Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations backpacker in Asia, as well as fraud-prone country. You should be aware, there are several types of scams that tourists often found in Vietnam. What is it?

    Here are 10 types of fraud that are often encountered in Vietnam. Recognize the warning signs, and know how to handle it:

1. Taxi

    In Vietnam, the illegal taxi drivers have lots of ways to squeeze tourists, especially foreign tourists. Quoted from Vietnam Online, the most common way is by modifying the meter, so you spend more money than the normal price. The farther the journey, the more money 'robbed' by the illegal taxi drivers.

    The driver-driver 'black cab' is happy to take a detour, though they said it would be through a shortcut. Quite often the driver offers to direct travelers visited tourist spots. After that, they asked for an additional fee aka tips for services information. To avoid this, choose a reliable taxi companies such as Mai Linh (Green Taxi), Vinasun, or Taxi Group.

    When visited Ho Chi Minh City some time ago also was exposed to this type of fraud. Taxis are used when it is Saigon Tourist, colored pink. Shortly after entering the taxi, we were asked to 100,000 Dong (approximately USD 50,000) for the exit gate of the airport. Originally, of course, is not that expensive.

2. Motorcycle Taxi / Xe Om

    Motorcycle taxi, or Xe Om in the local language, is one of the public transport in Vietnam. Instead of tourists, up Xe Om is a separate adventures for local residents. Unlike legal taxi drivers, the Vietnamese do not need to be certified Xe Om driver. Therefore, many of those who take advantage of this opportunity to 'rob' tourists.

    The Xe Om drivers usually say, "ride it first, money matters later. Anyway cheaper than a taxi." Upon arrival at the destination, they ask for money very much even higher than the price of a taxi. The reason is that high gasoline prices. And compared to the price of services Xe Om, the price of gasoline is not nothing.

    Just as illegal taxi drivers, the drivers Xe Om is also a hobby took a detour. In some towns, they even take tourists to places that are not common to further rob the tourists!

    The way to avoid it, it is better not to use Xe Om. Cegatlah legal taxi, or use public transportation such as buses trayeknya listed in the guidebook.

3. Hotel Cheap one

    Many tourists are 'blind' about Vietnam even when they arrive in the country. Well, this is a golden opportunity for hotels to tourist trap. These hotels have attractive names such as Prince, Paradise, Queen, or Crown. They pay a few good sites to write reviews about their hotel.

    Their reputation is false. In the website, they usually offer a cheap room. But when tourists come, they will say that it is the price of the Standard Room and (unfortunately) is full for tonight. Had no other choice, tourists have to pay more for a Deluxe Room.

    Blackmail does not stop there. At check out, the hotel used to add additional costs unreasonable. The price is even two times higher than the original price. For example, "Do you live alone in a double room, therefore you have to pay double."

    The hotel did not hesitate to hold a passport if you do not want to pay. If you have this, you have no other choice. In order to avoid instances like this, you should book your hotel room in advance from trusted booking sites. Bring a copy of your confirmation email or voucher at check-in.

4. 'Collusion' between the taxi drivers and hotel

    In Vietnam, collaboration taxi drivers and hotel to cheat tourists are often found. At the airport, the taxi drivers 'intentions' duplicate name and your company name used to be a reference to the official pickup. Once the traveler stated his name come to you, they continued the following scenario.

    This illegal taxi driver takes you to a cheap hotel. Usually tourists already has its own selection, but the taxi driver was perplexed. He asked for help to a 'cheap' which previously had an agreement with him. Later, the hotel will send people dressed like receptionists.

    About 10 meters before the hotel native tourists, the taxi stopped. Receptionist fake taxi that will come to you to apologize and said his hotel was full. The reception was also asked taxi drivers to take tourists to the 'branch' hotel. Of course, the hotels 'cheap' it!

    The taxi driver is illegal extra benefit of such fraud. Besides a lot of money because tourists were taken around the city, he also received a commission from the price of hotel rooms in the 'cheap' is. To avoid this, cegatlah licensed taxis at the airport. Or ask the hotel to pick you up directly at the airport.

5. Inter-city bus travel

    Travel by bus between cities, especially the smaller towns in southern Vietnam, it could be a nightmare for local residents though. The 'crew' bus known to commit violence to anyone, not to mention tourists. Yes, this is the worst possible thing you're on the bus ride between cities in Vietnam.

    In the terminal, travelers usually forced into their bus. Pegged ticket prices are very high. Do not stop there, the bus driver drove to the outskirts of town and 'selling' tourist bus to another. After that the bus was returning to the city center to find new victims.

    One thing you need to consider, such as the buses are almost always fullness. For example, only 45 seats available, but the contents of the bus was 60 people. Each person will be forced to pay dearly.

    Refuse? Better not. In some cases, the bus crew did not hesitate to beat up passengers. This fraud will continue, until the crew bus satisfied with the amount of money earned.

    How to avoid this, use some of the famous bus as Hoang Long, Mai Linh and Phuong Trang. Service buses is good and the price is reasonable.

