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Vietnam is generally a very safe country for tourists, but opportunistic scams do exist in major cities. Learn about the 10 most common scams and exactly how to avoid them during your 2026 trip.
1. Fake Taxis & Broken Meters
One of the most frequent scams at airports and tourist spots involves taxis with rigged meters or drivers who refuse to use the meter altogether. Some scammers even copy the branding of reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun to trick unsuspecting travelers. Make sure you have your transportation planned after getting your Vietnam eVisa to avoid hassle at the airport.
- Always use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Gojek to know the exact fare in advance.
- If you must use a traditional taxi, stick to official Mai Linh or Vinasun cars.
- Never follow aggressive touts at the airport arrivals area.
Download the Grab app and link your credit card before arriving in Vietnam for seamless, scam-free airport transfers.
2. The Cyclo Ride Overcharge
Cyclos (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) are a charming way to explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi or the streets of Hue. However, some drivers may offer a low price initially, only to demand ten times that amount at the end of the ride, claiming the original quote was "per person" or "per 10 minutes."
- Always negotiate and agree on the total, final price before getting on.
- Clarify if the price is for the entire ride or per person.
- Write the agreed amount down on your phone to prevent misunderstandings.
3. The "Free" Shoe Repair Scam
While walking down the street, especially in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, someone might point at your shoes, claiming they are dirty or broken. Before you know it, they squirt glue on your shoe or start brushing it, and then demand an exorbitant fee for the "repair."
- Keep walking and firmly say "No, thank you" (Không, cảm ơn).
- Do not stop or let them touch your shoes.
- If they start working on your shoe without permission, firmly pull away.
Be firm! Scammers rely on tourists feeling too polite or intimidated to refuse payment.
4. Unwanted Photo-Op & Fruit Seller Scams
Vendors carrying bamboo shoulder poles loaded with fruit or coconuts may approach you, offering you their traditional conical hat and pole for a "free photo." Once you take the picture, they will aggressively demand you buy their overpriced fruit or pay a hefty fee for the photo.
- Do not accept the hat or the carrying pole if offered.
- If you genuinely want a photo, ask for the price first.
- Be prepared to walk away quickly if they become pushy.
5. Overpriced Tours & Fake Travel Agencies
There are countless "Sinh Tourist" or "Oneway Travel" agencies in Vietnam, but many are fake copycats of reputable companies. Booking through these fakes can lead to bait-and-switch tours where you are crammed onto an old bus and taken to mediocre hotels.
- Book tours through reputable platforms or directly on the official websites of trusted agencies.
- Read recent reviews online before handing over any cash.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
6. The Motorbike Rental Damage Scam
Renting a motorbike is popular, but some shady rental shops will accuse you of causing pre-existing scratches or damage when you return the bike, demanding hefty compensation. In extreme cases, they might even follow you and "steal" the bike back using a spare key, forcing you to pay for the "lost" bike.
- Always take detailed photos and a video of the entire motorbike before leaving the shop.
- Rent from recommended places with good reviews, or ask your hotel for trusted partners.
- Use your own padlock when parking.
7. Currency Confusion and Shortchanging
Vietnamese Dong (VND) has many zeros, and several notes look surprisingly similar. For example, the 500,000 VND note (blue) can easily be confused with the 20,000 VND note (blue). Scammers often rely on tourists' confusion to shortchange them or claim they handed over a smaller note.
- Familiarize yourself with the colors and denominations of VND.
- Always double-check your change before walking away.
- Say the amount out loud when handing over large notes.
Keep your small bills separate from your large bills (500,000 VND) to avoid accidentally handing over the wrong amount.
8. The Train and Bus Station Luggage "Helpers"
As you arrive at a train or bus station, friendly individuals might offer to help carry your bags or "guide" you to your platform. Once they drop your bags, they will demand a steep tip for their unsolicited service.
- Politely but firmly decline unsolicited help with your luggage.
- Keep a strong grip on your bags in crowded transit areas.
- If you need help, look for official station staff in uniform.
9. Massage Parlor Bait-and-Switch
Some massage places advertise incredibly low prices outside. Once you are inside and the massage is over, they present a bill with massive "mandatory tips," service charges, or claim you agreed to premium services you never requested.
- Check reviews online before entering a spa or massage parlor.
- Confirm the total price, including tips and taxes, before the service begins.
- Avoid places with overly aggressive touts outside.
10. The "Friendly Student" Tea Scam
A "friendly student" or local might strike up a conversation to practice their English and invite you to a local tea house or cafe. When the bill arrives, it is astronomically high, and your new "friend" suddenly vanishes or claims you must pay for both.
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who suggest moving to a specific, unknown venue.
- If you want to socialize, suggest a popular, public cafe of your own choosing.
- Read more about typical safety measures in our Vietnam travel guide.
Don't Forget Your Visa!
While dodging scams is part of the travel experience, forgetting your visa is a guaranteed way to ruin your trip. The Vietnam eVisa is now available for all nationalities, offering up to 90 days of stay. Apply for your Vietnam eVisa today to ensure a smooth arrival!