Tourist Scams in Vietnam: 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026) | Travel Safe
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6 scams documented·Last updated: July 2026

Tourist Scams in Vietnam: 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026)

Vietnam is a stunning country with a growing tourist scam problem, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, and Hoi An. Most scams are non-violent and financially motivated. The cyclo (pedicab) and motorbike rental scams are the most frequently reported.

Quick Reference: All Scams at a Glance

ScamWhere It HappensRisk LevelTypical Cost
Cyclo OverchargingHo Chi Minh City — District 1, Ben Thanh Market area; Hanoi — Old QuarterHigh$5–$20 USD overcharge per ride
Motorbike Rental Damage ClaimHoi An, Da Nang, Mui Ne, Ha GiangHigh500,000–2,000,000 VND ($20–$80 USD)
Shoe Repair GrabHo Chi Minh City — District 1; Hanoi — Old QuarterMedium200,000–500,000 VND ($8–$20 USD)
Taxi Meter ScamHo Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat Airport, District 1; Hanoi — Noi Bai AirportHigh300,000–800,000 VND ($12–$32 USD) overcharge
Fake Ticket at Ha Long BayHalong Bay — Ha Long City pier, Cat Ba IslandMedium$30–$100 USD in lost deposits or poor experiences
Friendly Stranger Bar ScamHo Chi Minh City — Bui Vien Street, District 1; Hanoi — Old Quarter barsMedium$20–$100 USD in inflated bills
High Risk

Cyclo Overcharging

Ho Chi Minh City — District 1, Ben Thanh Market area; Hanoi — Old Quarter

How It Works

Cyclo drivers quote a price of '20,000 VND' which tourists interpret as 20,000 Vietnamese Dong ($0.80 USD). At the end of the ride, the driver claims the price was $20 USD or 200,000 VND. The ambiguity is intentional.

💸 Typical amount lost: $5–$20 USD overcharge per ride

Red Flags

  • Price quoted without specifying currency
  • Driver quotes a suspiciously round number
  • No written agreement before the ride

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""20 for ride to market""
  • ""Very cheap, 20 only""

What To Say & Do

Always confirm: 'Is that Vietnamese Dong or US dollars?' and write the agreed price on your phone before getting in. A 30-minute cyclo tour in Hanoi's Old Quarter should cost 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4 USD).

High Risk

Motorbike Rental Damage Claim

Hoi An, Da Nang, Mui Ne, Ha Giang

How It Works

Same as the Bali scooter scam. You rent a motorbike for 100,000–200,000 VND/day ($4–$8 USD). When you return it, the shop claims damage and demands 500,000–2,000,000 VND ($20–$80 USD). They may keep your passport.

💸 Typical amount lost: 500,000–2,000,000 VND ($20–$80 USD)

Red Flags

  • Shop insists on keeping your passport
  • No written contract or pre-rental inspection
  • Damage 'discovered' only on return

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""You scratch the bike, 1,000,000 dong""
  • ""Passport stay here until you pay""

What To Say & Do

Photograph and video the entire bike before riding. Never leave your passport. Offer a cash deposit instead. If your passport is held, contact the tourist police or your embassy.

Medium Risk

Shoe Repair Grab

Ho Chi Minh City — District 1; Hanoi — Old Quarter

How It Works

A man grabs your shoe and starts polishing or repairing it before you can refuse. He then demands 200,000–500,000 VND ($8–$20 USD) for the 'service.' If you refuse, he may become aggressive or follow you.

💸 Typical amount lost: 200,000–500,000 VND ($8–$20 USD)

Red Flags

  • Man grabs your shoe without asking
  • Works near tourist areas
  • Starts working before discussing price

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Your shoe broken, I fix, very fast""
  • ""I clean your shoe, make beautiful, 200,000 dong""

What To Say & Do

Wear closed shoes that are difficult to grab. If someone grabs your shoe, say 'Không!' (No!) firmly and pull away. Agree on a price before any work begins.

High Risk

Taxi Meter Scam

Ho Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat Airport, District 1; Hanoi — Noi Bai Airport

How It Works

Fake taxis with tampered meters charge 10–20x the correct fare. From Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1, the correct metered fare is 100,000–150,000 VND ($4–$6 USD). Scam taxis charge 500,000–1,000,000 VND ($20–$40 USD).

