Vietnam is widely considered one of the safest travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. However, like any major tourist hub in the world—be it Paris, Rome, or Bangkok—Ho Chi Minh City has its share of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors.
For travelers in 2026, the shopping landscape has improved significantly with digital payments and better regulations. Yet, traditional market tricks still exist. Getting scammed isn’t just about losing money; it ruins the mood of your trip.
The good news? Most of these scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here are the 5 most common shopping scams in Vietnam and practical tips on how to protect your wallet.
1. The “Confusing Currency” Trick (20k vs. 500k)
This is, by far, the most common mistake travelers make, and dishonest vendors will take advantage of it.
Vietnamese currency (VND or “Dong”) is made of polymer and has many zeros. To a fresh pair of eyes, the bills can look remarkably similar.
- The Trap: The 500,000 VND note (worth about $20 USD) and the 20,000 VND note (worth less than $1 USD) are both blue.
- The Scam: You hand a vendor a 500,000 VND note for a small purchase. The vendor quickly swaps it or pretends you gave them a 20,000 VND note, claiming you didn’t pay enough. Or, when giving you change, they slip in a 20,000 note instead of a 500,000 note, hoping you won’t notice the difference in the zeroes.
How to Avoid It:
- Check the Zeroes: Always count the zeroes before handing over cash. Memorize the phrase: “Five Hundred Thousand” vs “Twenty Thousand.”
- Say It Out Loud: When you hand over a large bill, say the amount clearly. “Here is 500,000.” This signals to the vendor that you are paying attention.
- Keep Bills Separate: Do not keep your large bills (500k, 200k) mixed with small bills in your wallet.
2. The “Switcheroo” (Bait and Switch)
You are at a market stall, and you see a beautiful, high-quality handbag or a box of premium coffee. You inspect it, check the material, and negotiate a price. You are happy with the deal.
- The Scam: While you are counting your money or distracted by something else, the vendor takes the item you inspected and swaps it for a pre-packaged one from under the counter. You go home, open the box, and find a lower-quality item, a different color, or sometimes even a damaged product.
How to Avoid It:
- Don’t Let It Leave Your Sight: Watch the item continuously from the moment you agree on the price until it is in your bag.
- Open the Box Immediately: If they hand you a sealed box or a wrapped bag, open it right there in front of them to verify it’s the correct item.
- Take the Display Item: If possible, insist on buying the exact item you held in your hands, rather than a “new one in the box” from the back.
3. The “Cyclo” or Taxi Shopping Detour
This scam involves transportation but ends in a shopping trap. You ask a Cyclo (bicycle taxi) driver or a random taxi to take you to a specific place, like “Saigon Square” or “Ben Thanh Market.”
- The Scam: The driver tells you, “Oh, that place is closed today for cleaning/holiday” or “That place sells fake bad quality. I take you to a better place, a government factory.”
- They then drive you to a shop that pays them a commission. These shops sell overpriced, low-quality goods, and you will be pressured to buy something before leaving.
How to Avoid It:
- Verify Opening Hours: Check Google Maps yourself. Major markets like Ben Thanh or Saigon Square rarely close unexpectedly during the day.
- Use Ride-Hailing Apps: In 2026, using apps like Grab or Gojek is the safest way to travel. The destination is fixed, the price is set, and the driver cannot easily take you on a detour without the app tracking it.
- Be Firm: If a driver says a place is closed, firmly say, “Please take me there anyway. I want to see.”
4. The “Genuine Leather” Lighter Test
Vietnam is famous for leather goods. In markets, vendors often try to prove their goods are “100% Real Leather” using a dramatic test.
- The Scam: The vendor pulls out a lighter and holds the flame against the wallet or belt for a second. “See? No burn! Real leather!” they exclaim.
- The Reality: High-quality synthetic leather (PU leather) is also fire-resistant for short periods. Just because it doesn’t melt instantly doesn’t mean it’s genuine cowhide. You might end up paying a premium price for a plastic product.
How to Avoid It:
- Smell It: Real leather has a distinct, earthy smell. Synthetic leather smells like chemicals or plastic.
- Check the Edges: Look at the cut edges of the leather. Real leather is fibrous; synthetic leather often has smooth, perfect edges or layers of fabric backing.
- Trust Your Gut: If a “Gucci” leather wallet is being sold for $10, it is not real leather, no matter how many times they burn it.
5. The “No Change” Drama
This is a minor annoyance but happens frequently. You buy a coconut for 30,000 VND and hand over a 100,000 VND bill.
- The Scam: The vendor pats their pockets, looks around frantically, and claims they have “no change.” They might offer you candy or chewing gum instead of your 70,000 VND change, or they simply wait, hoping you will just walk away out of frustration or awkwardness.
How to Avoid It:
- Carry Small Bills: This is the golden rule of Vietnam travel. Always break your large notes (500k) at convenience stores (like Circle K or 7-Eleven) or restaurants. Keep a stack of 10k, 20k, and 50k notes for street vendors.
- Stand Your Ground: If they say no change, smile and wait. Usually, the change magically appears from a neighbor or a hidden pocket once they realize you aren’t leaving.
Conclusion: Shop Smart, Travel Safe
Do not let these potential scams scare you away from shopping in Vietnam. The vast majority of vendors, especially in established places like Saigon Square, are hardworking and honest business people.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, colorful, and rewarding experience. By staying alert, double-checking your zeros, and carrying small change, you can navigate the markets like a pro and focus on finding the best treasures this city has to offer.