Sometimes you can stand your ground and avoid paying excess fees, but other times it might just not be possible to avoid paying ,especially at border crossings.
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When it comes to bribery and corruption it’s best to judge each situation on its own merits. Corruption can be a real problem in Vietnam and you shouldn’t be surprised if regional police or border crossing guards ask for a small bribe (or “administration fee”) on top of any legitimate costs you incur. Vietnam is currently ranked 108th out of 168 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index – which isn’t great. Scams to be wary of include trying to persuade you to buy precious gemstones (which are almost always fake), telling you a train is sold out and then trying to barter you on board via the train security officers (both parties take a cut of the cash you cough up) or even offering to act as a tour guide for you. So, while you’ll see elderly women hopping on and off trains at every stop trying to sell rice balls, you’ll also encounter more unscrupulous individuals at major transport hubs and tourist areas.
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One thing you’ll learn about Vietnam is that the nation is full of hustlers – they will sell you anything.
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Scammers and opportunistsĪside from theft, you’ll also need to be wary of scammers and opportunities. Doing so leaves you vulnerable to opportunistic thieves who poke their heads into each cabin to see if there are bags they can rifle through. When riding a sleeper train don’t leave bags unattended in your cabin, even if going to the food carriage next door. In major cities and tourist destinations, bag snatching is a growing threat.
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What are the common security risks in Vietnam? Petty crimeĪs a victim of petty crime in Vietnam, I can confirm that it is something that you need to be wary of throughout the country. Find out more about the benefits of membership here. With a CloseCircle subscription you get access to worldwide travel advice and intelligence that can help keep you safe while travelling.