10 Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them | Vietnam Travel Guide

Summary

In this informative video, Vanu from Vietnam sheds light on the less-discussed side of traveling in Vietnam, highlighting 10 common scams targeting tourists and offering practical advice on how to avoid them. From fake travel agencies and rigged taxi meters to overcharging street vendors and motorbike rental cons, the video equips viewers with knowledge to safeguard their experience in Vietnam. Vanu also emphasizes the importance of using a VPN for online security and suggests reputable resources for booking accommodations and tours.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Be wary of fake websites and travel agents offering cheap packages that may disappear after taking your deposit.
• 🏨 Research and use reputable sources for booking accommodations and tours to avoid scams.
• 🚕 Use only reputable taxi services like Mai Linh or Vinasun and be prepared with small bills to avoid overcharging.
• 🛵 When renting a motorbike, choose reliable shops and thoroughly check the bike for any defects.
• 📸 Be cautious with street vendors and potential photo scams; ask for prices before engaging.
• 🍽️ To avoid overcharging at restaurants, ask for prices beforehand and consider using food review apps.
• 💳 Protect your personal information online by using a VPN, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• 💰 Always keep copies of important documents like passports and ID cards.
• 🎒 Be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, and consider travel insurance for added security.
• 🍹 Be cautious at bars, especially when intoxicated; always check receipts and prices before signing.
• 🌍 Despite the potential for scams, Vietnam remains a beautiful country with much to offer to its visitors.

Q & A

What are some common scams to watch out for when using travel agents in Vietnam?

Travel agents in Vietnam may scam tourists by creating fake websites or offering cheap tour and hotel packages. They might ask for a 50% deposit upfront, after which they disappear with the money. Scammers may also impersonate airline or train ticket agents to sell cheap tickets and send fake booking codes to create trust.

How can you avoid falling for taxi scams in Vietnam?

To avoid taxi scams, use reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun, pay attention to the taxi logos to avoid copycats, bring small bills for payment, and be aware of confusing currency denominations like the 500,000 VND note versus the 20,000 VND note. Alternative services like Vngo, Grab, or taxi apps can also be used for a safer experience.

What should you do if you encounter a coconut seller offering free coconut water at an exorbitant price?

If offered free coconut water at a high price, politely refuse and walk away. If you wish to purchase, ask for the price first, pay, and then take the coconut to avoid being overcharged.

How can you protect yourself from Wi-Fi scams and potential hacking in Vietnam?

To protect against Wi-Fi scams and hacking, use a VPN like Surfshark to change your IP address and protect your personal information. Avoid using unprotected networks and be cautious about sharing sensitive data, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

What precautions should you take to avoid theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas in Vietnam?

To avoid theft and pickpocketing, be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings in front of you, use an anti-theft bag, split and hide your valuables in different places, and make copies of important documents. Travel insurance can also be beneficial.

How can you avoid being scammed by vendors who invite you to take pictures with them?

To avoid photo scams, ask the vendor for the price before taking a picture and pay upfront. If they demand more money afterward, firmly decline and walk away.

What should you be cautious of when renting a motorbike in Vietnam?

When renting a motorbike, choose reliable rental shops, check the bike thoroughly, take photos before renting, and ask if support is offered in case of breakdowns. Be wary of bikes with fake or defective components and potential scams involving bike theft and forced compensation payments.

Why is it not advisable to give money to children in Vietnam?

Giving money to children in Vietnam can incentivize them to quit school and rely on begging for income. It's better to support them through legitimate organizations or initiatives that promote education and self-sufficiency.

How can you avoid being overcharged at food stalls, markets, or souvenir shops in Vietnam?

To avoid overcharging, always ask for the price before ordering or buying anything, research online, use food review apps to find reliable restaurants, and don't be afraid to bargain. A local friend or guide can also help you avoid getting scammed.

What precautions should you take when enjoying Vietnam's nightlife?

When enjoying Vietnam's nightlife, go to reputable bars recommended by friends, check receipts or prices before signing anything, and be aware that some bars may take advantage of intoxicated patrons by charging unreasonable amounts.

