Attorney Ken Duong, an international business and immigration lawyer with 16 years of experience, exposes 55 common scams targeting tourists, expats, and investors in Vietnam. The video covers airport SIM card scams, taxi meter fraud, food pricing tricks, accommodation bait-and-switch, street vendor cons, visa and job scams, real estate schemes, and massage parlor traps. Practical advice includes using reputable ride-hailing apps like Grab, booking SIMs from official carriers, photographing menus and receipts, verifying hotel and Airbnb registrations, and avoiding upfront payments to unknown agents. The content emphasizes that while Vietnam is a wonderful destination, awareness of these scams helps visitors protect their money and enjoy their trip without being cheated.
Key Facts
- Legitimate SIM cards cost about 100,000 VND ($4) from reputable carriers like Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone.
- A taxi ride from Tan Son Nhat airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh City should cost 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10).
- A bowl of pho at a local stall typically costs about 40,000 VND ($1.60), but tourists may be charged 200,000–300,000 VND ($8–$12).
- Fake visa websites charge triple for invalid e-visas; use only official government portals or trusted law firms.
- Some massage parlors offer a $4 service but then demand much higher payment for extras; always agree on price before starting.
