Police
113
Ambulance
115
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
Motorbike Taxi Price Inflation
Drivers add an extra zero to the agreed price after arrival, claiming you misheard. Common in tourist areas.
Use Grab app exclusively. Never negotiate cash prices with street drivers.
Shoe Shining Scam
Scammer "accidentally" drops shoe polish on your shoes, then offers to clean them for an exorbitant fee (often $20-50 USD).
Keep walking when approached. Don't stop to engage.
Donut/Street Food Sellers
Friendly vendors offer to take photos with you carrying their baskets. After photos, they demand payment ($10-20) for the "service" and the food.
Politely decline all street vendor photo opportunities.
Fruit Basket Ladies
Women with balanced fruit baskets pose for photos, then either demand payment or start cutting fruit claiming you must buy it.
No interaction with basket carriers, no matter how photogenic.
Fake Taxi Companies
Taxis copy the colors of reputable companies (Vinasun-white, Mai Linh-green) but use rigged meters that run 3-5x faster.
Only use Grab app or verify taxi company name carefully before entering.
Money Switching
Taxi/motorbike drivers use sleight of hand to switch 500,000 VND notes (blue) for 20,000 VND notes (also blue), then accuse you of underpaying.
Pay with exact change or small bills. Break large notes at Circle K or restaurants.
Cyclo (Pedicab) Overcharging
Drivers take longer routes or claim the agreed price was "per person" not total, multiplying the fare.
Use Google Maps to track route. Book through reputable tour companies only.
Duplicate Business Names
Scam travel agencies use names nearly identical to reputable companies (e.g., "Hanoi Backpackers" vs "Hanoi Backpacker"). Extremely common in Old Quarter.
Verify exact address online before visiting. Check Google Maps reviews.
Motorbike Rental Damage Scams
Rental shops hold passport hostage and claim damages that didn't exist. Some shops even "steal back" their own bikes to charge for theft.
Take extensive photos/video before rental. Ask hostel for trusted recommendations. Never leave passport as deposit.
Restaurant "Free" Appetizers
Servers bring unrequested snacks/appetizers to table. When bill arrives, these "free" items cost $5-10 each.
Refuse all unrequested food immediately. Check menu for prices before ordering.
Missing Menu Prices
Restaurants in tourist areas have menus without prices, then charge foreigners 3-5x local rates.
Always ask for prices before ordering. If no prices on menu, leave immediately.
Bus Luggage Fees
Bus staff claim there's a baggage fee (doesn't exist in Vietnam) and demand extra payment.
Ignore demands and proceed to your seat. No such fee exists.
Pickpockets & Snatch Theft
Motorbike riders snatch phones, bags, and cameras from pedestrians near the road. Extremely common in Old Quarter.
Use phone facing away from street. Cross-body bags with zippers only. Camera straps wrapped tightly.
ATM Card Skimming
Fake card readers attached to ATMs in tourist areas steal card information.
Only use ATMs inside banks with security guards. Check for loose parts before inserting card.
SIM Card Scams
Street vendors sell "activated" SIM cards that don't work or have no data.
Buy SIM cards only from official phone company stores (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone).
Safe Attractions
Hoan Kiem Lake
Popular tourist destination
Temple of Literature
Popular tourist destination
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Popular tourist destination
Old Quarter
Popular tourist destination
Dong Xuan Market
Popular tourist destination