Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, but like any other tourist destination, it has its fair share of scams. These scams can be perpetrated by anyone from street vendors to taxi drivers to tour guides.

As a tourist, it’s important to be aware of the most common scams in Vietnam so that you can avoid them. By being informed, you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of and have a more enjoyable experience in Vietnam.

The Cyclo Scam

The cyclo scam is one of the most infamous in Vietnam. It typically involves a cyclo driver who approaches a tourist and offers them a ride. The driver will often quote a reasonable price, but once the tourist is in the cyclo, the driver will start to demand more money. If the tourist refuses to pay, the driver may become aggressive or even violent.

How to avoid the cyclo scam

  • Avoid taking rides from cyclo drivers who approach you on the street.
  • Only take rides from cyclo drivers who are licensed and have a meter.
  • Agree on a price before you get in the cyclo.

The Taxi Scam

The taxi scam is another common scam in Vietnam. It typically involves a taxi driver who takes a tourist to a different destination than the one they requested. The driver may also charge the tourist a higher fare than the agreed-upon price.

How to avoid the taxi scam

  • Only take taxis from reputable companies.
  • Ask your hotel or tour operator to recommend a taxi company.
  • Agree on a price before you get in the taxi.

The Suit Scam

The suit scam is a relatively new scam in Vietnam. It typically involves a tailor who approaches a tourist and offers to make them a custom-made suit. The tailor will often show the tourist a sample suit that is of high quality. However, the suit that the tourist actually receives is often of poor quality and may not fit properly.

How to avoid the suit scam

  • Don’t be pressured into buying a suit from a tailor who approaches you on the street.
  • Only buy a suit from a reputable tailor who has a good reputation.
  • Ask to see samples of the tailor’s work before you place an order.

The Gem Scam

The gem scam is a common scam in Vietnam, especially in areas where there are a lot of tourists. The scam typically involves a person who approaches a tourist and offers to sell them a gemstone. The person may claim that the gemstone is rare or valuable, but it is actually a fake.

How to avoid the gem scam

  • Don’t buy gemstones from people who approach you on the street.
  • Only buy gemstones from reputable jewelers.
  • Ask for a certificate of authenticity before you buy a gemstone.

The Art Scam

The art scam is a relatively new scam in Vietnam. It typically involves a person who approaches a tourist and offers to sell them a piece of art. The person may claim that the artwork is an antique or a valuable collector’s item, but it is actually a fake.

How to avoid the art scam

  • Don’t buy art from people who approach you on the street.
  • Only buy art from reputable art galleries.
  • Ask for a certificate of authenticity before you buy a piece of art.

 

FAQs

What are some common scams in Vietnam?

  • The cyclo scam
  • The taxi scam
  • The suit scam
  • The gem scam
  • The art scam

How can I avoid being scammed in Vietnam

  • Be aware of the common scams.
  • Be careful about who you trust.
  • Don’t be pressured into buying anything.
  • Always ask for a receipt.
  • Do your research before you visit Vietnam.

What should I do if I’m scammed in Vietnam

  • Report the scam to the police.
  • Contact your credit card company or bank.
  • Write a review of the business that scammed you.
  • Warn your friends and family about the scam.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam

Yes, Vietnam is a safe country to travel to. However, it’s important to be aware of the common scams.

What are some tips for staying safe in Vietnam

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
  • Keep your valuables safe.
  • Be careful about who you trust.

Conclusion

While Vietnam is a generally safe country to travel in, it is important to be aware of the most common scams that tourists may encounter. By being informed and taking precautions, you can help protect yourself from being taken advantage of and have a more enjoyable experience in Vietnam. Remember to always be cautious and do your research before making any purchases or accepting offers from strangers. By staying vigilant, you can have a wonderful and scam-free trip to Vietnam.