🔄 Last updated: 21 July 2026
Vietnam is safe — you just need to know a few petty scams
Reassurance first: Vietnam consistently ranks among the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for visitors. Violent crime targeting foreigners is very rare.
🔑 The real risk is petty MONEY SCAMS — mostly non-violent and avoidable through awareness, not fear.
Here's a category-by-category field guide: what each scam looks like, and how to dodge it cleanly.
🚕 1. Transport scams (the most common)
The trick: taxis with meters rigged to run fast; unlicensed "taxis" outside airports/bus stations charging 3–5x, mimicking reputable brands' colours; fake "Grab" drivers at airports.
How to avoid:
- Use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Xanh SM) — fixed fare upfront, driver details shown
- For street taxis, choose Vinasun / Mai Linh and ask for the meter
- Check the plate & driver name in the app before getting in
→ Details: Getting around Vietnam
🛂 2. Visa & e-visa scams (read this carefully)
The trick: fake websites mimicking the official e-visa portal, often ranking top in search, charging $30–100+ for an E-Visa whose official fee is only $25 (single) / $50 (multiple); add-on "VIP / processing / guarantee" fees; emails promising a "guaranteed" visa; or bogus "visa extensions."
How to avoid:
- Apply via the official government portal (an address ending in .gov.vn) — be wary of .com/.net/.org lookalikes; if unsure, verify via your embassy/consulate
- If you use a support service, pick one with transparent pricing and no hidden "extra" fees
- Know the real rules so you can't be scared: a 90-day E-Visa can't be extended inside Vietnam — anyone promising "easy on-the-spot extension" is a red flag → The truth about extensions · E-Visa conditions
💡 How ViEntry is the opposite of the scam pattern: a reference price shown clearly, the travel/operating unit sets the final price and takes payment directly, no surprise "VIP" fees, and connections to licensed units. ViEntry is not the government portal — always verify yourself.
🔔 Don't let anyone scam you about your "visa expiry"
When you know your own exact expiry date, no one can pressure you with vague "overstay" or "fine" claims.
👉 Track your visa expiry free with Visa Tracker — alerts at 30 / 21 / 15 / 7 days. Free, no account needed.
💵 3. Money & shopping scams
The trick: short-changing / note-switching (the 500,000 VND note ~$20 is easily confused with smaller notes); doubled "tourist prices" at places with no posted prices; fakes sold as genuine; ATM card skimming.
How to avoid:
- Recount your change, learn the notes' colours and values
- Agree the price before ordering/buying (a phở/bánh mì is usually ~50,000–80,000 VND)
- Withdraw from ATMs inside banks / reputable hotels / malls; keep your card in sight → Banking & money
🛵 4. Rental & "friendly local" scams
The trick: rent a motorbike then get blamed for pre-existing damage; being asked to leave your passport as a deposit; a "well-dressed, friendly" person says a landmark is "closed today" then steers you to a high-commission lacquerware/gem shop.
How to avoid:
- Photograph/video the bike before renting; read the terms
- Never hand over your original passport as a deposit — use a copy or a cash deposit
- Be polite but wary of unsolicited "help"; check landmark opening hours yourself
🚨 5. Personal safety
- Pickpocketing in markets/nightlife; bag/phone snatching from motorbikes — carry bags on your inside, away from the road
- Watch your drinks in busy nightlife areas
- Emergency numbers: Police 113 · Medical 115 · Fire 114
💡 A reassurance again: these are almost all money inconveniences, not threats to your safety. Awareness is your best shield.
✅ 6 rules to be scam-proof
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing at tourist spots
- Agree the price first before buying/ordering
- Recount your change, watch the 500k note
- Only apply for an e-visa via a .gov.vn portal or a transparent service
- Never leave your original passport as a deposit
- Know your own visa expiry (use Visa Tracker)
⚠️ Common misconceptions
❌ "Vietnam is dangerous for visitors." → The opposite — it's among SE Asia's safest; the real risk is petty money scams.
❌ "Any site ranking top on Google for e-visa is official." → No. Many fakes mimic the portal; official ones end in .gov.vn.
❌ "I'll just leave my passport as a rental deposit to save time." → Don't. Use a copy or cash deposit; keep your original.
❌ "Someone told me I've overstayed and demanded a fee — must be true." → Check your own dates first (Visa Tracker), then decide.
❌ "All taxis scam you." → No — Vinasun/Mai Linh or the apps are reliable; the issue is unlicensed copycats.
Sources
- Vietnam travel scam & safety alerts (2026) from multiple visitor guides and consular advisories — Vietnam is safe for visitors; the main risk is non-violent petty scams
- E-visa scams: fake sites mimicking the official portal and overcharging; the official E-Visa fee is $25 (single) / $50 (multiple); official portals end in .gov.vn
- Emergency numbers: 113 (police) · 115 (medical) · 114 (fire)
Note: This article compiles publicly available information as of the update date and is for reference. ViEntry is a technology platform connecting foreigners with licensed travel/operating units at transparent reference prices; it is not an immigration authority, not the government portal, and takes none of the customer's money (the operating/travel unit sets the final price and takes payment directly). Always verify via official sources.
Coming to Vietnam and want a safe, transparent visa experience? Message us — free advice in your language, clear pricing, no hidden fees.
🔗 Getting around safely (avoid unlicensed taxis): Read the guide 🔗 E-Visa conditions (know the rules so you can't be fooled): Read the guide 🔗 Track your own visa expiry: Visa Tracker 🔗 Not sure what you need? Free Advisor tool
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