Is Vietnam Safe? | Common Scams To Look Out For

In this video I will talk about some of the common scams you could encounter when traveling or living in Vietnam. I hope this helps ensure that you have the best possible experience here in Vietnam!
This video is kind of long so if there is a certain part you want to go to, use the table of contents below to skip to that section.
1:30 Taxi Scam
3:38 Money Confusion
4:47 Tour Guide Scam
5:45 Restaurant Scam
6:33 Theft
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@alison.linh
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Hello! I'm Alison and I make helpful videos about living in Asia as well as videos of my little adventures around the world. SUBSCRIBE if this is something you're interested in. I upload videos weekly!
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Пікірлер: 743

  • @AlisonLinh
    @AlisonLinh6 жыл бұрын

    When I filmed this video, Uber was still in South East Asia. However, now they have been bought out by Grab and there is no Uber in Vietnam. Just thought I should mention it since everyone keeps pointing it out!

  • @lt4374

    @lt4374

    6 жыл бұрын

    wow. I was still using uber in February when i was in vietnam

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Me too! I think it may have changed in March or April.

  • @abdulrahmanabdulghani8833

    @abdulrahmanabdulghani8833

    5 жыл бұрын

    My first Grab ride is in HCM city

  • @johnprater4049

    @johnprater4049

    5 жыл бұрын

    Greetings alison!! American man planning trip to Vietnam for vacation this year. Come across you great video here. Would love to email Facebook what ever for continued tips with English speaking folks allready in country. As I might would retire to Vietnam in about 5 years. I am over the north America blizzards and snow storms. Had my full lol. Jprater73@yahoo.com

  • @onlineordering554

    @onlineordering554

    5 жыл бұрын

    when are you in vn again

  • @np96vh
    @np96vh6 жыл бұрын

    i'm vietnamese and i'm really sorry for anyone who got scam, but if you do feel like you got scam you can call 113(national security), you can speak english there i guess but give it a try. We are also try to reduce scams here right now thanks

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Nguyen Phan Viet Hung Thanks for the tip!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Nguyen Phan Viet Hung Im sure this will help a lot of people have a nice time in Vietnam. :)

  • @vincent-usa.

    @vincent-usa.

    5 жыл бұрын

    Don’t trust them, you could get scam and got rob easy. My friend got rob when he tried to take his money out and pay. Lucky for him he called me to lend him the money. I guess it rare to see foreigners got rob but they are the easy target. Most importantly, watch out for your important documents such as passport.

  • @kazishoaib1724

    @kazishoaib1724

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Nguyen

  • @kobebryant33824

    @kobebryant33824

    2 жыл бұрын

    Call 113 hahaha, yea goodluck with that, they hang up on you or just simply ignore you, thats IF you live in HCM or Hanoi, where you MIGHT get lucky and they speak English, any other city, they just simply dont answer or hang up in your face because they dont speak English

  • @ashb2832
    @ashb28325 жыл бұрын

    Another thing about the taxi I’ve experienced is that when they hear you speak English they sometimes assume you don’t know ur way around so they’ll intentionally take the longest route or pretend they’re “lost” this happened to me in Vietnam, I’m Vietnamese, but I was with my cousin who didn’t speak Vietnamese so we spoke in English in the car and we realized it was taking twice as long to get there as usual and the streets didn’t look familiar, so I spoke to him and he said “he was going the right way” I let it go but the realized we were going in circles and he said he was “lost” I immediately told him to pull over because he was still driving in circles so I asked a local and she told us directions and the taxi driver argued with her about it. My 10 min drive took over an hour and was EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. just wanted to warn you about some taxis, but vietnam is an amazing country I’m very proud to be from.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Ash B Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry this happened to you. At least other people can learn from this. Safe travels wherever else you end up going! :)

  • @Nga-1984

    @Nga-1984

    5 жыл бұрын

    Also they pretend to tell you sad stories about themselves to make you feel sorry so you can tip them more.

  • @anthonywilliammitchell509

    @anthonywilliammitchell509

    2 жыл бұрын

    That happened to me years ago, I got out of the taxi and refused to pay. He got antsy and a lot of Vietnamese came over and helped. I missed my show, thank God I now have google maps. I map out the journey before I start and make a point of showing the map to the taxi driver.

  • @acajudi100
    @acajudi1006 жыл бұрын

    They will switch your bill with a counterfeit bill, and give you another fake bill, and keep your valid bill. Try to pay in small bills, and snap your bills serial number.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Oo I almost forgot that one. Thanks for sharing!

  • @1599mrcookie
    @1599mrcookie5 жыл бұрын

    When I went to Vietnam it was so fun! The only thing I was worried about was when my dad and I went on a scooter and road to a restaurant. It was hectic! But my dad’s friend said “ they always look forwards not back” which I found pretty funny!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    xX/Mards_Sachiko\Xx Haha yeah, it seems hectic to us non-locals, but the locals there seem to have a system of driving there that we don't understand. Glad you made it back safe!

