What to watch out in Vietnam + Safety? 👮

1. Is Vietnam safe country?
2. What to watch out for?
3. Scams and tricks in Hanoi
4. Fake cops in Vietnam
5. Transportation in the city
6. Etnic minority villages
7. If you lose your documents
8. Important phone numbers

What is the safety in Vietnam and what to watch out?

» Vietnam rates as one of the safest countries in Asia. Personally, I feel safer here than many other places in Europe. But it is necessary to watch out, as there are some risks here just as in any other country. The most trouble is petty crime – mainly theft. Do keep in mind that you won‘t be able to talk in English to the cops and they are often corrupt. The security situation in Vietnam is currently under control.

» You can move freely anywhere across Vietnam, although  some areas, such as entrances to military zones,  are prohibited. Some military buildings also prohibit photographs. In some of the remote villages of the of ethnic minorities in the mountains you will need to go with a guide.

» Ha Giang province – You need to buy a permit, but this applies only for locations 3km from the Chinese border. Permits can be purchased at the Immigration office in Ha Giang or a police station in Meo Vac. Some hotels in this province also offer these permits.

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THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES:

1. Watch your stuff, do not show your electronics too openly (cameras, cellphones …).

2. Do not leave valuables and money in the hotel room, do make use of the hotel safe.

3. When paying by credit card, keep the card and the terminal in your view.

4. Pay attention with the taxi drivers, watch out for the taximeter jumping or recording too much.

5. Do not talk to people about political issues.

6. Avoid unlit streets at night.

7. When you visit a village of ethnic inhabitants, be respectful and follow their  etiquette.

8. Do not use drugs and do not brings drugs to Vietnam.

9. Try to avoid any conflict situations (accidents, fights …).

10. Do not engage in any anti-government or other demonstration (do no take a pictures).

11. The physical possession of pornographic material is illegal.

12. Please, do not make any naked photos in the religious places.

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Watch this video, the most common scams in Vietnam:

 

What to watch out for in Hanoi – Scams in Hanoi:

As the capital city of Hanoi is huge, with more than 6 million inhabitants, and so petty crime and tricks for tourists will occur. So be very careful. If you have any problems contact police (phone 113). You can also contact tourist information center in Hanoi, they will probably will help you.

1. Watch your belongings – do not to expose your cameras and other electronics, somebody can steal these even for example motorbike riders

2. Beware of taxi drivers – the meter is important to keep the fare low.

3. Differences in prices in the restaurants for foreigners

4. Someone offers you drugs in a club (or on the street) – do not take them, you do not know what they could be

5. Be very careful when moving in the street – the traffic is chaos!

6. Copy shops and travel agencies – hotels and tourist agencies that are not the real thing but are  under the same name

7. When you first go in a hotel room – check the contents in the fridge (they could charge you for items missing)

8. Anyone who offers you shoe repair or cleaning in the street – after the process they want a rip-off amount money

9. The lady in the street with fruit in baskets on her shoulders – they want you to pay a rip-off  rent for the basket

10. Do not buy bus and train tickets outside the station – scam artists can be selling false tickets

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Fake Cops in Vietnam:

Yes they exists and they can stop you. If this happens eg. when traveling on a motorcycle, try and stop somewhere on the main street where there are most people about.

• put the keys of the motorcycle in your pocket so they can‘t take them out of the ignition
• watch how they behave, whether they are in a hurry, or seem nervous or behave  suspiciously
• check their ID > ask for an official badge and see they are wearing their name
• in case of a problem, call the police, telephone number 113
• they are supposed to say hello to you, introduce themselves and treat you politely

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Traffic and movement in busy roads of cities in Vietnam:

Traffic in Vietnam is not very safe, but it is actually quite rare to see an accident. Traffic in Vietnam is a “well organized bedlam“ . Drivers do not respect the rules and drive anywhere and everywhere there may be a gap. Hanoi has an enormous concentration of motorbikes, the government supports and encourages motorcycle usage. For more information about the transport and traffic in Vietnam go to this section.