What is the importance of using a VPN like Surfshark when traveling to Vietnam?

Using a VPN like Surfshark is important for protecting your online security while traveling in Vietnam. It changes your IP address to prevent scammers from tracking your location, has an antivirus program to protect against hacking, and can create alternative identities and emails for online registrations to safeguard your personal information.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Common Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them

This paragraph discusses the various scams that tourists may encounter in Vietnam, despite it being a generally safe country for travelers. It highlights the importance of being aware of common scams such as fake travel agencies, taxi drivers with rigged meters, and overcharging by street vendors. The speaker provides advice on how to avoid these scams, including using reputable companies, checking credentials, reading reviews, and utilizing trusted websites for bookings. The paragraph also mentions the sponsorship by Surf Shar VPN and the importance of using a VPN for online security.

05:03

🔒 Protecting Your Information with VPN and Avoiding Theft

The second paragraph focuses on the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks in Vietnam and the importance of using a VPN to protect personal information from hackers. It emphasizes the features of Surf Shar VPN, such as changing IP addresses and providing antivirus protection. The paragraph also discusses the issue of pickpocketing and theft in crowded places, offering practical advice on how to safeguard valuables, including using anti-theft bags and not displaying expensive items. Additionally, it suggests purchasing travel insurance and provides tips on how to avoid photo scams and issues with motorbike rentals.

10:04

🍽️ Dealing with Overcharging and Enjoying Vietnam's Nightlife Safely

The final paragraph addresses the issue of overcharging by vendors and food shop owners in Vietnam, who may take advantage of tourists' unfamiliarity with the local currency. It offers strategies for avoiding this scam, such as asking for prices beforehand, using food review apps, and bargaining. The paragraph also warns about scams involving children and homeless people in tourist areas, advising travelers not to give money directly to children. It concludes with a caution about excessive bar bills and the importance of visiting reputable bars and checking receipts. The speaker expresses concern for the listeners' safety and encourages thorough research before traveling.

Keywords

💡Scams

In the context of the video, scams refer to fraudulent schemes or deceptions that are commonly encountered by travelers in Vietnam. These can range from fake websites offering cheap tours to taxi drivers using rigged meters. The video aims to educate viewers on how to identify and avoid such scams to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

💡Travel Safety

Travel safety is a central theme of the video, emphasizing the importance of being cautious and prepared to avoid potential dangers while traveling in Vietnam. It includes being aware of common scams, taking precautions with personal belongings, and using protective measures like VPNs for online security.

💡Accommodation

Accommodation in the context of the video refers to the places where travelers stay during their visit to Vietnam. The video warns against scams involving fake hotel bookings and advises on how to choose reputable accommodations to avoid falling victim to such deceptions.

💡Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are a specific type of travel scam where taxi drivers engage in dishonest practices to overcharge passengers. In the video, it is highlighted as a common issue in Vietnam, with advice on how to avoid such scams by using reputable taxi companies and being cautious of rigged meters.

💡VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows users to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. In the video, the use of a VPN is recommended for protecting personal information and online activities from potential hacking and surveillance, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

💡Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is the act of stealing from the person's pocket or bag without them noticing. In the context of the video, it is one of the risks that travelers face in crowded areas of Vietnam. The video provides tips on how to protect oneself from pickpockets by being aware of surroundings and keeping valuables secure.

💡Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a policy designed to cover unforeseen events and losses encountered while traveling. The video suggests that purchasing travel insurance is a prudent step for travelers to take in order to protect themselves financially in case of theft, loss, or other incidents.

💡Currency Exchange

Currency exchange refers to the process of converting one country's currency into another. In the context of the video, it highlights the importance of understanding the currency conversion rate to avoid being overcharged by vendors who might take advantage of tourists' unfamiliarity with the local currency.

💡Motorbike Rentals

Motorbike rentals are a popular way for travelers to explore Vietnam. The video cautions about potential scams involving defective motorbikes that may break down, leading to unexpected repair costs or theft by the rental company's accomplices.