  • @bachvu75
    @bachvu754 жыл бұрын

    wow I’m Vietnamese, I live in Hanoi but some of your tips sound brand new to me! thanks for the Video, this will help me and my friends a lot when we go to other cities in Vietnam.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you could find this video helpful! Vietnam is such a beautiful place to travel around. :)

  • @augustrob1
    @augustrob15 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I was in India about two years ago and learned a lot about street level scams. (To be honest, there are a couple that are so smart, I can't even be mad. More impressed.) I'm now in a position that I can be a digital nomad and Saigon is on my radar. I'm very excited.

  • @tonyvu2011

    @tonyvu2011

    3 жыл бұрын

    @fitboy 86 no need to apologise my friend, there are plenty of scams in the West too but they feel legitimate by being called "white collar crimes" or "corporate fraud"!

  • @AnimeManhwa
    @AnimeManhwa6 жыл бұрын

    This is really helpful, thank you for making this video

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    I'm so happy I could help! Hope you have a nice trip!

  • @lionman1761
    @lionman17614 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your tips. I’m travelling to Saigon this Sunday so this info is very helpful! Cheers.

  • @benjuliebenjulie7414
    @benjuliebenjulie74146 жыл бұрын

    pick pockets are the only real theft to worry about...don't keep wallet in loose pocket

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Yes, pick pocket and snatch and run theft! Thanks for sharing your tip!

  • @cholotadas2218

    @cholotadas2218

    4 жыл бұрын

    I used to live in Hanoi for more than a year. Thank God never of these happened to me.I still consider Hanoi as a safe place to live in. I can not just say that all of the street foods are clean

  • @correylaw612
    @correylaw6126 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful video, and such a clear easy voice to follow - thank you :)

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Correy Law Thanks for your comment Correy! :)

  • @JN-ox2yd
    @JN-ox2yd5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your video. Will be traveling to Vietnam fairly soon so any insights are greatly appreciated!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Nguyen N. I'm happy you found this helpful! I hope you have an amazing trip to Vietnam! It's so beautiful :)

  • @JN-ox2yd

    @JN-ox2yd

    5 жыл бұрын

    Alison Linh The only thing that would’ve made this video better is if you didn’t mention already having a boyfriend 😎👍

  • @brettburns2459
    @brettburns24596 жыл бұрын

    Good advice about the tour guides Alison. On our first trip to Saigon six years ago my wife and I fell victim to the notorious cyclo scam. A pair of cyclo riders approached us as we left Ben Than market. Offered us a 'free' ride back to our hotel to drop our shopping at our room before the paid tour. They dropped us off around the corner - not in front of the hotel. When we returned they wouldn't allow us to take a photo of them. Would not give us a price - said it was "cheap". Toured around for about 2 hours. Then dropped us a block away from the hotel demanding 10 times the price it should have been - even had a brochure with the scam price which they forcefully thrust at us. All the while shouting they would call the police if we did not pay. If you want to do a cyclo tour, book it through the hotel. You pay the hotel and they pay the cyclo tour guides. We did this on a later trip to Saigon and it was great. It's a fun way to see Saigon but be careful!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Brett Burns Oh wow, that sounds like a bad experience. Sorry that happened to you and thank you for sharing with us! Booking with the hotel does seem like the way to go. :)

  • @kennethjohnson6223
    @kennethjohnson62236 жыл бұрын

    Hi Alison, I enjoyed your informative heads up video. I would really love to visit there someday and your helpful info may very well be needed. Have a Blessed Week My Beautiful Friend ; . )

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Hi Kenneth, I am so happy this video was helpful to you! Wish you safe travels and an amazing trip! :)

  • @henryrollingasmr
    @henryrollingasmr5 жыл бұрын

    Thank for your video. A lot of useful information

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Travel With Henry Thanks for the comment :) I hope you have a great trip!

  • @josephbeattie5525
    @josephbeattie55255 жыл бұрын

    Thank you young lady. I will be visiting Da Nang soon and I will keep your advice in mind

  • @toms9680
    @toms96806 жыл бұрын

    Good advice Alison. Thanks for sharing 😀

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Tom S Happy to help! Thanks for the comment :)

  • @KidsWithGuns1992
    @KidsWithGuns19926 жыл бұрын

    One thing I learned that is vital to have when travelling in poorer countries, or places with high theft rates, is to have pants or jacket with zip pockets preferably something on the INSIDE. I.E. a jacket with inside breast pocket. I never EVER leave my phone in my back bum pocket, or obviously out. I even have sneaky compartments for money or i.d. or anything major. So if I'm sleeping somewhere public that I could have major items stolen, I keep my passport/money/phone in hidden pockets. Kathamandu store is good for stuff like these, as they specifically make things to be hidden.

  • @iqcreative4584
    @iqcreative45844 жыл бұрын

    A very common one is the offering of drugs. One guy sells it and not long after a police men comes. This happens a lot on Koh Phagnan where you can buy yourself out for 2-5,000 EURO

  • @trip2c557
    @trip2c5575 жыл бұрын

    i love the sound of your voice. i could listen to you read a phone book for an hour.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    David King hahah thanks David!

