10 Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them | Vietnam Travel Guide
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
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☀️About me:
Hey, I’m Van Vu from Vietnam! I’m gonna show you a BUN CHA good food besides PHO (Hope you like the puns :)) I love sharing Vietnamese unique food, hidden gems, and especially our culture. I strongly believe that the world will be a better place if we know each other’s culture. Learn more about me here: whatthephovn.com/about/
For business inquiries - vanvu@whatthephovn.com
If you ever do encounter any situation like Van expresses here. Don’t be afraid to yell out or call out for help from the locals. They will immediately help you.
Their culture is all about family, safety, and taking care of anyone in need of help or assistance.
In thailand , taxi drivers alway said they dont have change . what do you think ?
@@VanTran-ne4yf I think perhaps you were unprepared to visit that country.🤣
I don't know about those last two but sure lol
All the scammers are VN family
Don't feel bad about talking about this. None of these scams are unique to Vietnam. Charity scams are super common in Paris. Overcharge scams happen in every major city on Earth. And rental car/bike scams are a big issue in a lot of places, especially in Central America. It's always good to have a reminder to be on your toes when travelling.
As someone who travelled to Saigon in November of 22' I was a little apprehensive being a solo traveler and arriving closer to midnight. The first taxi I took drive around the airport and then returned back to the airport saying they needed to change drivers; I felt uncomfortable so I returned into the airport and booked a taxi at one of the inside booths. I overpaid for my fair but the driver was nice and took me to my lodging in District 1 without issue and I tipped him as well. Overall after the first few days I was able to relax a little more and I was cautious about using my phone in public or crowded places but never felt like anyone was targeting me. I was often out with locals or other travelers so that gave me a little "peace of mind." Overall I didn't experience many of the scams that were listed but I was vigilant in not wearing anything expensive, only pulling out my phone off of crowded streets or coffee shops and carrying small amounts of cash on me. Like any country the majority of people don't want to harm or take things from you only the few that make a bad impression. My recommendations are to land during the day time (as apparently I was unable to take a Grab unless I was outside of the airport zone), exchange your money near Bin Thanh Market (there is a gold store there) with good exchange rates, don't carry large bills and avoid the tourist traps where predator's might be waiting.
And avoid men who walk around cleaning shoes. No matter if you just bought a brand new pair of shoes they will tell you it's dirty. My brand new Nike sneakers I was told is dirty. At one point I switched to my old New Balance sneakers which is over 10 years old. I was told it needs cleaning that it is dirty. I said it's over 10 years old and I like wearing dirty sneakers.
Do you mind where the gold store near is?
When I applied for mine through the Vietnam embassy in Washington DC, I made the same mistake. The next day I was notified and made the corrections and 5 days later I had my visa and didn't spend an extra penny. 😊
Thank you. I lost over $5,800 by trusting a tour company that takes Vietnam Veterans to visit battlefield sites (and cities) in Vietnam. My main goal was to visit two sites including one (Phou Nhoi) where 34 of my Marine brothers died. The tour company (they advertised in a military magazine called Vietnam) did not get permits and blamed the Vietnamese military when we were escorted out of the area. It took an investigation by Ambassador Marc Knapper of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi to expose their lie. This Texas-based tour company does not accept negative reviews making it impossible to warn Vietnam Veterans.
So sorry that happened to you. Try BBB to expose them. Taking advantage by knowing they can scam you and blamed it on the instability in Vietnam. There is always this and that but a tour company should know how to get around them or give your money back.
Hi Van, thanks for making this. While gathering these were uncomfortable, you will undoubtedly save many foreign tourists from unnecessary frustrations.
PS. Ha Noi & Hai Phong were great! I need to be firm and say 'no' to #8 when I visit those two cites again.
PSS. I love 'Bun Cha' & 'Quay'.
Thanks Van! I enjoy your channel and all the tips. I leave for HCMC in Feb. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the scams you mentioned.
