How to Avoid Scams
in Ho Chi Minh City

01Taxis & Getting Around

• Rigged meters and detours — Some street-hailed taxis use fast meters or take long routes.
• Use ride-hailing apps — Grab, Be and Xanh SM show the fare upfront and are the safest choice.
• At the airport — Ignore drivers soliciting at the exit; use an app or the official taxi rank.
• Check the car — Make sure the plate number matches the one shown in the app before getting in.

02Money Exchange & Banknotes

• Count at the counter — Count your money before leaving the exchange counter. Sleight-of-hand tricks happen.
• Compare rates — Rates vary between counters, so compare the displayed rate first.
• Confusing notes — The 20,000 and 500,000 VND notes are both bluish; 10,000 and 200,000 also look similar. Count the zeros.
• Change — When paying with a large note, say the amount out loud and count your change.

03On the Street

• Phone snatching — Thieves on motorbikes may grab phones or bags. Avoid holding your phone on the road side.
• “Free” services — Shoe shines, coconuts or photos offered first, then a large payment demanded. Decline politely from the start if you don’t want it.
• Ask first — At street stalls, agree on the price before you buy.

04Massage & Spas

• Published prices — Choose a venue that lists session durations and prices in advance.
• Tips — Ask whether the price includes a tip or whether there is a fixed tip.
• Extra charges — Confirm any charges for extensions, oil upgrades or service fees before starting.
• Street touts — Venues with a published address and contact details are safer than those found through touts.

See typical prices in our Ho Chi Minh City Massage Prices guide.

05Bars & Karaoke

• Menu prices — Check menu prices and whether service charge and VAT are included before ordering.
• Count bottles — Keep track of how many bottles you order so you can match the bill.
• Check the bill — Review it line by line and ask about anything unusual on the spot.
• Don’t follow touts — Bars reached through street touts often have unclear pricing.

06If Something Goes Wrong

• Stay calm — Show receipts, menus or app screens and discuss calmly rather than arguing.
• App support — Report problems with Grab and other ride-hailing apps through in-app support.
• Emergencies — Police 113, ambulance 115. Contact your embassy or consulate if needed.

07How CHEON SPA Works

CHEON SPA publishes its course prices on its website and lets you check live staff status before booking.

※ See How to Book CHEON SPA for booking options.

08Related Guides

09Frequently Asked Questions