  • @Tillyeats
    @Tillyeats6 жыл бұрын

    I've heard so many horror stories about a theft that I've always been super careful with my stuff. The other night when I was waiting for a grab I got my phone out to check where it was and in that split second a motorbike rode post and snatched it. No matter how careful you be It can still happen.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Aw I am so sorry that happened to you. Yeah, sometimes you just get unlucky. I hope the rest of your travels are good!

  • @sebastiangeorge7714

    @sebastiangeorge7714

    5 жыл бұрын

    i was super uncareful with my phones 4 times now nothing got stolen even in small alleys near bui vien, if you don't look like an easy target they don't try.

  • @MrYatesj1
    @MrYatesj16 жыл бұрын

    Good hints thanks. Are you teaching while in Vietnam?

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Jess Yates Yes I am! I actually teach online. I made a video on it if you want to learn more :)

  • @tempellem
    @tempellem5 жыл бұрын

    This is helpful. Thank you.

  • @shanti888
    @shanti8882 жыл бұрын

    You are so articulate. Thanks for your post.

  • @kennethmonette8714
    @kennethmonette87145 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alison, traveling in next spring there, so appreciate the tips! Jake is one lucky guy!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Glad you found this video helpful! Safe travels! :)

  • @kennethmonette8714

    @kennethmonette8714

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Alison, enjoying your videos about your life in Vietnam. I'm an English teacher as well, sent you a message on your 'daily life in Da Nang video'....keep enjoyin' the good life! Ken

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Kenneth Monette Thanks Kenneth! I appreciate your comments. :) I hope all is well over on your side of the world!

  • @jpp7728
    @jpp77286 жыл бұрын

    Also look out for mobile coconut vendors ( carried on their shoulders) .... started opening the coconuts and forced us to take the coconuts saying it’s free for sample testing .... ended up paying 5 x more than original price because he was rushing us and we failed to convert the cost in our currency fast enough...before we realized the actual price he had already disappeared..... this happened in Ho Chi Min City

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    JP P Oh yeah! Thanks for pointing that out. That almost happened to us a couple of times in Hanoi, but the ladies were selling baked pastries. Sorry that happened to you. Thanks for sharing though!

  • @markbigelow2608

    @markbigelow2608

    6 жыл бұрын

    Never any "free" samples.

  • @JN-ox2yd

    @JN-ox2yd

    5 жыл бұрын

    I am being extra wary of this scam on my visit. As a coconut 🥥 drinking and eating sort of guy, this has quickly become my litmus test for any decent country

  • @oo2deepo19
    @oo2deepo195 жыл бұрын

    Just watched all of this in the coffeeshop in barcelona haha. Great informative video 💕💕

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    oo2deep o hahaha it’s like my most popular video for some reason. Probably the only reason I have so many subscribers.

  • @NatesEscape
    @NatesEscape6 жыл бұрын

    I love your personality and your voice 😁

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank youu :)

  • @kcet1948
    @kcet19486 жыл бұрын

    You have nailed most of the critical scam points. I have been a victim myself.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Aw I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you have a better experience next time you come to Vietnam!

  • @damadusha_SolarGuy
    @damadusha_SolarGuy5 жыл бұрын

    I'll be traveling to Vietnam in next month for a short tour. This will help me a lot. Thank you :)

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Madusha Dedigamuwa I'm so happy you found this helpful! Hope you have an amazing time and safe travels!

  • @BurgapolyPublishing
    @BurgapolyPublishing6 жыл бұрын

    Great tips when traveling anywhere! Westerners tend to stick our more so in Asia. My Mom is Asian and my Dad is a Westerner so they have their stories about traveling in that area. New subscriber here!!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Good Cook Bad Cook Haha same here! Thanks for the comment and support! :)

  • @TheLaughingLion
    @TheLaughingLion6 жыл бұрын

    these are great tips, i'll visit vietnam in the next few years.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching and good luck with your trip to Vietnam! :)

  • @vatidcharoensiri499
    @vatidcharoensiri4996 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot. It's very useful for me. I plan to visit HCMC near the end of this year.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Glad I could help! Hope you have a wonderful trip :)

  • @SangHTX
    @SangHTX6 жыл бұрын

    Good information. How do you feel about the relationship between Cars and Motorbikes on the road? When I was in Vietnam last year, the Cars were driving erratically, not caring about hitting Motorbikes. I felt scared for the Motorbikes getting hit.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Sang L. Yes, it's usually the larger the vehicle, the more power they have in the road. Big buses and trucks drive like crazy while smaller cars and motorcycles have to get out of the way. It's really dangerous actually, but it seems like everyone understands this system and flows with it. I don't drive in the city (Saigon), because I'm terrified haha. I also work from home so I don't need to drive everyday. However, Da Nang is a lot less crowded and easier to drive around.

  • @se7enzee444

    @se7enzee444

    6 жыл бұрын

    If you have never been to Vietnam before, Da Nang would be the city to visit first. It's a lot less crowded comparing to Hanoi and HCMC. You can stay at one of the high-end resorts and also visit a few historic sites. As for the car/motorbikes, no issues. They have their systems and it seems like it's working better than in the US. When I was there last year, I saw a Bentley surrounded by motorbikes. Some Vietnamese are very wealthy!

  • @madeleinereilly1452

    @madeleinereilly1452

    6 жыл бұрын

    VN has no road rules!!