Grab is the safest. It like uber with set price and you get to pay driver at the end
Thanks for your local knowledge, thats only second to you being my local tourguide😊😊. Seriously you are helping others with your information of vietnam. Watching your videos also make people fall in love with Vietnam as a beautiful destination.
I'd like to mention the opposite experience I had in Hanoi last year, where I found a fantastic place selling Bun Cha. The price was insanely low (even with a beer). I tried very hard to offer a tip, and it took about 5 people to confirm that they were allowed to take it. Went back a few days later and went through the exact same process!
What is the name of this place? I will be in visiting Hanoi, would love to check it out.
Thank's for sharing this video Vanvu
Very informative
Stay safe always🙋🙋🙋
Thank you. Those advices are very helpful.
Thanks for sharing your tips about travelling in Vietnam.
Thank you. Please keep us up to date with the latest scams in Vietnam.
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable info.
Thank you for all this usefull information. It is extra info for the trip i am planning.😊
She's so pretty and nice, so I almost don't want to say this, but you don't need to be so security conscious in Vietnam. Travelers should already know the basic scams around buses, airports, tourist areas, etc. If you carry your money, passport and other important docs near your chest area, say in an inside jacket pocket you'll be fine. In big cities like HCMC or Hanoi watch out for phone thefts. You won't need insurance because that in itself is a big scam. I've been in Vietnam for over 16 years and never once felt unsafe. Cheers.
unfortunately she doesnt like me
There must be a lot of scams in Vietnam now, because Van is even making a video now. When out walking, never bring passport, or wallet. Leave in your room safe. Only bring the equivalent of $30. Don't be stupid while taking photos with your phone. Keep it in a zipped front pocket while not in use. If alone look angry and Say no loudly if approached. Try not to use your debit or credit card too much. They scam you that way also. Oh and btw. Van is very beautiful ❤❤
Thank you very much for alerting us all, very beautiful video❤❤❤❤❤❤
I went on a solo trip to Ho Chi Minh City last May after watching reviews from various UA-camrs. I was really impressed with the hotel service there as they were extremely customer focused. I had made all the arrangements beforehand. So far, it has been a good experience for me, although I did encounter some issues with a street vendor who was trying to charge me a higher price. My next plan is to visit Danang.
thank you for doing that video! It's very important to know all these common scams to thruly be able to enjoy a destination. looking forward to visit Vietnam !!
Thank you for educating me about these scams ! You are extremely fluent in the English language, and an excellent speaker and communicator ! You have a clear and pleasant voice, and are very lovely ! Peace & Love💕🌸
Very informative. Thank you , Van
Hi van , thanks for your useful comments in pointing out some of the problems! Appreciate 👍
Thank you for an informative video…your channel really helped me prepare for my first Vietnam trip last February 🙏
Allow me to please add to your list of scams. In addition to children begging, I had several times where women who looked like grandmothers, had infants or toddlers that they tried to force into my arms, including one time when I was about to get on the back of a grab motorcycle taxi. The scam is that if you take the baby into your arms, they won’t take it back unless you give them money!
Also, there are on men who want to shine or clean your shoes and are very persistent. One time I was walking in the rain, wearing old and ugly sneakers and a man literally wrapped himself around my left leg and insisted on cleaning my shoes. I had to force him off. He actually hurt me a bit because my knee has a torn meniscus 😞
Just like you, I feel bad mentioning this because my visit to Vietnam was so wonderful and life-changing due to the kindness and generosity of The Vietnamese people I met… I hope to return
Thanks for the warning, a lot of the scams are similar to scams in Thailand, I will watch out when I visit Vietnam!
Hello Van, thank you for sharing the scams information, it does helpful. 👍
Thank you, very informative. :)
Good information for foreigner tourist. Thanks VV👏👏👏
Thank you so much. I will prepare everything you suggest.
