Safety
Scams and theft, road safety, natural hazards, emergency numbers, insurance and how to stay out of trouble. Updated 2026.
Updated: April 2026
Key numbers
Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. The main risks are petty scams and road traffic.
38thGlobal Peace Index out of 163 countries
113Police (emergency number)
1039Tourist police
115Ambulance
Scams
The five most common scams and how to avoid them.
Taxi with no meter / inflated fare
- 1The driver quotes a fare 2–3 times higher than normal.
- 2Use Grab only — the price is locked in before the ride.
- 3If you take a regular taxi, stick to Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green) with a working meter.
Banknote swap when giving change
- 1The 20K and 500K VND notes look alike in colour (both blue).
- 2Learn the denominations in advance — count your change in front of the vendor.
- 3Sort your notes by denomination into separate wallet slots.
Inflated prices for foreigners
- 1At markets and non-touristy spots, prices can be 2–5 times higher.
- 2Find out the going rate before you buy — ask at your hotel or a local.
- 3Haggle — it is a normal part of Vietnamese culture.
“Free” services and pushy vendors
- 1Someone slips a bracelet on your wrist, hands you a fruit, or offers a “free” photo — then demands payment.
- 2Turn down pushy offers politely but firmly.
- 3Do not take anything from strangers’ hands.
Fake tour agencies
- 1They copy the names of well-known companies (especially TheSinh Tourist).
- 2Book through Klook, GetYourGuide, or directly on the operator’s site.
- 3Ask your hotel for a recommendation.
Theft and keeping your things safe
Violent crime is rare, but petty theft happens. A few simple habits will keep you out of trouble.
Prevention
- Wear your bag across your chest, not on your shoulder — thieves snatch on the move from bikes
- Keep your bag on the wall side, not the curb side
- Don’t pull out your phone at busy intersections
- Use the hotel safe for your passport and valuables
- Keep the original passport in the safe and carry a copy
- Turn on Find My iPhone / Google Find My Device
Road safety
Road accidents are the top health risk for foreign tourists. Traffic is chaotic, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
What you need to know
- ~6,900 road deaths a year, 60%+ on motorbikes
- Helmet required — fine of 400–600K VND for going without
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for bikes from 50 cc — fine up to ~4,500,000 VND. Vietnam recognises the 1968 Convention IDP; get it in your home country before you travel
- Speed limits: 40 km/h in town, 60 km/h out of town
- Insurance with a “motorbike” option — otherwise a claim will be denied
- Cross the road slowly and steadily — don’t run and don’t stop
Tip for pedestrians
Cross slowly and at a steady pace, and the traffic flows around you. Stopping or bolting is more dangerous than just keeping moving. Horns aren’t a warning here; they mean “I’m right next to you.”Natural hazards
The main natural risks by region and season.
| Hazard | Where | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoons | Da Nang, Hoi An, central coast | October–November | Windy app, stock of water and food |
| Rainy season (south) | Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc | May–October | Short downpours, not a big deal |
| Jellyfish | Coastal waters | March–August | Don’t touch; vinegar for a sting |
| Heatstroke | Everywhere, especially the south | March–May | SPF 50+, a hat, water |
| Mosquitoes (dengue) | Tropical areas | Year-round | Repellent, long clothing in the evening |
Useful contacts
Emergency numbers. More in the SOS section.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 113 |
| Fire brigade | 114 |
| Ambulance | 115 |
| Unified SOS | 112 |
| Tourist police | 1039 |
| Tourist hotline | 1900 6469 |
Important
Emergency operators may not speak English. Grab a Vietnamese person nearby and ask them to translate; people are happy to help.Rules of conduct
Laws and norms every tourist should know.
Critically important
- Drugs — from a long prison term to the death penalty
- In temples — cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes
- Don’t photograph military sites or the police
- Vaccinations aren’t mandatory but recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies
- Insurance isn’t required for entry, but strongly recommended
- Don’t drink tap water — bottled only
Tourist mistakes
Four mistakes that end up costing tourists real money.
Carrying all your cash on you
- 1Take only a day’s worth with you — leave the rest in the safe.
- 2Split your cash between different pockets and stash spots.
- 3Keep the original passport in the safe and carry a copy or a phone photo.
Travelling without insurance
- 1A day at an international clinic runs $240–800, and hospitalisation costs thousands of dollars.
- 2Insurance costs about $1–4/day, with a two-week policy around $15–60.
- 3Minimum coverage: from $30,000+. Providers: SafetyWing, Genki, World Nomads.
Ignoring the traffic
- 1Road accidents are the top health risk for foreign tourists.
- 2Don’t cross the road running or in sudden bursts — walk slowly and predictably.
- 3Horns aren’t aggression — they mean “I’m right next to you”.
Leaving your passport as a deposit when renting a bike
- 1In a dispute they may hold the document until you pay an inflated sum.
- 2Without a passport you can’t exchange money, check into a hotel, or go to the police.
- 3Leave only a cash deposit (1–3 million VND) or a copy.