  • @LuckyDuckie115
    @LuckyDuckie1155 жыл бұрын

    Just use ride sharing apps (Aber etc...), more expensive than local taxis but the prices are pretty much fixed...so no chance of getting scammed

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Dennis Vu Yup! That's what I said in my video too. I love using those apps. :)

  • @vvanvoo
    @vvanvoo5 жыл бұрын

    You’re so gorgeous! Omg I’m loving this! I’m watching it and it makes me wanna go back to Vietnam!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Van Vo come back!!

  • @jfoodreviews
    @jfoodreviews5 жыл бұрын

    Damn thanks for the tips 😎👍🏿

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Jfoodreviews Eating Show I hope you have a great time there! 😊

  • @ScribblerinPanic
    @ScribblerinPanic6 жыл бұрын

    the wet wipes thingy. i think there's one too in singapore (or i'm not sure?). my mum and sisters were eating in this eatery and apart from their orders, wet wipes were also placed on their table and this pork and beans kind of food in a little bowl. they thought those were free so they didn't mind. but when they got the bill, they were charged sgd 6 for the three packs of wet wipes and another sgd 5 for the beans. sgd 11 is only a little over usd 8. it's not the hugest sum but still, why pay for something you didn't order, right...? but overall, i think, scams do happen everywhere. we just need to be extra careful and be 101% aware of our surroundings...

  • @cjw9257
    @cjw92574 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I have met a lady on line in saigon,and you have taught me more about lfe in vietnam.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you found this video helpful! I hope you check out my other videos also. I've done a decent amount of traveling around Vietnam and it is such a beautiful place to see. :)

  • @sammyalabamy111
    @sammyalabamy1116 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, very helpful to others...

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Sammy from Alabamy Glad I could help! :)

  • @cynthiaking2153
    @cynthiaking21536 жыл бұрын

    When I lived in Cannon Beach , Oregon there was a group of young kids ( 20’s) they would wait tables on the coast all summer to earn the money to spend the winter in Vietnam.

  • @cindysmith765

    @cindysmith765

    4 жыл бұрын

    So what , idiot.

  • @ruthhacket2927
    @ruthhacket29275 жыл бұрын

    Great advice :)

  • @tee228
    @tee2286 жыл бұрын

    how to not get robbed in vn: look poor

  • @RyanNguyen165
    @RyanNguyen1656 жыл бұрын

    Love your videos. It's really helpful for me although i'm Vietnamese and i got scammed few times goddamn it... Anyway keep it up Linh ^^!

  • @charleshoang6481

    @charleshoang6481

    6 жыл бұрын

    RyanNguyen165 I was scammed twice by taxi and I am also Vietnamese !

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I'm sorry you got scammed. I hope this video helps other people!

  • @jamessal1991
    @jamessal19916 жыл бұрын

    I heard that at the airport you need to tip (bribe) the customs officials by including some cash when you hand over your passport to them, is this true? I would hate to know what will happen to me if I don't "tip" them.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    James Sal Haha no this is not true! Once you pay for your visa, you're good to go! :)

  • @MrTdo9

    @MrTdo9

    6 жыл бұрын

    do not bribe periode

  • @thithipham9310

    @thithipham9310

    6 жыл бұрын

    If you look like Viet mostly they will find a way for you to give them some cash.

  • @HaiNguyen-lh7xm

    @HaiNguyen-lh7xm

    6 жыл бұрын

    I hate customs officials the most when traveling to VN. They ask for gifts (quà) even though you did not do anything illegal entering or leaving the country. Very annoying so I learned to ignore them.

  • @Tam-gg4zr

    @Tam-gg4zr

    6 жыл бұрын

    Don’t pay. They legally can’t do that. Now that they’re more security cameras in airports they do it less now but don’t do it you’re not obligated to

  • @RudyVisuals
    @RudyVisuals6 жыл бұрын

    Those wet wipes always get me haha! Great tips, luckily we've had good luck so far apart from the restaurant scam. Always super paranoid about my camera snatched so I hold on to it like a baby!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Aaron and Wera haha seriously! It's so sketchy trying to vlog while walking around Vietnam. Hope your good luck continues!! :)

  • @giapvo892

    @giapvo892

    6 жыл бұрын

    That’s how the Vietnamese people and their culture are. They wonder why people stop going to Vietnam. Vietnam is a third world slum!

  • @se7enzee444

    @se7enzee444

    6 жыл бұрын

    Still better than some parts in the US where you can shot at and killed for being in the wrong place.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    se7en Zee You can be killed anywhere for being in the wrong place. Which is the point I was trying to make ok the beginning.

  • @se7enzee444

    @se7enzee444

    6 жыл бұрын

    @Alison: my comment was towards the person above. I like Vietnam very much, esp. Da Nang and Da Lat. I try to stop by whenever I'm in Asia.

  • @valbeauregard5190
    @valbeauregard51906 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very informative video .

