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Though it’s known as a moderate country, there are unsatisfactory things about Vietnam that can interfere with your trip. Some foreigners do not want to return to Vietnam because of bad experiences.
Waiting to play out on unknowing tourists, these scams that not any Vietnamese travel blog ever seems to tell you about.
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Things You Should Be Aware When Traveling to Vietnam
To avoid those harsh things that negatively affect your trip to Vietnam, we’ve outlined all the common scams people make in the country. Hope it will make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.
It's worth noting that this scam is common in large cities, where there are many tourists and abundant vehicles in the traffic. There are numerous official apps for hailing a taxi, but sometimes, a guy may approach you and offer a ride. In such instances, it's understandable why one might be tempted to accept.
Upon entering the taxi, you confirm the destination. And you realize that your ride is taking longer than anticipated, even if your destination is just around the corner. The driver may offer a variety of excuses, including construction work or traffic jams around the area. Once the drive is over, the driver may request a higher price than agreed upon.
Choosing a a reputable taxi company to avoid Taxi scams
On the other hand, these fake taxi drivers may drive you to an unfamiliar location and ask for a significant amount of money. If you disagree, they may attempt to extort money from you with the help of their accomplices.
If you're planning on going to Vietnam for your next holiday, the visa application process should be pretty straightforward. However, beware!
There have been reports of fake Vietnam visa websites where users are paying exorbitant amounts, thinking they're on an official website. They either don't get their Vietnam travel visa or give scammers much more than they should have paid. Be careful when picking agencies if you need an invitation. And always check their authentication!
Always check the authentication to avoid Visa scams and frauds
Or you are doing a Vietnam Evisa, you already have the link for the legitimate platform. So, you shouldn't have to worry about anything, right? Wrong! It's not as simple as it seems.
Some of the border guards own a recommendation agency. They'll quickly establish the price, which is higher than the usual one, and communicate it to the "agency representative." If you don't pay the agencies, you'll have to keep paying bogus fees until your e-visa applications are approved.
Be careful of the fake " agency representative"
In short, be super careful with the data you enter and document everything. There are tons of cases where the border agent says the application was wrong just to rip you off.
In many countries, haggling is seen as an unpleasant necessity rather than a charming cultural exchange. However, in Vietnam, it is a common practice.
It’s also a country where visiting tourists don’t realise how cheap products are and as such, are often sold items at many inflated prices. Popular tourist destinations like Hoi An Ancient Town and Ha Noi are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon.
Overcharging in tourist spots like Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Noi
For instance, around Hoan Kiem Lake in Ha Noi, you might experience a scam almost every minute, so it’s wise to know how to deal with it.
You should always know the price of the goods you're buying so you can bargain. Expect the price may be slightly higher than that of a market, it is important to remember that your purchase is supporting local communities and providing them with an income.
It happens not only around travel agents but can be found around hotel and restaurant businesses as well.
When any company in the travel industry becomes popular or famous, there will be new travel agents in Vietnam that pop up with similar-sounding names. Many of the first-comers have been scammed along the way.
Unfortunately, in these fake tours, the level of service is more awful compared to real options. Interestingly, those fake tours are often more affordable than the real ones. So, it's important to be aware when booking anything in Vietnam related to tourism and to use reliable and recognized booking platforms.
Fake travel agencies and companies may lead to awful services
You will feel mad after acknowledging this during your Vietnam trip. Don’t be so surprised because it’s quite common in Vietnam.
Even Vietnamese people are still suffering from a similar situation. The main targets that thieves and robbers often aim at are alone ladies, who usually have no power to protect themselves. And there is not much we can do to stop the crime as we are not the authorities.
Robberies may be happened on streets
Certain locations, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Sapa, Cat Ba Island, and even international airports, such as Tan Son Nhat, have been identified as hotspots for petty theft. From our perspective, Ho Chi Minh City is the most problematic for these crimes.
It is advisable to be careful and extra aware when withdrawing money or using your phone and don’t do it alone on the street as there is a possibility they will take advantage of you.
A part of Vietnam street
To figure out how much your taxi ride is going to cost, first, use Google Maps to figure out how far you have to go. Once you have that, just multiply it by the price per kilometer charged by the taxi company.
Tips to avoid taxi scams
Before you start your trip, always ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare so you know what to expect and so you don't get any surprises at the end of the journey.
It's a good idea to choose a reputable taxi company like Mai Linh or Vinasun, which are known for being reliable and fair with their prices. You can also try ride-hailing services like Grab, as Uber isn't available in Vietnam. These options offer transparent pricing and a safer, more reliable transportation experience.
Tech-based taxi is safer and a modern way to travel around Vietnam
Avoid getting caught in tourist traps by staying away from restaurants without price signs. Some places might even charge you just for sitting down, which can be frustrating.
Always ask about prices upfront before ordering, whether you're dining in a restaurant or trying street food. If the restaurant doesn’t give you a fixed menu, you should ask the waiter for the meal price or refuse to order.
If you feel like you're being overcharged compared to locals, don't hesitate to leave and find another spot. There are plenty of dining options, so it is quite easy to find a place that offers fair prices. Vietnamese authorities are strongly putting an end to price gouging, please report it immediately as soon as you see it.
How to be wary of overcharging @TrulyExpatTravel
It's a sad fact that valuable items of jewelry like diamonds and gold always attract people’s attention, especially criminals. Getting their jewelry snatched on the road and getting hurt has happened to many tourists and even the locals.
Losing your valuables is bad enough, but it’s far worse when you get injured. So, if you're planning to walk out there to explore the city, it's a smart move to put your jewelry somewhere safe.
Minimize the risk of robberies @willflyforfood
Highly recommend you invest in Vietnam travel insurance to protect yourself against any unexpected events during your trip. It gives you peace of mind and ensures you're covered in case of emergencies.
It's also important to remember that you should never put any valuable items in your checked bags and keep them out of sight. You might think you have a lock, but it's still possible for someone to open it and steal your things.
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Minimize the risk of robberies @Saigoneer
To keep yourself safe from scams and have a smooth trip, better book your tours through a reliable Vietnam travel agency like Asia King Travel.
By choosing well-known and reputable websites, you can avoid being taken advantage of by fake agencies and get the peace of mind that comes with a reliable service and genuine offerings. With Asia King Travel, you can relax knowing your Vietnam tours are in good hands. You can focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about the authenticity of your bookings.
You may also like: Vietnam Discovery
In short, when traveling to Vietnam, it's important to be aware of a few things to ensure your time in Vietnam goes smoothly and enjoyable.
Once again, the question: "Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?" is not too tough. By staying alert and informed, you can navigate the vibrant streets and diverse landscapes of Vietnam with confidence, creating memories you'll never forget while avoiding common pitfalls.
So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let Vietnam's beauty and charm captivate you while keeping these essential tips in mind. Safe travels!
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