💡Nightlife

Nightlife refers to the social and entertainment activities that take place during the evening and night. The video discusses the vibrant nightlife in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, but also warns of scams where travelers can be overcharged or taken advantage of in bars and clubs.

💡Bargaining

Bargaining is the process of negotiating the price of goods or services. In Vietnam, bargaining is a common practice and an expected part of transactions. The video encourages travelers to engage in bargaining to avoid being overcharged and to get a better deal.

Highlights

Vietnam is generally safe but scams, thefts, and frauds can still occur.

Fake websites and cheap tour packages are common scams by travel agents.

Scammers may impersonate airline or train ticket agents to offer cheap tickets with fake booking codes.

Taxi drivers may try to convince you that your booked hotel is full and offer a different, potentially unsafe, accommodation.

Use reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun and bring small bills for payment.

Avoid street vendors offering free coconut water, as they may charge exorbitant prices.

Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be hacked to steal personal information.

Use a VPN like Surfshark to protect your online activities and personal information.

Thieves target visible valuables, so be aware of your surroundings in crowded places.

Make copies of important documents and consider travel insurance for electronic goods.

Be wary of photo scams where vendors may demand payment or overcharge for pictures.

When renting motorbikes, choose reliable shops and check the bike thoroughly to avoid scams related to breakdowns or theft.

Avoid giving money to children in tourist areas to not encourage them to quit school.

Be cautious of overcharging in food shops, especially for tourists unfamiliar with currency conversion.

Research and use food review apps to find reliable restaurants and check prices before ordering.

Bargaining is common in Vietnam, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially with the help of a local.

Be cautious when partying in Vietnam to avoid being overcharged or scammed at bars.

Always check receipts and prices before signing anything or making a payment.

