5 scams to avoid when travelling in Vietnam

Vietnam is full of adventure, but like any popular travel spot, there are a few sneaky scams to be aware of. No worries, though! Here are some common scams to watch out for, and easy tips to help you steer clear of them!

Overpriced Taxis

🚖 What Happens: Some taxi drivers will take advantage of the fact that you are new to Vietnam by overcharging, taking unnecessarily long routes, or even using tampered meters to inflate the fare. These tricks can leave you with a surprisingly high bill for what should have been a short ride!

💡 Avoid It: Always go for reputable taxi companies known for fair prices and honesty! Before hopping into a cab, make sure the meter is on and reset to zero. And don't forget to ask the driver if all fees are included, like extra charges for airport pickups. However, for the easiest and most convenient option, we recommend booking a ride through Grab, Bee, or Xanh SM - Vietnam's version of Uber! These apps give you great value with transparent pricing shown right on your phone, and if anything unexpected happens, you’ll have the support of the company to help you out.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice, you can take the bus from the airport to the city center, just be mindful that the last bus leaves at 10:10 PM, so keep an eye on the time! And when you hop off, be sure to double-check your luggage to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind!

SIM Cards

📱 What Happens: SIM cards are essential for staying connected. SIM cards sold by street vendors may look like a bargain, but they often come with a catch - limited data, spotty service, or sometimes they just won’t work at all! And buying at the airport? Be ready to pay sky-high prices for the same thing.

💡 Avoid It: All airports in Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi! Once you land, simply turn on your phone, connect, and you can easily book a ride through Grab, Bee, or Xanh SM to head into the city.

On the way, feel free to ask your driver to stop by reputable stores where you can buy a SIM card. Keep in mind, you'll need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card, and if they don’t ask for it, it could be a sign you’re at an unreliable spot.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t go for the cheap option, stick with trusted stores like Viettel, Mobifone or Vinaphone! As at a legitimate store, you can tell the staff what kind of plan you need, and they'll offer you a favorite options. And if you want complete convenience, you can opt for an E-sim - a bit pricier but totally hassle-free! 😊

One thing to watch out for: Viettel doesn’t have an official store at the airport, so if you spot one, it’s definitely a fake!

Fake goods

👜 What Happens: In markets and touristy spots like Hanoi's Old Quarter, you might find stalls selling branded items at unbelievably low prices. It’s tempting, but often, they’re fake!

💡 Avoid It: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! But fake items have different levels of quality, ranked as fake types 1, 2, or 3, with prices varying accordingly. If you’re still keen on buying, take your time to inspect the item carefully. Feel the fabric, check the stitching, and look at the material and color to judge the quality. And don’t forget: bargaining is a must! Vendors often quote prices much higher than the original, so negotiate confidently, starting at around 30-50% of their initial offer. Here are some phrases you can use to strike a deal:

‘Bao nhiêu tiền?’ (How much is this?)

‘Đắt quá’ (Too expensive)

‘Giảm giá được không?’ (Can you lower it?)

Street vendors

💸What Happens: Not all street vendors in Vietnam are scammers. In fact, many of them are very friendly and nice. However, you should still be careful as sometimes, a friendly-looking vendor might see you as an opportunity for a “special tourist price” or offer you a “free” sample, only to expect a hefty payment once you’ve tried it. They might charge you higher than the normal price, and if you don’t pay, they might stick to you until you do, making you feel stuck.

💡Avoid It: Don’t be afraid to say “No, thank you” with a smile. If you’re in the mood to try something, politely ask for the price upfront. And if the price doesn’t feel right, you can always move along to another vendor. A good rule of thumb? Follow the locals and see where they’re buying, that’s where you’ll usually find fair prices and no pressure.

Photo scam

🍜What Happens: While you out exploring, the vendors might invite you to take pictures. It feels like a friendly gesture, but don’t let your guard down just yet! In crowded tourist hotspots like markets or beaches, it can quickly turn into a scam. Once the photo is taken, they might demand payment, leaving you in an awkward position. Or in some worse scenarios, they won’t even let you choose your favorite photo but pick one for you and insist you pay for it. This trick doesn’t just target tourists unfamiliar with local customs, even locals can get caught off guard!

💡 Avoid It: If you’re tempted to take a memorable shot, make sure to clarify everything upfront! Ask if there’s a cost involved, how much it will be, and whether you’ll get to choose your favorite photo before anything is printed. That way, you’ll avoid any awkward surprises. If, after taking a photo, they start asking for extra money or follow you around, just politely decline and walk away.

Ngoc Anh (Ice)

Beyond Vietnam

Related reading: Vietnam for first-time visitors · Common Tourist Scams in Hanoi

Dung (Emma) Co-founder of Beyond Vietnam

Xin chào! I’m Dung, but many travellers call me Emma. I grew up on the outskirts of Hanoi, and no matter how far I travel, this busy and slightly chaotic city still feels most like home.

I’ve explored Vietnam on my own and with the people I love, while also spending years volunteering and joining community projects. Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of stories, local tips and unforgettable moments. I share them here to help you feel closer to Hanoi and Vietnam, hopefully even before you arrive.

You can also find me on Facebook. Come and say hi!