Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hanoi, Hà Nội, Vietnam

All Topics about Hanoi All Cities in Vietnam

1. Counterfeit Currency Scam

Be cautious when receiving change from street vendors or taxis. Check the bills for quality and feel for any irregularities.

Vendor Reputation: Avoid street vendors with questionable reputations.
Safe Transaction Locations: Transact in banks or reputable shops when possible.
Education on Counterfeit Notes: Familiarize yourself with genuine Vietnamese currency before traveling.

Be wary of vendors offering gold or jewelry at unusually low prices. Always verify the authenticity with a trusted source.

Vendor Transparency: Check for vendor's license and ask for a receipt.
Knowledge of Gemstones: Learn about the local gemstone market before purchasing.
Pricing Research: Research average prices for gold and jewelry in Hanoi before making a purchase.

Avoid using taxis without a meter. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for fair and transparent pricing.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Avoid taxis without company logos or identifying markers.
Trusted Transport Providers: Use reputable transport services like Grab or Vietnamese-branded taxis.

Be cautious when approached by beggars offering friendship or assistance. They may be attempting to lead you into a scam or robbery.

Awareness of Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Declining Assistance: Politely decline assistance or friendship offers from beggars.
Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to the local authorities.

Be cautious when accepting offers for a ride on a motorbike. They may take you to a scam location or overcharge you.

Verifying Driver Identity: Ask for the driver's ID and check their credentials.
Negotiating Fare in Advance: Always negotiate and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Using Trusted Motorbike Services: Use reputable motorbike services like Grab or local-branded options.

Avoid eating at street food stalls with poor hygiene. Be cautious of vendors offering unusual or exotic dishes.

Hygienic Conditions: Check for cleanliness, proper storage of ingredients, and well-cooked food.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street food options.
Street Food Etiquette: Follow local customs and etiquette when dining at street food stalls.

Be cautious when consuming alcohol, particularly in bars or clubs. Never leave your drink unattended.

Drink Supervision: Always keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended.
Reputable Bars and Clubs: Choose reputable bars and clubs with a good reputation for safety.
Avoiding Unusual Drinks: Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or unfamiliar sources.

Be cautious when hiring tour guides. Check their credentials and read reviews before making a decision.

Verifying Tour Guide Credentials: Check for proper tour guide licenses and registration.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials: Research the tour guide's reputation online before hiring them.
Negotiating Tour Prices in Advance: Always negotiate and agree on the tour price before starting your journey.

Be cautious when booking hotel rooms. Check for hidden fees and read reviews before making a reservation.

Reading Reviews: Research the hotel's reputation online before booking.
Avoiding Unfamiliar Hotel Brands: Choose well-known and reputable hotel brands when possible.
Checking for Hidden Fees: Always check for hidden fees before confirming your reservation.

Be cautious when purchasing a SIM card. Only buy from official retailers or the service provider's store.

Buying from Official Retailers: Purchase your SIM card from an official retailer or the service provider's store.
Checking for Compatible Devices: Ensure that the SIM card is compatible with your device before making a purchase.
Researching Data Packages: Research data packages and prices to get the best deal.

Be cautious when using ATMs. Avoid using ATMs that appear tampered with or in secluded areas.

Choosing Well-lit and Secure Locations: Use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas.
Checking for Tampered Machines: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Protecting Your Pin and Card: Cover your hand while entering your PIN and keep your card in sight at all times.

Be cautious when booking accommodation online. Compare prices and read reviews before making a reservation.

Price Comparison: Compare prices across different booking platforms for the same accommodation.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials: Research the accommodation's reputation online before booking.
Negotiating Room Rates in Advance: Always negotiate and agree on the room rate before confirming your reservation.

Be cautious when booking tour packages. Compare prices and read reviews before making a decision.

Price Comparison: Compare prices across different tour providers for the same package.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials: Research the tour provider's reputation online before booking.
Negotiating Tour Prices in Advance: Always negotiate and agree on the tour price before confirming your reservation.

Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs. Check for authenticity and compare prices with other shops.

Authenticity Verification: Check for the authenticity of the items before making a purchase.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying.
Buying from Reputable Shops: Choose reputable shops with positive reviews and recommendations.

Be cautious when using transportation services. Always negotiate prices in advance to avoid overpaying.

Negotiating Prices in Advance: Always negotiate and agree on the price before starting your journey.
Using Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for fair and transparent pricing.
Avoiding Unmarked Taxis or Motorbikes: Avoid taxis without company logos or identifying markers.