Saigon is not an unusually scam-heavy city by Southeast Asian standards, but a few recurring cons are worth knowing about — not because they’re dangerous, but because being prepared means you won’t be caught off guard or overcharged.

The taxi overcharge

How it works: An unlicensed “taxi” driver charges 3–10x the standard rate. The most common version involves someone approaching you in the arrivals hall with a friendly offer of a “fixed price” ride.

How to avoid it: Use Grab exclusively. If you must take a taxi, use only Vinasun or Mai Linh and confirm the meter is running before moving.

The cyclo (pedicab) price trap

How it works: A cyclo driver offers a short ride for a cheap quoted price, takes you on a longer route, then demands significantly more money at the end.

How to avoid it: Agree on the exact price in VND before getting on and confirm the route. Better: use Grab.

The “free” bracelet or flower

How it works: Someone puts a bracelet on your wrist or hands you flowers at a tourist site, then demands payment — sometimes quite forcefully.

How to avoid it: Don’t accept anything handed to you unsolicited near tourist landmarks. A polite, firm “không cảm ơn” (no thank you) and continuing to walk is sufficient.

The closed attraction gambit

How it works: A friendly stranger tells you the attraction you’re heading to is “closed today,” then offers to take you to a relative’s shop. The attraction is almost certainly open.

How to avoid it: Check opening hours before leaving your accommodation. Politely ignore unsolicited advice about closures from strangers near tourist sites.

Restaurant menu switching

How it works: The menu shown to you has one price; the bill has a higher price, or items you didn’t order appear on the bill.

How to avoid it: Photograph the menu when you sit down. Check the bill against what you ordered before paying. Discrepancies happen — politely point them out and they’re usually corrected without incident.

The shoe shine ambush

How it works: Someone begins cleaning your shoes without being asked, then demands payment.

How to avoid it: Stop them immediately. If they’ve already started, offer 20,000–30,000 VND and walk away.