💸 Typical amount lost: 300,000–800,000 VND ($12–$32 USD) overcharge

Red Flags

  • Taxi is not Vinasun (green) or Mai Linh (green and white)
  • Meter runs unusually fast
  • Driver takes a longer route
  • Driver approaches you inside the terminal

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Taxi? Good price, I take you to city""
  • ""Vinasun is full, I am same company, same price""

What To Say & Do

Use only Vinasun (green) or Mai Linh (green and white) taxis, or book via the Grab app for fixed prices. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, the Grab counter inside the terminal offers fixed prices.

Medium Risk

Fake Ticket at Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay — Ha Long City pier, Cat Ba Island

How It Works

Budget tour operators in Hanoi sell Ha Long Bay cruises at below-market prices ($30–$50 USD for overnight cruises that cost $80–$150 USD legitimately). The boat is overcrowded, the food is poor, the 'private cabin' is a shared bunk, and some tours are cancelled after payment.

💸 Typical amount lost: $30–$100 USD in lost deposits or poor experiences

Red Flags

  • Price significantly below market rate
  • Tour sold by a street agent rather than a registered office
  • No written contract or official receipt
  • Vague descriptions of the boat and cabin

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Same cruise as expensive operators, half the price""
  • ""My company is new, we give discount to get reviews""

What To Say & Do

Book Ha Long Bay cruises through registered operators with verifiable reviews on TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide. A legitimate 2-day/1-night cruise costs $80–$150 USD per person. Prices below $50 are a red flag.

Medium Risk

Friendly Stranger Bar Scam

Ho Chi Minh City — Bui Vien Street, District 1; Hanoi — Old Quarter bars

How It Works

A friendly local invites you for a drink at 'his friend's bar.' Once inside, the bill is inflated with drinks you did not order, or the prices are 5–10x the displayed rate. Similar to the Istanbul bar scam but less aggressive.

💸 Typical amount lost: $20–$100 USD in inflated bills

Red Flags

  • Friendly stranger invites you to a specific bar
  • Bar is down a side street
  • No menu with prices displayed

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Come, I show you real Vietnamese bar, very cheap""
  • ""My friend has bar, first drink free""

What To Say & Do

Decline invitations to specific bars from strangers. Choose your own bar and check the menu with prices before ordering. Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City has many legitimate bars with posted prices.

If You've Been Scammed in Vietnam

Don't panic. Document everything immediately — take photos, write down times, locations, and descriptions of anyone involved. Then follow these steps:

  1. 1.Report to local tourist police (most major cities have a dedicated tourist police unit).
  2. 2.Contact your bank immediately if your card was compromised — request a chargeback.
  3. 3.File a claim with your travel insurance provider — most policies cover scam losses.
  4. 4.Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you need emergency assistance.
Full step-by-step guide: What To Do If You've Been Scammed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Scams in Vietnam

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is generally safe for tourists. The scams listed are financially motivated and non-violent. Ho Chi Minh City has more scam activity than Hoi An or Da Nang. Petty theft (bag snatching from motorbikes) is a risk in Ho Chi Minh City — keep bags on the side away from the road.

What is the safest taxi company in Vietnam?

Vinasun (green taxis) and Mai Linh (green and white taxis) are the most reliable metered taxi companies. The Grab app is the safest option for fixed-price rides. Avoid unmarked taxis and drivers who approach you.

What is the tourist police number in Vietnam?

The tourist police can be reached at 1800-599-920 (toll-free). The general emergency number is 113 (police) or 115 (ambulance).

Is it safe to rent a motorbike in Vietnam?

Motorbike rental is popular but carries risks — both traffic accidents and rental scams. If you rent, photograph the bike thoroughly, never leave your passport, and wear a helmet. An international driving permit is technically required.

How much should a taxi from Hanoi airport cost?

From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter, the correct metered fare is 250,000–350,000 VND ($10–$14 USD) in a Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi. The Grab app typically charges 180,000–250,000 VND ($7–$10 USD) for the same journey.

Related Scam Guides

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