Safety & Scams
Vietnam is fundamentally a very safe travel destination — violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. The biggest risks are petty crime (pickpocketing), traffic accidents, and various scams specifically targeting tourists.
Pickpocketing & Robbery
- Phone snatching from motorcycles: The most common problem, especially in HCMC. Motorcyclists snatch phones from hands or cut bags. Never hold your phone openly when standing by the roadside!
- Bag on the street side: Always carry backpacks and bags on the building-side shoulder, not towards the street.
- Night markets & crowds: Classic hotspots for pickpockets. Keep wallets in front pockets, valuables in the hotel safe.
Common Scams
| Scam | How it works | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi scam | Manipulated meter, fake taxi brands (e.g., “Mai Lihn” instead of “Mai Linh”) | ONLY use Grab or official Mai Linh / Vinasun |
| Change trick | 500,000 VND note swapped for a 20,000 one (look similar) | Count money immediately, sort notes by value |
| Shoe shine scam | Someone “repairs” your shoes unsolicited and then demands 500,000 VND | Immediately say “Không!” and walk away |
| Motorbike damage | Rental claims damages that were already there | Take photos/video of all scratches BEFORE renting |
| Inflated prices | No price tag = tourist price (2–5× higher) | Always ask for the price beforehand, compare |
| “Free” fruit on the beach | Woman offers fruit, then demands an astronomical sum | Don’t accept anything you haven’t ordered |
General Safety Tips
- Store copies of all documents digitally (passport, visa, insurance). Originals in the hotel safe.
- Divide your money: Don’t keep everything in one place. Distribute cash in different pockets/locations.
- Travel in groups at night: In Saigon’s Bùi Viện district and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, move in groups at night.
- Keep an eye on your drinks: As everywhere in the world — don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Police: 113. Tourist police in Hanoi and HCMC partly speak English. In case of theft: have a police report made for insurance.
Achtung
The biggest safety risk in Vietnam is TRAFFIC. Over 10,000 traffic deaths per year. Only ride a motorcycle with experience and ALWAYS with a helmet. Cross streets slowly and steadily. Be extra cautious at night — many motorcyclists ride without lights!