• drive slowly on a motorcycle, some roads are unpredictable
• do not use a motorcycle if you are not a good rider
• the roads are sometimes not in good condition, especially in mountain areas
• when crossing roads in Hanoi, be careful, nobody stops
• when you are walking across the road, keep walking and don‘t stop, the traffic will head for the gaps round you and they expect you to keep going and not stop
• To practice try walking across the road with the Viet people and keep up with them
• treat any bigger vehicle than you on the road as if it has priority over you!
• bus drivers usually drive like maniacs

How to behave in the village with Ethnic Inhabitants:

• do not use drugs – the use and sale of drugs in Vietnam is illegal
• do not touch the sacred objects
• dress appropriately (long trousers/ pants, dresses…)
• do not drink alcohol in the village and do not be noisy ( you can drink the rice wine with the locals )
• it is not recommended to kiss in the villages
• be careful when taking pictures (especially with the older people and children, ask for permission and then show the finished photo)
• go in to a house only if you are invited (you can also bring a small gift – for example fruit and balloons for children)
• do not give the  money and sweets to children or teenager (give them only small items, or small toys for the children)
• to show appreciation of their hospitality you can buy a handmade object
• if you are invited for lunch or a homestay accommodation – of course do pay

What to do in case of lost or stolen passport?

If your travel documents are stolen or you lose it, you need to contact police and then go to your embassy in Hanoi. It is recommended for the first time to call your embassy.

YOU MUST BRING:
– 2 color photographs with dimensions of 3,5 x 4,5 cm
– police report on the event issued by Vietnam police
– a copy of a lost / stolen passport (if you have one)
– money for payment the fee according to the current exchange rate

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Important Phone Numbers and Contacts:

First Aid: 115
Firefighters: 114
Police: 113
Information: 116, 1080

Things to Watch Out For	Description
Traffic	Vietnam is known for its chaotic traffic. Be cautious when crossing the road as pedestrians often need to weave through a constant flow of motorbikes and cars. Look both ways and try to cross with a local to learn the best techniques.
Street Vendors	While street vendors offer delicious and affordable food, be cautious of food hygiene. Ensure that the food is freshly cooked, hot, and prepared in a clean environment to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses. Also, be wary of scams or overcharging, and negotiate prices when purchasing items.
Weather	Vietnam experiences a diverse climate, with variations in weather patterns across the country. Be prepared for hot and humid conditions in the south, while the north can be cooler and experience more pronounced seasons. Stay updated on weather forecasts, especially during the rainy season, and pack appropriate clothing and accessories.
Cultural Etiquette	Vietnamese culture has its own customs and traditions. It’s important to be respectful and aware of local customs. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a temple. Modest attire is generally appreciated in religious sites, and it’s polite to ask for permission before taking someone’s photograph.
Language Barrier	English proficiency levels can vary in Vietnam, especially in rural areas. While many people in popular tourist destinations may understand basic English, it’s helpful to learn a few common Vietnamese phrases or carry a translation app to facilitate communication, particularly in off-the-beaten-path locations.
Scams	Like in any popular tourist destination, there is a potential for scams in Vietnam. Be cautious of overcharging for services, fake products, or inflated prices. Use reputable tour operators, be vigilant with your belongings, and double-check prices before making any purchases.
Health and Safety	It’s essential to take precautions for your health and safety while traveling in Vietnam. Stay hydrated, particularly in hot weather, and use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Take necessary vaccinations and travel insurance before your trip and be cautious with street food to avoid any potential stomach issues. Additionally, be mindful of your personal belongings and avoid displaying expensive items that may attract attention.
Currency Exchange	When exchanging currency, be cautious of unauthorized or unlicensed currency exchange services. It’s advisable to use reputable banks or authorized exchange counters to ensure fair rates and avoid counterfeit money.
Tourist Scams	Be aware of common tourist scams such as inflated prices for services or attractions, fake tour guides, or unauthorized ticket sellers. Always double-check prices, use licensed tour operators, and book tickets from official sources to avoid scams.
Political Sensitivities	While Vietnam is generally a safe country to visit, it’s important to be aware of political sensitivities. Avoid engaging in political discussions or activities that may be seen as critical of the government to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

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❓ FAQ – What to watch out for and Scams in Vietnam:

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Practical information ➔