Scams and safety in Vietnam: what to know
Updated 1 November 2026 · 5 min read
In short
Vietnam is a safe country for travellers: violence against tourists is rare. The real risks are traffic, phone snatching from passing motorbikes in Saigon, and classic price scams (taxis, cyclos, motorbike rental). A price agreed upfront and a ride-hailing app are enough to avoid most of them.
The most common scams
| Scam | How it works | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Fake taxi or rigged meter | Imitation logo, meter racing | Grab, Be, Xanh SM, or Mai Linh / Vinasun taxis |
| Cyclo price changes | Price becomes "per person" or "per hour" on arrival | Agree the total price before getting in |
| Note confusion | A 500,000 given instead of a 20,000 | Keep big notes separate, count your change |
| Rental motorbike "damage" | Old scratches billed on return | Photograph the bike at pick-up, never leave your passport as a deposit |
| Shoe shiners, shoulder-pole vendors | Service imposed then charged high | Decline politely from the start |
Phone snatching
This is the main risk in big cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City: a motorbike passenger grabs your phone or bag while passing. Hold your phone on the pavement side, do not take it out at the roadside to order a Grab, and wear your bag across your body, away from the road.
Crossing the street
Traffic lights do not protect you from motorbikes. Cross at a steady pace without running or stepping back: riders anticipate your path and go around you. Raise a hand to be seen and, at first, cross alongside a local.
Health
Tap water is not drinkable: drink bottled or filtered water. International clinics in the big cities are good but expensive: travel insurance covering medical costs, and motorbikes if you ride, is essential.