By aussiematesvietnam 
Navigating Vietnam’s Tourist Scams: Tips to Stay Safe
G’day fellow travelers! Aussie Mates here, with my better half Tracy by my side. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, we’ve seen it all when it comes to tourist scams in this beautiful country. Don’t get me wrong – Vietnam is an incredible place with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. But like any popular tourist destination, there are a few characters looking to make a quick dong from unsuspecting visitors.
When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam back in the early 2000s, we were taken for a ride (quite literally) more times than I care to admit. Now, we’re sharing our hard-earned wisdom so you can enjoy all the beauty Vietnam has to offer without the headaches we experienced as newbies.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-street-scene]
The Taxi Troubles
Let me tell you about the time Tracy and I hopped into a taxi in Hanoi without checking if it was legit. What should have been a 100,000 VND ride turned into a 900,000 VND adventure! The driver took the scenic route (and by scenic, I mean completely wrong), and the meter jumped faster than a kangaroo on a hot day.
Here’s how to avoid becoming another taxi tale:
- Stick with reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white with green and red stripes)
- Check that the taxi has a working meter that starts at around 10,000-15,000 VND
- Better yet, use ride-hailing apps like Grab – they’re a game-changer in Vietnam
- Before getting in, agree on a rough price or confirm they’ll use the meter
- Have your destination written down in Vietnamese or marked on a map
These days, Tracy and I almost exclusively use Grab. It’s convenient, the price is fixed before you start, and there’s a record of your journey. Perfect for us older travelers who prefer peace of mind!
[IMAGE:taxi-vietnam]
The Price Tag Shuffle
Vietnam’s markets are a riot of colors, sounds, and smells – absolute must-visit spots. But they’re also prime territory for the old price tag shuffle. One minute you’re being quoted 100,000 VND for those “authentic” Vietnamese coffee beans, the next minute it’s somehow 300,000 at the register.
After living here for 20 years, I’ve mastered the art of market shopping:
- Always ask for prices before showing too much interest
- Bargain! It’s expected, but keep it friendly – start at about 40-50% of the initial price
- Be prepared to walk away (often they’ll call you back with a better offer)
- Shop around to get a feel for the real price
- Keep small denominations handy to avoid the “no change” scam
Tracy’s become such a pro at bargaining that local vendors now give her a knowing smile when she approaches. “Aussie lady knows prices,” they say with a laugh. Too right!
[IMAGE:vietnamese-market]
The Money Matters
Vietnamese dong can be confusing with all those zeros. A 100,000 VND note looks mighty similar to a 10,000 VND note after a few cold Saigon beers! This creates opportunities for mix-ups – sometimes honest, sometimes… not so much.
Here’s how Tracy and I keep our finances straight:
- Familiarize yourself with Vietnamese currency before arriving
- Organize notes in your wallet from smallest to largest
- Count your change carefully and immediately
- Be especially vigilant when exchanging currency – use banks or official exchange places
- When someone says “thousand,” double-check if they mean Vietnamese dong or US dollars
I once handed over a 500,000 VND note (about $30 AUD) thinking it was 50,000 VND. The shopkeeper hesitated, then handed it back saying, “Too much, uncle.” That honesty earned her our regular business for years.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-currency]
The Motorbike Muddle
Renting motorbikes is popular, and Tracy and I still love exploring the countryside on two wheels. But the motorbike rental scam is as common as flies at an Aussie BBQ.
Here’s the typical scenario: You return your rented bike, and suddenly the owner points out “damages” that were already there when you picked it up. Next thing you know, you’re paying for a complete overhaul of a bike that’s older than my first Holden!
Our tried-and-true prevention methods:
- Photograph or video the bike from all angles before taking it
- Note existing scratches and dents with the owner present
- Use reputable rental places, preferably recommended by other travelers or your accommodation
- Check the bike thoroughly (brakes, lights, horn, fuel gauge)
- Never hand over your passport as collateral – offer a photocopy and cash deposit instead
One time in Hoi An, a rental owner tried to charge me 2 million VND for a “broken clutch.” I calmly showed him the time-stamped photos from pickup showing the clutch was already dodgy. His sheepish smile said it all.
[IMAGE:motorbike-rental]
The Food and Drink Finagle
Vietnam’s food scene is world-class (and one of the reasons Tracy and I have stayed so long!), but there are a few dining downers to watch for.
The classic maneuvers include menus without prices, “specials” with unexpectedly special prices, and the old seafood switcheroo where the price is mysteriously “per 100 grams” rather than per dish.
Our dining safety tips:
- Always confirm prices before ordering, especially for seafood or “market price” items
- Check if prices include tax and service charges
- Be wary of restaurants with touts aggressively pulling you in
- Follow the locals – if a place is packed with Vietnamese diners, it’s usually honest and good
- When in doubt, eat at places with clearly displayed prices
Tracy still laughs about the time we ordered a “special” crab in Nha Trang without asking the price. The bill nearly gave me a heart attack! Now we always ask, “How much is the crab, mate?” in our best Aussie accents.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-street-food]
The Tour Trap
Booking tours in Vietnam can be a bit of a lucky dip. What’s advertised isn’t always what you get. The luxurious Halong Bay cruise with private balcony might turn into a cramped cabin with a window facing the engine room.
After arranging countless trips for visiting friends and rellies, here’s what Tracy and I recommend:
- Book through your hotel or reputable online services
- Read recent reviews thoroughly
- Get everything in writing – what’s included and what’s not
- Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
- Pay with credit card where possible for some protection
We’ve found that spending a bit more for a mid-range or higher tour usually means fewer hidden costs and a better experience overall. You get what you pay for, as we say back home