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Val Beauregard Glad I could be helpful! Safe travels! :)

  • @shagwellington
    @shagwellington6 жыл бұрын

    Good video, good job. Good to know. Another You Tuber recommends Uber. I guess Uber was bought out by Grab. The meter business is annoying. I hate arguing with cabbies. You are good with your videos, no hems or haws. One has to watch out for scammer tour guides all over Asia. Thanks

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Shag Wellington Thank you! Yes, I recommended Uber or Grab as well. But you are right, Grab bought out Uber. Way better to use instead of a taxi though!

  • @sagm33
    @sagm336 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the video Alison. The title is a little confusing though so people are not sure you are talking about the personal safety in Vietnam or how easily you are to be scammed there. Those are two completely different things.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Lost&found Hi, thanks for your comment. I guess I'm talking a little bit about both, but it is a little confusing. Vietnam is pretty safe in terms of personal safety. Scams can be common, but are not usually physically harmful.

  • @JKALMIRALL
    @JKALMIRALL6 жыл бұрын

    Hi are you living in Vietnam now? I was wondering about a bike license.. I have a drivers license but not for motorbike? But heard you can get a bike without legally having a license... is this fine with police etc? any tips/advice?

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Hello! Unfortunately, I am not living there anymore and while I was living there I did not own a motorbike. However, I have heard that it is 100% possible to get a bike and drive without having a bike license. It is not legal and if you get pulled over by the police, you might be asked to pay or ticket or forced to bribe them. We've never gotten pulled over in Vietnam, but in other Asian countries, we've bribed police before. It's never more than $10 though. We've also only gotten pulled over because we did something stupid like not wearing a helmet. You should be fine, but be careful! It's crazy driving in the city. We only ever rented motorbikes and drove around the countryside in Vietnam. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!

  • @ann.8593
    @ann.85936 жыл бұрын

    Scams in Vietnam are really common, I think especially in Thanh Hoa, we were paying for an item but then the seller said that we didn’t give them enough money yet, luckily, my brother was recording when we gave the money, so we didn’t get scammed. Nowadays, scams are everywhere so it’s best to keep an eye on your stuff.

  • @RyanNguyen165

    @RyanNguyen165

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanh Hoa ppl are dicks jesus chris dude...

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @ann.8593

    @ann.8593

    6 жыл бұрын

    Alison Linh You’re welcome! Have a great time in Vietnam!

  • @amarok5048
    @amarok50485 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alison!

  • @meghanhilton9273
    @meghanhilton92736 жыл бұрын

    You have such good advice

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful. Safe travels!

  • @sitihatika
    @sitihatika5 жыл бұрын

    tq for the info really healping

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    haneul ishika Im always happy to help! Safe travels! :)

  • @vunguyenbalong8129
    @vunguyenbalong81296 жыл бұрын

    should carefully about taxi ,pay,sell,people,bad guy is everywhere ...everyone don't matter old or young,poor or rich, adult or children,girl or boy. also carefully your wallet.

  • @chat.review.cuocsong

    @chat.review.cuocsong

    5 жыл бұрын

    Vừa vô cảm vừa đánh giá VN quá sai

  • @iqcreative4584
    @iqcreative45844 жыл бұрын

    The snatch and run theft happened to my GF and I while living on Samui in Thailand.. this was done by snatching her back while we had to slow down in a curve and a 500cc crossmotor came out of the dark behind us. The catch was good... 2 iphones, the month rent (which my GF took to the Full Moon Party) and a bottle of Jack Daniels .... haha

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    4 жыл бұрын

    IQ CREATIVE Oh wow! I’m sorry that happened to you guys. Some of these people are skilled. It’s hard to be on the look out all the time, but if you’re aware, it makes you more cautious. Safe travels!

  • @ozyscotty
    @ozyscotty6 жыл бұрын

    It's quite hard getting a grab in Vietnam because they often call you, and of you don't speak Vietnamese, they cancel the job.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, that is true. Also, most foreigners only get data on their phone and don't have calling capabilities.

  • @diegestive4167

    @diegestive4167

    6 жыл бұрын

    Get hotel to book it

  • @moisesblanco
    @moisesblanco5 жыл бұрын

    I been thinking of retiring in Vietnam. Is it difficult to learn the language?

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    It is pretty difficult, but if you're living there, it's a lot easier to pick up since you are using it more often. :) I hope you have a great time there!

  • @venkateswaran.k
    @venkateswaran.k Жыл бұрын

    Watching this channel to learn english.. Thank you so much.

  • @theblackhat6594
    @theblackhat65946 жыл бұрын

    before go to vietnamse you nice to have a friend from vietnam or a friend very good as speak vietnamse

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    jack white hat My relatives are local Vietnamese and they help me out a lot. :)

  • @theblackhat6594

    @theblackhat6594

    6 жыл бұрын

    but is have some body scam you when you buy thing

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Oh yeah, I get overcharged a lot when I buy things, but it is not too bad.

  • @barryklus

    @barryklus

    5 жыл бұрын

    exactly

  • @nipunath
    @nipunath6 жыл бұрын

    Nice, informative video.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Nipu Nath Thank you! Glad it helped :)

  • @nipunath

    @nipunath

    6 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, it does. Keep uploading such informative videos.

  • @EdwardSmart
    @EdwardSmart5 жыл бұрын

    I had a bad experience' in a what they referred to, a while back, as "Black" taxis! Good advice!

