Vietnam scams and tourist safety
Vietnam is a safe country.
However, Vietnam scams target tourists in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, plus Hoi An.
The key rule: if something feels off, it probably is.
The most common scams are unlicensed taxis with rigged meters.
They include currency exchange short-changing, motorbike ‘damage’ scams, and ‘friendship’ scams to overpriced venues.
All are avoidable with basic precautions.
Use Grab, count your money, check rental bikes before riding, and never follow a stranger to shop or restaurant.
Planning a trip to Hon Thom Island, Sunset Town, or Grand World? However, knowing the most common Vietnam scams and how to avoid them helps you relax and enjoy your trip. This guide covers the most common scams, how to spot them, and what to do if you’re targeted.
🚕 Taxi & Grab Scams
Taxi scams are the most common scam in Vietnam. Here’s what to watch out for:
Rigged meters: Some drivers have meters that run faster than they should. How to avoid it: Check the starting fare — it should be around 10,000–15,000 VND. If it seems wrong, get out and find another taxi.
Unlicensed taxis at airports: Unofficial drivers approach you and offer rides at inflated prices. How to avoid it: Use official taxi stands or pre-book a Grab. Mai Linh (green cabs) and Vinasun (white cabs) are reliable.
Taking long routes: Some drivers take unnecessary detours to increase the fare. How to avoid it: Follow the route on Google Maps — if you notice a detour, ask the driver to stick to the route.
The “broken meter” trick: The driver claims the meter is broken and quotes a price — usually inflated. How to avoid it: Refuse the ride. Get another taxi.
The bait-and-switch: The driver agrees to use the meter but when you arrive, the fare is much higher than expected. How to avoid it: Always confirm the price or meter before you start.
Grab scams: Occasionally, a driver will ask you to cancel the ride and pay them directly — promising it’ll be cheaper. How to avoid it: Never cancel. The fare is fixed in the app, and you have recourse if something goes wrong.
💵 Currency Exchange & Money Scams
Currency exchange scams are common in tourist areas:
Short-changing: Staff count your money deliberately slowly and short-change you by 10–20%. How to avoid it: Count your money in front of the teller — and don’t hand it back after they’ve counted it. If they take it back to “count it again,” the money may disappear.
Fake currency: You might receive counterfeit dong notes, especially 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 VND notes. How to avoid it: Only exchange money at banks or reputable gold shops. Count your notes and check for watermarks.
“Great rate” street hustlers: Someone approaches you offering “great exchange rates” — these are almost always scams. How to avoid it: Only exchange at banks or gold shops. The rate may look good, but you’ll receive counterfeit notes or be short-changed.
ATM skimming: Skimmers can be placed on ATMs to steal your card details. How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers. Shield your PIN when entering it.
Taxi “change” scam: You pay with a large note, and the driver claims you gave them a smaller one. How to avoid it: Announce the amount you’re handing over. Always count your change slowly.
🛵 Motorbike Scams
Motorbike rental scams are common, especially in tourist areas like Hanoi and Hoi An:
The “damage” scam: You return the rented motorbike, and the owner discovers a scratch or dent that wasn’t there before — demanding compensation. How to avoid it: Take photos and video of the bike before you ride it. Pay particular attention to existing scratches and dents.
Passport holding: Some rental shops ask you to leave your passport as a deposit. How to avoid it: Never leave your passport. Offer a cash deposit instead. If they insist, go elsewhere.
Police bribes: Traffic police may stop foreigners for minor infractions and request a “fine” paid on the spot. How to avoid it: Carry your IDP and passport. If stopped, stay calm and polite. The official fine can be paid at the police station — if they insist on “on-the-spot” payment, it’s almost always a bribe. You can refuse.
Real police stops: If you do get stopped, the procedure is: they take your license, you go to the station, you pay the fine officially, and you get a receipt. If they ask for money on the spot — it’s a bribe.
🤝 “Friendship” & Tour Scams
“Friendship” scams are common, especially near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, and Hoi An’s Old Town:
The “closed temple” scam: A helpful local tells you that your destination is closed, and then offers to take you elsewhere — usually to a shop or restaurant where they get a commission. How to avoid it: Check official opening times yourself. Trust your own research.