Thanks for this video. You are the best
Hi! Van. Thank You for sharing ❤️
Thanks so much for your experience sharing
Thanks! ❤ from the PH 🇵🇭
very informative Thank you
Thank you for your advice. 👍
Great video! Thank you very much for your great tips! 😍
Excellent video. Great information.
Thanks for the heads up. Quite common scams in Asia but still daunting to know. Feels like you need to be on your toes all the time! 😅
well presented Pho
hi vanvu. many thanks for the tips.. .have a good day traveling to ha long and Hanoi !
Thank you, Van, for another informative video! I really want to go back to Vietnam with my husband and daughter. It's been 11-12 years now.
From the airport please just take the local bus 152
It picks up in the airport complex and drops you in D1 at Starbucks new world.
It’s just 5k
love the way you speak, so clear and aritculate!
Yeah, the perks of being a native english speaker, lol
Thank you so much for sharing this information 🙏🌸👍
I hate to admit it but we got scammed by the coconut guy in Ho Chi Minh on our very 1st Vietnam visit. Just so you all know this guy would not take no for an answer. He wouldn't stop following us until we carried his goods on that bamboo pole with a basket on each end, If there is a name for that please tell me. Anyway he was selling coconut first he let us carry and take pictures then he cut 2 coconuts and we paid through the nose. So like the lady says, if you want a coconut ask the price, pay the price then walk on. I still love Vietnam, we are going back in FEB 2024 this will be our 4th time. FYI we only got scammed that 1 time. Thanks for the refresher.
its so sad that all this stuff happens in Vietnam because it is such a beautiful country with lovely people.. but fact is Saigon is a growing city that inevitably attracts a lot of not necessarily honest people who will scam others.. its a city! (I only mention Saigon because its the only city I have experienced, been going there for almost 10yrs and lived there for months at a time in the past) I hope all this does not put people off as the Vietnamese are some of the loveliest people I have ever met.. you just need to keep awareness of whats going on around you while in any city...
Thx for youre informative video. Traveling to Vietnam the fist time in march :D
Greetings from Vienna - Austria / Europe
Thanks. Very helpful
thanks for the info, the bike rental one is crazy
Most informative and helpful for planning a trip. I look forward to reading your new book.😊
The video is very informative. We have been to Vietnam in the first week of March this year and was there for 2 weeks. The services rendered is meticulous and the stay is comfortable, we enjoyed our stay in Vietnam, such a beautiful country.
Agreed their are plenty of scammers on LA and NY too
Thanks for the info! I would love visiting Vietnam one more time.
Love to see you back🌹but travel to Vietnam feel safety worry 🌹
Hi! Van thank you very much for sharing.
Very good advice to keep in mind whatever country you travel to. Thank you. 🥰😎
Thank you for your time and posting. I'm retired and really looking to retire somewhere in Southeast Asia. Great editing. 10% dark side, 90% light side... Anywhere. Thank you again.
Thank you sweet heart for the useful information 🥰😘🥰😘
Thank you!!
This only happened to me in Saigon: guy says my shoe is broken and sometimes follows me. I often reply with I’m a hurry, I don’t have time. Onc, one of them “cornered” me near Saigon Center as the light for crossing was red and cars/bike were comming perpendicular to me. I just went through (it’s great that it happened when it wasn’t my first VN street crossing).
Absolutely Outstanding
Thank you for this informative video. My son will be going to Da Nang in March as part of a school cultural excursion. The photo scam info would be particularly useful as he most probably will be taking a lot of pictures with his friends and with the group.
Da Nang is hot in March, make sure to pack sun block, neck fans, and hand held fans, cap or hat too.
Thank you so much.... I'll look you up when I visit
Thank You for this video 😊😊😊😊
Hello...very interesting. loved it!
Great video.
You should do a dating scams video.
So,it is nice to visit your place next month we will check our schedule ,thank you.
All great tips , for the guys pickup a murse keep it front facing and make sure it has a locking latch so it can’t be easily opened , safe travels all
Good information!
Great tips.