6. The restaurant and karaoke 'plus-plus'

    Karaoke is one of the most popular entertainment in Vietnam, and where local residents 'trap' tourists. One thing to remember, prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. Unlike the existing law in Thailand.

    The man traveling alone is the main target of this type of fraud. Because prostitution is prohibited, some traveler can not 'book women' openly. This is used by some restaurants as well as a karaoke in Vietnam.

    They hire a motorcycle taxi (xe om), cyclo (pedicab), and a taxi to take tourists into the restaurant. Quite tempting invitation, "Come to chat with beautiful women, and if you're interested, go and have fun with them. Interested Otherwise, you just pay for the drinks and leave."

    There are just tourists who follow this solicitation. Arriving at the restaurant, the prostitutes will appear, asking the tourists to spend the night with them. Both sides also agreed prices. The prostitute will ask for money to book a hotel room, after that, he walked away.

    Employees will give the tourist restaurant bill for drinks and fruits. Of course the price is exorbitant, usually around 2 million Dong (about $ 1 million). If you have this, tourists can not any more. In the restaurant there is usually a ready guard aka bodyguard beat up tourists who do not want to pay.

    The Sadness, tourists can not report to police because prostitution is illegal. If you have this, the only thing you can do is give them money and then leave immediately. Before going to Vietnam, mark it for traveler men: do not be tempted by any prostitution service.

7. Hawkers

    Street vendors in Vietnam often act as a con tourists. In Ho Chi Minh City, the most fraud is young coconut seller. We had never encountered this type of fraud.

    Here's the scenario. When the tourists were walking in the heat of the sun, a coconut merchant swiftly approached. He shouldered the load contains a row of coconut. With his friendly greeting tourists with a "Good morning!" or "Good afternoon!" then asked tourist destination.

    He then gave information about the purpose. If it's a museum, it tells when the museum closes at lunchtime and just opened a couple of hours. So if a tourist carrying a camera, he would ask the tourists posing and photographing him. If it is more than a tourist trap (not traveling solo), the coconut seller will pose with one of them.

    Then straightforwardly, the merchant gave his young coconut to the tourists. Still with a friendly face, as if it gave free coconut. But later, he asked for money enough for the young coconut. The fruit can be around 100,000 Dong (USD 50,000).

    For this one, you should dodge. Do not obey the given price. Although the coconut trader reasoned 'my heavy merchandise' but you may neutralize them. When it finally gave the merchant 20,000 Dong (U.S. $ 10,000) for 1 young coconut fruit.

    To avoid this kind of fraud, should avoid the hawkers who initially seemed friendly. If you've done such a scenario mentioned above, you should say no. Smile and keep walking.

8. The price of food in the restaurant

    When traveling to major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you will find many roadside restaurants. They usually open the door for tourists, complete with invitations and greetings in English. However, not infrequently restaurant 'robbed' by telling their travelers.

    In front of the restaurant, employees are greeted with friendly travelers. They then mention some menus that can be sampled. Tourists come in and open the menu. Unfortunately there is no price listed in the book.

    When asked the price of food, usually a restaurant employee evasive or changing the subject. After the meal satisfied travelers, bon payment will be given. Yes, it often is not unreasonable. Too expensive! To avoid this, find a restaurant that is popular with tourists. Dig up information about the restaurants in the guide books tour.

9. Photographer at a tourist spot

    Outstanding photographer tourist spots may be friendly. However, travelers should remain vigilant so as not exposed to fraud. Target the photographer is usually a small group of tourists, especially the elderly, teenagers, or a group of female tourists.

    Initially they were very friendly, offering tourists are willing to be photographed at a cheap price. But instead of once, they usually take photos repeatedly citing "very good pose, I could not stop taking pictures. I will give a discount for you."

    After that, still the tone is friendly and courteous, they ask for money 10000-15000 Dong (USD 7500-15000) per photo taken. Because using a digital camera, the photographer will ask for your full address and promised to send his picture in 2-3 days. After that, of course, the picture will not come. They fled away.

    If you find a photographer who do things like the above, beware. Keep saying "No, thank you" when they repeatedly emphasize the word "cheap and discount". Bring your own camera and ask the locals or other tourists to take photos of you when traveling alone.

10. 'Restaurants prison'

    While fraud is rare type of tourist, in fact, the practice is still running in Vietnam. Among other tourist frauds, 'a restaurant in prison' is the most severe.

    The restaurants are usually located on the side of the highway, or bus, or at a bus stop across the city. The owner of this restaurant has an unwritten agreement with the bus driver to 'rob' ratings in their restaurant.

    When the tourists entered the restaurant, the nightmare began. Employees restaurant swiftly closed the door and locked it. The tourists fed food with super expensive, often 10 times higher than the original price. If both refuse to pay, the employee could eat beat the tourists! Quite often from those who hold the bat or even a knife.

    Do not stop there, 'a restaurant in prison' as it is also often ask for additional money if tourists want to come out of it. Another option, the tourist should stay there. If this is not nothing else to do but pay and go as quickly as possible.

    'Restaurants prison' is not commonly encountered by tourists, but this is the worst picture of fraud in Vietnam. To avoid this, take the bus reliable. That's it.