Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Haiphong, Hải Phòng, Vietnam

1. Taxi Scams

Watch for unofficial taxis and overcharging drivers. Use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.

Be wary of street food vendors who use too much plastic or offer unlimited refills. Look for busy stalls with fresh ingredients.

Unhygienic Conditions: Check for cleanliness and hygiene at the food stall.
Excessive Plastic Use: Avoid vendors who overuse plastic utensils or packaging.
Unlimited Refills: Be aware that unlimited refills might mean lower quality ingredients.

Beware of counterfeit goods at markets. Look for licensed shops or verify authenticity with the manufacturer.

Poor Quality: Counterfeit goods often have inferior quality.
Health Risks: Counterfeit electronics may pose a fire risk or contain harmful substances.
Legal Issues: Possessing counterfeit goods can lead to legal trouble in some countries.

Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those located outside banks. Cover the keypad to prevent keyloggers.

Research accommodation prices before arriving to avoid overpaying. Use reputable booking sites or ask at tourist information centers.

High Prices: Overpriced accommodation can drain your travel budget.
Unreliable Quality: Low-quality accommodation may not meet your expectations.
Location: Ensure the accommodation is in a safe and convenient location.

Choose reputable tour companies. Check reviews online or ask for recommendations at your accommodation.

Be wary of overly friendly locals who offer help and then ask for money. Keep a low profile and be cautious with personal belongings.

Asking for Money: Friendly scammers may eventually ask you for money.
Distraction: They can distract you while someone picks your pockets or takes valuables.
False Friendship: They may pretend to be friendly to gain your trust for future scams.

Avoid gold shops offering extremely cheap prices. Gold in Vietnam is priced according to the daily rate.

Too Cheap Prices: Gold scams often offer prices significantly lower than market rates.
Fake Gold: Scammers may use fake gold or low-quality gold to save costs.
Rip-offs: They may charge extra for engraving, appraisal, or other services.

Police in Vietnam do not typically ask for money or personal belongings. If stopped, remain calm and ask to see their identification.

Asking for Money: Fake police may demand money or bribes.
Personal Belongings: They may ask to search your belongings without a warrant.
Identification: Police will always show their identification upon request.

Be cautious when shopping or eating at night markets. Check prices carefully and avoid overpriced or poor-quality items.

Overpricing: Night market vendors may charge inflated prices.
Unsafe Food: Food safety standards may not be upheld at night markets.
Pickpocketing: Night markets can attract pickpockets, so keep a close eye on your belongings.

Be cautious of overpriced drinks or bar staff who encourage you to drink too much. Keep your belongings secure.

Overpricing: Bars and clubs may charge inflated prices for drinks.
Drink Spiking: Some bars may try to spike your drink to take advantage of you.
Belongings Theft: Bars and clubs can attract thieves, so keep your belongings safe.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors to avoid illegal services and potential scams. Look for licensed shops with proper documentation.

Illegal Services: Unlicensed massage parlors may offer services that are against the law.
Health Risks: Unhygienic conditions can lead to health risks.
Scams and Extortion: Some unlicensed parlors may engage in scams or extort money from customers.

Be cautious of internet cafes that install keyloggers on computers. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.

Keylogging: Internet cafes may install keyloggers on their computers.
Malware Infections: Cafes may be infected with malware that can steal your data.
Data Theft: Thieves may target internet cafes to steal personal information.

Be cautious of monks or vendors who ask for money. Donations should be made to the temple, not individuals.

Asking for Money: Some monks or vendors may ask you for money.
Donation Scams: Scammers may pose as temple staff to collect donations fraudulently.
Unauthorized Sales: Vendors may sell unauthorized items or services within the temple.

Be cautious when handing out your business card. Some people may photocopy your card for illegal purposes.