhSM for upfront pricing and guaranteed safety with the ability to track your ride.
• Pre-book a hotel pickup or use a trusted third-party agency.
• Avoid unmarked taxis or pushy drivers at the airport gate.
• If you cannot pre-arrange your ride, be sure to only travel with official taxi brands from the airport.

🛍️ Double check the price at street vendors!

Street vendors in Vietnam always look beautiful or delicious — or both. It’s very tempting, even for locals, to pick up every souvenir or snack you see. But beware: something that Vietnamese people pay 20,000 VND for might cost you 200,000 VND. It is because the seller sees that you are a foreigner and assumes that you are more well-off than the average Vietnamese. It also helps them that you cannot speak Vietnamese and bargaining is off the table. 

💡 Local tips to avoid scams in Vietnam:

• If your gut feeling tells you it’s too expensive, it probably is.
• Don’t hesitate to walk away if sellers get pushy.
• Bring a local guide or friend when shopping at touristy areas like Hanoi Train Street or the Old Quarter.

🎟️ Not everything needs tickets!

It’s summer, the air is stuffy, and the line is long where you are eager to see a famous attraction in Vietnam. Suddenly, a “ticket seller” appears promising to help you skip the queue — but only after you realize the “special service” costs a fortune.💸 Some of these professional-looking "sellers" even promote fake tickets to attractions that are actually free to enter!

💡To avoid scams in Vietnam:

• Pre-book tickets on official websites or at certified ticket booths.
• Research if the attraction actually requires a ticket.
• Ask your local guide or hotel for accurate information.
• Stay hydrated and patient — not every shortcut is worth it!

🙏There are fake beggars in your country? We have them too!

Vietnam is considered a developing country, where more than 4% of the population still experiences multidimensional poverty. The sight of beggars near traffic lights or on busy sidewalks is not uncommon in Vietnam, but not all of them truly need your help. There are many cases of children being forced by their parents to pose as vulnerable, poor beggars, as well as perfectly fine people pretending to have an illness or a disability to ask for money. 

💡Being kind is important, but so is being smart and safe. Here’s how to respond to avoid scams in Vietnam:

• If you want to help, give a small amount only.
• Avoid prolonged eye contact to prevent being followed.
• Ask nearby locals if the person is truly in need.
• Report child exploitation to local authorities as it is illegal in Vietnam.

⚠️Trust your guts and flee if you need to!

One point that cannot be emphasized enough is that scammers can be very convincing and aggressive when their schemes fail. If your instinct sounds the alarm at something, trust it and leave. Ask the surrounding locals or police officers to help you if need be. You can always come back to the place later, and if not, it is a good thing that Vietnam has many things to do and see.

Travel stress-free with Up Travel Vietnam!✨

On every tour with Up Travel Vietnam, there is always upfront clarity about pricing and inclusions, as well as an English-speaking guide to assist you throughout your adventure and help you avoid scams in Vietnam. For us, authentic and affordable traveling is not a perk but a must. Contact Up Travel Vietnam today via the form on our website to realize your Vietnam dreams! 💛