About this video

• Video Title: Tourists Keep Getting Trapped by These 55 Scams in Vietnam! (WHY?!)
• Channel: Duong Global Business Consulting Group
• Speakers: Ken Yung
• Duration: 00:24:53

Overview

This video serves as a comprehensive guide to avoiding common scams in Vietnam. Ken Yung, an international business immigration attorney with extensive experience in Vietnam, details 55 different types of scams that tourists and expats might encounter, categorized by location or type (e.g., airport, food, transportation, accommodation, street, visa, job, real estate, massage, digital ID). The video aims to equip viewers with practical tips and insider advice to navigate Vietnam confidently and safely, emphasizing that the goal is not to discourage travel but to prevent people from being "played."

Key takeaways

• Airport Scams: Be wary of overpriced or faulty SIM cards offered at the airport. It's advisable to use airport Wi-Fi for minimal data and purchase a legitimate SIM card from a reputable carrier in the city. Also, avoid unofficial taxi drivers and opt for official taxi counters or ride-hailing apps.
• Food Scams: Watch out for "no price" menus, especially in markets, and be aware of the "per 100 gram" pricing for seafood which can lead to inflated bills. Unsolicited snacks and dual menus (one for locals, one for tourists) are also common tactics.
• Transportation Scams: Fake tourist buses with false promises of amenities, overpriced tickets for locals versus foreigners, and issues with sleeper buses (mismatched seats, non-functional AC) are prevalent. Drivers using fake apps or meters that run faster than usual, and those who take "accidental scenic routes," are also common.
• Accommodation Scams: Be cautious of copycat hotels, overbooking schemes where you're shuffled to a downgraded "sister hotel" at the same price, and phantom fees for services not used. Fake Airbnbs with misleading photos or that don't exist, and properties that aren't legally permitted for rent are also risks.
• Street & Shopping Scams: Common street scams include the "coconut con" where photos are taken and exorbitant prices are charged, or vendors force you to buy bundles. For shopping, beware of market markups, swapped lower-quality goods, and "anchor shops" offering quick, shoddy tailor services.
• Visa & Job Scams: Fake immigration websites, dishonest agents offering fake visa extensions or holding passports, and fake job offers with no real employment or work permits are serious concerns. Never surrender your passport or pay upfront fees to unknown recruiters.
• Rental & Real Estate Scams: Landlords may deny deposit returns due to fabricated damages, fake agents disappear after collecting deposits, and properties can be double-rented. Hidden charges for utilities and furniture are common, and be wary of "nominee tricks" where a local holds title to a property, potentially leading to loss of ownership.
• Massage & Digital Scams: "Bait and switch" tactics in massages, where low advertised prices escalate due to "VIP" upgrades, special oils, or "extras," are common. Forced tips and even theft of belongings during massages occur. Digitally, beware of fake bank agents requesting facial scans for fraudulent SIMs or loans, and spoofed phone numbers demanding personal information.

To protect themselves from overpriced food and transportation in Vietnam, tourists should:

For Food:

• Snap photos of menus: This helps document prices and avoid disputes later.
• Ask for price and weight: Clarify costs, especially for seafood, before ordering.
• Match bills and pay with small notes: This minimizes opportunities for bill switching or incorrect change.
• Eat at busy local spots: These establishments are more likely to have fair pricing.
• Avoid pushy vendors: Be cautious of overly persistent sellers.
• Buy coconuts at fixed stalls: Opt for places with clear pricing instead of relying on vendors who might approach you unsolicited.
• Be aware of the "per 100 gram" scam: Understand that advertised prices for items like crab might be for a very small portion.
• Watch out for dual menus: Locals may be shown a different, cheaper menu than tourists.

For Transportation:

• Download ride-hailing apps: Use Grab or similar apps to book rides and pay digitally, which can prevent fare disputes.
• Use reputable taxi companies: Stick to well-known brands like Mai Linh or Vinasun, and ensure the meter is running.
• Verify driver details: Confirm the driver and vehicle information matches the app before getting in.
• Book through official channels: For longer bus journeys, use official websites or reputable companies like Fuda Bus or Minh Express.
• Negotiate upfront or use meters: For taxis, ensure the meter is used or agree on a price beforehand.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers: Especially at airports, avoid drivers who approach you directly. Use the official taxi counter.
• Check luggage: Take photos of luggage tags and keep valuables with you to prevent theft or excessive fees.
• Avoid fake tourist buses: Be skeptical of agents selling tickets near backpacker hubs and verify the bus company and amenities.