Thanks 🎉
Thank you.... Vietnam is really a good country to visit
Van once again provides one of the most important and 100% factual informative Videos concerning traveling not only through Vietnam but all throughout Asia and the World. I have traveled numerous times to Vietnam and never experienced any type of scam or hostility.
Everyone was always very polite and helpful. Listen to every word she says. Anything can happen at anytime. Being made aware of these issues can enhance your trip substantially.
Best way to avoid scams is 1) not to be airhead, and 2) to stick to recommendations of honest local experts, such as Van. :)
Scams could happen anywhere, whether it US, Europe, or Asia. So you shouldn't extrapolate some bad experience on whole nation(s) or ethnicity(ties) - you just need to be aware, guys. Stay safe and take care, everyone!
😅 great contents every time - thanks
Nice to see your video!
love about your true said
I visited Vietnam in 2011 and despite the trash I saw in some areas of Hanoi, I liked the country so much that I said to my self that I will return one day, because there are some many beautiful places to see. And this will happen in April 2024 !
Congrats
Hi Van!
Cô ấy đã rất dũng cảm để nói lên những tiêu cự trên so với nhiều người khác họ ko dám nhìn sự thật và lờ đi,điều cô ấy làm thật đáng quí nó tốt cho mọi người,chúng ta rất vui mừng vì thế hệ trẻ tiến bộ như thế nầy,hãy ủng hộ cô ấy nhé mọi người,chú rất quí cháu chúc cháu luôn vui khỏe
At the Ho Chi Minh airport, you can go to the taxi stand inside the building and pay up front. It will cost slightly more, but you won't get ripped off .
great video all true !
so helpful, tks VV
One best advice, just doing your own travel- which openess with other travelers boarding same destination. Of course, get your currency exchange at airports in Vietnam.
Don't buy foods on street vendors.
As Indonesians, and coincidentally, we have the same time zone, to be exact, as my hometown. Thanks to you, I have a little knowledge about scamming in your country. Someday I want to travel to Vietnam to complete my wish list.
Thank you for the helpful video Van! I'm going to Hanoi and Hoi An this December, if you have any tips on specifically how to dress for the varying climates I think that would make a good video topic!
Hi Kirsten, I have a lis of what to pack and where to go in Hoi an and Ha Noi in my ebook, you definitely should check it out phovnlover.gumroad.com/l/UltimateVietnamGuidebook
Got it thanks Van
Thank you very much for your kind advice!!!!
Here are my 10 bad experiences in just two weeks in Vietnam. Otherwise, I really like Vietnam and Vietnamese people. I really appreciate their history and their courage, that at the end of all the wars, where they suffered a lot, they only secured their independence and freedom.
1. I paid for the taxi at the official window of the taxi kiosk at the airport in Saigon, because I thought that way I would avoid being scammed. However, the taxi, when my luggage was still in his trunk, said that I paid for the taxi service at the airport, and now I have to pay him, otherwise, he would not give me the luggage and he will drive away with it. I didn't have another, I paid.
2. In Saigon, I stayed at the Red Sun Hotel, which has 2 buildings. I stayed in the one where there was no reception and found that my room could only be locked from the outside. It's a strange feeling to sleep with the door unlocked in such a big city.
3. In Saigon, the shoe shiners bothered me the most. I was sitting in front of the bar wearing sneakers, but the cleaner just sat down next to me, grabbed my foot, and started scrubbing the sneakers with a brush. When I protested that I didn't need it because my sneakers were clean, he showed obvious signs of aggression. This happened constantly, every day.
4. I was also disturbed by a masseur on a bicycle who drove up while I was sitting in front of the bar, stepped behind my back, and started massaging my neck without asking. I had to resist quite forcefully for him to stop.
5. The bus for the 7-hour ride had no seats at all, only hammocks, which were much too small for us Europeans, who are bigger than the average Vietnamese, and besides, I had to carry all my luggage on my stomach.