Transcripts

a coconut for $20 it must have gold in

it hi everyone it's vanu from Vietnam

welcome back to my channel where I

usually talk about the good of Vietnam

but today let's talk about the Bad and

the Ugly shall we don't get me wrong

Vietnam is generally safe the country

has ranked as one of the safest

countries for travelers however Patty

thefts and scam can still happen here in

Vietnam or any other country if you're

not aware of them so in today's video

I'm going to show you 10 Common scams in

Vietnam and how to avoid them thank you

Sur Shar VPN for sponsoring this video

and we'll chat about them later all

right let's get

started when planning your trip to

Vietnam you might choose to go through a

travel agent or an independent operator

some of them might scam You by either

creating a fake website or offering

cheap tour and hotel packages they'll

tell you to deposit 50% up front and

when when you successful make a payment

they vanish with the money scammers may

also impersonate an airline or train

ticket agent to offer cheap tickets they

will often send you fake booking codes

to create trust so be careful if you're

new to the City taxi drivers will try to

convince you that the hotel you booked

is full or had shut down and they can

take you to a different hotel with

cheaper price it's a scam don't fall for

that because you might end up staying at

an unsafe accommodation having bad food

and experiencing sloppy service my

advice to avoid this scam is to

carefully check their credentials before

booking you can read reviews on Google

or trip advisors you can ask your

friends who had traveled to Vietnam

before and also you can use reputable

websites for Ali tickets I recommend

booking through booking.com travel Loca

or Skyscanner for accommodations you can

use aoda or ABNB for tours I have listed

accredited tours in my ebook so you can

check it out and if you don't know where

to start you can have local experts

customize your Vietnam trip go to my

website at what the vm.com for more

details after landing in Vietnam you

will feel like a celebrity being

surrounded by taxi drivers who offer you

rid to your hotel once you agree to ride

with them you might get into a car with

broken or rigged meters get driven in

cires goals or in a wrong direction then

you end up paying a fortune they often

Target anyone new to their local area

from unsuspecting Vietnamese to foreign

tourists and are located at airports

train stations bus stations or tourist

sites however the good news is that it's

easy to avoid the scam first of all you

need to use reputable taxi companies the

most popular taxi companies in Vietnam

are Ming or venina

pay attention to the taxi logos because

they might be copycats if you see

anything similar but with a slight

difference like milin or vam don't get

in it second bring small bills to pay

taxi drivers some of the drivers don't

have enough change if you give them big

bills like the 500,000 bank note and

please be careful of confusing 500,000

Vietnam Dome with 20,000 Vietnam D

because they have similar color I

suggest you use other healing services

in Vietnam such as V gojack or grab

because they are more affordable you can

know the exact amount of money that

you're going to pay and you're going to

know what route they going to it costs

around 150,000 Vietnam D plus 25,000

Vietnam D airport fee from International

Airport to District Juan hoan City if

you ride with a taxi the price might be

double

not all Street vendors are scammers in

fact many Vietnamese vendors are very

friendly genuinely nice and love to

entertain a great example is the mango

pineapple banana singing vendor who you

may have seen floating around the

internet is it me you looking for I can

see it in your eyes mango pineapple

banana however please be careful if you

encounter a coconut man who offers you

free coconut water on a hot summer day

he may charge you 10 times more than the

normal price if you don't pay he might

follow you until you do a coconut for

$20 it must have gold in it to avoid

this situation you might politely refuse

and walk away and if you're really

thirsty and want that coconut water you

can ask them for the price give them the

money first take the coconut and walk

away

[Music]

Wi-Fi in Vietnam is everywhere and it's

super fast however it's not always safe

you need to be careful because people

can hack your account and steal your

personal information on unprotected

networks sometimes when they know your

phone number and the destination you

went to scammers will pretend to be

police officer saying that you're

carrying illegal items to Vietnam and

they will ask for your passport number

your card numbers to pay fake fees to

protect yourself I highly recommend

using VPN I've been using surf shark VPN

for over 2 years now and I'm very happy

to partner with them in this video today

using a VPN will change your IP address

therefore scammers won't know your exact

location furthermore if you accidentally

download links from unwanted ads that

contain viruses so shark VPN has an

antivirus program that that can protect

you from being hacked what I love the

most about surf shark is that it creates

alternative identities and emails for

online registration so it can protect

your personal information in case your

email credit card or ID is leaked in a

breach is going to alert you right away

besides using Sur Shar for my online

security I also use it to watch my

favorite shows overseas and it gives me

so many options get an exclusive

discount with the Sur sharp Black Friday

deal enter my promo code F pH to get up

to six additional months for free I'll

leave the link in the description box

below so you can check it

out these thieves usually work alone or

in a group and they usually show up in

crowded places like main streets markets

KN bars and clubs they target anyone who

carries visible expensive jewelry or

valuable able items such as phone

cameras wallets Etc thieves May reach

into your back from behind or even slash

your back to take your belongings some

thieves even Rush by on a motorbike and

snatch your phone wallet purse or back

if they see an opportunity if the SE

Works in a gang oh it's going to be more

complicated they're going to try to put

you in specific situations to distract

you like fake accident and then after

that they will steal your belongings my

advice is to be aware of your

surrounding in busy areas so always keep

your back or your purse in front of you

put all your valuable belongings in the

anti staff bag don't keep your money and

valuable items in the same place try to

split and hide them in the money belt or

your bags or hidden Pocket your socks

wherever you can hide them also make

sure to make copies of important

documents such as ID cards and passports

and bring them with you just in case you

lose the real ones well just in case

you're worried too much about

pickpockets in Vietnam you should

purchase travel insurance and I suggest

using safety Wing since they have an

add-on to their Nomad insurance policy

that covers electric Goods such as

stolen phones computers cameras and you

can get reimbursed up to

$1,000 better safe than sorry

[Music]

