Tag: tourist-safety
8 articles tagged this way.
- Phone and Bag Snatching in Vietnamese Cities
The most common urban crime affecting foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City, and to a lesser extent Hanoi. A handful of habits stop almost all of it.
scams · Updated 2026-06-11 - Train and Bus Station Touts
Major Vietnamese transport hubs have a layer of aggressive intermediaries between you and the official ticket counter. Walking past them — or booking online before you arrive — solves it.
scams · Updated 2026-06-11 - Drink Spiking in Vietnam's Nightlife Districts
Rare but documented, mostly in backpacker bar zones. Basic drink hygiene removes almost all of the risk, and Vietnam's overall nightlife safety record is better than most Western cities.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21 - Fake Police Shakedowns
Uncommon, but it happens — usually around backpacker areas or as a roadside stop. Real Vietnamese police follow specific procedures, and knowing them takes most of the pressure off.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21 - The Friendly Stranger Approach: Genuine or Not
Most Vietnamese people who strike up a conversation with you are sincere. A small number aren't. Here's how to tell the difference without becoming the kind of traveller who turns down every greeting.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21 - Money Exchange Scams and Where to Change Currency Safely
Independent money changers in tourist areas use a small bag of tricks at the moment of handover. Banks, ATMs, and a little vigilance solve almost all of it.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21 - Restaurant Overcharging and Menu Tricks
Most Vietnamese restaurants are scrupulously fair. A small number in tourist zones pad the bill in predictable ways — here's how to read a menu, a receipt, and a 'market price'.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21 - The Tea House and Gem Shop Scam
A friendly chat in Hoan Kiem or District 1 turns into a sit-down sales pitch for overpriced tea, gems, or art. Here's how to recognise it early and step away politely.
scams · Updated 2026-05-21