  • @tramnguyen0000
    @tramnguyen00005 жыл бұрын

    Just in case you're unlucky enough and a thief is trying to rob you, if you're not obviously bigger than them who can 100% snatch your stuff back, let it go because a lot of them have knives. Those drug addicts ain't scared of nothing

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Phuong Ngo wow thanks for letting us know! I didn’t even think about that.

  • @stanleymckinney9613
    @stanleymckinney96135 жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking about visiting Vietnam. Great video.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Stan McKinney You definitely should visit! I love Vietnam :) I hope you have a great time there!

  • @stanleymckinney9613

    @stanleymckinney9613

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@AlisonLinh Thank you!

  • @shiroreo5989
    @shiroreo59896 жыл бұрын

    Becareful when you go to Saigon, there are some guys selling coconuts. They are scammers, the coconuts are really small and not that delicious but they sell them with 150.000 - 200.00 dong. Like you could get a more big and delicious one than those with just like 30.000 or 40.000 dong. I'm a Vietnamese so ik it

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Oh wow, I never heard of the coconut scam, but I'll be sure to look out for it now. Thanks for sharing! :)

  • @sebastiangeorge7714

    @sebastiangeorge7714

    5 жыл бұрын

    that was the "worst" actual scam, asked for the price understand 40k gave him 100k he told me 140k. Told him to f. of. But in the end that was the price of a Cheeseburger i "over" paid him.

  • @petorn1712
    @petorn17124 жыл бұрын

    I won’t come back to Vietnam. Once enough....

  • @lightning6718
    @lightning67186 жыл бұрын

    You hit the nail on the head regarding taxi scam. The taxi driver switched my money 500,000 dong to 20,000 dong at midnight on me once when I paid the taxi ride.

  • @se7enzee444

    @se7enzee444

    6 жыл бұрын

    That's terrible. At least $500k is only ~$22 USD.

  • @MrAlbertYam

    @MrAlbertYam

    6 жыл бұрын

    KL taxi even worst....you give big note like RM50, no change to you. The taxi fare was RM33.00 If you ask for change, the taxi driver tell you the balance is the tip to him or the balance is cover the return to their main pick up point. And the worst, the taxi driver tell you, he didn't have small change...RM2 to RM5, give him to buy coffee.

  • @luuexy
    @luuexy5 жыл бұрын

    If u were wondering Vietnam is rlly safe I'm Vietnamese and u should watch "15 things u didn't know about Vietnam" it's with Chinese, Asia, and Japan idk if there was Asia I forgot but ya and wut I meant by its with Chinese, Asia, and Japan I meant it's like Vietnam is expected to be Chinese, Asia, and Japan

  • @trollfx8245
    @trollfx82456 жыл бұрын

    *I always felt unsafe at Vietnam a lot of kidnapping,stealing but I somehow always go there!…*

  • @ashleymalone1445

    @ashleymalone1445

    5 жыл бұрын

    TROLL FX I’ve been numerous times and never had a issue, but yeah I get a bad feeling sometimes.

  • @ajibang9416
    @ajibang94165 жыл бұрын

    Scam in hanoi is worse, just be careful with those sellers, room for rent(they will not reimburse your deposit), investment, salary, etc..

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    4 жыл бұрын

    Aji Bang You just need to make sure to have a good contract and maybe even go through a renting agency. I had some great people help me with the rental process in Saigon. Check out Honey Comb rental if you’re looking for a place in Saigon.

  • @acajudi100
    @acajudi1006 жыл бұрын

    Best to have a throw away phone for the street, and photo copies of ID, and very little cash.

  • @twanco
    @twanco5 жыл бұрын

    Love your video I'm coming to Vietnam next summer. My mom is from Saigon and father Daughter Nang

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    A T Thanks! That's awesome! I hope you have an awesome time connecting with your relatives and home land :)

  • @danhbaovngaming8883

    @danhbaovngaming8883

    5 жыл бұрын

    Let's go Dong Nai

  • @thewanderersandhu
    @thewanderersandhu5 жыл бұрын

    Last night 16/06/2019 i faced this scam... Someone snatched my phone... Nd ran away.... I never expected this in Ho Chi Minh city..... Vietnam..... Thts not good..

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Bachitter sandhu Aw I’m sorry to hear that. :( it is very common in the city. I hope you’re experience gets better in Vietnam. It’s a beautiful country!

  • @BateYasho
    @BateYasho5 жыл бұрын

    Tnx for the tips ;)

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Victor Creed Happy to help!

  • @101life9
    @101life96 жыл бұрын

    When you need to be so watchful in an environment, means there's no safety. In the States, you pretty much just walk and not think about these sort of things, that's safety. In South East Asia, generally you have to exercise caution 24/7.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Much Love Generally, I do feel safer in the States. However, my home got robbed in the States and I've gotten scammed out of concert tickets there. I never encountered any problems in Vietnam. But then again, I lived in the States for five years and Vietnam for only 8 months. I do believe you are targeted more as a foreigner in a different country so I think I always had my guard up in Vietnam and was very careful.

  • @strike6.

    @strike6.

