Overall, Hanoi is a fairly safe destination for tourists, but like any other tourist city, there are scams and petty crimes. This can be challenging for expats who do not know what they are facing. Here are our local tips to avoid scams in Hanoi.
Common scams in Hanoi
Taxi scam
One of the best ways to get around Hanoi is by taxi. However, your trip may not be the best as some drivers will try to scam your money. They do this by asking for a much higher fare than usual, by setting the meter at too high a price, or by taking you on a longer route.
To avoid being scammed by taxi drivers, use Mai Linh (green taxi) or Vinasun (white taxi) or book a ride through your phone. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk to help you translate and pay the bill.
Other traffic scams
We strongly advise against taking a motorbike taxi or tricycle in Hanoi unless you are traveling with a local or a guide. These drivers often try to overcharge you, and since most of them don’t speak English, there’s no reason to argue.
At the station, you might come across some locals trying to sell you train or bus tickets. Ignore them – they are selling fake tickets and will only make you pay but won’t give you a seat. Also, check ticketing sites and only buy from trusted companies.
For your safety, book a bike tour with a tour company
Get your bus ticket/private transfer online to avoid scams:
Exchange rate scam
The official currency of Vietnam is Vietnam Dong. Since most payments require cash, the money must be converted to Vietnamese Dong. If you’re doing this in a trusted place like a bank, there’s no problem. However, hotel or jewelry store owners may try to take advantage of you and apply a lower exchange rate. So be sure to double-check the exchange rate first. If you have booked accommodation, please pay in the currency listed.
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Scam hotel
There are many ways hoteliers can cheat your money. Stone hotels and motels with the same name as real ones spring up in the city like mushrooms after the rain. Taxi drivers can take you to the hotel of these people or their acquaintances.
In addition, there have been cases where travelers booked a room but received something else. So, before booking accommodation in Hanoi, be sure to double-check and provide the correct address to the driver, not just the hotel name.
Sneaky local scam
These sneaky locals are street vendors, and shoe shiners, most of whom live in the Old Quarter in central Hanoi. Avoid them if they ask you to pick up free items like donuts, pens, and conical hats, or take pictures with the items in their basket. They will charge you more than you should. The same goes for shoe polishers, an immediate refusal is fine.
Scam fake travel agency
Tourism in Hanoi is booming, with many companies trying to grab market share by imitating popular travel agencies. This is a real problem in Vietnam, copyists will try to use similar names, color schemes, and designs… to trick you into thinking they are genuine.
You can avoid such scams by investing more time in research and reading reviews on travel websites or blogs. Once you’ve chosen the right dealer, use Google Maps to find their exact address.
Beggar scam
Beggars are very common in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Even if they seem pitiful, don’t give them money. They can be dishonest people pretending to be seriously injured or disabled. Beggars in Hanoi are controlled by organized fraudsters who lure them away from their homeland to beg in big cities. If you want to support your local community, you can look to many organizations, such as the Vietnam Red Cross or the Vietnam Women’s Union.
Tips to avoid scams in Hanoi
1. Do homework: Research in advance the destinations, travel agencies, hotels, shops… of Hanoi. This allows you to know exactly what to expect and can avoid unnecessary problems.
2. Thorough examination: Being careful is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to your health and property. Double-check all the information and products offered to you, paying more attention to exchange rates, prices, travel services, and addresses.
3. Payment confirmation: Ask the seller/receptionist to provide the price and pricing currency. Pay only in that currency.
4. Avoid conflict: If you try to argue with some street vendors or refuse to pay, underground violence may be imminent. Your happiness is paramount, so avoid any deadlocks.
5. Choose the obvious option: Famous brands and companies are more trustworthy and they provide better service. Always choose Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis. Check out our list of recommended hotels and souvenir shops in Hanoi.
6. Go with the locals: You should travel to Hanoi with locals because locals know all the details of the city. They will be your good companions and mentors, guiding you through the culture of the Vietnamese capital.
Don’t let your experience in Hanoi be contaminated by some scams and tricks. All of these problems can be avoided with great care and thorough research. For extra security, choose a reputable company and find a local guide. If you found our list of scams in Hanoi tips helpful, please share it with your friends so they can travel to Hanoi in the future.
