Common Scams in Ho Chi Minh City and How to Avoid Them

Saigon’s energy is unmatched, but stay sharp and beware of scams

Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant and exciting destination filled with rich history, bustling markets, and incredible street food. However, like any major tourist hub, it also has its fair share of scams that travelers should be aware of. Here are some of the most common scams in Ho Chi Minh City and tips on how to avoid them.

The Coconut Seller Trick

One of the most popular street vendor scams in Saigon involves coconut sellers, especially those around the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. A vendor might approach you with a friendly smile, offering to let you carry their traditional bamboo shoulder pole for a fun photo opportunity. Once you take a few pictures, they’ll suddenly demand an outrageous price for the coconut or the “experience.” In some cases, they may even open a coconut without your consent and insist that you pay for it.

That ‘free’ coconut photo might cost you more than you think

How to avoid it: Politely refuse any unsolicited offers to take photos with props or to hold anything. If you do want a coconut, negotiate the price beforehand and be clear about your purchase.

Xích Lô and Motorbike Taxi Scams

Xích lô (pedicab) and motorbike taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging tourists. Some drivers may approach travelers, claiming to be official Grab drivers, only to take them on a ride and demand an inflated fare at the end. A common trick is quoting a price in Vietnamese dong (VND) but later claiming the agreed amount was in U.S. dollars (USD), making the price significantly higher.

How to avoid it: Always book rides through the official Grab app or Be app to ensure a fair price. For a Xich Lo tour, always book the tour through reputable travel agents. NEVER book those rides through random people on the streets.

Shoe Shine and Street Vendor Overpricing

Always ask the price first, don’t let a small treat turn into a big bill

Walking through the streets of Saigon, you might be approached by a friendly shoe shiner who offers to clean your shoes for a small fee. Once the job is done, they may demand an inflated price, sometimes ten times the original quote. Similarly, some street food and fruit vendors charge tourists up to 200-300% more than locals, often failing to display prices and quoting whatever amount they think they can get away with.

How to avoid it: If you need a shoe shine, agree on a price beforehand. For street food and fruit vendors, ask the price before purchasing, compare prices at multiple stalls, or buy from places with clearly marked prices.

Dishonest Travel Agents and Hidden Fees

Many budget-conscious travelers look for cheap tours, but some unscrupulous travel agents lure tourists with low prices, only to tack on excessive hidden fees during the trip. Common extra charges include entrance fees, food, transportation, and even “mandatory tips” that weren’t mentioned initially.

How to avoid it: Book tours through reputable agencies with good online reviews. Read the fine print carefully to ensure there are no hidden charges. If a tour price seems too good to be true, it probably is. At Vespa A Go Go, our prices are always inclusive and transparent without any hidden fees.

Final Tips for Staying Safe

Explore Saigon with confidence, stay aware, trust your instincts, and travel smart, with Vespa A Go Go

Always be cautious of overly friendly strangers who approach you on the street.
Learn basic Vietnamese numbers to help with negotiations.
Carry small denominations of cash to avoid being shortchanged.
If you want to book a tour, always do it through reputable travel agents.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.
Research what not to do in Saigon to avoid falling into common tourist traps.

By staying alert and informed, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Saigon without falling victim to these common scams in Ho Chi Minh City. Safe travels!

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