6. Because of my experience with the bus, I rented a private vehicle to the next destination with a driver who was so tired that I had to constantly remind him not to fall asleep behind the wheel. The highway was wide and with very little traffic, but every now and then we came across a big hole in the asphalt. If I hadn't seen her in time, our bike would have hit us, and the car would have gone off the road.
7. In the tourist agency, the employee is Slovenia instead, even though I warned her that Slovakia is a completely different country, and although I clearly showed her in my passport, she insisted and wanted to book me as a citizen of Slovakia. All the while, she laughed in my face very kindly, as if I didn't know where I was from. I went to another travel agency, where they were able to correctly read the name of my home country
8. I went to a bar in the evening. There was Mama San and 4 girls. I paid for 3 drinks each because they were so much fun. The next morning I turned up for coffee at the same bar and one of the girls came up to me and literally ordered me to pay for her drink. When I told her that I only pay for the drink as long as the girl behaved normally, not commandingly, she threw the glass under my bar stool with all her might. I paid for my coffee and left.
9. In Nha Trang, I met a 31-year-old single woman who worked in a family cafe. I was with her in the bar for about an hour. We caught up very nicely in the conversation. Finally, we agreed on dinner, where she also brought her father, which is very unusual for us Europeans. We had dinner and talked, but I never visited her again because she was far too extremely traditional for me.
10. When I decided to return to Bangkok, both the receptionist at the hotel and the taxi driver who took me to the airport were very persuasive that I would not get a free seat, just to keep me in Nha Trang. I got the seat and happily returned to Thailand where I lived for about 2 years.
I know Van is uncomfortable referring to these negative situations and scams. But she wants all of us to be aware of not only the fantastic aspects of Vietnam, but she is also very concerned for your safety and enjoyment while visiting her wonderful country.
As a Vietnamese American in Vietnam, I can say with certainty that Vietnamese people in general are pretty scandalous/deceitful (and I can tell Van Vu is the same). 😊
No, wrong, you don't read her mind, speak for her/anyone, and seem do not open your eyes or ears when travel more in Vietnam. Everyone can read, understanding and know!!!!!
👍 thank you.. van.. !! thats very useful advices and information. 👍 will remember it when in Vietnam.. 👏❤ cheers…!! ❤️
I’m a creative introvert also. I like being around people but I don’t like to be the center of attention. I’m ok with teaching in South East Asia because the working environment is very friendly and peaceful. ☺️
Glad to see you are back on YT. It's been 25 years ago since I visited the motherland, but these scams are still prevalent in 2024. It's a big shame on the country.
Yes, trust no one and always ask for the price first. A taxi driver befriended us on the first day at a hotel in Da Nang. For the next couple of days, we hired him for personal trips and tours. He took us to his extended family seafood restaurant and because we trusted him, we let our guard down and forgot to ask for the price first for the dishes. Boy, did we paid for out mistake....
That's a common scam. I'm kinda surprised it wasn't mentioned in the video.
the first thing I want to say you are beautiful god bless you
your information is very good for any country travel and was easy to understand
thank you
Sky scanner is a good one a lot of affordable flights on their for whatever country you want to go.😅
HCMC was a scary place. Tuktuk driver took me to a very far place - I wanted to go to the bus station - and then asked for 1000 dong 😔
Thank you Van Vu for your content, We fly into Hanoi on 2nd Dec & fly out of Saigon on 2nd Jan, your content has helped us plan our trip from accommodation bookings in Hoi An & Nha Trang, also thx to Max, Chris, Phuc Mac & above all YOU, we have a list as long as my arm on places to eat, what to order, things to do, places to visit, what not to do & things to be weary off, thx again & its really good to see you making content again. PS more content pls with your mother she is funny & adorable just like you ;).
Thank you for the information. May I know Grab taxi operates in Ho Chi Minh. I plan to go this coming 13 Mar to Ho Chi Minh.
I love the tips🌹😜👍🏼👍🏼