The “free guide” scam: A local offers to show you around for free and then takes you to a shop or restaurant where you’re overcharged. How to avoid it: Politely decline. If you want a guide, book one through a reputable agency.
The “university student” scam: A local claims to be a student and offers to practice English with you — before suggesting you visit a “traditional” shop or restaurant. How to avoid it: Be cautious. Real students may approach you, but they won’t pressure you into buying anything.
The “tea” or “silk” scam: You’re taken to a tea house or silk shop where you’re pressured into buying overpriced products. How to avoid it: If someone offers to take you to a “special” shop, refuse. Legitimate tours don’t work like this.
🛍️ Shopping & Street Scams
Overcharging: Vendors may charge tourists double or triple the local price. How to avoid it: Learn the approximate price of common items. Ask locals what they’d pay. Bargain politely — and if the price is still high, walk away.
“Fake” products: Silk, pearls, and silver are often fakes sold at premium prices. How to avoid it: Learn how to test these products. Real silk burns slowly and smells like burnt hair. Real pearls leave a powdery residue when rubbed together.
Bait and switch: You agree on a price for a product and when you go to pay, the “real” price is higher. How to avoid it: Confirm the price before buying. If it changes, walk away.
“Special” items: Someone offers you a “special” discount or a “once-in-a-lifetime” deal. How to avoid it: It’s almost always a scam. Walk away.
📌 General Rules to Avoid Scams
- If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
- Never pay upfront for services — taxis, tours, or motorbike rentals.
- Use official services — Grab, Mai Linh, Vinasun, and reputable tour companies.
- Count your money in front of the teller or vendor. Don’t let them take it back after counting.
- Don’t follow a stranger to a shop, restaurant, or tea house.
- Check opening times yourself — don’t trust a “helpful” local telling you a place is closed.
- Take photos and video of rental bikes before riding them.
- Never leave your passport as a deposit.
- Bargain politely — but don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is too high.
- Keep valuables out of sight — especially in crowded areas.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes — Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Scams are the main risk — and they’re all avoidable with basic precautions. Read my complete Vietnam safety guide.
What’s the most common scam in Vietnam?
Taxi scams — rigged meters, unlicensed drivers, and “broken meter” tricks. Use Grab or reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun.
How do I avoid the “damage” scam with motorbikes?
Take photos and video of the bike before you ride it. Pay particular attention to existing scratches. Never leave your passport as a deposit.
Can I trust strangers who offer help?
Be cautious. Some strangers are genuinely helpful — but if they offer to take you somewhere specific (a shop, restaurant, or tea house), it’s almost always a scam.
What should I do if I’m scammed?
If it’s a minor scam (like overcharging), walk away. If it’s more serious (like a taxi scam or a motorbike damage claim), report it to the police. However, police often side with locals — and it may be more trouble than it’s worth. Prevention is the best approach.
Is there a scam alert app for Vietnam?
There’s no official app — but checking recent reviews on Google Maps can warn you about scams in specific areas. Also, read a few recent blog posts or Reddit threads about the current scams in Vietnam.
💎 Final Verdict
Scams are the most common safety issue for tourists in Vietnam — but they’re all avoidable. The key rules: use Grab, count your money, check rental bikes before riding, and never follow a stranger. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts — and if you’re unsure, walk away.
Once you’ve got your safety sorted, the rest of Vietnam is waiting. Check out my detailed guides to Hon Thom Island, Sunset Town, and Grand World to start planning your trip.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
Once you’ve got your safety knowledge, it’s time to book your accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts across Vietnam — check hotels in Vietnam to compare prices and read guest reviews. For a broader overview, I’ve put together guides to the best hotels on Phu Quoc, best hotels in Da Nang, and best hotels in Nha Trang if you’re still deciding where to base yourself.
Pair your trip with a visit to Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm for a unique cultural experience, or Sim Sơn Winery for a taste of Phu Quoc’s famous sim wine. For a full day of adventure, combine it with VinWonders and Safari — the park is one of the island’s top attractions.