Vietnam is a beautiful country with

unique conical hats and vendors selling

colorful fruits and flowers in their

bamboo baskets while you're out

exploring the vendors might invite you

to take picture don't fall for that

because they might demand payment or

force you to buy their products and

overcharge you these vendors often

Target foreign tourists and you may find

them at beaches markets or any crowded

tourist Des destination photo scam

doesn't only happen in Vietnam but it

did happen to me when I was randomly

walking in Time Square in New York I

accidentally took picture with Mickey

Mouse and was asked to pay and I don't

even like Mickey Mouse so how can you

avoid this photo scam if you really want

to take pictures with the vendors and

their beautiful bamboo baskets you can

ask them for the price first and then

give them the money up front then take

the picture if they keep following

following you and asking for more money

firmly say no with a smile and walk

away many Travelers rent motorbikes and

drive across country to enjoy the

Landscapes along the way it can be a

unique and fun way to experience

authentic Vietnam especially the Hang

Lop however please be careful when

renting a bike especially for long rides

because some bikes look like they're in

good condition but they might might

break down later these bikes may have

fake or defective components and you may

be forced to pay to get it fixed

sometimes owner may even hire someone to

steal your rented motorbikes and they

force you to pay for the compensation

and if you don't pay for it they're

going to keep your passports to avoid

this scam you should choose the reliable

motorbike rental shops you can ask your

hotel receptionist or accommodation

owner to book one for you you should

also Al check the motorbike thoroughly

and take photos before renting it also

help if you can get a local friend to

come with you when you rent a motorbike

finally remember to ask if the motorbike

renters offer any supports in case the

motorbike breaks down if they do it's a

good

sign when you travel to Sapa or hang you

might see kids following you around and

asking you to buy souvenirs in largest

city you might see homeless people fake

a disability or carry babies around to

take advantage of your kindness in

crowded tourist areas you might be asked

to buy lollipops flowers pant as a

donation for offes and nonprofit

organization please don't give children

money because it incentivizes them to

quit school and make money in the easier

way if people approach you and ask for

money shake your head ad don't make eye

contact and walk

away Vietnamese food shop owners can

often be very friendly and hospitable as

well you might run into very kind food

shop owners here and there in Vietnam

they might give you extra food or invite

you for a drink and talk about life on

the other hand however over charging is

still a common scam in Vietnam vendors

might take advantage of you if you don't

know know the currency conversion

exchange rate for example some

restaurants do not display prices on

their menu and after that they charge

you unreasonably high prices after your

meals this type of scam can often occur

at small food stalls tourist markets or

souvenir shops sometimes they jack up

the prices for services such as riding

Cycles or booking a boat as well so how

to avoid this scam make sure you ask for

the price first before ordering or

buying anything you can also research

online or use Food review apps to choose

reliable restaurants and check the price

in offense also don't be afraid of

bargaining in Vietnam because it can be

a fun experience my tip is to bargain at

least 50% of the offered price or better

yet you can go with a local friend who

can help you avoid getting scammed you

can also hire a guide or book a food

tour if you want to enjoy local street

food with a peace of mind

Vietnam has some of the best nightlife

spots especially in hochan City AKA

Saigon however you should be careful

when you're out partying recently an

Australian man was scammed with a bill

of

$45,000 after going to two bars in

Vietnam according to the article the

staff told him that he did not need to

enter his pin and they couldn't provide

him receipts because of the issues with

with their payment system in Vietnam

confirming transactions with a pin code

is uncommon and most transactions are

validated with a signature instead many

bars take advantage of you being drunk

and charge you unreasonable amount so

make sure that you go to reputable bars

that are recommended by your friends and

also remember to check the receipts or

the price before signing anything so

those are the most common scams that you

should know before traveling to Vietnam

to be hon honest it doesn't feel good

talking about the Dark Side of Vietnam

but I care about you guys so much so

that's why I want to make sure that you

stay safe and sound while traveling

Vietnam is a beautiful country with

flaws here and there just like any other

country scams can happen anywhere if

you're not smart about it so make sure

that you do a thorough research before

coming to any country download your SAR

VPN and also comment down below if you

know any other scams that people should

know before coming to Vietnam also if

you want to know more about the tours

the ebooks and more information about

Vietnam go check out my website at what

the fan.com and I'll see you guys in the

next video bye is after the

meals for tours I have listed

accredited thank you for watching until

the

end