    6 жыл бұрын

    I've seen several home/store robbing and shooting news every week in the States, how is it safer? And scams are literally everywhere, from trading to promoting/advertising.. It didn't happen to you yet doesn't mean "safe", if you walk around poorer areas they could snatch anything from you in no time for drug money. Don't lie you guys don't even dare to walk out in the street as often as people do in VN, and downtown areas especially in big cities are full of panhandlers and sneaky robbers/stealers for drug money. Drug dealers are the money Queens in the States! Talking about being unmindful in downtown, are you joking?? I think VN should spend SOME BUT NOT MUCH MORE money for public security, because it's like paying to protect idiots who walk and chit-chat or play games without looking at the street or the surrounding. There are crooks everywhere, not even less in the States, and general local Vietnamese can't afford paying more for that stupid extra cost of having police everywhere (they prefer being mindful to protect their own properties.. as common sense and mindfulness are the most basic survival skills..), so if you want to have the luxury of being unmindful, go to high-class shopping centers and there, you're at "home"!

  • @maggiephan2900
    @maggiephan29006 жыл бұрын

    Indeed , when you are travelling , doesn't matter where , these are very practical tips. Thanks for sharing .|

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Maggie Phan Glad this was helpful! Safe travels :)

  • @AAALLDAY07
    @AAALLDAY076 жыл бұрын

    Great tips sadly a lot of people still get scam or robbed no matter what

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Very true. Hopefully this will help a little bit though!

  • @lufiadaos6560
    @lufiadaos65604 жыл бұрын

    How about staff member steal money or things from your hotel room? You might not keep money in your bag, but all your passport, computers are there..

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lufia Daos Thank you for sharing! I never experienced it, but I’m sure it happens. Stay safe!

  • @arunabhadas8799
    @arunabhadas87996 жыл бұрын

    As long as this is not middle east you are good

  • @lenale5078
    @lenale50786 жыл бұрын

    My Mom and Dad and My Ancestors are from Vietnam and me and my sister are from Canada. When we visit Vietnam, we be very careful

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Lena Le It's always good to be careful wherever you travel. I'm glad you guys are being smart about traveling. Best of luck with all your future travels! :)

  • @JoyceLe
    @JoyceLe6 жыл бұрын

    Ah yes! The wet wipes. 😂 That's why I always end up bringing my own tissues or depending on the restaurant, I'll ask for paper tissues. Usually it's free haha.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Joyce Le lol yeah me too!!

  • @se7enzee444

    @se7enzee444

    6 жыл бұрын

    Don't be so frugal. The wet napkin only costs 10 cents each.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    se7en Zee Yeah, I didn't say they were expensive Haha. Just don't like using them.

  • @giapvo892

    @giapvo892

    6 жыл бұрын

    Not only Vietnam is a third world slum, the people and the culture reveal they are liars, cheaters, scammers, and they will do anything to rip you off. Even the food that you think might be safe, but it’s full of cheap, toxic, and absolutely, unsanitary. The Vietnamese got no sense of honesty whatsoever! I’m screaming as loud as I possible can, so the people can steer away from going to Vietnam. What a third world slum Vietnam is!

  • @giapvo892

    @giapvo892

    6 жыл бұрын

    What a shame you can’t even write a proper English sentence, let alone reasoning your stupidity. Admit you’re stupid and go get some education, will you?

  • @garyconway1073
    @garyconway10736 жыл бұрын

    Lived all over Asia, two years ago discovered Vietnam. Found Ham Tiem beach, its between Phan Thiet and Mui Ne south of Saigon about 200K. Quiet, safe, great beaches. Not a blue water beach but very nice, the sand has some black in it. For me its the best place in all of Asia. One road along a 30K beach and mountains 5 minutes away. Not well known but a great place and good food. All of the wor

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Sounds nice! I really liked Mui Ne. I will check out Ham Tiem next time. :)

  • @pencilonpaper1026
    @pencilonpaper10266 жыл бұрын

    Everyone should always be careful anywhere they go anyways, but knowing the specifics are good.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Floppy Arms Here I completely agree! :)

  • @tinaa2609
    @tinaa2609 Жыл бұрын

    Be careful also of the currency exchange right in the airport. The Vietnam Dong currency is also confusing and they can take advantage of tourist by undervaluing your currency by 30% to 40%.

  • @things4yougaming723
    @things4yougaming7235 жыл бұрын

    I’m going to Vietnam May 8th!!! Can’t wait 😊!!!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Pheezy420 REEFER Vietnam is amazing!! So excited for you :)

  • @things4yougaming723

    @things4yougaming723

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@AlisonLinh yes! I cant wait less then a week away! I'm staying for 2 months learn about the culture

  • @mohdzaharimatnin3700
    @mohdzaharimatnin37005 жыл бұрын

    Grab is the safest and the right amount paid!

  • @madeleinereilly1452
    @madeleinereilly14526 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great information. Vietnam is becoming more and more dangerous!!! Sad!

