Saigon Travel Tip: Stay Safe and Smart – A Guide to Common Scams in Saigon
- Saigon Happy Tour
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Vietnam is an incredible country to explore, with its rich culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. However, like any popular tourist destination, there are certain scams that travelers should be aware of to ensure their visit is both fun and safe. Here are some of the most common scams you might encounter in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and throughout Vietnam, and how to avoid them.
The Fake Taxi Scam
How it works: One of the most common scams in Saigon involves fake taxis. Unscrupulous drivers may pose as legitimate taxi drivers, often in cars that look like those of well-known companies. These fake taxis typically do not use a meter or deliberately manipulate the meter to overcharge you significantly, it happens usually at the airport.
How to avoid it:
Saigon travel tip: If you take a taxi, make sure the meter is running from the start.
The "Wrong Change" Trick
How it works: This scam happens when you pay for something, and the vendor gives you back the wrong amount of change—either too little or a mix of different currencies. They hope you'll be too distracted or in a hurry to notice, leaving you shortchanged.
How to avoid it:
Always count your change carefully and keep an eye on the transaction.
Pay with exact change if possible, to avoid confusion.
If you’re unsure of the exchange rate, ask the vendor to confirm the amount.
The "Overcharged" Restaurant Scam
How it works: At some restaurants, especially in tourist-heavy areas, the bill may include extra charges or items you didn’t order. These could be hidden fees or just inflated prices for basic items like drinks or condiments.
How to avoid it:
Check your bill carefully before paying and ensure that all items are accurate.
If something seems off, politely ask for clarification.
Consider eating at well-known or recommended restaurants where pricing is transparent.
The "Hotel or Accommodation Scam"
How it works: Some scam artists may approach you outside of your hotel or near tourist attractions, offering cheap accommodation or claiming to work for a well-known hotel. Once you arrive at a so-called “budget” hotel, the quality is poor, and the rates are much higher than expected.
How to avoid it:
Book your accommodation through reliable websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb.
Avoid accepting offers from people on the street for hotel accommodations unless you’ve researched the place beforehand.
The BEN THANH MARKET
How it works: Some scam artists may approach you outside of your hotel or near tourist attractions, offering cheap accommodation or claiming to work for a well-known hotel. Once you arrive at a so-called “budget” hotel, the quality is poor, and the rates are much higher than expected.
While Vietnam is an amazing destination for travelers, it’s important to stay alert and aware of common scams that might occur. By following these simple tips and using a little common sense, you can have a safe and enjoyable time in Saigon and throughout Vietnam. Always remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
At Saigon Happy Tour, we aim to make your experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Our tours are designed to give you a deeper insight into the local culture, history, and landmarks while ensuring you’re safe and well-informed.
Comments