  • @hoancanhkhokhan8063

    @hoancanhkhokhan8063

    6 жыл бұрын

    Madeleine Reilly If you feel Vietnam more and more dangerous, try to live in Paris, Italia

  • @Tam-gg4zr

    @Tam-gg4zr

    6 жыл бұрын

    BRUH Vietnam is getting safer what you saying

  • @farleyvision4124
    @farleyvision41246 жыл бұрын

    Like travelling to most of these countries just don't flaunt cash or jewels no one's impressed by your money or fancy watch if your westerners people there know you have money a friend of mine was in Asia and thought to impress girls he needed to flash cash and fancy jewlery no one was impressed .. I flashed my smile and charm and laid back attitude

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Farley vision hahah this is true. The fact that you had the money to buy a plane ticket to travel to another country shows that you have more money then most people. Which is why a lot of foreigners are targeted even when they aren't flashy.

  • @Kissy7890
    @Kissy78906 жыл бұрын

    thank you for respond.. I would never leave in a place that is so low in developing..

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Darling D You never know! I grew up in Asia and said I wasn't going to move back to Asia again, but here I am! Things change. You might be surprised at how developed and comfortable Vietnam is (in the city) now. You should check out my apartment and neighborhood tour video if you are ever interested in the future.

  • @hiephoang6073
    @hiephoang60733 жыл бұрын

    Nice to meet you . Say from Vietnam

  • @whitetearobloxchannel8804
    @whitetearobloxchannel88045 жыл бұрын

    Alison.. I’m not aloud to go on a motor due to my allowence. It happens alot in Vietnam. I reccomend go to a mall not a busy street

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    White Tea Roblox Channel Yeah, the malls in Vietnam are pretty nice!

  • @mikeykeyes
    @mikeykeyes5 жыл бұрын

    Gabriel traveller travels around the world with 2% problem. Currently he is in VN and so far looks quite OK.

  • @loisjdodds
    @loisjdodds5 жыл бұрын

    Grab is a good one in Hanoi/Da Nang/Hoi An (don’t know if it’s else where too) they have a ‘uniform’ ish and specific colours (green) and a really easy app exactly like Uber with license plates and driver names etc. Worth getting the app if your going there

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    Lois Dodds Yeah I love Grab! I believe I mentioned it as well :)

  • @loisjdodds

    @loisjdodds

    5 жыл бұрын

    Alison Linh oh lol sorry must have missed that! Btw your videos are extremely helpful. I’ve been to Vietnam before but I’m planing on moving there in a couple years. Trying to get together all the best information and your videos are the best I’ve found😊😊 especially the one on teaching English online. x

  • @alantan8951
    @alantan89516 жыл бұрын

    Too bad i did not catch your vid prior my trip as i was taxi scammed. I asked for meter rate at hanoi train station to old quarters. The driver covered the meter but assured it is going by meter. Ended up 350k to the old quarters. I angrily quarreled and settled for 100k in the end as my luggages were at the boot and i made him took them out prior paying. So viewers pls beware, dun follow my mistake. Grab taxi following through are all alright.

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    I'm sorry to hear that! :( But thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate you helping others as well!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    I hope the rest of your travels through Vietnam go well!

  • @williamsepulveda8424

    @williamsepulveda8424

    6 жыл бұрын

    Alison Linh so... Is it safe to travel?

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    William Sepulveda As long as you're careful about the scams! Just be smart and you will have an amazing time there!

  • @williamsepulveda8424

    @williamsepulveda8424

    6 жыл бұрын

    Alison Linh thank you Alison :) And your right, any country could get you scammed if not wise about it... Good point.

  • @zzbb14
    @zzbb145 жыл бұрын

    omg where was that waterfall at? 9:51 it’s so pretty!

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    5 жыл бұрын

    zzbb It's near Da Lat in central Vietnam. It was one of my favorite places. :) I made a whole video on it if you are interested in checking it out. Da Lat: Waterfalls kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJp_0MmqaLjfqrw.html

  • @villagelightsmith4375
    @villagelightsmith43755 жыл бұрын

    "Feeling safe" in Vietnam requires only the ability to deny reality for a time.

  • @JamesSmith-ny2gb
    @JamesSmith-ny2gb Жыл бұрын

    Remember I was drinking with this American bloke in hanoi, told me a few nights before he left a bar drunk and a guy on a motorbike drove past and swiped his phone

  • @markbigelow2608
    @markbigelow26086 жыл бұрын

    The tour guide scam is common. Whenever a total stranger with a BIG smile chats you up, it's going to lead to money in one way or another.

  • 5 жыл бұрын

    same in cuba, we ended up asking them for money first before they had the chance, it was so fun that the last couple fo days we were there we just walked the street looking for scammers to prank.

  • @LilT.NMusic
    @LilT.NMusic6 жыл бұрын

    You can also get scam online so , in Vietnam for me , it is still safe ! There are many scam methods out there , this are only few methods , they can scam you even on TV or they visit your house and say that something is on sale and it's cheaper than normal. But it is actually more expensive than normal , etc ... scammer everywhere , you always have to look out !

  • @AlisonLinh

    @AlisonLinh

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the heads up! I've heard of some of these scams before, but never encountered them.

  • @tanakatan9566
    @tanakatan95663 жыл бұрын

    In vietnam where you can encounter so many scams such as marriage connection including the trading business.

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